Packing
Everything you’ll need and want for two years, reduced to 80lbs. and stuffed into just 107 inches of cubic space. Try to fit anything extra in the 45 inch carry-on, but don’t break your back while you’re at it.
Talk about fun!
When it comes to this sort of packing job, everyone’s got their own needs and desires. What’s perfect for one person probably won’t be just right for another. Here I’m going to try my best to answer all the questions that I had before I came to Morocco, in case some of the information might be useful to others joining the Peace Corps later.
Clothing (click for details)
Luggage
I bought some Eagle Creek luggage because they offer an awesome discount to PCVs. Another big plus is that their gear has a lifetime warranty. I got all sorts of accessories along with two bags, the Switchback 22 and the Double Down ORV. After making the trip to Morocco and a bunch of trips in-country, I LOVE my luggage! These two bags are extremely versatile and rugged. One of the best features these two bags in particular share is they have backpack straps that can be unpacked from hidden spaces and attached when the rolling wheels (Switchback) or duffel straps (DD-ORV) aren’t convenient–a common situation in a country without much pavement and a lotta hills.
I spent a really long time trying to decide about luggage. Some things to think about are not only quality and features, but also the combined dimensions and weights of the pieces as most airlines have restrictions. (For PC/Morocco, the published restrictions are 2 checked bags, 107 in³ in total dimensions, not weighing more than 80 pounds, plus 1 carry-on limited to 45 in³ in size.) The Switchback is a great bag and does just what I need it to, but it’s also a little heavy because it has a sturdy frame for its wheels. That means my luggage for any in-country jaunt weighs as much as my gear plus 10 pounds for the bag. Definitely worth it in my situation, but something to think about too.
After travelling around a bit here in Morocco, I’ve learned a lot about getting around and trying to get around while carrying stuff. Luggage can add a level of frustration to a trip. I have one friend who has great luggage, but unfortunately the stuff is hardshell and doesn’t cram into the trunks of taxis very well. It’s rigid, heavy stuff on wheels that is awfully hard to move around in a country like this one. You want something that can get you to your country, and then help you get around on all the other trips you might end up taking during your service. It certainly depends on the assignment as to what’s useful and what’s not.
Laptops – PC vs. Mac, but You MUST Have One!
Don’t come to Morocco without a laptop! Most of the Volunteers I know who came without a laptop ended up getting one sent or delivered to them. Your work will require you to use a computer on a very regular basis. Cyber cafes are not enjoyable here, even if they are relatively common. The connections are slow and the computers are often not only physically filthy, they are also chronically contaminated with viruses.
As to what type of laptop you bring, both PC’s and Mac’s have advantages. PC’s allow you to complete your necessary Peace Corps forms in Excel–the forms are not yet (yet, I say) workable in the version of Excel made for Mac’s. Mac’s, on the other hand, manage to survive the virus onslaught relatively unscathed. And onslaught it is–I’d never suffered from viruses before, on my old PC just as I didn’t on my old Mac, but no matter what precautions you take, I’d say you’re bound to run into some sort of virus trouble with a PC if you use your USB key or external harddrive at a cyber cafe.
Electronics
Kitchen Stuff
What I couldn’t do without…
My Rough Guide to Morocco (8th ed.) – it’s big, but it’s worth it! A lot of my friends who have the Lonely Planet guide borrow mine because it’s got more information. Seems LP dropped the ball on Morocco, at least in its own 8th edition.
Little Sony speakers that can take batteries or plug into the wall. Great flexibility, though I use the wall plug more than I thought I would. I would go absolutely insane without my speakers, and, to go with them…
My iPod.
A quick-dry travel towel, available from companies like REI and Eagle Creek. I have a huge one and a medium-sized one, both very useful.
What I could have left home and still been happy…
What’s available in Morocco?
When it comes down to it, I suppose you could get just about anything you’re desperate for in Morocco, but quality is a huge issue here. For instance, batteries are horrible. They don’t keep charges for long. If you do find items that are quality, they come at a real quality price. The same brand items might be much cheaper in America.
For example, Kingston and Sandisk SD memory cards are available for around 100DH for a 2GB card (around US$12). USB drives and external harddrives are also available in certain locations. You can even buy (over-priced) laptops at the Moroccan version of Wal-Mart, Marjane.
Don’t forget… Discounts!
There are lots of great and very worthwhile discounts available to Peace Corps Volunteers. Don’t hesitate to try out the known discounts, and as my friend Faddy would attest, many other companies will easily grant special discounts and item replacements to PCV’s who take the time to write and explain why they should lend a Volunteer a hand.
In particular…
Check out Eagle Creek’s website and give their Pro Deal a shot for the discounts on luggage and accessories. It’s really easy to sign up. I called (1.800.874.1048) for details and was told to head to this website:
After you a create a profile, you should get access in 24 hours. You’ll probably have to provide some sort of proof that you’ll be heading off for the Peace Corps.
Keen offers two pairs of shoes per year at half price for PCV’s. Call 866.676.5336 and/or check out keenfootwear.com/pro for details.
Chaco offers shoes/sandals at half price as well. Call 970.527.7413 for details. They’ll have you email a copy of your invitation letter to help@chacousa.com .
