QUICK TIPS FROM ADOPTION SOURCE FAMILIES FROM KEMEROVO


 1. Were there any stores (grocery/pharmacy, etc) nearby?
  • One grocery store within walking distance about 2-2.5 blocks from hotel. Had baby items, food, water, no pharmacy.

2. Did you find any good restaurants? Any bad ones?
  • Great little Russian restaurant down the street from the hotel. Also fast food chicken, pizza, and coffee shop all within walking distance.

3. Is there anything you wished that you had packed or that you wouldn’t bring again?
  • Do not bring American medicines like Tylenol for orphanage. It’s good to carry a roll of toilet paper with you, esp. for public bathrooms.

4. Any suggestions or comments on the hotels/host families? (Should you bring anything?) better towels, toilet paper, etc.?
  • The hotel is old, but clean. They do not provide cribs. Bring extra towels if you have room because you don’t get many and it’s hard to get more. Don’t leave towels on the floor- it offends the staff. Hotel restaurant is ok, not great. Good for a quick breakfast.

5. Were there any Internet cafes nearby?
  • In the hotel, there is a business center, where you can pay for internet access.

6. Was there anything you did or saw in the region that you would recommend or discourage?
  • Kemerovo is a very nice place to visit, esp. in the spring and summer. It is a quaint, sleepy little town. There is a fountain you can walk to from the hotel. The people are very nice.

7. Any other general tips that you would like to share?
  • Don’t bring chocolate as a gift- Russian chocolate is better than what we have in US. Instant coffee is a good gift. Bring male gifts, the director of the orphanage and driver are men.

8. Any comments about the orphanage or tips about speaking with the Minister of Education or Judge during court that could help future families?
  • The orphanage was very clean and conveniently 10 minutes from hotel. We were not offered a tour. We only saw the orphanage director’s office and 2 rooms where we played and visited our baby. Orphanage staff were very nice and courteous. The children seemed well cared for. For the orphanage things they need are diaper rash ointment, rattles and toys, pacifiers, diapers, sippy cups, and clothes.
  • Court was extremely pleasant and overall a very good experience. We never felt intimidated or were asked “trick” questions. They are very pro- adoption in this region. The social worker was sweet and friendly. Do not cross your legs in court while sitting, it is considered disrespectful. Court was very short.