So we were triple-checking everything tonight, and Doug was paging through the travel information. Here are some enlightening pieces of information:

COORDINATOR
Each family is assigned a coordinator. They will orchestrate and oversee all proceedings. You will be met at the airport, they will arrange in-country transportation and accommodations, manage your schedule, and walk you through all legal proceedings.

IN CUSTOMS AT AIRPORT
The purpose of your travel is "business" unless you are asked directly if you are adopting; then you answer "yes."

CULTURE
In many respects, your child is a gift from Russia and you are Russia's guest. While it is an opportunity for a child to have a family, it also represents a loss of members of Russia's next generation. Be sensitive to your behavior and attitude.

While in the country, please care for your child in the manner instructed by the orphanage staff. This will serve to reassure them that you will be a good parent and demonstrate a respect and appreciation for the care they have provided for your child to date. You have a lifetime to develop your style of caring for your child. Do so AFTER you leave the country.

GIFTS
It is customary to show appreciation through the giving of gifts. THESE ARE NOT BRIBES. Your adoption will occur without gifts. It is simply a way of expressing appreciation for the efforts of those involved in the adoption of your child. The gifts should represent you and the American culture. You will need 13 adult gifts, plus gifts for the orphanage (this is how they keep their supplies stocked-A). You will give your gifts to your coordinator upon arrival, and they will distribute them as appropriate.

Some of the people receiving gifts will be as follows: judge, attorney, inspector from the Ministry of Education, orphanage physician, orphanage caretaker, clerks from the Office of Vital Statistics who expedite your paperwork, clerks from the passport office, your coordinator, driver, translator, and possible host family (in case of lack of hotels in region).

Suggested gifts include jewelry or crafts from your local region; photobooks of your area; gadgets for the kitchen; gadgets from Brookstone; etc. You can count on the recipients being 60% women. Russian men rarely will wear t-shirts with logos; Russian women will NEVER wear t-shirts. Their style is much more formal.