[KarenInCa]

The orphanage visit is definitely a personal choice. But if it is offered, I would not turn it down. It could be the only real link you have for your child's past. For us, the orphanage visit was a MUST. It was extremely important for us to visit, so that we could thank the nannies. At the same time as it gave her main nanny closure, it also gave me a feeling of a new beginning. It felt as if we were giving each other permission to love this child, and we were able to video tape her with her main nanny holding her. It was important for us that we do that for our daughter's future.
If you go to the orphange, Richard is correct. It was an emotional drain for all of us. Our daughter had a melt down that night. But to be able to personally thank her nanny, and to allow her to see our daughter one last time for closure, and to be able to video tape that personal connection was worth gold. We were able to video tape the love she had for our daughter. The long-term benefits outweighed the short-term difficulty by a long shot. And we will do it again with our second daughter (if allowed).
Regardless, you can ask the director for your daughter's finding ad. Our guide gave us hers, offered by the director. Many of the orphanages have records of the finding ads, and it doesn't hurt to ask.
Also, make a list of questions for the orphanage nannies. Even if you do not go to the orphanage, whoever delivers the child will know your child.
Some questions to ask are:
What is her favorite food?
What makes her laugh?
What does she like to do?
What is the name of her favorite nanny?
These small questions might help your daughter feel connected to her past, later in her life.

DO NOT DRINK THE WATER.
DO NOT HAVE ICE IN YOUR DRINKS.
If you drink liquid from a glass, make sure it was not mixed with water or from concentrate. Apple juice is probably the best.
Hot drinks (such as hot tea) are fine, because the water has been boiled.

Shampoo is in most hotels, but conditioner is not.

Bring more than one toothbrush. Rinse your toothbrush and mouth with a glass of bottled water, not with running tap water.
The hotel rooms will give you bottles of individual water, you can ask for more at no charge. If you go to the store, get a couple gallons of bottled water to keep in the hotel room.

Keep the info coming...I know there's more out there. I'll post more later as others remind me of things.
Who's next?