Welcome to South India Permaculture Certification Tour. We are excited to offer you this unique opportunity and look forward to our time together and the adventure that awaits us.
aManda & Rico
Since we will be entering a personal space quite rapidly we thought it best to do light introductions and begin the “getting to know you process.” Please take this opportunity to write a bit about yourself, your passions, your talents, what you’ve done, what you’d like to do. Anything that inspires you, a poem, a quote, this should not be a task or an unpleasant process. This should be fun or a least enjoyable…no pressure. This can also be an opportunity if you have resources to share, or any questions for the group. While Rico and I (aManda) are designing the itinerary we are all co-creating this experience. Be creative, take risks and most of all enjoy.
Below I am including a suggested personal packing list. These are suggestions to be considered while keeping in mind your personal needs and likes while being respectful of the culture we are visiting. If there ever was a country to under-pack for, it is India. Most, if not all that you need will be available for purchase at a much cheaper price then abroad. This said, if you plan on arriving on the date of the tour we will not be in shopping areas for at least the first week or so, so bring what you will need upon arrival.
Addressing culturally expectations; I personally ask that while we are traveling together and representing this tour we respect what is appropriate in Indian dress code.
Women need to keep shoulders and knees covered, have some sort of breast support, and avoid wearing tight or sheer clothing.
Men should wear casual pants when traveling as shorts are generally worn by boys in India and are considered too casual.
Shirts need to be worn at all times when traveling. Since much of our time together we will be working, bring clothing that is comfortable to move in and able to get dirty.
aManda Greene
AGAIN, WE CANNOT EMPHASIS HOW MUCH BETTER IT IS TO TRAVEL WITH SMALL LIGHT PACK! REMEMBER TO STACK FUNCTIONS.
PERSONAL PACKING LIST
Study/work supplies
Art/Journal notebook for course work and experience
Private diary
Miscellaneous: colored pens or pencils, paint
Miscellaneous Important Items
Passport with VISA: other documents (student I.D, travelers checks, credit card)
good to bring extra passport size photos and copies of passport and visa on one page
Personal health records
Personal address book
Headlamp
Simple medical kit: tea tree oil, grapefruit seed extract, vitamins, good band-aids, Echinacea extract, probiotics
Prescription medication and copies of prescription
Small sewing kit
Pocketknife or multi-tool
Money belt
Padlock for doors
Combo lock for backpack
Washing
Toiletries: biodegradable soap, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, comb/brush, deodorant, nail clipper, etc.*
Hand sanitizer (if you fear germs)
Sealable plastic bags, useful for liquids, soaps and other things
Towel, washcloth, handkerchief
Biodegradable clothes washing soap
Small brush for washing clothes, nail brush works great
Short length of line for drying clothes
India
Bathing suit
Eye protection
Travelable/foldable sun hat
Insect repellent*
Potent sunscreen*
Woman’s’ menstrual protection. I recommend: glad rags (or type), sea sponge,
and/or Diva cup-these can all be found at your local health food store.
Ear plugs-not every one will want to sleep at the same time as you do and trains can be quite noisy.
Light bedding– a sheet to lay on and something thicker for cover.
We will be traveling in the south therefore sleeping bags are wasted weight and space.
Mosquito netting– not recommended unless if you have strong feelings against mosquitoes.
Compactable travel ones can be found at camping stores, big bulky ones can be found in India
Malaria tablets– can be found there as well as alternatives like neem tablets.
it will not be malaria season, but some people prefer to still take.
Water Purification-Potable Agua iodine tablets, grapefruit seed extract,
Travelers Enend. Water filters can also be found at camp supply stores
(make sure it has a iodine matrix attached-unless not required.)
Emergen-C-or other electrolyte supplement
*Although you can find a large selection of Ayurvedic sanitation and beauty products in India,
it is hard to find high SPF sunscreens and insect repellent. If you have a favorite product from home bring it.
Clothing you will probably buy some clothes while in India, so it is best to bring clothing you are happy to give away.
much handmade cottons!
1-2 pairs of pants-loose, light fast drying cotton pants are best for climate and culture
1-2 skirts for women– long skirts suitable for bike riding and evening attire
Casual and elegant evening wear
Long-sleeved cotton shirts
Short-sleeved cotton shirts
Shorts-the longer the better
Tank-top for work/sleep wear
light, tennis style shoes, low top canvas converse type some can do without, others might need when we will be working
1-2 pairs of socks; 3-5 pairs of underwear
Cheap and light poncho it will not be rainy season, but global warming and you might be visiting other areas where it will be.
Sandals/flip-flops
Electronics check to make sure electronics will accept 220 volts. most will.
it will be on cord box or back of item. if not you will need voltage converter -if it needs such, I’d think about not bringing it.
Laptops: are not necessary but a personal choice and responsibility
Camera: India offers much inspiration even for the amateur photographer .
Battery charger: A must if you have a camera (good to bring an extra set for back up)
Several adapters: both two and triple pronged (can also be purchased inexpensively in India)
Other
*these are all optional suggestions
Pictures to share and that connect you to home.
Small pillow and case
Handheld tape recorder
1-2 CD’s of favorite music
Art supplies
Any course related project/experience you have done in the past you might want to share with the group.
Gifts-small token to leave as gratitude and memory for new friends and hosts. Children often ask for pens and coins
(bring what you feel comfortable with)
Fun things to share-songs, hacky sack, poetry, jokes, games, etc.
Again when packing for India “Less is More.” One rule of thumb for this type of traveling:
everything you bring should be able to be carried comfortably
(by you) for short distances. We will be walking to catch trains and to our locations, so pack for mobility.
If there is anything that I missed or that you have found useful in past trips please offer it to the group.
All photos © aManda Greene