Peace Corps Morocco Paking List

Ok, so I know there are 60ish new volunteers getting ready to join Morocco Peace Corps and I thought I'd post a little about what to bring. This has turned out longer than I expected but I would have really liked to find some pointers before I came. I hope this helps.
My situation: Every site is different and these are my opinions based on my experience. I will give you the data on my site so you have an idea where I am coming from. I am an Environment volunteer living in a site with about 100 houses, and 700-1000 people. I have one of the few hike-in sites, meaning there is NO transportation into my village. Many other volunteers hike because transport is unreliable or crazy early (3am). I have about 5 stores in my village that sell candy, oil, eggs and other basics but if I want produce or milk I have to hike to the nearby town. I have to take a taxi to a city 40k away to have access to internet cafes and wider food selection (cheese, cereal). My electricity is reliable and usually only goes out during severe storms. I also have internet at my house, in the village. Its wireless and uses the cell phone towers but runs at dial-up speeds. My village gets water form a spring that is channeled from 2k away and my host brother brings me water by donkey. The weather is hot and dry in the summer and cool and rainy in the winter. I have one of the southernmost environment sites, with many of my friends living in much colder areas. However, many health volunteers live down south.
Health and Environment Volunteers are typically placed in smaller, more remote sites than Youth Development and Small Business.
Electronics: Nearly all sites have electricity so I would say bring your electronics. 2 volunteers in my region have no electricity but both have computers, BRING YOUR COMPUTER! Not only will you be able to do work on it but you can watch movies and save yourself the cost of a TV & DVD player. Some of you will have access to high speed internet in your house but if you have good cell phone reception you can get the slow type like I have. Cell phone reception varies, but most sites have it (even if its just in one corner of your house). Almost anyone can get satellite TV if you want to pay for it.
Water: Many volunteers have better access to drinking water than I do. But I will also say that some who have running water have gotten parasites because it is poorly treated. I had a water filter and steri pen sent to me because I was tired of using chlorine tabs and boiling my water. I love them and would not come without it but many of my friends are fine. I'd also recommend bringing at least 1 nalogene bottle, 2 is better. I bought a camp shower from a volunteer who has a shower (and a water heater) which is nice to have but not a necessity.
Toiletries: You can buy 2 in 1 shampoo in most places but if you want conditioner you have to go to big cities. I am picky and do not regret bring shampoo and conditioner with me. Cheap razors are also available anywhere but if you are looking for a higher quality, again big cities or bring your own (with replacement blades). I would also recommend some good quality sunblock and face lotion as well as deodorant. Many female volunteers use a deva cup or other product but it wasn't for me. You can purchase o.b. tampons and pads in internet towns. Again, I am particular and don't regret bringing my own. Most everything else you can think of is available to purchase in country. You can buy good quality in big cities and plenty of cheap knock offs in your internet town. I highly recommend bringing 2 travel towels. One big one to use at home and one small one for when you are really traveling.
Now for the big one, the majority of your luggage...Clothing. First let me say, I brought too much. As unlikely as it sounds, you will soon find yourself wearing the same clothes for a week or more. Also, don't bother bringing lots of business clothes like Peace Corps says. One nice outfit (no suit necessary) and a few things that can pass for nice will be plenty.
Hot Weather Clothing: Spend the money to bring a few good quality items. Lightweight pants or long skirts are a must in the heat (jeans are terrible!). I brought 2 pairs of quick dry convertible hiking pants and didn't touch my jeans all summer. Bring a few pair of shorts if you must, but don't plan on wearing them outside your house(male and female). Looser fit on all clothes for girls is best, and capris are questionable. Short sleeves in the south (a few ENV and many Health) for women should be avoided. A few t-shirts or tank tops for lounging in your house or vacation would be enough. Girls, you may be able to swim at your site (may) but in nothing less than long shorts and a shirt. Moroccan girls may swim but women will not so don't plan on getting a nice tan while you are here. I went swimming twice in the hiking pants and quick dry shirts I had.
Cold Weather Clothing: Bring it! I live in a warm site and have been freezing all winter. No houses have central heating, even in the bigger towns. Plenty of volunteers can see their breath inside their houses. Two pair of thermals (otherwise you'll never want to wash them) might be the most important item. Warm socks, a hat, gloves, a sweatshirt, and coat. You will want to wear your winter jacket inside. Even if you are placed in the south you will probably cherish these items when you travel north for trainings and vacations.
Shoes: I had to have shoes sent to me because the ones I brought sucked. You need 1 pair of sandals for showering and short summer walks. 1 pair of hiking sandals (I recommend something with a toe cap)or other heat friendly shoes. 1 pair of winter shoes that will hold up in rain, snow and lots of mud (I got some bogs that I love). 1 pair of hiking/tennis shoes (in my case trail running types are best but others may prefer a hiking shoe). I wouldn't even bother bringing nice shoes if one of the other type can pass for the first few days at staging. If you do bring another pair, slip-on are great because when you visit people you have to take off your shoes before entering most rooms. Most importantly all of these shoes need to be able to withstand alot of abuse. I cannot overstate the importance of good shoes because they are difficult to find in-country.
Other random things that have proved useful: A multi-tool is a must have, I even use mine as a hammer. I have a tarp attached to my mosquito net (PC will provide the net) that has kept my bed dry as my entire house leaked this winter. It also keeps various bugs and dirt from falling onto my bed which has been invaluable for me. Rain gear has been very important this winter, but this winter has had the most rain in most peoples lifetimes. Defiantly bring a sleeping bag. The smaller it packs, the better but you do want something with a little heat value. You will bring it with you when you visit other volunteers and use it as an extra layer of warmth in the winter. Mine is only 45 degree and it has been fine but a warmer one would probably be good. A headlamp is good when the power goes out but if you don't have electricity you will use candles. A hat or visor is a good idea in the summer. Locals will ask if you aren't wearing one and like to tell you that you should wear a hat because the sun is difficult.
Luxury Items: For me this was bedding. I brought two pillows and do not regret it. If I were doing it over again I would also bring a down comforter. You can put them in the vacuum bags and wait to open it until you move into your own house. Other people brought musical instruments, books, dvd's, games, and who knows what else. It is not a waste of space to bring something that will make your life more comfortable and enjoyable. Toss a few shirts to make space for that something that will make you happy.
Gifts: Don't wast alot of space with this one. Small items for kids can be fun but your host family will appreciate produce, tea or sweets more than things they don't need from the states. However, flashlights are a big hit among men and boys in my village, especially head lamps.
Luggage: Bring something small for a day pack and I would also recommend a larger weekend to week long back pack. Bring stuff you can carry because even if your village has transportation, you will most likely have to carry your luggage to your house (up hills and stairs, and probably on dirt paths). But the good news is that you only move in once.
Kitchen: If you like to cook you will want to have your favorite condiments, or treats. I've never been a huge cook but find it very enjoyable here (as do many volunteers). There is nothing like making your favorite meal from home to make you happy. You'll also need measuring cups and spoons as these are not available in country. Most people have these things sent in care packages once they move into their own house though. My favorite care packages are crammed with food.

I guess if I had one thing to say it would be spend the money to bring good quality stuff. If you need more quantity you can buy it here. Everything you bring will get abused so bring stuff that can take it. And if you forget something, you can probably have it sent in a care package or have it brought by friends or family from the states. Happy packing, and see you soon.