What should I pack?

 

What Should I Pack for Berlin?

Greetings Torch Runners! We are a mere 12 days from many of us being wheels-up to Athens, which means the rest of the team is only 20 days from departure! Hard to believe that all of this preparation is coming to fruition very soon.

Speaking of preparation, what the heck should you pack for your adventures in Berlin? Fortunately, you all have a backpack full of gear that will represent most of your fashion options for the week. However there are a whole host of other considerations, but you should be able to pack fairly light. Here are some absolute musts, and some recommendations:

• A pair of jeans and/or long pants for casual wear
• (1) pair of LONG khaki or tan pants for the two team parties (this is a MUST, so please do not forget!)
• (1) pair of khaki or tan shorts (optional); we have a daytime event on 18 June and shorts will likely be more comfortable than pants, however they are NOT mandatory
• Underwear
• A couple of t-shirts, or casual shirts; Torch Run program shirts are great
• Running shoes; we recommend having two pair; if we hit any rain, running in soggy shoes is no fun!
• Leisure shoes
• Sunglasses (referred to from hereon out as Sunnies); a couple of quick Team rules on sunnies: you are welcome to wear them during the runs, BUT when you are carrying the Torch, or when we're on the stage at a celebration NO sunnies; pictures are always better without sunnies
• Sunscreen & lip balm
• Vaseline; primarily for the men for use on nipples (chaffing is the worst!); or small Band-Aids
• Socks; although we will provide you with running socks, we realize some are particular about socks; if you bring your own socks, they must be BLACK, have no logos, and be low cut
• Passport and local government ID (driver license)
• Prescription medication; must be in container as packaged by the pharmacy
• Toiletries; most Sheraton properties now have wall-mounted shampoo, conditioner, and body wash, however, it is better to be prepared with travel-size options just in case
• Small container or package of laundry detergent; there are a couple of clothing items that may be worn more than once; fortunately, we are not changing hotels and doing light laundry in the sink should be easy
• Dress uniform, uniform shoes/boots, and cover (hat) for Opening Ceremonies; If you do not wear a uniform in your duties, you will wear the Final Leg black polo and khaki pants for the Opening Ceremonies; ABSOLUTELY NO GUNS, WEAPONS, OR HANDCUFFS!

POWER PLUGS

Germany utilizes the two-prong power plug as pictured below, and can be purchased with a built-in USB port for phone or accessory charging. These can be purchased on Amazon, but are also available at stores such as Walmart.

CELL PHONE USAGE

Check with your cell phone service provider to determine what international calling/messaging plans are available. As an example, both AT&T and Verizon have a plan that is $10 US per day WHEN THE PHONE IS USED, and is essentially an extension of whatever usage and data plan you have at home. 

HOW MUCH MONEY SHOULD I BRING?

This is a completely individual decision. Virtually all of your needs will be taken care of, so cash is only needed if you wish to use it for snacks or souvenirs. As an example, when Greg and I traveled to Berlin three weeks ago, I took about €180 and came home with change. Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard & American Express) are widely accepted. Check with your credit card company on any fees that may be charged when the card is used in euro denominations. 

WHAT DO I DO ONCE I LAND IN BERLIN?

Once you gather your luggage and clear German customs, you'll proceed into the arrival terminal where our friendly Logistics Team will be there to greet you and direct you to your chariot, which will whisk you to the hotel. They'll be easy to spot in their Final Leg gear.

When you arrive at the hotel, another group of Logistics folks will provide you with your room keys and direct you to the Final Leg Command Post where you will check in with Greg, Scott and I to pick up your uniform kit (for our European & Asia members) and get additional direction.

I know you have questions (Amber?)!

See everyone soon!!