[Waiting_for_my_baby]

We will be staying with a host family when we go to Russia, so I was just wondering what to expect?

How was the experience for you? I think about the whole food thing too, b/c I'm the pickest eater. I would just love any advice you may have. I'm really not all that worried about it, but would love to have a heads up.

Thanks so much!

[kretzklan]

Wow! That sounds exciting. I don't know of anyone who has done that...but I'm sure there is someone here that can offer insight. Did your agency set this up for you?

[momm2be]

I stayed with a host family - that was back in 2004.

I left there wondering if someone would ever take such good care of me again. Truly my host was the most gracious and understanding person. There were no worries while I was there.

IT was a little cramped and a bit unusual -- ie refrigerator was in the bedroom so they could make room for a washing machine. But it was cozy and they host was absolutely wonderful to me, my mother and my daughter.

[votemom]

i did. it was such a great experience. i feel like i REALLY went to russia, if you know what i mean. and i feel like i truly left friends behind.

[ddahl]

We did not but you might consider packing some comfort snacks and instant soups. I am envious because it sounds like a wonderful experience to have. When I was 18 I stayed in Greece and got to experience Greece and Greek life as the Greeks live it. It was amazing! I am sure you will have a wonderfull experience. Good luck!

I have heard that sometimes the host is your translator too so that would be nice :-)

[Kasey]

I know a couple people recently who stayed with host families in the Orenberg/Orsk region.
YOu can PM me and I can get some more insight for you!

[Jpride]

We stayed with a host family for three weeks back in October. We were in Moscow and loved it! As far as food, our family fed us some Russian and then let us pick some of the time.

The only problem that we had was that our DS is 3 and that is not a good age to be in someone else's small apartment for a week. Outside of that we loved it.

[Waiting_for_my_baby]

So happy to hear great things! I'm really hoping to go there and make new friends! From my understanding our host family will be our translator and driver as well.

Kretzklan- Yes it is done through our agency. Which was a big plus when I began looking into agencies.

Thanks so much for responding!

[CeltiaSkye]

A lot depends upon your type of personality. I'm the sort of person who even hates staying in a Bed and Breakfast because I feel like I'm imposing upon people. We stayed with a host family on our first trip and I was miserable. It didn't help matters much anyway that our host's adult daughter was visiting at the same time and was clearly resentful of our presence. Every time we would walk into the room she would shoot us a dirty look and walk out. Our host was also our driver, and he also worked as a chef so the food was wonderful.

[dlhall]

We stayed with a host family in 2002 and it was a wonderful experience! The only downfall was that our hostess insisted on cooking us 3 huge meals a day, and I probably gained 10 pounds! I have food allergies, and I just told our translator beforehand, and she let our hostess know, and we didn't have any problems. I really felt like I was able to really experience Russia.

Liz

[hopeful_in_Wi]

The agency I'll be working with does host family stays and that is actually one of the reasons I'm going with them. I dont' want to just visit Russia but want to experience it ... is there a better way than through a host family experience? For me, it will be perfect

[DelMarie]

We stayed with a host family in Krasnodar in 2004 & 2005.

On our first trip we had no idea we would be staying with a host family and started asking questions about which hotel we would stay at. So, needless to say when we first walked into the apartment we were overwhelmed and nervous. Well, our hostess took one look at our faces and said-DON'T WORRY-we will take good care of you-sent us off for a nap and when we got up had a great bowl of borsch waiting for us. AFter that we were more at ease and COULD NOT WAIT to see our host family again on the second trip. We shared photos, went with them on errands so we could "soak up" the culture and even became more confident in venturing out by ourselves.

I would encourage you to learn as much Russian language as you can-however, we were able to do that because we had nearly a 2 year process in 2004/2005. We learned hello, thank you, good morning, good evening, excuse me, etc....Even though we couldn't carry on much of a conversation, the effort we took to learn some words seemed to show those we encountered that we cared about their country.

Both my husband and I LOVED the experience and felt we truly experienced more than if we would have stayed in a hotel. WE were sad to leave the city and our new friends-we've tried to maintain contact over the past couple years as much as possible through e-mail.

I didn't have any problems with the food but have to second the comment about gaining weight. Our hostess prided herselves in cooking HUGE portions for us. The only dish I didn't care for was the local "sturgeon" from the black sea. It was a request of mine when the hostess asked if there was anything else we would like to try I said yes-how about some local sea food? It was so salty and like sardines.

One final comment-we did share some Russian Vodka as celebration on our last night with the host family and boy oh boy-was that warm going down!

GOOD LUCK

[ndkaff]

We also stayed with a host family in Krasnodar back in 2004/2005. It was AWESOME!!!!!
Had GREAT Russian food!!
If we were to adopt again I would LOVE to stay with a host family.

[DET62]

I did not stay with a host family, but visited private apartments of several friends of a friend here who is from Khabarovsk. Some general tips:

Always take off your shoes when you come in, and leave them by the door.

Learn the Russian for yes, no, this is yummy, please, thanks, etc. - basic words and phrases. I got a CD and listened in the car during my commute and that was pretty easy.

Take snacks in case you don't like the food.

I advise you to take your own toilet paper - often they don't use it, or use something like a paper towel. Often it cannot be flushed, either - make sure and find out beforehand. Plumbers often don't exist there.

Take small gifts to the family - gift giving is prized. I advise you to take something that represents your home state or city.

Be ready if they offer you booze at 3 in the afternoon, or whenever. Some Russians like a shot of vodka at breakfast. If you don't drink, make sure that's made clear to them ahead of time. Russians can get insulted if you don't drink with them.

They often eat weird things for breakfast - salad, hot dogs, etc. - make sure it's clear what you want for breakfast. Take your own coffee or tea, if that's dear to you.

Practice walking up stairs. There are a LOT of stairs in Russian buildings and often no elevators.

Take layers to wear - apartments are often very hot inside.

I advise you to keep a journal of your experiences with the family - this will be prized by your child, at some point.

Good luck!
Dee

[TweetyMom04]

We did, b/c the 2 bedroom apt they own was full with other Parents. When one of them moved out and headed back to Moscow, we 'moved-in'.

We slept in their L.R. on a pull out sleeper/sofa for a few nights. We shared B-Fast and Dinners with them. As for Russian Food / Restaurants, She had 'checked out' Restaurants that were 'clean' for Americans to eat. We had no problems, no stomach issues, all was fine. Be sure to order drinks that don't require ice cubes or a cold bottled or canned drink.

Our agency told us that She was the only one that spoke English, her DH and other Relatives did not, but that didn't mean they wouldn't understand what you would say. Just be careful what you say, you never know.

We really got to experience the full Russian Culture and thought staying with the Host Family was great!

Good Luck