Mail

I've had several requests for my address here in Lutugino, so here are the ins and outs of getting mail to my place.

First, copy paste:
Стивен Пеле
Дружба 5, квартира 5
Лутугино, Луганская Область
92000 Украине

or print:

Tips:

Write on it: 

• Your address (in English) in the top left corner,
• My address (in Russian) in the center,
• Above my address, "To Ukraine" to help out the American post, and
• That's it, nothing else! Plain is better.

Don't write on it: 

• "Peace Corps" or anything related (I'll have to pay an additional customs fee).

Tips for packages: 

• I recommend using USPS Priority Mail flat rate envelopes,
• This method is the cheapest and the most reliable = the way to go! 
• It's $13.95 to send the basic envelope/padded envelope/box, which is a great deal compared to other methods 
• Don't use FedEx or UPS, because it will get turned back around after it hits my P.O.Box!
• You can also write "Goods for personal use" or "Used goods" to make it seem less valuable to mail thieves, but this is optional. Try to keep it plain and not attention grabbing,
• The harder to open, the better,
• If asked by the post office, undervalue everything, say it's used items and be vague on food,
• Do not send me anything valuable as mail sometimes arrives open with items missing or does not arrive at all, and
• Ukrainian customs forbids: personal identifying documents, money, jewellery, medicine, or food that's raw and not in a factory sealed packet/box.

Wishlist:

• Anything Reese's related.
• Sriracha or similarly thick and spicy sauce
• Any of those low-maintenance spice packets from the grocery store (ranch powder, "Mongolian Beef," you know.)
• Schick Quatro replacement blades. Otherwise, I'm stuck with Bic disposables!
• Can of coconut milk or dehydrated coconut milk
• Coloured chalk
• Ziploc bags
• Green curry powder
• Cajun or jerk seasoning
• Physical pictures of you, and of course a letter!