We have a lot of friends in Ukraine, and every now and then we try to send them a little something. Several years ago I used USPS a couple of times, and the parcels were lost. Then I found a great Ukrainian-American company called "Meest", which has several services such as sending parcels, money, courier delivery, etc. They are based in Toronto, but have offices in many American cities, Europe, etc. We have a local Ukrainian store, which works with Meest, so it's very easy to send a parcel from there. We've done it many times, and we are very happy with the service. It takes about 6 weeks for the parcel to get to Ukraine, but it's delivered directly into the hands of recipients! The cost is not bad either - 99 cents per pound plus $15 per parcel. Recently I logged on to their website www.meest.net, and found out that they now deliver food packages! You just pick a package from the catalog, pay for it, and it's delivered! A lot of people I know (especially senior citizens) live below the poverty line, so these packages will be great gifts for them.
On the adoption front we are in the middle of buying different travel essentials such as luggage (our suitcases are way too large for Ukraine), money belts, adapters, travel pillows, high-heeled boots (that's essential for me :), etc. My adoption expenses are going up every day :)
What sizes of suitcases are you going to get? We're looking at getting some new ones as well and while I don't want to be lugging monstrosities all over Ukraine, i do want to make sure it holds all we'll need for our stay there. But then again, I'll need to be able to maneuver it by myself on the way back. UGH! Decisions...decisions.
ReplyDeleteWe each brought a carry on bag, of which mine weighed 30 pounds full of computer gear and camera equipment...just didn't want to take a chance, but oh it weighed a lot. We had a suitcase set from Costco and we brought the large and small ones of those and I brought and military duffel bag that could roll up when empty of the stuff we brought for other orphans. Worked out well. I do kinda wish I would have brought a fanny type pack though for the daily trips to the orphanage...
ReplyDeleteI can't believe you are looking for new boots there... I think you ought to just come down to the center and ...well I guess you might pay more for them here then you would there :( the center is not cheap in any way is it.
Don't forget those washcloths and do you know where you will be staying over here?
The shopping is definitely getting expensive. I sat down last night and looked at all the receipts from the past week... WOW! But we're getting close to having everything that's on our packing list. We're trying to pack as light as possible, whil also preparing for cold weather. We're each taking a small rolling suitcase, and using space bags for our clothes. Then we'll have 2 - 3 carry-ons total between the 2 of us.
ReplyDeleteFrom Sean and Tracey's pictures in the square today, I would say high heel boots are a requirement to enter the country. I was looking at Aerosvit's website and couldn't find what the penalty is for changing tickets. Any idea?
ReplyDeleteLeslie, the penalty is $150 per ticket (for the return tickets)
ReplyDeleteTHANKS for the info on MEEST - I'd heard of them but never used them - I'd love to send food to Anastasia's grandma - but I could only pull that page up in RUssian - am I doing something wrong? WOn't be long for you now!!
ReplyDeleteI couldn't find the food packages info on MEEST webpage either. The page in Russian you found is for the gifts, and there is nothing in English. But I scanned the catalog I've got from the store, so I can e-mail it to you, adoptinodessa@yahoo.com
ReplyDeletehow exciting! I meant to mention to you (if it's not too late), we have money belts, possibly adaptor, and even luggage from Nick's trips over, you're welcome to all!!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to follow you on your journey in Ukraine. I would love to learn more about the circumstances of your leaving the country when you did, and what kind of feelings you have about going back. I found Ukraine to be a fascinating place and am intrigued to hear your story. I hope you will consider doing a biographical post.
ReplyDeleteI'm planning on finding a pair of heeled boots that are comfortable for walking and won't let the snow into my ankles. ( I hate that!) But I won't be such a slave to fashion as to buy the pointy-heeled-stilettos! I refuse!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to be ready to pack!