In the hot seat this edition is our Russian Tour Leader Eugenia Beralinova (Jenia to her friends!). Jenia is a St. Pete’s lass through and through, having been born and educated in the fabulous city of St Petersburg. Jenia attended the State SPb University, foreign languages department and started working as a tour guide when she was a second year student. Jenia loves meeting people from all over, telling them about Russia’s past and present, showing that Russia has moved on from it’s turbulent past. She likes travelling herself and understands how important it is to have a good tour leader!

1) Red Square at night – it is breathtaking, especially in the winter although it is absolutely freezing! 2) St Petersburg – anytime, anywhere! I might be biased but St Petersburg really is a beautiful city with lots to see, especially with the Hermitage which houses one of the world’s richest art collections. 3) Skating on a frozen lake or river – it’s great fun, you should try it! 4) Lake Baikal – this is the deepest lake in the world and the scenery is just spectacular. 5) Taking funny pictures on tour! You certainly see a different side to Russia with a few creative snaps thrown in!


Brainwashing a group that it is a good idea to jump into a frozen lake or roll in the snow after a Russian sauna (banya) and watching them doing that. By the way, the Russians really do that. Yes, we do.


I was thrown into the snow after 30 seconds watching the group doing that and laughing. It was great! So none actually. And it’s not just me being polite.


I can’t translate the name of my favourite film in Russian! However, in English my favourite is “Love actually”. I’m just a hopeless romantic!


“Yellow Blue Bus” is “I Love You” in Russian. Yeah, mysterious Russian soul, you know :)))


Having a fab time being a tour leader with my next on the go group.