Snail Mail
I absolutely LOVE getting mail!! The mail system in Botswana can be a little slow- but it's reliable. Packages have taken anywhere from 11 days to 3 weeks to arrive from the states. And there are flat rate boxes & envelopes out there that can make postage MUCH cheaper!
As for the customs slips- just be a little careful with what you write. For example, maybe use "home videos" instead of "DVD's." If in doubt, just write "Used household goods" for everything. And aim low with the value of the contents inside. The goal is to make it look very un-interesting! :)
My address is:
Laura Martin, PCV
PO Box 517
Lobatse, Botswana
Africa
**Several people have asked me what kinds of things would be good to send. So I've compiled a list. I'll try to update this as I come across things I need/want. :)
~Sour Patch Kids (I love 'em!)
~BOOKS (I read A LOT. Anything you think I might like, please send my way!) My amazon.com wishlist!
~Tuna (This may sound ridiculous, but fish is really hard to come by here. Since we're land-locked and all... And tuna is technically sold in the markets, but it's insanely expensive. Tuna (or other fish) in the cans or pouches- all will be eaten gratefully!)
~Crystal Light or Drink Mixes (either for 20oz bottles, or the ones to make 2 quarts at a time... both would be great!)
~Granola Bars & Oatmeal to Go Bars (I like the Nature Valley peanut butter ones, or any of the Quaker low-fat chewy ones... and all flavors of the Oatmeal to Go's are fabulous!)
~Magazines (Old, new, read, unread... anything from Cosmo to the TV guide would be fantastic! And I don't even care if all the quizzes & crosswords are finished.)
Phone Calls
I have a cell phone!! The # is: 75014120, and the country code is 267. Check out http://www.viapin.com/, http://www.speedypin.com/, http://www.noblepin.com/, or http://www.stiphonecards.com/ to get a phone card to call me! :)
(Just remember: first dial "011" then the country code "267" and then my number.)