• Valisyevsky Island, right across the LenExpo grounds, overlooking the Bay of Finland

• 15 min. by bus to the Palace Square, The Hermitage, the beginning of Nevsky

• Central yet quiet, fresh breeze in the summer, not through traffic

• Two rooms, up to 5 persons

• Art design apartment. To some the environment where every object is a statement can be psychologically uncomfortable. Very few things are just things.

• Russian cooking on request, done by Tamara, who is able to look after vegetarian guests as long as these don't insist on ritual purity.

[More stuff for vegetarians travelling to St. Petersburg]
[More stuff for vegetarian travellers to Moscow]
[The menu at Uncle Pasha's Dacha, a vegetarian oasis between Moscow & St. Petersburg]

Guest feedback

Telephone: +7-921-953-6369

E-mail: maraia@mail.ru. Masha responds fast, usually within hours. Write in English or French. Or Russian of course.

The building is right by the Bay of Finland.

Looking onto the Bay of Finland from one of the rooms. At the moment the sea is frozen and merges with sky but normally you can see water and even hear ships blowing.

I've taken a couple of rides with Masha and am pleased to reassure you that she drives in a conservative style. Masha will assist you with your transportation needs in exchange for a suitable contribution to her car upkeep fund.

Other similar options available from Masha's friends. In 80% of cases you can count on being accommodated for around $30/person or $40/couple, even during the tourist season.

Masha and Tamara are thinking of offering something absolutely basic for around $10/night!!! Check back once in a while. Express your interest in this sort of accommodation to prompt them into action!! There needs to be a constant flow of guests to make a $10/night project work. The more you ask about it the more it is likely to happen.

Suzzy is likely to be the first to greet you when you arrive. Do not pet her - she may bite!

Masha will promptly answer your enquiries, meet you at the airport or train station if required, help you find things around town. Graduated from the University of Culture and Art in St. Petersburg, worked as a guide for three years, presently employed as a manager in a tour company. Speaks English & French. Interests include paintings and architecture.

Mrs. Vasilyeva (or Tamara Petrovna if you prefer to address her with patronymic, Russian style - which she detests, along with wearing babushka-style scafts ) with two of her guests. Tamara will be looking after your household needs. An artist by education and calling, a home decorator by profession before her retirement. Overcomes the language barrier by facial impressions, hand gestures, and decibels.

Civilized space starts before their apartment door. Both Masha and Tamara are artists with a fixation on improving and beautifying space around them.

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Being an artist, Tamara is especially positive towards gays. [Here is a list of GAY clubs], some of which are not far from here. Masha is a connoisseur of [night clubs] and will be happy to direct you to this sort of entertainment. Children are welcome. Pets are fine subject to Suzzy's approval. No curfew as long as you are quiet and come home sober enough not to fall over things. This a open and tolerant modern household in most ways. EVEN SMOKING IS PERMITTED **IN MODERATION**. There is an exception which I will share with you at the risk of bringing Tamara's wrath upon myself. This exception is that Tamara Petrovna has her opinion on every subject in life and beyond, and will express it in the most definitive terms. You must nod in agreement or be subjected to a moral equivalent to GULAG.

Dec. 22. 2007 
I'm getting very different stories about Masha & Tamara. Please check the
WHAT HER GUESTS ARE SAYING
before committing yourself to staying with Masha & Tamara. 
- Pasha