Russian Adventure » Testimonials

As a licensed guide I have all the necessary licences and permits for guiding tourists around the main sights in St. Petersburg.

Each one (you can see them here) demonstrates that I have studied, sat and passed the appropriate exam, and hence I know all the relevant dates, facts and figures.

However these official licences only represent part of the picture. It takes more than a memory for facts and figures to make a good guide. Please take a look, not only at my official qualifications and testimonials opposite, and also my philosophy for guiding.

Testimonials

Name: Robert Petrin
From: Canada
E-mail: robert_petrin@yahoo.ca

I organized a visit to St. Petersburg in August 2005. The purpose of the visit was twofold: first, meet my wife on holiday, as she is in Canada and I work in Asia, and then visit the city.

While browsing the web I discovered the Russian Adventure site, and read everything on it to get the most information about it, and the city of St. Petersburg. Then I decided to contact Tatiana about using her services for my wife's visa and as a guide and accommodation provider. She happened to have free time during my planned dates, so we struck a deal. First she provided the invitation letter for my wife, and then she found accommodation for us for the duration of our stay.

I later sent her the flight details and she agreed, as part of the tour, to pick us up at the airport. She then drove us to our apartment, which was very well located five minutes from Nevsky Prospect. We had requested an apartment for more privacy, and were quite pleased with what Tatiana had arranged. Then we discussed the visit plan, and we agreed on four days with Tatiana as a guide, and the rest alone for walking tours in the city center points of interest. The first day was an orientation tour using a car to get around quickly. Tatiana was on time in the morning, and we spent the whole day visiting the various points, without entering any.

Then we agreed to three additional days with her assistance for detailed visits to Peterhof, Catherine Palace, and a one-day tour of the Hermitage. It was evident from the start that Tatiana was an excellent tour guide. She possesses a great knowledge of her culture, her city and her country. She is a very literate person, versed in French, English, Italian and German. We really enjoyed her presence and her services. She always seemed to enjoy her work, which made it pleasant for us. In my opinion, she is gifted as being passionate about her work, while remaining very professional all the time.

As a result, St. Petersburg has become one of my favorite destinations, and I am presently enrolled in Russian classes to enhance my career prospects, and to discover the rich Russian cultural heritage.

I strongly recommend Tatiana as a responsible private tour organizer and guide, the best that I have encountered so far.

Robert Petrin

Name: Robert Webster
From: USA, Nevada, Las Vegas
E-mail: robtwebster@yahoo.com

As a 58 year old American traveling alone, I was very nervous and apprehensive about my 30 day stay in St. Petersburg. Luckily, I found Russian Adventure. Russian Adventure sounds like a tourist company that caters to wealthy Americans. Actually, it is solely owned and operated by Tatiana, a young attractive Russian woman, and native of St. Petersburg. She was of invaluable assistance to me.

Tatiana picked me up at the airport, quickly found a mistake in my documentation, and then gave me an orientation of the city. We rode the metro together, she showed me how the phone system works, and gave me streetwise advice regarding my personal safety.

For the same price as a youth hostel dormitory, Tatiana found me a Bread & Breakfast one block from the metro and 15 minutes from the Hermitage. I had my own private room, free phone access, and for a small fee the Russian woman that owned the apartment washed, ironed, and cooked for me. I could come and go as I please and enjoyed complete privacy.

Tatiana is fluent in English. Her hourly rate for translation is a fraction of what corporate companies charge. She can also arrange any activity you desire, such as getting ballet tickets.

If you want personalized service, and don't want to spend a fortune for it, you are not going to do any better than Russian Adventure. I know. I spent 6 months planning my trip to St. Petersburg.

When you don't know the city, people, or language, it is comforting to know that Tatiana is available 24/7 to handle any emergency.

Name: Holger Gester
From: Germany
E-mail: gester@cityweb.de

Hiya Tatiana and Sergey,

In June 2005 I put my feet on Russian ground for the first time, which has always been a dream of mine. I was never interested in just booking a package tour, but always wanted to explore the country by myself at my own pace. Apart from that, staying at B&Bs was among my ideas for such a trip, since it offers a great chance to get an insight in local life.

