Final Countdown

Okay, so this is the first of the final countdown posts. It goes back over some practical stuff. Much of what is below actually came from Bob Kloska, the founder of this course. And as far as packing, we will continue his time tested practice of limiting you to ONE suitcase and ONE backpack. In your response, post any additional ideas or questions.

Bring :
• Underwear and socks.
• One comfortable, but more dressy outfit (for more formal occasions).
• One pair of blue-jeans or casual long pants.
• 2 pairs of comfortable shoes; a good choice is sandals plus sneakers.
• 2 or 3 pairs of shorts.
• Comfortable casual shirts (t-shirts are okay, but no offensive slogans on them)
• lightweight hat or cap.
• a poncho or some type of rain jacket, esp for the day in the rainforest.
• Something light to sleep in, but which covers legs and arms for extra protection against mosquitoes. Rooms are not air-conditioned, but have excellent ceiling fans and a good breeze that time of year. Also, you will be sharing rooms so make sure you sleep in enough clothes to not make your roommate feel awkward.
• Some sort of travel money pouch to tuck into your pants or under your shirt. You will carry your airline tickets, passports, and money in these.
• Personal hygiene items (things that keep you clean, healthy and not too smelly)
Optional:
• A small portable backpack to carry cameras, food, water, etc. when we take day trips.

Don't Worry About:
• Towels. You do not need to bring towels, sheets, and pillows to Ghana.
• Toilet Paper. You do not need to bring toilet paper. Though many Ghanaians do not use it, it will be available where we are staying.
• Laundry Detergent. Part of the Ghana experience is to use their detergent!

Clothing Concerns
Remember, you will be in a hot and humid climate for two weeks. On most days, shorts, sandals, and casual shirts will be the norm. Things are a bit more formal in Ghana so when in Rome, do as the Romans -- we don't want to dress down too much. Also, any t-shirt you do bring should not have more than a few words on it. Carefully evaluate the writing on every single piece of clothing.
Remember, the people of Ghana have a stronger sense of modesty and decency. There should be no high or low-cut shirts or high-cut shorts/skirts. What seems harmless to you might be considered offensive over there, even if they won't say anything.

Food
I recommend that you bring some snack bars (I like PowerBars) for airports and those very rare occasions in Ghana when the food is less than appetizing.

Money
Do not bring much money. You won't need it. There isn't much to buy and you won't have much room to carry anything home. The more money you carry, the more you will have to worry about it. You probably shouldn't bring more than $200. You could probably get by on as little as $75. Also, travelers checks are not needed. We get Ghanaian money by exchanging U.S. dollars through the Brothers.

Cameras
Bring them if you wish. 35 mm film is available for purchase in Ghana. Video cameras may be a burden, but perhaps a couple in the group can bring them. Check on electrical conversion items needed.
Also remember: cameras will help us memorialzie the trip, but we are there not simply to get good pics for showing back home. We are there to EXPERIENCE. So there will be times when we will not bring any cameras, to ensure we see Ghana through our own eyes and not just a lens.