Shortlist

Before coming to Ukraine trainees received a list of recommended things to bring to Ukraine. I forget what was on the list now, but for those of you in Group 38 who are packing up, here's my input:

Emergen-C, turtlenecks (Ukrainians of both sexes wear turtlenecks everyday. You don't want to be the only one with an "exposed" neck. Here, they are like a base layer poly/cotton blend), a down sleeping bag, a good knife, lots of pens and markers/sharpies, photo albums that explain every aspect of your American life, themed playing cards to give as gifts, a coat that is at least mid-thigh in length (I came with a shorter ski jacket and I was constantly pestered about it not being a winter coat), insulated boots, at least two pairs of long underwear, 2 or 3 magazines you can cut up for lesson plans/bulletin boards, castile soap, an eye mask and earplugs (really thin walls).