Packing for Grenada 101

So how does a person pack to live for 2 years in Grenada? Frankly, I have not the faintest idea. I  figure sundresses, swim suits, flip flops, are clearly all essential. Throw in some makeup, a nice outfit, a pair of sweats. Ah, yes this is turning out to  be a typical throw together a suitcase for a vacation Lindsey style list. And while these things will be necessary for island living…  we will be there a minimum of 4 months at a time… we will be living there. Crrrraaazzyyy. Luckily, St. George’s has a list of Do’s and Don’ts, so here the list of what to bring. Bring on the 70lb suitcase!! Oh, and some love from home in the form of packages (hint hint) ;)
Things to Bring
Clothing

• Light clothing (shirts, shorts, sundresses, bathing suits, cover-ups, etc)  Sandals, flip flops, “Teva” type sandals, sneakers, etc. - Comfort is key, you will do a lot of walking!!!Running shoes, hiking boots (if you plan on doing hiking - waterproof would be best)

• Umbrella

• Nice dress for white coat ceremony, men need sport jacket and tie. (Although you will most often wear shorts and T-shirts, there are nice restaurants, and other social occasions for “dressy casual” attire, so pick your favorite outfit and bring it along.)
•  Also, you’ll need long pants and a shirt with sleeves when visiting the Immigration or other government offices. 

• Sweatshirt or sweater, long pants - the lecture halls and on-campus housing are air conditioned and can be very cold at times (but you’ll only need these if you visit the lecture halls or live on campus.  Otherwise, SOs won’t need them.)

• .Laundry bag, you may need 2 if you only wash once a week!  (Laundry baskets can generally be purchased from students leaving the island.)

• Sunglasses - a necessity, bring an extra pair!

• Hats

• Travel Iron with dual voltage switch. If you must bring a 110V iron try a converter, it will work fine & is less expensive than buying a transformer of such high wattage.

Kitchen

• Water filter and purifier- + refills - can be pitcher style or the kind you attach to the faucet.

• TIP: Local spring water (from the rainforests) can be purchased on the island and delivered; however, it can be costly.

• Dishes - non breakable (If you live on campus, you’ll have to bring dishes or buy them here.  If you live off campus, your place will probably provide them.  Ask your landlord.)

If you wish to continue reading…

Household

• Shower curtain - most places have them, but are old and grimy, only plastic low quality curtains are available here, so if in doubt, bring one!

• Rubber bath mat, something to step out of the shower on, all floors are tiled and can be slippery.

• Towels - Bring at least one bath towel and one beach towel per person!

• Sheets and bedding - some places provide sheets so check with your landlord.  If you live on campus, you’ll need sheets and bedding.

• Battery operated radio/alarm clock (electric ones tend to be slow with the transformer)

• Extra batteries or rechargeable batteries and charger.

• Decorations for your house- tablecloths, wall hangings,etc. There are fabric stores on the island but they are expensive.

• Flashlight or good fluorescent lantern light (You will definitely need in case you lose power.)

• Fabric softener sheets (if you have a dryer)

General

• Laptop for the SO to use

• Print cartridges 

• Camera / video camera/ underwater camera/ digital camera

• Pocket Calculator - handy for $$ conversions!

• CD Player, stereo, etc and music!! iPod or Mp3 player.

• Any books or hobby supplies you may need

Personal Items

• Prescription medication for your entire stay

• Contraceptives - many brands are available here

• Feminine products-available here but quite expensive

• Vitamins

• Contact lens solution, saline etc.& extra pair glasses, plenty of disposable contacts if you use them. TIP: Duty can be very high when shipping contacts or solutions.  Solution is incredibly expensive here and hard to find.

• Cosmetics, no Clinique here!

• Bug repellent( bring alot.)

• Antibacterial soap*

• Sunscreen - The sun is very intense here, daily protection is wise.*

• Mending kit (small pair of scissors, thread needle, safety pins, etc.)*

• Hair coloring, gel, mouse, hairspray, etc

• Travel hairdryer with dual voltage switch

• First Aid Kit - TIP: most OTC medications are available here, and not too much more expensive than at home, take care to bring your prescriptions, maybe a few bandaids, some cough drops etc, but don’t worry, Pepto, Advil, etc, are all here at the pharmacy.

• Razors, blades, shaving cream*

• Shampoo and conditioner*(Non-professional products are very available.)

• Nail clippers, tweezers, etc.

Tools

• Hammer

• Duct tape (bring plenty)*

• Screwdrivers-Phillips and flat

• Picture hangers - buy “hardwall hangers” (has 3 tiny nails and a hook) - All walls in Grenada are concrete - the stick on hangers are really handy too, don’t get the kind that you have to moisten, but the kind that have a sticky tape back, the removable ones are very nice.

• Extension cords and outlet strip, surge protectors are very important!TIP: There are hardware stores on the island. (One is an Ace Hardware)

So there it is! If you read the whole thing, nice work and dedication! And I even left out the “what to bring for children” suggestions… Although, lets be honest, I am totally bringing beach toys with me!