So I started making plans in February and contacted Tatiana regarding visa requirements and transportation tips. She answered all my questions in great detail and I found loads of useful information on their fantastic homepage RussianAdventure.com, which is maintained by Sergey, her husband.

I finally organized my invitation, visa and registration through her and booked her B&B for 7 days. I arrived in St. Petersburg by train from Helsinki and found my way to the lovely house. Everything worked perfectly and I was quite surprised that I was their first German client. I was even more surprised that Tatiana speaks almost perfect German and she seemed quite happy to brush up her language skills with me.

My room was spacious and the bed was fluffy and comfy. The cooked breakfast was gorgeous. To be honest, I didn't expect such a fantastic breakfast. They always tried to serve something special to get me used to the local customs (e.g. buckwheat or ice cream "creme brulee"). Both seem to be great cooks, even though rumours say that when Sergey makes the breakfast, Tatiana has already prepared it in advance. Twice I joined their fantastic dinners and we always had interesting talks and discussions. Tatiana was often busy with her guests, so I discussed almost everything with Sergey until sunset. (Note: I was there during the white nights).

After a fabulous week I left St. Petersburg by train to Moscow for a new adventure. Tatiana organized the train ticket for me. Her services are fantastic and her travel advices are very helpful and reliable.

I have stayed in many similar types of accommodation before on my travels, but this one is definitely among the best places I ever stayed at. Great location, fantastic meals and lovely people. B&B at its best. Highly recommended (5 stars *****).

Greetings from Germany,
Holger

Name: Linda and Bryan Reis
From: USA, Arkansas
E-mail: lcreis@cablelynx.com

Tatiana,

Thank you so much for your professional services during our trip to St. Petersburg. Thank you too for your friendship and for the lively and informative conversation. Our trip was certainly enhanced by your help as a guide, interpreter, historian, driver, philosopher and friend. Please remember that we would welcome you and Sergey into our home should you ever decide to visit Arkansas.

Thanks again.

Name: Allan and Shanan Richard
From: USA, Texas, Dallas
E-mail: alarichard@yahoo.com

Tatiana,

Shanan and I just wanted to thank you for your hospitality. We thought your tour of St. Petersburg you arranged for us was a highlight of our trip. We saw the sights we wanted to see in the manner we had hoped!

Your explanations were so clear and interesting, we can speak with authority when showing our photos to friends and family. Our photos in front of all the main sights are wonderful and to be treasured!

We also enjoyed our time with Sergey. He was a great chef and kept us well-informed and well-fed! We hope to send our friends to you this fall!

Regards,
Allan and Shanan Richard

Name: Ross Leal
From: United Kingdom
E-mail: r.leal@btopenworld.com

Dear Tatiana,

I truly enjoyed my time in St. Petersburg and I feel that I have to say that it was you who made it so enjoyable and informative. It is good to learn more of the cultural background and not just the "facts and figures". I wanted to acknowledge the long hours that you worked, 10:30 to 23:00 !!! Such commitment is a rare thing and you are to be respected for it. You give such good value for money and are so obviously committed and conscientious - there was no need to run back to the cafe from getting your car just because you thought you might be late and I was there on my own (in a cafe where they spoke English).

I would be happy to offer personal references for you from the UK anytime and also will be recommending you to any friends that I hear are coming to SPb. I will write you recommendation letters from both my home and business, as you also helped my understanding of the property market in SPb.

Best and warm regards,
Ross

Name: Dave Miller
From: USA
E-mail: clipperintl@comcast.net

Hi to all,

I thought it important to shower accolades on a particular individual, Tatiana, with her own business who's goal is to see English speaking travelers from abroad have a comfortable stay in St. Petersburg, Russia.

To be honest, it was a complex trip, a meeting of two people, and included last minute schedule changes, trains to outside destinations, the last minute location of an apartment, plus the typical pick up and transfer from and back to Pulkovo airport. All went remarkably smooth.

She is quite knowledgeable of her city of St. Petersburg, and offered a historic perspective, and a modern cultural perspective when asked, at every turn. She also respected our privacy when necessary.

She knew inexpensive but respectable places to go, and she made herself available at every request. She was on time, quite punctual, and absolutely fair and honest with every transaction.

She's quite a nice person. A friend for us who offers professional tour and travel assistance in St. Petersburg, Russia.

