tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4391397429160479275.post3413324313420350088..comments2023-05-13T08:16:34.899-05:00Comments on 8,246 Miles to Uganda: To future Peace Corps Uganda traineesS.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16090192228017344948noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4391397429160479275.post-58768269985347370142010-06-03T01:14:04.625-05:002010-06-03T01:14:04.625-05:00Hey Ann! First of all, Congrats on the invite! C...Hey Ann! First of all, Congrats on the invite! Can't wait to meet you in August(-ish) :)<br /><br />ATMs - Peace Crps will set you up with a Stanbic Bank account and that's how you'll get your living allowance each month. They'll put your site with a close distance to a Stanbic Bank or a Stanbic ATM. I'm pretty sure you can use your American credit cards at Stanbic ATMs, but I'm not sure. If you're planning on bringing an American card, make sure your bank knows you'll be in Uganda for 2 years (give them the month you'll return) so they don't shut your card down if you try to use it here. Your bank may also require some monthly activity to keep your card active. I put my parents on my account and they can move money around (withdraw $10, add 10$) each month if I need it. <br /><br />Luggage: I brought a medium size Samsonite rolling bag and a big backpack. I'd definitely recommend some kind of backpack or duffle that you can take on a weeklong trip. Also I wouldn't bring all rolling bags. You have to move around here and those aren't the easiest. So yeah, bring a hiking type bag. I brought an Osprey Porter 65L, which is really nice. You can even lock it for the plane or traveling around Kampala (http://www.ospreypacks.com/detail.php?productID=49&colorCode=5501&tab=specifications)<br /><br />Meds: I wish I had brought more Advil Liquid Gels. They're the ones that seem to work the best for me and I only brought one little bottle. Used them up already :(<br /><br />I'm glad that I brought some Dramamine with me. The roads here are not in good shape and travel can get kind of rough. <br /><br />I've gotten about 4 or 5 packages from home since I've been here. They tend to take 3-5 months in average. Make sure your parents (or whoever) really tapes up the ENTIRE package well. They get roughed up a lot in transit and can split open if not taped well. <br /><br />Hope that helps! Feel free to ask any more questions you can think of :)<br /><br />- saraS.https://www.blogger.com/profile/16090192228017344948noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4391397429160479275.post-69950658201805643252010-06-02T15:25:51.586-05:002010-06-02T15:25:51.586-05:00Thank this was a huge help I'm leaving for Uga...Thank this was a huge help I'm leaving for Uganda in August. <br />I also have a couple of questions. How easy is it to access ATM's <br />and do you notice that people with PC's find it <br /><br />Did any of your family mail any packages and if so how well did that go?<br /><br />What did you pack all your stuff in suitcase? I was thinking for buying a hiking bag do you think this is a good idea?<br />What type of over the counter meds do you wish you would of packed?<br /><br />I look foward to your response and take care from the statesmiss.ann82https://www.blogger.com/profile/00155887360858153302noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4391397429160479275.post-14710863195338398612010-06-01T07:59:11.380-05:002010-06-01T07:59:11.380-05:00Short sleeves aren't bad. I'd definitely ...Short sleeves aren't bad. I'd definitely bring some for traveling (to wear under a t-shirt so you don't smell horribly). I wear tanks ("wife-beater" kind) every day under my tshirts so I don't get sweat marks on my outer-shirt (I tend to gush sweat). You can wear a tank top as your regular top (if that makes sense - not under something) if it has wider shoulder straps. Maybe the width of four fingers...enough to cover your bra straps. <br /><br />I'd be more hesitant to show knees than wear a tank top. Skirt length should be below your knees standing (just below your knees - like touching the bottoms of your knees - is fine). I live in a more metropolitan/western town so showing knees isn't as big of a deal. I think you'd be fine showing them when you're sitting.S.https://www.blogger.com/profile/16090192228017344948noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4391397429160479275.post-10124120107283289002010-05-31T13:54:15.305-05:002010-05-31T13:54:15.305-05:00Hey I'm joining Peace Corps/Uganda in August (...Hey I'm joining Peace Corps/Uganda in August (I'm wanderlust428 on twitter). Thanks so much for posting this - this is so helpful!! Just a quick question - the PC Welcome Book says that sleeveless tops are highly inappropriate... do you think this is true? Or can I get away with some things being sleeveless/tank tops? Also, is showing your knees as taboo as I've heard, and should always be covered, even when sitting? Or is partial-knee-revealing acceptable if my skirt comes to mid-knee? Thanks!Britt Larsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15553910443299574394noreply@blogger.com