Questions About Moscow and St. Petersburg

[Judy_in_Miami]

Hello,

I am planning to travel to Moscow and St. Petersburg in mid-July. I would like to see both cities with a resident, rather than an *official tour guide*. Ideally, I'll be able to blend in with the locals as I taste their foods, drink their drinks, shop their stores, etc. I plan to spend 3-4 days in Moscow, where my main interests are mostly located in Red Square. I'll spend 7 days in St. Petersburg ... The Hermitage is my #1 destination in that city.

Unfortunately, I do not speak the language. Is there anyone reading this who would be available to earn money acting as a *personal* tour guide?

I'm currently in the process of arranging for a homestay which, as I understand it, is living with a Russian family, rather than staying in an impersonal hotel; however, I'm still open to suggestions.

Are there any Russians reading this who would like to visit Miami, Florida USA? <grin>

Spasibo, Judy~

------------------

[Dr_Woland]

Hi Judy

If you don't find any takers here on the board, our company has been providing exactly this kind of "rent-a-friend" service for nearly 8 years now :-) We also do family stays. We're a fully registered travel company with all the licences and stuff :-)

I hope you won't be offended that I mentioned this, and if you find a board member who can help you, I'd be delighted to see you organise things with them too :-)

Dr W.

[Judy_in_Miami]

Thanks Dr. W for your offer of assistance. It is beginning to seem as though I would need exactly the type of service your company provides.

If you think it better, or more appropriate to this website, please send me a note via e-mail and we can, hopefully, work out something for both your company and me, the hopeless tourist.

Thanks again, Judy~ gopanth@mindspring.com

------------------

[Dr_Woland]

You're welcome Judy! You don't sound exactly "hopeless", though - sounds like you've done quite a bit of homework on this already!

Check your in-box, "you've got mail", as they say :-)

Dr W.

[Judy_in_Miami]

Hello to all again,

I've read where it would be considered appropriate to bring a gift to my host/hostess when I visit Moscow & St. Petersburg. That's a custom that is also practiced in my country but I'd appreciate the advice of those in Russia, or those who have visited Russia, about what might be considered an appropriate gift.

Thanks to all,

Judy~