Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Packing Tips and Other Items

Wait for me!
Content taken from Allan's e-mail dated 17 August

Pack Light! There, I said it. Lay out everything you plan on wearing for your trip on your bed; then, pack half and put the rest away. Limit your baggage to what you can carry 2 full city blocks without any help. That will help us manage our own bags at airports, through customs, in and out of vans, etc.. For me that means a daypack and mid-sized knapsack.

Luggage

I learned the hard way that EVERYONE has a black, soft sided duffel. Trying to find my bag in the wall of hundreds of black bags “lost” in Istanbul was depressing. Some type of identifying mark on your luggage is important. Sewed on patches, liberal use of outrageously colored yarn or tape also works.

Day packs are handy for the airplane, taking on the worksite, and shopping in town. Keep all important paper work, medication, irreplaceable items and a change of clothes in your carry on. Seldom does a Habitat group arrive at their destination with all luggage in tow. Pack what you will need for the entire flight AND an overnight in your carry on so you can check your luggage through to Guatemala City.

Clothing

You really do not need too much. Plan to wash some of your clothes in your room. Laundry service is available at the hotel. The cost is roughly $1 per item of clothing. In Antigua City it is closer to $5 per load (2Kg).

If you do decide to wash clothes yourself in a sink or tub your clothes will need to be dried on a line. In many instances you can count on cotton garments taken 2 to 3 days to dry, so stay away from cotton if you can.

There are two extremes to think about when packing for a Habitat trip: work clothes and nice clothes. Most of your stuff will be in between, but perhaps a simple shirt will transform those casual togs into something suitable for a nice restaurant. Think about layering and remember that a large chunk of our time will be spent at the worksite, so bring things (shirts, shorts, and pants) that you do not mind ruining with dirt, concrete, mud etc. .

The Basics

For me, being a guy, starting from the top, I like to take:

Me overdressed? Never!
• Hat/cap for sun protection and rain protection (I like to bring a backup)
• Lightweight rain coat/windbreaker
• Fleece vest, pullover or sweater
• Short sleeve semi dressy shirts (2)
• Long sleeve semi dressy shirt (1)
• Shorts (1)
• Pants or Jeans (1)
• Undershorts (4)
• Something to sleep in (pjs)
• Socks (5) I am still searching for the perfect socks- socks that are comfortable, tough and dry quickly.
• Hiking boots or Sturdy shoes (not the super beefy kind just something with a strong toe box and stiff sole)
• Running shoes
• I may also bring a pair of convertible pants/shorts as work clothes
• Work gloves (2 pairs)
• One special outfit (casual not fancy). Casual pants and a casual shirt

I generally try to avoid anything with a large logo on it overseas, though I find it tough to find “generic looking” clothing for travel. I also avoid Canadian flags and the like. Not that I am not patriotic. The best way of not drawing attention to yourself is to wear what you normally wear, with a couple of small modifications.

Toiletries

You’ll find that we will not always be in easy reach of a convenience store or the brands will be different , the packages maybe in Spanish and the prices often higher. Here are some things to consider taking along:

• Soap
• Shampoo
• Deodorant
• Dental care
• Feminine Products
• Personal cosmetic and toiletry items
• Tissues
• TOILET PAPER- yup, bring some. Take a roll from home and squish stuff in a zip-lock bag and it will take less room in your daypack.
• Towel and face cloth (even though they’re provided). This is one luxury I allow myself. I ‘ve have some of the small travel/camp towels and they work quite well. But my favourite is a shammy, cheaper than a camp towel and works better in my opinion.

Personal Items and Medication

• Prescription medication. Pack it in the bottle you get from the pharmacy (keeps it clear at customs and so you don’t get confused yourself)
• Over the counter drugs. If you are susceptible to headaches, cold symptoms or upset stomach, it might not be a bad idea to pack some pain reliever, cold remedy or pepto bismol
• A written copy of your prescription in case you lose the medication and need a refill
• First aid supplies. We will have a team first aid kit, but you may want to band aids for example.
• Insect repellent. Although you guys are in luck , just hang out with me and all the bugs will cling to me and leave you alone!
• Antibacterial wipes –useful for many things
• Sunscreen, chapstick or lotion
• Prescription eye glasses, contact lens solution and contact lenses
• Watch ( a cheap one - not the one you received for Christmas from your wife, mother or girlfriend)
• Sunglasses
• Flashlight , headlamp it may come in handy
• Water purification -We will always have plenty of bottled water with us on the build site. This is something arranged with our host.

