April 12, 2004
Dear Olesya,
I would like to thank you for making my stay in Moscow so memorable!
I would like to share my story so that others know about the wonderful service
that you provide there:
I began to correspond with Olesya through Uncle Pasha. My husband
stumbled across Uncle Pasha's website in preparation for our trip to Moscow.
Prior to my departure, Olesya rearranged her schedule to accommodate my very
short five-day trip to Moscow. We spent three fabulous days all day touring the
city and surrounds. I was immediately impressed with her ability to speak and
understand English; with her historical knowledge as we toured various sights;
and with her ease at navigating what could have been a difficult system for me
as I do not speak Russian. Riding the metro, obtaining tickets, or reading a
menu was no problem with Olesya's assistance. I was able to accomplish so much
in such a short period of time at her very reasonable hourly rate. Her friendly
and easygoing personality and flexibility with plans which always seem to change
was also much appreciated.
I voraciously read travel books and internet websites to develop two
lists prior to my trip to Russia: Sights that I must see and sights that I would
like to see if time permits. I was pleasantly surprised that both of these lists
were accomplished in my three days with Olesya! We toured the Kremlin, the
Armory, Red Square, St. Basil's Cathedral and many other cathedrals inside and
out. We enjoyed the ballet at the Bolshoy, toured the Tretyakov Gallery, the
All-Russian Exhibition Center (VDNKh), and were even able to take a train trip
outside of Moscow to Sergiev Posad! Olesya gave me the space and time to enjoy
all of the sights at my own leisure yet seemed to be just close enough whenever
needed.
Olesya also helped with miscellaneous projects along the way:
Selecting gifts for my family that were outside of the normal "tourist traps"
and setting up a cellular telephone necessary for my husband to conduct business
while in Moscow.
She even quickly responded when I had already left the country and
once again asked for her assistance to help with a purchase. I e-mailed her that
I had unsuccessfully attempted to make a purchase with my credit card on the
morning of my departure. I left for the airport after numerous failed attempts
with various cards (later determined due to security measures). Within days of
my e-mail, she made the purchase and even e-mailed me pictures to ensure it was
the correct item!
I would highly recommend Olesya to those interested in a more
personal tour guide to make their trip to Russia as special as mine!
Hope to see you in Moscow again real soon,
Kimberly Parrotte
Frederick, MD
USA
KJParrotte [at] aol [dot] com