Anna went to work contacting host families that were interested in this program. There seemed to be a lot of enthusiasm for this type of program from both visitors and Saint Petersburg residents alike. As an American, I have sympathetic to the fears and uncertainty that I hear from people who never been to Russia in the post Soviet times. I never hear those fears expressed by visitors after their return. We have included my observations as a tourist myself in the design of the program, as to what issues are of concern to American tourist, their questions and what special services they might need.
Most people choose to visit Russia by cruise or by group tour.
It is unfortunate that these visitors do not get to meet the culture the way it is loved by the independent traveler or local citizen. Staying in Western style hotels, being shuttled around from photo opportunity to photo opportunity in 80 seat air conditioned buses denies the visitor the chance to feel the city and the culture. Staying in apartments or living with host families is the way Russians travel and after renting apartments I can agree, because they are more convenient, less expensive, larger, more private and very safe. We wanted our guests to experience Russia and Saint Petersburg much more fully than any rushed organized tour could ever offer. With some guidance from us and the host families our guests will have a view of the culture that otherwise was only available to Russian speakers traveling independently.