Miscellaneous Items

• Good paperback or two to read on the trip and then leave behind
• Family photos to show your new friends
• Travel alarm clock
• Camping knife, scissors, bottle opener type gadget (if you have one)
• Travel sewing kit
• Some to handle laundry (pillow case, small bivy sac)
• Twine or string (clothes line)
• Zip lock bags to put liquid items in in your suitcase (shampoo is always safer inside a Ziploc bag)
• An individual water container with a tight lid
• Camera and extra batteries or a charger
• Small note book or business cards (for giving out your address)
• Games, puzzles, cards
• Snacks (I like Kashi granola bars)

Paperwork and Money

• A driver’s license or other photo id (school or government issued photo id) in addition to your passport
• A safe wallet, purse, pouch to carry your money, id, credit card (always think about pickpockets)
• Your passport. Carry it with you in a safe pocket /pouch or put it in a hotel safety deposit box.
• Two photocopies of your passport (ID Page). Keep one with you and one in your suitcase.
• 2 extra passport photos, for emergency replacement
• Extra copy of your airline itinerary
• Your Medex Travel Insurance card carried with you all the time and a photocopy of it kept in your suitcase.
• Note stating any medical conditions you have or medication you are taking. Keep this with you at all times
• Emergency contact phone and email addresses for family and friends at home
• “Money” in the form of an ATM card or a credit card ( I generally take $100 per week for personal things. That seems about right for gifts, mad-money etc.) Check with your bank regarding your ATM card’s ability to function in Guatemala.

Money Exchange, ATM Machines (cajeros) and Credit Cards

• Money Exchange. You will be able to change any hard currency into Quetzales (Q) with no problem at the airport or at any exchange office Guatemala City or Antigua City.
• The exchange as of August 5, 2010 was $1 CDN=Q7.85 ( Quetzales)
• Cards over cash just does not work in Guatemala. Very few establishments accept cards and those that do, well, they charge up to a 20% processing fee. Most places do not mention a fee beforehand only indicating it on a receipt.
• ATMs have a limit of Q2000 per machine. So if you need to use them it is best to plan ahead to use a couple of different machines . In addition it is not unusual to have machines out of service. In some cases the machine may be down but you will only learn of this when you to try to withdraw funds. What can happen is this: you may not receive your cash but the machine electronically notifies your bank that you did withdraw the funds and your bank will debit your account even though you did not receive your funds. When you attempt to use a machine it is best to record the date, time and location of the machine and call your bank to alert them that the machine is down.

Keeping in Touch

We all love to keep in touch with our loved ones when abroad. If it is necessary for your family members or friends to get in touch with you, the number for Habitat for Humanity Chimaltenango will be available in the Emergency Contact Information to be provided shortly before our departure. A message will be relayed to you. PLEASE tell your family only to contact you in a true state of emergency.

Telephones

In public telephone booths, coins and phone cards can be used. They are sold in Guatemalan Telecom shops, post offices and some kiosks and news-stands (with a sign indicating this). All regular telephone numbers in Guatemala are composed of eight digits. To call from abroad to Guatemala it is necessary to dial the international access code 00 and the country code 502. To call abroad from Guatemala, dial 00, the country code (Canada is 1), the area code and then the number wanted.

Cell Phones

Roaming agreements exist with some international mobile phone companies. Coverage is increasing. Claro, Tigo and Telefonica are the major service providers in Guatemala. A prepaid phone can be purchased for around Q150.

Internet

Internet access is available in our hotel in Tecpan. Internet access is available on payment in some cafés in Antigua City and Guatemala City . In an internet café expect to pay between Q3 and Q6 per hour.

Electricity

The Voltage in Guatemala is 120V. The same as Canada.

Spanish in 20 Minutes

Content taken from Allan's e-mail dated 17 August

Before I travel to a foreign country I always try to learn common expressions like yes, no, please and thank you. This way if I do not understand at least I can be polite while becoming confused. Below I copied some common Spanish phrases for you all to peruse. 

