Packing List

My flight's on Monday. What? It's hard to believe, but I'm doing my best to take care of the practical needs that come with leaving the country for 9 months, instead of thinking too hard about it and freaking out.

I'm sharing some of my packing list. Of course, there are all the usual things like clothes and toiletries, but here are some items I'm particularly proud of myself for thinking of:

• a year's supply of contact solution: I'm sure France has contact solution, but maybe not the kind I use, and I'm willing to carry the extra load to take care of my eyes. Also it takes a lot longer to find what you're looking for if the brands are unfamiliar and you actually have to read all the labels. I didn't realize how much I depend on culture (ie the colors on the contact solution boxes) to get things done.
• a year's worth of all my prescriptions, including contacts
• crunchy peanut butter: Wendy says she once saw a jar of peanut butter at the Casino, but I'm not going to take any chances. I've never seen peanut butter in Europe and sometimes a PB&J is all you want.
• a super absorbant towel: I found mine at a camping store, but basically any really small towel that still does the job. I can get towels in France, but for when I first get there, and probably when I travel around too, it'll be nice to have a towel that would fit into an envelope, rather than on that's the size of my sleeping bag.
• a sleeping bag: I got a super compact sleeping bag for my trip to Yosemite this summer, and I figure it'll be useful since I want to travel a lot, but not all hostels provide sheets and comforters.
• hiking boots: They were a birthday present from my mom, and they're waterproof. If I don't feel like buying myself a fashionable pair of boots these will get me through the winter.
• wool socks: When do you ever not need wool socks?
• my ISIC card: It's an international student ID card, plus basic travel insurance. There's an equivalent for youth under 26 and for teachers: http://www.myisic.com/MyISIC/GetYourCard/CardEligibility.aspx?cardType=IYTC

Everything that is rollable is going to be rolled up because that's how you fit as much as possible!

Here's a link to a forum discussion on the assistants' website about what to pack. There's advice on what's cheaper over here, like sunscreen and makeup, or what you can't find in France, like dependable deodorant, or what to leave behind, like your hair dryer that uses an American voltage anyway: http://www.assistantsinfrance.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=36650

Finally, don't forget to register your trip with the State Department!
https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/index.aspx