[Shoshana]

Even though I don't expect to travel until December, I thought I'd get a head start on packing -- or at least making a list of what to bring -- including paperwork.

I did a search on the 'net and found quite a few packing lists for Russia. I can't even imagine finding a way to pack all of the recommended stuff in suitcases (without being charged mega bucks for being overweight). And they all say to 'pack light.' ha ha. I guess that means is to pack everything but the kitchen sink, and only bring a couple of changes of clothes (plus laundry detergent).

There's also a fair amount of info on 'gifts' -- for the orphanage, for the caretakers, facilitator, drivers, judge, etc. I'm already thinking what gifts are tiny and lightweight! Anybody have more info about the donation that is made to the orphanage?

Another thing I read -- when you get to Russia you have to declare ALL of the cash you're carrying b/c you aren't allowed to bring more than $1500 USD out of the country. And all of the cash you bring to exchange has to be unmarked, unfolded, new -- or you're get a bad exchange rate.

Another thing I'm trying to figure out is what sorts of appliances to bring -- I could get my hair cut short & not need a hairdryer I need to buy a battery operated nebulizer (asthma). They're really expensive (the battery is rechargeable so I need a converter...) And a hot pot?

I found one website published by a Russian doctor who even included what sorts of typical Russian baby food to bring for the child

I'm not trying to obsess over this. I just know that when I get the word to travel, I want to be prepared. It seems so complicated, I thought I'd start now -- at least with the gifts, meds, appliances.

How's everyone else handling this part of our journey?

[BrandyHagz]

Shoshana,

I'm not adopting from Russia, but I wanted to make a small suggestion...


Your agency has a facilitator or lawyer in Russia, right?

I could be wrong...thats more or less why I'm asking....


...if they do, maybe ask your agency if they have an address where you could ship some items over before you arrive...to pick up when you arrive.

You could send all the gifts/baby items in a box or two, and avoid the overage charges the airlines charge...

Just a thought, it may not work...but it might

[suburbanmomgw]

Shoshana,

I feel the same way! I can't believe all the stuff we'll need! I was reading somewhere on these forums (I can't remember who/where) that using those vaccum seal bags/space bags that can squish bulky winter clothing etc. into smaller space. Could you share any of the places you found info?

I think that, as women, we "obsess" on things like being organized and prepared. Especially when it comes to a trip as big as this! (2 trips!) I have begun buying a few things here and there like film and camera batteries, baby tylenol, diaper rash ointment etc. The other big concern I have is having to spend time and money on all of these things when there isn't time or money to work with--travel-ready is good in my opinion! (We are getting our final homestudy papers Fri. and then just must go thru the appostille process in order for our dossier to be complete! I have no idea when we will be travelling, but it seems a huge task. (I have 2 Bio children too who need my attention--5yrs. and 3 yrs.)

Keep the ideas flowing!

[kfin66]

Be careful Elizabeth, two weeks ago I thought I would be traveling in December, also.

The money thing is correct. Clean, new crisp bills.

I have also heard about the hot pot. I think you can buy adaptors for the hair dryer, etc. I've got alot of hair, and I'm not cutting it!

Most things can be purchased once you get there. I guess there is a great market near the train station.

We are taking clothing donations to the orphanage for the first trip. Our agency takes care of other gifts. Thank goodness.

Kerry
Making plane reservations today!!

[qs mom]

I didn't adopt from Russia, but I did just pick up my son from Bulgaria.

You are no over-reacting. Plan, buy, NOW! Ask your agency about gifts. Mine suggested bath gels and lotions for the care givers and perfume/cologne for the director.

Bring lots of film. I saw my son 3 times and my translator was kind enough to shoot an entire roll of film each time. You will also want pictures of the country. On your pick up trip, put the photos in a small brag book type of album and bring with you. My son was almost 3, that was the best thing I did. It was 8 months between trips, so seeing photos of us together helped with his memory of me. In Russia, your trips will be much closer together.

Tylnol PM for you. A great thing for the time change! You'll need the rest.

