Expat What-to-Bring Tip #1

Living in Dushanbe means we struggle with utilities. Or lack thereof. It's a given. From lights to gas to water, its a really good day when you have all three. We've installed a second electrical line which gives us a glimmer of hope that we won't be subject to as many electrical cut offs in February as we were last year. As it was, we had lights for roughly six hours per day - three in the morning and three in the evening.

We are now trying to install a second city gas line, which really is the only way to heat the house. We haven't had city gas since last February so we hope the new line will be installed before the really cold temps hit us.

If you happen live in a country where you can't buy electric blankets, and even if you could you wouldn't because you'd be afraid that the quality of the electrical wiring in your house couldn't support such a thing and you'd go up in flames while fast asleep, then this is a perfect substitute.

My mom gets credit for the first ever Expat What to Bring Tip. Having lived the majority of the last thirty years overseas, my mom rocks when it comes to knowing what to bring and what not to bring. And I can tell you, I'm glad I listened.

A $10 hot water bottle.

If you are like me, when it's cold in your house, you are cold. And your bed is cold. And when you put your cold body in the cold bed, you are so cold that you can't fall asleep until 3 am. And if you are like me, that's no good for anyone.

Fill this puppy up with hot water, slip it into your bed half an hour before you plan to hit the proverbial hay and you'll never have a better night's sleep. Well, that is if you live in Dushanbe, have no gas, and have leaky windows.