I'm personally recommending her.

Dave Miller

Name: Chris Ryan
From: Australia, Melbourne
E-mail: chrisry@ozemail.com.au

I travelled to St. Petersburg in March/April 2005. Tatiana arranged all the visa requirements, as well as the comfortable, reasonably-priced and conveniently-located apartment I stayed in. Tatiana also showed me how to use the metro, where to eat and shop, as well as offering sound advice on things to do and see in St. Petersburg.

I found Tatiana to be very professional and friendly, and cannot recommend her invaluable service highly enough.

Chris Ryan

Name: Danielle Powell
From: Canada
E-mail: dpowell@banffdmc.com

Dear Tatiana,

Without your services it would have been impossible to see and do so much in my short time in St. Petersburg. I thoroughly enjoyed visiting your unique and exceptional city. Your recommendations and guidance were much needed even for a veteran traveler. Thank you so much!

Danielle Powell

Name: John E. Buckley
From: USA, Florida
E-mail: jeb1217@pobox.com

Dear Tatiana,

I just wanted to drop you a note and thank you once again. When people ask me what I believe was the highlight of my trip I tell them it was the excellent job you did. Not only was your knowledge of everything we saw unsurpassed but you were able to make it extremely interesting. I was always the one at school who complained about memorizing facts and figures and never managed to retain any of them. I showing my photographs to people I have found I remember so much because of the stories you related about each place we visited. I have no doubt that I will return to St. Petersburg in the future and when I do I'll be sure to contact you.

If you are interested I have my photos posted at They are not yet sorted and are still uncaptioned but I was receiving too much pressure from friends and family to get them posted. Quite a few didn't turn out, mostly the ones from indoors. Guess that's another reason to return.

Take care,
John

Name: Mark Thomsen
From: USA, Arisona
E-mail: sizzura1@earthlink.net

Hi All,

My name is Mark Thomsen, and I returned to the States last month after spending all of August in St. Petersburg and Kiev. This isn't so much a topic, but rather simply an endorsement. I rented an apartment through Tatiana's site, and it was awesome. Everything was as promised: The apartment was exactly as it looked in the pics, and located exactly where it said on the map. The price was exactly as quoted. Tatiana met me at the airport no problem, and even spelled my last name correctly on the sign she was carrying. Tatiana herself was extremely kind, and speaks great English. I recommend you book her tour-guide services ahead of time; I did not do so, and thus I had to discover the city on my own.

I could write all day about how awesome my trip was, but that will have to wait for another time. For now, I close with: Thank you, Tatiana!

Regards,
Mark

Name: Geoff and Liz Mason
From: United Kingdom
E-mail: geoffs_mason@hotmail.com

Dear Tatiana,

Thank you for all you did towards our wonderful holiday in St. Petersburg last month. We have left with a greater understanding of Russia, Russian history and the Russian way of life which we will retain for years to come.

It can't have been easy dealing with a boisterous, self-opinionated group of six but you succeeded magnificently and we all felt our own particular interests had been included. Your itinerary was ideal as was your selection of restaurants and the food we ate was second to none.

Geoff has asked me to particularly thank you for your generosity over his surprise birthday present which he's retaining for a special occasion. We will of course be recommending to all our friends and acquaintances that a visit to St. Petersburg will be a disappointment if they are foolish enough not to engage you as their guide.

Best regards,
Geoff and Liz Mason

Name: Jay and Maureen Copan
From: USA, D.C., Washington
E-mail: JCopan@aga.org

Hi Tatiana.

Maureen and I just wanted to express our sincere thanks to you for the wonderful four days we recently had in St. Petersburg. From the moment you met us at the airport, until the time you took us to the train station, we had an amazing experience - all because of you and your beautiful city.

From the beginnings of St. Petersburg at the Peter and Paul Fortress to the Hermitage, and to the museums reflecting life after the Revolution, and during Soviet days, you taught us, and showed us so much Russian history, we will always be grateful.

Your tours were excellent; the restaurant choices always the best - especially the one near Catherine's Palace! Your assistance on securing ballet tickets, train tickets and the like was invaluable. Your knowledge of St. Petersburg, and, for that matter, all Russian history, was outstanding.

