About Marina Wilson
I am, Marina Wilson, a native of what is recognized as one of the most unique cities of the world –ST-Petersburg.
I was born in a small town about 60 kilometers from ST-Petersburg (Leningrad at that time). Since my childhood, my parents kept me involved into cultural life of the second Russian capital. The visits to the museums and Palaces, concerts and theatres compensated for the lack of McDonalds and game zones during the Soviet era.
The start of perestroika coincided with my University years. As a 4th year student of the Russian State Pedagogical University, I made my first overseas trip to UK where I studied in the South Devon College of Arts and Technology. What a difference to my children who are world travelers!
Having graduated from the University qualified as a teacher of English and French, I very soon chose to continue my studies in the Russian ST-Petersburg State University with the major in the International Economics Relations. Meanwhile, I started my professional career with Cadbury-Schweppes, and then continued with the Coca-Cola Company as HR Manager.
My marriage brought subsequent relocation to Kiev, Ukraine where I continued working as a management consultant and HR Director.
We moved back to Russia just a few weeks before our second child, Maxim, was born. I was excited to take time out and spend time with my kids. But then I felt like doing something completely different and after some consideration I decided not to go back to the adrenaline of the big business. I went to study again. Russian history and art, what used to be just a life-long hobby turns to be a new professional path. I graduated from the extensive course as a licensed guide for the most demanding museums of ST-Petersburg.
Since that time I have been working as a free-lance guide both for groups and individual foreign visitors of ST-Petersburg.
Our family, my husband Garry who is originally from Sydney, Australia and our children, Anastasia and Maxim, now refer to two places on earth as homes, Sydney and ST-Petersburg. Having traveled a lot both on business and leisure, our routes cover most of Europe, Russia, Australia, visits to Asia and US.
Most of my customers came from Australia and New Zealand, I spend up to 6 months a year in Sydney where my family is currently based and happy to meet with you to discuss the details of your future journey. But with development of communication technologies nowadays, I am happy and honored to chat with people from US, Canada, India, South Africa, Britain almost every day. Please do not hesitate to drop me a message to agree on a time of a call, if you feel unsure, have doubts or fears or need an advice re your Russian trip.
I am also happy to provide you with references of our past customers from your part of the world to get their impressions and advice.
Being a passionate lover of my city and Russian history, I do my best to offer informative and interesting tours.
Being a traveler yourself is the only way to understand your customer aspirations, fears and frustrations. I am a long-term business traveler, holiday-maker and a traveler with kids. I can step into your shoes whether you are coming to my country on business, longing for a romantic weekend or have a family holiday. I am not just selling sight-seeing tours but create memories.
