Packing like I've never packed before.

Ahead of time.

Sunday was electronics day. Highlight: new keychain with new 8 GB USB, computer cord lock, bottle opener, and tiny mace.

Yesterday was food day. 25 clif/luna bars, one gigantic jar of peanut butter, 3 packs of favorite gum, almonds, and go. Clif bars taste so American when you're not in America. It's amazing. Interesting fact- one of Senegal's top crops is ground nuts, yet there is no peanut butter in the country. At least I had a warning.

Today is toiletries day. I brought 3 gigantic bottles of shampoo, conditioner and body wash to rural Kenya last summer. That didn't work out because there wasn't enough water to wash away the amount of soap I wanted to use. I do not know what the water situation in Dakar is exactly, but I bet it'll be better than that. I'll probably bring less of the same stuff this time. I also have less hair.

Next is books. That's always the hardest for me. I'm a pen and notebook snob, so I'll probably bring those along for my classes.

Seems to me that the more I travel, the less clothes I need. I get high quality clothes that can take a beating (laundry by hand) and be worn every day. I fill up the extra suitcase room with all of the above. Of course an average temperature of 75 degrees doesn't require lots of layers. (Yes, I'm bragging.)

Chaussures- Shoes

Shoes are a big deal. So are socks. I just got two new pairs of sandals to prepare for my trip. I love both of them. So I thought I'd share and practice my review writing skillz.

Keene Barbados Sandals- can't stub your toes, comfy with a bottom that has tread, unlike Teva's comfier flip-flops.


Crocs Malindi- somehow cute, comfortable, quality, and cheap at the same time without looking too much like the dreadful Crocs. I got black and brown BOGO!



But I also must remain true to my old faithful shoe options that will definitely be coming with me.

Merrell's- Breathing, sturdy, great hot weather hiking shoes, but this model isn't waterproof.


Chaco's- so comfortable and durable. I like sans toe strap. I got mine at REI on clearance for $70 three years ago and they're still running strong.


Socks- I wish I could always go with SmartWool, they're amazing but a little pricey. I keep my eyes peeled for sales.

This year, I've been depending on Sierra Trading Post for everything footwear related. They have great sales right now, but shipping is never free. Still great prices.

L'internet

I'm currently in the throws of grading final papers for the class I TA at Duke and the last thing that I need is the internet to distract me. I've been wishing the internet wouldn't be so pervasive so that I can constantly be distracted by music or facebook or buying Christmas gifts or writing blog entries.

I'm sure my wish for technological isolation will seem ironic in a month when I'm in Senegal. From my time in Kenya this summer I learned some low-internet habits that helped me get things done with little to no connection.

1. Plan everything you need to do before you get online. Write emails, know what you're looking for, etc.
2. Bookmark all you important links before going abroad. Even tiny sites can take forever to load.
3. Don't unplug and replug, stay online. Giving up on a slow connection isn't usually worth it. It will always be slow.
4. Get the right gear. I'm not the person to ask about this, but there are faster and slower ways to connect, and some are cheaper than others. I'm trying to figure out what the best way to connect in Senegal will be. I'm trying to cover all my bases by bringing a Sprint Blackberry 8830 so I can use with a Senegalese number and hopefully get my email.

What I didn't realize before I went to Kenya is that the whole continent of Africa leaves one gasping for a fresh breath of connectivity, not just the rural parts. Even connections in the best malls of Nairobi are slow. Interested in more? Check out this poster on the internet in Africa via Eric and AppAfrica.


There's lots of talk of how 95% of people in Africa have access to a mobile phone. How this works out in reality is a different matter. Phones were guarded like gold in the rural community where I worked in western Kenya.

Good news- Senegal seems to be one of the better connected countries. And there's cables-galore being built in the next few years. Who will use the internet in Africa is another question. Study abroad students aren't a huge market.

Pouvoir- Power

Basic question: how will I charge my phone and laptop while abroad? My laptop is newish so I'm trying to do my homework to prevent any damage. You have to wade through lots of junk to figure out what you really need. Here's what I've found.

1. Voltage specs for your machine- mine is a MacBook. It is "dual-voltage" meaning it can be plugged in without a voltage converter outside the US if the voltage in Senegal is within its range.

100V to 240V AC

2. Plug type in destination country. There are lots of guides out there, but I like this one best because the plugs look like faces (Denmark seems happy). Senegal's is similar to France's. Surprise.

3. Voltage range in destination country. Found in same guides. Senegal's seems to be around 220 on all sites, but one went up to 250. Should I be concerned? Not if I have a surge protector.

Using this information, you can select a plug adapter or converter. I've used the universal adapters in the past and have been mostly happy except for their size. They usually include surge protectors. I'll think I'll stick with what I've got for now.