We loved St. Petersburg, and look forward to coming back to visit. We have already recommended you to many of our friends. In our opinion, having you show us your St. Petersburg was the best decision we could have made. Thanks to you, we believe that the world is a much smaller place.

Name: Walvoords family
From: USA, Texas, Dallas
E-mail: JEWalvoord@aol.com

Dear Tatiana,

Thank you, thank you, thank you! What a special blessing to meet you and to have you as our personal guide in St. Petersburg! My great expectations from my dealings with you on the web were certainly true. We are grateful for the great tours, the good restaurants, and the safe lodging that you prepared for us. We had an informative and stress free time (except for the traffic, ha). Our family also has a greater insight and appreciation for the Russian people and culture and also what life is like now as compared to Soviet times.

Thank you again for everything.

Your friends,
Nan, John, Shaun and Jeanan

Name: Richard Henderson
From: United Kingdom
E-mail: rhbr27360@blueyonder.co.uk

Dear Tatiana,

We arrived back in UK safe and sound.

We had a delightful time in St. Petersburg and would like to thank you for your help which did much to make the holiday a success. We were most impressed by your professionalism. If you need a reference for any of your potential clients you may give them my e-mail address.

Best wishes and good luck in your business.

Richard

Name: Rebecca Bouveng
From: United Kingdom, Durham
E-mail: rebecca.bouveng@durham.ac.uk

Last summer I was desperate to find a private teacher of Russian - instead of spending whole year in Russia, as I should have in my 3rd year of University, I had had a baby, and in the end I had only 8 weeks in Russia to learn what other students learn in a year. Tatiana really helped me make the most of those eight weeks - not only did she prove an excellent and devoted private teacher in Russian, but she also helped us find inexpensive accommodation, helped us find our way around the city and took great care of us far above what can be expected by any private guide. In those eight weeks Tatiana, being flexible yet very disciplining, taught me enough Russian grammar and conversational skills to get a First Class degree in Russian at University of Durham, UK. I am grateful to God for leading me to Tatiana and I warmly recommend her as your personal guide, teacher in Russian and helping hand in any matter.

Name: Francisco Eduardo Lopes Elias Garcia
From: Portugal, Lisboa
E-mail: fgarcia@netc.pt

Dear Tatiana,

I would like to thank you for your excellent personalized service. I felt myself happy and comfortable during my stay in St. Petersburg. I would certainly book again over your agency. I recommend it to everyone.

Francisco

Name: Antonietta De Lucia & Filippo Vinciguerra
From: Italy, Rome
E-mail: ant_delucia_@hotmail.com

Dear Tatiana, We still remember with our heart full of joy the holiday spent in St. Petersburg and now, that we are deciding where to go for our next summer holiday, we are thinking about you and Sergei and we are sure that we cannot find a better place to stay if we compare it to St. Petersburg. It is not just for the city, which is really fantastic, above our imagination, but it is for the magical atmosphere we lived in, your kindness and expertise. Filippo remained really amazed as you answered to all his thousands questions about Russia and Russian history. We still keep in touch with Rafael and Rebecca, kindly introduced by you. And how can we forget about the delicious dinners at your home? The paella cooked by Rafael and you will remain, duly video recorded, in the history of our life. I'm sorry that I did not write earlier. Many many thanks for the hospitality that you showed us and please feel free to give me as a recommendation should you need an extra one. I will gladly and highly recommend you. Best wishes, Antonietta and Filippo

Carissima Tatiana Ci ricordiamo ancora, con il cuore pieno di gioia, la vacanza trascorsa a S. Pietroburgo. Specialmente adesso, mese in cui stiamo per decidere dove andremo la prossima estate, gia sappiamo che non c'e alcun luogo dove possiamo incontrare un'altra Tatiana, che ci rende la vacanza semplice ricca di cose da fare e da vedere e divertente. Non e solo la citta di S. Pietroburgo, che e veramente fantastica ad averci affascinato, ma anche la disponibilita della sua gente ed in particolare la gentilezza Tua e di Sergei. Ci siamo sentiti a casa nostra, siete stati affettuosi e calorosi e soprattutto Tu sei stata paziente e hai risposto alle migliaia di domande che Filippo ti ha chiesto riguardo alla Russia e alla sua storia. Da te abbiamo conosciuto Rafael y Rebecca, persone simpatiche con le quali siamo ancora in contatto. Come potremmo mai dimenticare le cene che tu e Rafael ci avete preparato? La paella rimarra nella storia... Grazie di cuore dell'ospitalita sei stata eccezionale! Se qualcuno volesse usufruire dei tuoi servigi (soprattutto se italiano) ma non si fida, e penso che sia normale non conoscendoti, puoi dare tranquillamente il nostro indirizzo e-mail o il nostro telefono. Sappiamo di certo che da te o con te si trovera non bene ma benissimo!!! Un abbraccio e a rivederci presto Antonietta e Filippo

