The National Centre RUSSIA in faces: Stefania Romanova
Stefania
Romanova introduces visitors of the National Centre RUSSIA to the natural
riches and economic achievements of our country in four languages. An accredited
guide-interpreter and tour guide of the National Centre RUSSIA, she was born
and raised in the very heart of Siberia, in the city of Novosibirsk. Stefania
has been living in Moscow for 20 years. She conducts her tours in Russian,
English, French, and Spanish.
"My
journey in this field began more than 10 years ago. At first, I was a volunteer
guide for foreigners. After some time, I was invited to work as a transfer
assistant, and later at a travel agency. That’s how I gradually transitioned
into tourism and became a professional guide-interpreter. I joined the National
Centre RUSSIA after the International RUSSIA EXPO at VDNH, where I conducted
tours for honorary and distinguished guests," shares Stefania Romanova.
The
opportunity to visit all eight federal districts of the country in just one day
as part of the large-scale exposition "Journey Across Russia" is
truly unique, the tour guide believes.
"After
the RUSSIA EXPO, I personally traveled to Kaliningrad, Vladivostok, and the
Caucasus. Now, I can share my excitement and pass this enthusiasm on to our
exhibition visitors. So to speak, I can tell them everything from personal
experience. Many guests are still amazed by how diverse our country is — in
terms of industry, culture, and tourism. In short, we have it all. You can
vacation here not only in summer but also in winter," Stefania emphasizes.
Unique
industrial and scientific enterprises of Russia remain largely unknown to many,
the guide explains.
"Did
you know about the continued construction of the Baikal-Amur Mainline? About
the 'Akademgorodok 2.0' project, or the observatory located at the bottom of
Lake Baikal? No? And what about our modern unmanned technology used in
agriculture and the mining industry to protect people's health? Come visit us —
we talk about all of this too," invites Stefania Romanova.
Cultural
diversity is also an essential part of the tours, highlighting the traditions
of various peoples living in Russia. Among the many places Stefania has
visited, Vladivostok holds a special place with its unique atmosphere and
history. This trip became the most memorable for the guide-interpreter.
"I had
wanted to visit this city for a long time, but there was never enough time —
after all, Vladivostok is not exactly nearby. After spending eight months at
the International RUSSIA EXPO at VDNH talking about the Russky Bridge, the
Tokarevsky Lighthouse, and the Far Eastern leopard, I wanted to see it all in
person. I also couldn't miss the marker of the last kilometer of the Trans-Siberian
Railway — the longest railway in the world. And, of course, I visited Russky
Island," says Stefania Romanova.
Today, all
visitors to the "Journey Across Russia" exposition can experience the
Far East with its natural landscapes and economic potential. The district is
featured in the first section of the exposition. Visitors are welcomed by a Far
Eastern leopard, two prayer wheels (khurde), the volcanoes and geysers of
Kamchatka, an installation of the Vostochny Cosmodrome, and much more.
Admission
to the "Journey Across Russia" exposition is free as part of guided
tour groups, which are formed through prior registration on the website
russia.ru.
