Preliminary
needs:
We will have
all the copies with the emergency kit in case of injuries.
See your local travel clinic re. Shots and
meds
2)
Packing:
Less is better. Split luggage
to include a day’s essentials in carry-on.
Baggage loss
and delay is getting common. (No complaining allowed).
Suggested
inclusions:
-
Two pairs work pants, two long sleeve work
shirts
-
one pair khaki or casual slacks, or skirt,
dress tops, shirts for dinner, R&R and travel
-
basic first aid kit, tweezers, travel
wipes, hand sanitizer
-
A couple of pairs work gloves, one pair
casual/hiking shoes, one pair work shoes
or boots (open shoes not allowed on site),
-
wide brimmed hat: Tilley-type, (sunstrokes
and dehydration do
occur)
-
sunglasses or safety glasses; bathing
suit, sunscreen, bug
repellant
-
special foods or medications; travel
alarm, tiny flashlight; rain poncho,
-
Spray on sun block is much easier to use
on the build site
-
A water bottle that you can refill on the
build site
-
Electrolytes replacements..they are
available in “jellybean” form, they work great on those days when the tummy is
just not right!!!
-
Some snacks of choice (snack or protein
bars)
4) Not
recommended:
Gifts or toys
for locals, on one-to-one basis
Shorts (officially they say no shorts, we have
had no trouble with the cargo type shorts) tank tops, halter tops, high
heels expensive jewelry, expensive cameras, or video cameras
5)
Donations:
Gifts, tools, books, or toys…may be made
through the local affiliate on a group, not individual, basis. It is customary
to leave excess clothing behind upon departure. We have been asked to
provide items that would be of use at a children's daycare in La
Gallina
6)
Research:
Canadian
Travel Advisories:
7) The
weather:
Nicaragua has a range of microclimates, and it's
always worth checking the weather to see where you want to go first. On the
Pacific side, invierno (winter), or rainy season, runs May to
November, at its rainiest in September and October when sea turtles nest
3000-strong to a beach. Verano (summer), or dry season, is November to
April, the best time for hiking, camping and partying, as it coincides with high
tourist season (December to March), most pronounced along the Costa Rican
border. As verano desiccates to a close, the Pacific forests lose their
leaves and lake levels drop revealing sandy lake beaches that you'll put to good
use as temperatures soar from the normal high 20s into the mid-30s or worse.
8) Money: US dollars!!
VISA,
Mastercard, and Bank Card. In most places, one of these three works in ATMs ,
for cash withdrawals. American Dollars are also recommended. American Express and Traveller’s Cheques are
not popular.
9) Waters and
Diet:
Bottled water
is provided, free, continuously. Katadyn water treatment bottles are handy, if
you bring them. If it isn’t cooked or
peeled, don’t eat it.
Smile, and
expect the unexpected!!!