Name: Selena Snow
From: USA, New York
E-mail: PinkSelena@aol.com

My husband and I visited St. Petersburg for my birthday on April 11, 2004. Having only 4 days to see this amazing city, we were so thankful for Tatiana! We were not able to secure a full program with her on such short notice, but she spent much of her time giving us thorough information on the city and major sights to see. We stayed in a very nice apartment that Tatiana secured for us, and I remember watching snow fall out the huge windows at breakfast time. We walked much of the city, and even hailed a few taxies. All the information Tatiana supplied us with was accurate, and she made us feel welcome to call her at any time with questions. She supplied us with timely transportation from the train we arrived on (which was hours ahead of our anticipated time), and to the airport upon departure. We will always have wonderful memories of our short stay in St. Petersburg, and when we return will surely call Tatiana!

Name: Lisa Downes
From: Australia, Brisbane
E-mail: PR007@bigpond.com

Dear Tatiana,

Thank you for making my recent visit to St. Petersburg a fantastic experience that I will remember throughout my lifetime. The homestay, business meetings and guided tour you provided were exceptional.

My homestay with you and Sergy was of exceptional quality. I enjoyed the comfort and privacy of my own bedroom and sitting room, while at the same time, participating in regular, daily life. I particularly enjoyed sharing many conversations around the kitchen table. This was such a unique way to gain an insight into the real culture of Russians living in St. Petersburg - lifestyle, politics, the arts, employment, history, business, the economy and even a little about shopping.

The business meetings you arranged for me were very informative and rewarding. I learnt a great deal about my area of business and how it operates in Russia. I also made valuable contacts with influential people, which I have continued to foster and which will be of benefit for potential return trips to Russia.

The guided tour you arranged during my visit was fantastic. In the time I had available, I saw the sights I had particular interest in plus many treasures I had not considered. Your ability to recognize and adapt the tour program to my interests meant I was continually fascinated by the places we visited. Your seemingly vast knowledge of St. Petersburg and Russia, both past and present, also meant that my many questions were answered with such detail to satisfy my curiosity.

Tatiana, visiting St. Petersburg was the highlight of my four-country trip. It is the destination I speak most passionately about and recommend to colleagues and friends. I will certainly engage your services on my return trip to St. Petersburg and recommend you to anyone considering visiting your city.

Lisa Downes

Name: Audrey Matson
From: USA, Colorado, Denver
E-mail: audreymatson@att.net

...Of course, everyone here at work is very interested in my trip to St. Petersburg and I've enjoyed telling my colleagues all of the "Tatiana stories". You really made my vacation one that I will never forget. I always enjoy my vacations but this trip was truly unforgettable. I just read through some of the testimonials on your web site and I was not surprised to see that others before us have also enjoyed visiting St. Petersburg with you. You are a very special person!

Name: William J. White
From: USA, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
E-mail: k3klk@juno.com

If you are looking to travel independently in St. Petersburg, my wife and I would highly recommend Tatiana. She is an experienced, wonderful guide. She speaks and writes in English.

We contacted her on the recommendation of a person who wrote of her experiences with Tatiana in International Travel News. We received prompt replies whenever we e-mailed her.

Last fall, Tatiana met us at the dock as we finished our Viking river cruise from Moscow to St. Petersburg. I believe we employed her for five days of touring. Some days we talked; others we traveled by a car rented by her. Tatiana took us to little restaurants for coffee breaks, lunches and made suggestions for dinner at places where the locals ate. We had great food all the way and at low prices.

