[Kasey]

Thanks for your offer on info in Kursk--anything you can tell me would be appreciated.
I know we were told that they most likely dont waive the ten day wait--so we are prepared for that.
After court--do they let you keep the baby with you or do they have to remain in the orphanage?
If they have to stay do you get to visit them daily?
How was the city itself? friendly, easy to get around,etc....
How was the train ride and did you get on the train the same day you got into Moscow-I think that is what we were told would happen?
Anything we should make sure we see or visit while in Kursk?
How about calling cards--do they work there, or should we just reallly use the internet cafe?
Thanks again, I appreciate the input!
Kasey
trying to patiently wait for referral

[wigwag10]

Hello,

As far as the train ride the first trip we stayed a night in Moscow, so we do our site seeing. On trip two we ended up staying at the Radisson for a half day to shower and rest. As the train doesn't leave til night we had nothing to do inbetwwen on trip two. There was seven families in Kursk on the second trip and only one got there wait waived, on trip one only one family had court and there wait was waived.
As far as things to do, they have clubs, and outdoor market(not sure if open in winter), boling a movie threate, mall. One of the mothers to be (using a different co) got a pedicure and a exercise classes(they wrap them selves in plastic wrap, to help burn fat). We visited a world 2 memorial and the monistary next to it. The time flies buy.
As far as visiting the orphanage we were aloud to go twice a day and stay a couple of hours, but that seemed to depend on your agency and childs age. The Kursk hotel was in the center of everything we thought. The children stay in the orphanage during the ten day wait, however on weekends they will let you take them out (less staff). The ten waiting peroid is ten calendar days not business days, so that helps. The last day is very busy doing lots of paper work.
We were told that calling cards don't work in Kursk, they took us to the post office to make calls, but there is a internet right next to the Kursk hotel. The kids that one it speak so English and if working it is cheap. If you see kids begging out the hotel or selling roses don't give them money as they then go into the internet and play video games.
We waited three months before refferal and refferal consisted of come over, we have children available that meet your needs.
Anything else let me know. Encase I didn't mention it take baby wipes, as they sell everthing else there and it is cheap. The city is small and the people friendly. Buy some pastries in the Kursk Hotel lobby, just point and hold up fingers for how many.
If you think of anything else let me know or e-mail me privately.

Wendy