Welcome: Bienvenido (singular) Bienvenidos (plural)
Hello: ¡Hola!¡Diga! ¡Dígame! ¿Sí? ¿Bueno? ¡Hola! ¿Aló? (on phone)
How are you?: ¿Cómo está usted? (formal) ¿Cómo estás? (informal)
I'm fine, thanks. And you?  Bien gracias, ¿y usted? (formal) Bien gracias, ¿y tú? (informal)
Long time no see: ¡Cuánto tiempo! ¡Tanto tiempo sin verte!
What's your name?: ¿Cómo te llamas? (informal) ¿Cómo se llama Usted? (formal)
My name is ... : Me llamo ..., Mi nombre es ...
Where are you from?: ¿De dónde eres? (informal) ¿De dónde es usted? (formal)
I'm from ...: Soy de ...
Pleased to meet you: Mucho gusto Encantado

Good morning: Buenos días
Good afternoon/evening: Buenas tardes
Good night/evening: Buenas noches
Goodbye: Adiós, Hasta luego, Hasta la vista, Hasta mañana
Good luck: ¡Buena suerte!
Cheers/Good health!: ¡Salud!
Have a nice day: ¡Que pase un buen día!
Bon appetit: ¡Buen provecho! ¡Buen apetito!
Bon voyage: ¡Buen viaje!

I don't understand: No entiendo / No comprendo
Please speak more slowly: Por favor hable más despacio
Please write it down: ¿Puede escribirlo, por favor?
Do you speak Spanish?: ¿Habla usted español? (formal) ¿Hablas español? (informal)
Yes, a little: Sí, hablo un poquito de español, Sí, un poco
How do you say ... in Spanish?: ¿Cómo se dice ... en español?

Excuse me: ¡Perdón! ¡Perdone! ¡Discúlpe!
How much is this?¿Cuánto cuesta? ¿Cuánto cuesta esto?
Sorry: ¡Perdón! ¡Perdone! ¡Lo siento!
Thank you: Gracias / Muchas gracias
No problem - it was nothing:  De nada / No hay de qué :

Where's the toilet?¿Dónde están los aseos ¿Dónde están los sanitarios? ¿Dónde está el baño?¿Dónde está el cuarto de baño?
This gentleman/lady will pay for everything: Este hombre/caballero pagará por todo, Esta mujer/dame pagará por todo
Would you like to dance with me?: ¿Querría bailar conmigo? (frm) ¿Querrías bailar conmigo? (inf)
I love you: Te amo / Te quiero
Get well soon: Que te mejores / Que te mejores pronto, ¡Recupérate pronto! Pronta recuperación

Leave me alone!: ¡Déjeme en paz!
Help! : ¡Ayúdame! ¡Socorro! ¡Auxilio!
Fire! : ¡Fuego!
Stop!: ¡Alto!
Call the police!: ¡Llame a la policía!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year: ¡Feliz Navidad y próspero año nuevo!
Happy Easter: ¡Felices Pascuas!
Happy Birthday: ¡Feliz cumpleaños!
One language is never enough: Un idioma nunca es suficiente, Un solo idioma nunca es suficiente
My hovercraft is full of eels: Mi aerodeslizador está lleno de anguilas

Numbers

0: cero (say-ro)
1: uno(oo-no)
2: dos(dose)
3: tres(trace)
4: cuatro(kwat-ro)
5: cinco(sink-o)
6: seis(saze)
7: siete(see-yet-eh)
8: ocho(och-o)
9: nueve(new-eh-veh)

10: diez(dee-ace)
11: once(ohn-say)
12: doce(dos-say)
13: trece(treh-seh)
14: catorce(ca-TOR-say)
15: quince(KEEN-say)
16: dieciséis(dee-AY-see-saze)
17: diecisiete(dee-AY-see-see-AY-tay )
18: dieciocho(dee-AY-see-och-o)
19: diecinueve(dee-AY-see-new-EH-veh)

20: veinte(Veh-een-tee)
21: veintiuno(Veh-een-tee-oo-no)
22: veintidós(Veh-een-tee-DOS)
23: veintitrés(Veh-een-tee-TRACE)
24: veinticuatro(Veh-een-tee-KWAT-ro)
25: veinticinco(Veh-een-tee-SINK-o)
26: veintiséis(Veh-een-tee-saze)
27: veintisiete(Veh-een-tee-see-ay-tay)
28: veintiocho(Veh-een-tee-OCH-o)
29: veintinueve(Veh-een-tee-new-EH-veh)

30: treinta(treh-een-tah)
31: treinta y uno(treh-een-tah ee oo-no)
32: treinta y dos(treh-een-tah ee DOS)
33: treinta y tres(treh-een-tah ee tres)
34: treinta y cuatro(treh-een-tah ee KWAT-ro)
35: treinta y cinco(treh-een-tah ee SINK-o)
36: treinta y seis(treh-een-tah ee saze)
37: treinta y siete(treh-een-tah ee see-ay-tay)
38: treinta y ocho(treh-een-tah ee OCH-o)
39 treinta y nueve(treh-een-tah ee new-EH-veh)

