ST PETERSBURG

[grognard]

I just returned from a "recon trip" to St Petersburg last month.

I would like to give a very good recommendation to Nina Rusinova and Phil D'Amore at www.flowersbynina.com.

Phil was very helpful in providing me with tour services (courtesy of Nina's daughter Ira who is a licensed and more than competent tour guide) and all kinds of relevant insights into St Petersburg and Russian culture in general.

Phil is an American living in Russia for the past five years.  The trip was definately worthwhile in terms of getting to know the lay of the land in preparation for a planned return and longer stay in Spring, 2007.

[corp]

Yeah, I have only heard good things about Phil.
 I think he used to or does have, a guitar as an avatar?
Maybe when I get to St. Pet if nothing else, we can kick some songs around.

[Phil dAmore]

Yep, that was me, used to have a guitar as the avatar.  Bring your axe and lets jam!  My solo act in the metro isn't exactly wowing the passerby!

Phil

[2tallbill]

I think Phils a good guy as well. I had lunch with him and enjoyed his humor and stories. I didn't get to meet Nina who is rumored to be his much better half however. Maybe next time.

If your going to be in St Pete I would recommend looking him up.

Bill

[corp]

Yep, that was me, used to have a guitar as the avatar.  Bring your axe and lets jam!  My solo act in the metro isn't exactly wowing the passerby!

Phil

Speaking of jammin in the metro....
 Some of these guys have it down to a science with their sound system
running off car batteries.
When I use to do it, it was all acoustic and if the wind was blowing (like at the beach) your voice wears out twice as fast.
------

When I travel I usually go pretty light, so it might be possible to check a guitar case.
I could probably even pack some stuff in there if I needed to.

[Rvrwind]

Phil & Nina are the best. Been friends with my wife & I since my first trip to Russia,  couldn't ask for better folks to hang with. Phil & I have kicked back at our favorite club in SPB a few times, LOL. He'll regale you with tales of our daring do & how I managed to get arrested after only 6 hours in SPB!!! Gotta be a record!!!
There buisness & ours work hand in hand & we visit each other whenever we can.
Anybody going to SPB that doesn't meet them is missing a great opportnity.