To bring or not to bring?
That really is the question, Gregg!!
How about some Karaoke equipment? hee.
When will you be packing up? I will start to make a list because I've had to look for some oddball things here and I'm always amazed at the unexpected finds and failed-to-finds.
For instance, I was surprised to see certain hardware store items, but they're often the 'dollar store variety', the losers from America, ie. don't quite work right, cheaply made, etc.
Or, try and find an electric kettle, or salad spinner... haven't been able to find either anywhere. You'd laugh at how many people told me 'they used to have' those salad spinners, but not the day I was looking. One store told me they never know what they're going to get in from ... somewhere, and when they're gone they're gone. I know you plan on bringing in a full kitchen. and good for you, because many necessary gadgets simply aren't top quality, even when you do find them.
How about wood dowelling? Haven't seen it anywhere yet.
Or... try finding a propane torch. I have only found the separate cannisters with very expensive welding tips, but not the regular workhorse torch with automatic starter. Wait, I finally found one non-automatic torch with the ordinary tip in what was called an Ace Hardware in Santo Domingo, but it was equivalent to $50 US... so I reluctantly put it back. Not paying $50 for what would cost $20 Can.
On bedding... sheet quality is so much better in US, same with towels, etc. I know we don't have the selection/price in Canada, but if you can zip into US for these items before packing, you'll be glad you did.
Silicone caulking is 160-200 pesos a 10.1 oz tube. It is half this price in US.
I can't quite remember the details of your wife's work, but if she needs methyl hydrate to fire an alcohol burner, you better bring it in... I still haven't found it anywhere. I finally got hold of some isopropyl alchohol, only it wouldn't burn (possibly mislabeled, or impure), so I'm still trying to set fire to my little alcohol burners.
(not sure how a solvent will fare for importation... through another shipper there is a special fee/penalty for handling hazardous goods of $100)
I'm going to try and think of the weird things, because I never fail to be amazed by the finds and failed-to-finds. It's like a Christmas list, when I still did Christmas... in July I had no problem making a wish list, but by December I always drew a blank.
PS... hey, I'd like to build a master list of hard-to-find items, even see if the radio station here is Sosua would consider a regular program whereby people can call in with requests and solutions. In principle, a master list sounds good, but as one wise man pointed out, "you may find it someplace sometime, and never again". Too true.
Good luck with the move, and see you soon.
Signed,
Dawnwil be searching forever for stuff