Here's what I've found out about...
Water and bathing -
everyone's situation is different. I have a cold shower in the health post in my village that I use if absolutely necessary. Usually, I heat up a bucket of water and bucket bathe. That is what a lot of people do, I think, in service and during training. Few houses have hot water, but those that do have electric showers. I brought a solar shower with me, but don't really use it.
Clothing -
since I bathe about once or twice a week, I change my clothes about once or twice a week, too. I wear jeans and long sleeved shirts mostly. In the Andes, it is hot during the day and cold and rainy in the afternoon and night. I would make sure to bring a good fleece and a good raincoat. Also, a pair of hiking boots that is waterproof. It really depends on where you will be placed- I don't think that those in Piura get much rain. But in Ancash/Huaraz, we get a lot.
Mail -
while in training, you'll receive mail at the training center. Once in your site, all of the nearby volunteers share a PO Box in the regional city. Mail can take anywhere from 10 days to 2 months to arrive. Letters almost always get here, but packages can be a crapshoot. I have received a lot of packages, but three have been lost in the mail. Never make them over 4 pounds or they are really expensive and you will have to pay customs taxes on them. Also, if the contents are new or expensive (ex. Discman), customs might keep 8it as a Christmas present. Tell people not to send anything that they or you would be devastated if it didn't make it to you.