When I was chilly one day, Tatiana drove us to her apartment where she picked up a sweater for me and a light coat for my wife. We even got into the Treasure Room of the Hermitage which required standing in a long line first thing in the morning. Tatiana had phoned somebody and arranged to get our tickets.

I should also mention that the Viking river cruise was first class. Enjoy!

Name: Eeva-Maria Muurman
From: Finland, Helsinki
E-mail: em.salko@pp.inet.fi

I made a trip to St. Petersburg last summer. I come from Finland and I have a lot of experience of travelling, even working abroad. I always look for the budget accommodations on my trip, so I started to look for cheap hotels in St. Petersburg - just to find out that there were practically none in the city - and youth hostels - to find out that they were already full booked. I wandered through the internet, though, and came across the possibility of bed and breakfast. And even being a little afraid of what might be ahead, since the only contact was through the internet and e-mail, it proved to be the perfect choice for a lone traveller like me.

Before the trip I was a bit prejudiced against our dear neighbours like most Finns are when talking about Russians, but I was curious enough to go - and found the most friendly people, Tatiana and her husband Sergei, waiting for me at my destination. I got a bunch of good advice about how to get around and where to go. And even much more, I could stay my nights at the home of real friends, and by talking with them I learnt a lot that a normal tourist could not see or hear about life in Russia.

I didn't succeed to be so efficient in visiting the tourist attractions as Tatiana suggested, but probably I did what I did more in depth and saw such things on my way, which were not mentioned in any tourist guide, but probably made the deepest impression in me - like churches having been used in other purposes during the Soviet reign, but now being restored back in their original use. And, since I didn't succeed to see everything yet, that will guarantee that I will go to visit St. Petersburg again!

Name: Gerry McInally
From: Scotland, Edinburgh
E-mail: Gerry.McInally@scottish.parliament.uk

Our trip to St. Petersburg was a magical experience, aided significantly by Tatiana's kindness and expertise on what we would like to get from our visit. She spent the first couple of days with us, which ensured that the rest of our trip was filled with the delights of this great city.

Gerry and Jane

Name: Meryl Kahn
From: USA
E-mail: merylkahn@pobox.com

Dear Tatiana,

I am so glad that we found you before our trip to St. Petersburg. Having you meet us at the airport and answer our questions on the way to the hotel certainly made our trip easier. The overview that you were able to give at the end of our was wonderful. The guidebooks and museums can't answer everything.

Jonathan is studying Russian so that we can return with a better understanding of the language and culture. We will be certain to contact you before we do. We will want you knowledge of the city and its history to augment our experience.

Thank you.

Meryl Kahn

Name: Anne Thomas
From: United Kingdom, Bath
E-mail: annepan13@hotmail.com

Dear Tatiana,

To be honest I've been meaning to write to you ever since we left Saint Petersburg to thank you for all your help and I'm sorry that I did not write earlier. We had a great time in Petersburg and the flat was very convenient and met all expectations - it was as we had imagined it from the Internet pictures and the location near Anichkov bridge was perfect. Your help was very much appreciated - everything went smoothly by Internet before our arrival and then it was very nice that you picked us up at the airport and took us straight to the flat. During our stay we were very glad that we could rely on you or the landlady if there were any difficulties. Lastly, we were happy that you helped us on our way to the airport on the last day - we got to the airport in good time and got back safely.

Overall we were very satisfied and remember our holidays with pleasure, not least because of our living arrangements.

Many thanks again for your help.

