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. 

Photo: Press Office of the National Centre RUSSIA

"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. 

Photo: Press Office of the National Centre RUSSIA

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.