40 cuarenta(kwar-EN-tah)
41 cuarenta y uno(kwar-EN-tah ee oo-no)
42 cuarenta y dos(kwar-EN-tah ee DOS)
43 cuarenta y tres(kwar-EN-tah ee tres)
44 cuarenta y cuatro(kwar-EN-tah ee KWAT-ro)
45 cuarenta y cinco(kwar-EN-tah ee SINK-o)
46 cuarenta y seis(kwar-EN-tah ee saze)
47 cuarenta y siete(kwar-EN-tah ee see-ay-tay)
48 cuarenta y ocho(kwar-EN-tah ee OCH-o)
49 cuarenta y nueve(kwar-EN-tah ee new-EH-veh)

50 cincuenta(sink-KWEN-tah)
51 cincuenta y uno(sink-KWEN-tah ee oo-no)
52 cincuenta y dos(sink-KWEN-tah ee DOS)
53 cincuenta y tres(sink-KWEN-tah ee tres)
54 cincuenta y cuatro(sink-KWEN-tah ee KWAT-ro)
55 cincuenta y cinco(sink-KWEN-tah ee SINK-o)
56 cincuenta y seis(sink-KWEN-tah ee saze)
57 cincuenta y siete(sink-KWEN-tah ee see-ay-tay)
58 cincuenta y ocho(sink-KWEN-tah ee OCH-o)
59 cincuenta y nueve(sink-KWEN-tah ee new-EH-veh)

60 sesenta(seh-SEHN-tah)
61 sesenta y uno(seh-SEHN-tah ee oo-no)
62 sesenta y dos(seh-SEHN-tah ee DOS)
63 sesenta y tres(seh-SEHN-tah ee tres)
64 sesenta y cuatro(seh-SEHN-tah ee KWAT-ro)
65 sesenta y cinco(seh-SEHN-tah ee SINK-o)
66 sesenta y seis(seh-SEHN-tah ee saze)
67 sesenta y siete(seh-SEHN-tah ee see-ay-tay)
68 sesenta y ocho(seh-SEHN-tah ee OCH-o)
69 sesenta y nueve(seh-SEHN-tah ee new-EH-veh)

70 setenta(seh-TEHN-tah)
71 setenta y uno(seh-TEHN-tah ee oo-no)
72 setenta y dos(seh-TEHN-tah ee DOS)
73 setenta y tres(seh-TEHN-tah ee tres)
74 setenta y cuatro(seh-TEHN-tah ee KWAT-ro)
75 setenta y cinco(seh-TEHN-tah ee SINK-o)
76 setenta y seis(seh-TEHN-tah ee saze)
77 setenta y siete(seh-TEHN-tah ee see-ay-tay)
78 setenta y ocho(seh-TEHN-tah ee OCH-o)
79 setenta y nueve(seh-TEHN-tah ee new-EH-veh)

80 ochenta(och-EHN-tah)
81 ochenta y uno(och-EHN-tah ee oo-no)
82 ochenta y dos(och-EHN-tah ee DOS)
83 ochenta y tres(och-EHN-tah ee tres)
84 ochenta y cuatro(och-EHN-tah ee KWAT-ro)
85 ochenta y cinco(och-EHN-tah ee SINK-o)
86 ochenta y seis(och-EHN-tah ee saze)
87 ochenta y siete(och-EHN-tah ee see-ay-tay)
88 ochenta y ocho(och-EHN-tah ee OCH-o)
89 ochenta y nueve(och-EHN-tah ee new-EH-veh)

90 noventa(no-VEHN-tah)
91 noventa y uno(no-VEHN-tah ee oo-no)
92 noventa y dos(no-VEHN-tah ee DOS)
93 noventa y tres(no-VEHN-tah ee tres)
94 noventa y cuatro(no-VEHN-tah ee KWAT-ro)
95 noventa y cinco(no-VEHN-tah ee SINK-o)
96 noventa y seis(no-VEHN-tah ee saze)
97 noventa y siete(no-VEHN-tah ee see-ay-tay)
98 noventa y ocho(no-VEHN-tah ee OCH-o)
99 noventa y nueve(no-VEHN-tah ee new-EH-veh)

100 cien(see-EHN)


¡Socorro! Mi aerodeslizador está lleno de anguilas!