There are not just a lot of places to get toiletries when you live in an FOB in Africa. I do get funny looks when filling out customs forms though.
`_____pre-shave lotion________because it had alcohol in it.’
I think that’s a rule from the military, not the post office . . .
For over 5 years I sent monthly boxes to Iraq and Afghanistan, or 2 or 3.
After awhile I got `creative’ with the Custom’s Form every now and again. Not lying - creative.
Because there could be a random opening of the box, so stayed truthful.
Because (expensive) beef jerky is such a prized item, (read: possible thievery somewhere along the way - - ) after a while I claimed `Meat Snacks’ on the Custom’s form.
Hoped that wouldn’t catch the eye!
And sending many expensive pre-paid phone cards 2 years ago, I wrote `calling cards’ on the Custom’s Form.
Happy to say all went well, far as I know!
Click on my screen name.