We are still working on some of our documents, but our passports with visas arrived from the Consulate of Kazakhstan just a few days ago.
I've been really busy with the girls' schedule. In fact, I had to make a color coded spreadsheet for last week and this week. I signed Olivia up for Theater camp and Claire for Summer 'camp' (at her preschool) without taking into consideration their ballet rehearsal schedule for their end of year performances. I think it helps to be so busy so I don't stress out with all the things we have yet to do!
As for our trip, we've been preparing by getting shots (hep B, typhoid), borrowing DVDs, making packing lists, making lists for the grandparents, cramming some Russian, etc. We have also been busy chasing the dust bunnies that have accumulated in our house. We are working on rearranging a couple of rooms so #3 will have a room. My in-laws are driving out here to take care of the girls for 3 weeks while we are gone, so I've been trying to get the house clean for their arrival. Olivia and Claire's cousin Z, almost 14 years old, will fly out a week later which will be great for them to share some time together.
6 comments:
Hi,
I was in Kaz two years ago adopting my then 12 month old daughter and I just wanted to pass along a couple "don't forgets!" to pack. Medicine is the most important because you simply won't find anything close to what we have. Bring lots of meds for tummy problems as well as bug bites and after bite. Benidryl is a big must.
And toys are extremely expensive there. A set of simple plastic stacking rings that would be $5 at the most here in the states would be $35 or more there. And they don't have many interactive toys so anything that makes noise and lights up will be a real treat. And it sounds like you already know about entertainment. Since you'll find virtually nothing in English make sure to bring books or music. I downloaded a couple of seasons of a TV show from ITunes which was great.
I'm sure you've heard a lot of this already but I wanted to mention them just in case. I look forward to following your journey.
Safe travels,
Lou Ann, Mom to now 3 year old Lexie from Aktau Kaz
Thanks for the tips! We bought some medicine in case we get upset tummies, but I didn't think about the benadryl! We will bring a few toys of various entertainment value. We don't want to bring too much and overstimulate the guy!
Just a couple of other things I thought of. IF you have room bring a towel for each of you. If you stay in an apartment you'll be amazed at how rough the towels are and there will probably only be 2 very small ones. Sheets were terrible too. Like sandpaper. Luckily for us I heard from the family that was staying in the apartment before us. But if you are in a hotel you'll probably be fine. Also bring a 25 foot or more phone cord. They usually only have one jack in the rooms/apartments and it will be in a strange place and your computer will be your life line. Spices and sweetner if you use it for your tea or coffee. Spices are tough since you just won't know what they are and even salt & pepper are hard to find.
You'll find most of what you need - it's just the comfort items that are harder to find. Plus you'll be in Almaty at a great time of year. I was there for our last 2 weeks after 6 weeks in Aktau so if felt very cosmopolitan. Try to see the circus if it's open and the zoo is wild since the animals are so close but sad because their cages are so small. There's just lots to do and the weather is beautiful.
I hope you enjoy your trip as much as I did and of course enjoy bonding with your new Kazakh Kutie!!
If you have any questions feel free to email me at louannquast@yahoo.com. I went to college in San Marcos and will be moving back to Texas sometime soon, so it will be great to know there is another Kazakh family around.
Good bless,
Lou Ann & Lexie too
I second the towel suggestion! Also, take a credit card or two with you (don't forget to call them and tell them you will be using it in Kaz so they don't think your card was stolen!). If you are staying in an apartment, dial up via a "Megaline" card is slow but reliable. I also know that in Almaty many restaurants/coffee shops offer free WiFi with a certain purchase amount. We were in Ust-Kamenogorsk as our region, but I heard that there is also an "Arzan" (like Costco or Sam's but no membership required) in Almaty. You can find just about anything you can think of there! They have food, diapers, household items, etc.
Like Lou Ann said, if I can be of any help please don't hesitate to e-mail: fotolabgrl@hotmail.com
Enjoy your trip and I look forward to following along!!
Paula (mama to Cecelia)
Wow, it's so real! You have your visas! Congratulations. I also agree on the towell suggestion. I LOVED having my own soft camping one that I purchased at Whole Earth. Best, Susan
Congratulation on your upcoming travel. I look forward to following along.
Safe travels!
Allison
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