This blogging thing is incredible!

I'm following a blog of a couple in Kiev right now. The Turner's.
I don't know what part of the country they're from or much about them except they're in Kiev right now and there to adopt a child or children. I decided to be brave and ask this total stranger a question about the weather in Kiev and I got this wonderful response via email this morning.
I wanted to share it as I know a few of my readers are headed to Kiev right after us!

Wendy,

Thanks for following along. I pray that the beginning of your trip goes more smoothly than ours has.

The first week we were here, we saw nothing but sun. We were wondering where the dreary weather is that you hear all about. Since we have returned to Kiev, the dreary weather has made a comeback. It's been sort of rainy and drizzly. The temperature doesn't really vary that much or it hasn't since we've been here.

Most days we wear a pair of thermals under our pants, just one pair of socks because you will want some very cushy insoles. We brought a thick sweater each and haven't really worn them yet. Just bring some light long sleeve tops as you will were your jacket most of the time you are out and about. Don't get to excited about your outfits. We managed to bring 4 bags and we don't use half of it. People here wear the same clothes over and over, beside you have your jacket on most of the time.

Pack as little as possible and try to do carry-ons. I would suggest....

.. a pair of casual, stretchy pants (typically black or dark grey) for plane ride and lounging at the apartment. ones that dry pretty easily, no dryers over here.

.. bring several pairs of socks and underwear as those seem to be the easiest things to get dirty over here.

.. people do wear jeans over here, dark jeans.

.. pea coats are big here. you'll need a hood or good hat. nobody walks around here with an umbrella even though it's raining.

.. for the SDA and Court appointments, don't go overboard. I brought a stretchy dress that doesn't wrinkle and Bob wore a dress shirt and tie (again, we never took our coats off, you hardly have time)

.. bring two light weight long sleeve shirts, something like those colored thermals people wear or similar to that.

.. bring at least 1 t-shirt for apartment and orphanage, once you get to visit daily

..if you bring a laptop, remember to bring a converter for your battery charger. one that plugs into a three-prong plug and then into your 220v outlet. you may also need an extender as the plugs here are set into the wall.

.. bring some snacks, tuna pouches, something just in case you can't make it to the store.

.. you also want to bring some flip flops or those no slip socks for the apartment and sometimes the orphanage. everyone takes their shoes off once they come in the house.

I hope this gives you an idea. You can ask me about anything directly if you have a certain question. You can also buy all your gifts here. You may want to bring something special for your baby like a small stuffed toy although you can get those here.

Good luck with your trip and packing,

Conethia

Not even a two line response but an entire letter! How sweet.
Be sure to click on the link to the Tuners Blog to hear about "Happy Women's Day" which is a holiday being celebrated TODAY in the Ukraine.
Happy Women's Day!