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A few weeks to go...Packing!

It might be of some interest to know what exactly I'll need to take to the bush of Namibia. Some of the things are going to be quite surprising, I'm sure!

1)  Sleeping:  Pad, blankets or sleeping bag, pillow (temps near freezing in the early morning).

2)  Folding chair:  not necessary but very nice for the bush.

3) Plastic bowl, plastic cup or water bottle, spoon, fork: essential.

4)  Towel (small), personal toiletries, some people bring baby wipes.  You may clean yourself daily but water is a scarce resource!

5)  Our water in the bush is clean but has a limestone taste: bring Crystal Lite or some flavoring if you are sensitive to taste.

6)  Clothing: Bush = old clothing on the verge of disposal.  Shorts and shirt for daytime, evenings will cool down rapidly.  A sweatshirt for evenings should be fine.
Beyond the bush: Dress nicely as Namibians dress well in towns and cities.  If you look grungy you will be tagged as a tourist!  It is a civilized place, people!
Bring a swimsuit for bathing in the Kunene River and when we are at the coast.

7)  Bring some sort of a flashlight, reading light, etc., with spare batteries.  In the bush this will be the only source of evening light aside from stars and moon.

8)  Shoes in the bush: some wear only sandals others boots.  It is entirely your preference!  All other places wear what is comfortable.

9)  Sunscreen is a good idea for those of you who burn easily.

10)  Spending money:  This is for extras—trinkets, wood carvings, gifts, etc.

11)  Everyone will need to bring a first aid kit, mostly band-aids,  neosporen, etc., you will be expected in the bush to play nurse to the Himba! And a big bottle of ibuprofen! They love the miracle tablets that us Westerners have :) 

12) Computer, voice recorder, camera, solar chargers, batteries, etc.

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