Vsego khoroshego,
Anne, Sarah and Bianca

Name: Richard Quinn
From: Australia, Brisbane
E-mail: rfquinn@usa.net

I visited St. Petersburg from Australia for a few days in November 2002 and engaged Tatiana as my capable guide for 3 of those days. She is an intelligent, enthusiastic and very professional young lady who is most knowledgeable about all the monuments and icons that make St. Petersburg and the entire region such a unique and rewarding place to visit. St. Petersburg is, quite literally, a living museum, with the most amazing architectural, historical and cultural landscapes and experiences that have somehow survived a century of seiges, wars and dictators. I can happily recommend Tatiana as your guide to provide an introduction to this side of St. Petersburg. The depradations that St. Petersburg has suffered over the last century or so have made the people, understandably, hard and stoic but it has also made them very accomodating especially to foreigners. I experienced little acts of kindness constantly during my stay even with the language barrier. On that score Tatiana used her local knowledge and language abilities to assist me. When I had neglected to get the requisite stamp in my passport before my departure she came around, took me to the right place (which I would never have found on my own), ensured everything was fixed up and then refused any payment for her efforts. My visit was too short and the weather was not so kind so I am keen to visit again, perhaps during the summer, to enable me to investigate more of what St. Petersburg has to offer. As an aside, I can confidently say that the food in St. Petersburg is fantastic. My thanks to Tatiana for introducing me to a couple of very nice establishments that she likes to frequent. There were none of the heavy slavic dishes I was expecting only tasty food with a hint of french provincial.

Name: Shawn Fletcher
From: USA, Los Angeles
E-mail: fletcher@gene.com

I very much enjoyed my stay in your beautiful city of St. Petersburg. In fact I can't stop thinking about all that I saw. Many thanks for the hospitality that you showed us and the professional manner in which you provided your services.

Thanks again for a great time in SPb.

Name: Claire Guilbault
From: USA
E-mail: claire@gate.net

Dear Tatiana

Well, I guess it is about time for me to send you a message of gratitude for everything you have done for Susan and I while in St. Petersburg. We most certainly were very happy with your services and kindness and thanks for looking after us and specially the hotel Neva. What would we of done without you. You certainly know how to handle any problems, no matter what they are. I agree you are "a fearless leader".

Feel free to give me as a recommendation should you need an extra one. I will gladly and highly recommend you.

With all my thanks and best wishes,
Claire Guilbault

Name: Ken Taft
From: USA, Colorado, Denver
E-mail: rockenwood@msn.com

I traveled to Russia in June 2002 visiting St. Petersburg and Moscow. I arrived by bus from Tallinn and Tatiana was at the station to meet me. Over the next couple of weeks, I was treated to overwhelming hospitality and friendship. I was repeatedly amazed at the amount of knowledge she possessed regarding St. Petersburg and its history. While most tour guides seem to be mundane in their storytelling of notable sights, Tatiana was endlessly amusing, charming, and clever. At her home I was treated to delicious cooking and prompt attention to my needs. The accommodations were very comfortable and I felt a part of the family. With Tatiana to help I never had any trouble buying tickets, getting directions, or navigating the subway system. She always seemed to be one step ahead of me knowing exactly what I was going to need or where I should go next. Because of her many connections, I was fortunate to be treated to a boat ride on the Neva river on an old yacht, during the bridge raisings of "The White Nights" festival in June. I planned to stay five days in Moscow. She predicted I would want to return to St. Petersburg early, and of course she was correct. On the fourth day I anxiously returned to St. Petersburg to once again be with my new friends. I highly recommend anyone planning to visit St. Petersburg to have Tatiana as your guide and host, and you may leave as I did with a new life long friend.

Name: Daniel Morton
From: France, Paris
E-mail: dmorton@bryangarnier.fr

Both my girlfriend, a friend of mine and myself went to St. Petersburg for several nights during the white nights. I can't really recall how I came across Tatiana since I had sent out lots of emails to a diverse set of websites. For the 3 months prior to our trip Tatiana was very helpful in assisting us in securing visas, a non trivial task. She also proposed several itineraries for us. Her regular correspondence, good english, and encyclopedic knowledge of St. Petersburg convinced me that she would be reliable and enjoyable. I called one of her former tourists who was in Norway or Finland and she provided an excellent review. My girlfriend and I have traveled a fair bit to some several dozen countries and never used a guide but we were strongly recommended by other experienced travellers that for Russia (as with Japan) a guide is most useful. Tatiana was true to her word and our impressions. She was very knowledgeable about Russia and its history as well as discussing current social issues. She has strong opinions which we appreciated because we are not there to be placated but get a real feel for the local situation. While we were concerned during our trip whether or not a guide spends all day with you, it wasn't really a problem. Tatiana had a lot of energy and was flexible. I really recommend the hot baths if you are not too squeamish.

Please feel free to contact myself or one of my travel companions if you are considering Tatiana as your tour guide.