Bring mix and match outfits. If you bring 3 pairs of pants that match 3 tops, you have 9 outfits. You can change into a pair of shorts or sweats or even pjs while you're in the hotel room to keep you clothes fairly neat.

If you want to, feel free to send me a private message.

[LilyMoon]

Hi Shoshana,

I really like this guide on what to pack when traveling to adopt in Russia. If you are not familiar with this website...it is a great resourse for adoptive families. They also have support groups you can join where there is a wealth of information. I belong to the A-Parent-Russ digest and have found it invaluable.

Here is the link to the packing guide
http://www.eeadopt.org/home/preparin...ps/packing.htm


LilyMoon

[skiboo]

Good luck with the packing Shoshana! I have no idea when we will be traveling, but I have already started to think about this too as it does seem like a daunting task...

I read somewhere that any gifts you bring should NOT be made in China or have a label on it that says "made in china". Apparently, Russians consider this an insult... anyone else hear such a thing?

Janie

[LilyMoon]

Hi Janie,

I've heard the same thing about choosing gifts that are not made in China.

_________
LilyMoon
Mom to Bio son, age 15
Soon to be Mom to a Russian Princess

[rnnurse2be]

I agree... how does one pack light and still carry 100lbs of stuff? LOL

You are NOT OBSESSING! LOL... you are excited, anxious, and completely NORMAL! Ive been looking at info too (I like to be prepared) and we havent even begun our homestudy, lol

I read conflicting things, I read where you could bring the money over, declare it and not hav problems, I read where you could wire it to a Western Union and then pick it up there. If you traveled to another region, you continue to move it via Western union. I dunno about that method. I dont like the thought of me and my friend( another woman) carrying over $12,000 in cash... but the thought of something happening w/ it thru Western Union scares me too. I'll have to ask our adoption gal and see what they did...

I like the idea of mailing gifts to someone there for them to hold.
I read where some motels will hold them from your first trip until you come for your second trip. Do you have a church there that will allow you to keep gifts there??

I too read about no made in China gifts, and "throw away" clothes... good ideas.

[LilyMoon]

Here's another packing list that might be helpful.

http://www.leeaf.homestead.com/packinglist.html

LilyMoon

[schroeder]

Kerry,

Did you and Paul get your travel dates yet?

Anna

[jimpol]

My DH and I returned with our wonderful son in June. We can't believe our dream has come true. We did not have any problems with declaring the money. Although we were not happy that we had to carry a large amount of cash with us, we didn't have any problems. As a matter of fact, the whole customs thing was really a joke. Nobody asked us anything and we were truthful on their declaration forms.

It is never to early to start getting ready for a trip to Russia. As for packing, I think that we took 6 bags with us. My poor husband lugged around 4 or 5 on the way back because I had our son. If you are using an agency they might have some of the stuff you mentioned in Russia for you to borrow. Our agency had an office with extra hair dryers, converters, hot pots, etc. Some of the people that traveled with us brought the gifts on the first trip and there were others that just gave cash as their gifts.

[rnnurse2be]

Isnt this JUST SO Exciting?!! I love this post... makes my blood run faster Im sure!

I cant wait until its me going and getting all jittery over traveling!
Elizabeth... its GONNA happen!

[clydster]

Ive gotten some really good ideas.

I just wanted to share one that I had. Ive wondered how to pack for a Siberian winter and NOT bring a lot of clothes. I keep hearing to pack only a couple changes of clothes and bring some soap and laundry line to wash them.

As one who hates washing, I think Im going to bring the appropriate amount of underclothes and change those every day and a bottle of Febreeze to freshen up the rest of them. And maybe some Shout wipes in case something gets stained.
Nothing washes right if it cant go in the dryer with a Bounce sheet, anyway.

[FamilyBound]

We were there during the worst winter in years back in 12/01 -- i ended up bringing only three sweaters, two pairs of pants, a long skirt (for court) two weeks worth of underwear (some things you can't skimp on), two long sleeve shirts and a jacket.

We were there for 16 days, and it felt so weird wearing the same clothes over and over again. But ya know, Febreze was our friend!