Russian-speaking guide in Milan: a guide review by BlogoItaliano

The guide search history in Milan has its own preamble. I used to be in the city, but the first impression of it was ambiguous. Perhaps because I ended up in Milan myself, in late autumn, I also plunged into history there. Plus, then I was a student, and my budget did not allow me to appreciate all the delights of local shopping. Later, while in Italy, I tried to go around the city, giving preference to Rome. But this time everything turned out spontaneously ...

The plane flew home from Milan in the evening, and therefore I had the opportunity to spend the whole day in the city. Even the day before, while being in Venice, I phoned Italian acquaintances asking them to recommend a local Russian speaking guide in Milanthat could brighten up the trip. So soon I had 2 phone numbers, one of which answered. So we met with Oksana ...

The content of the article
1. Guide in Milan Oksana
2. Russian guide in Milan: How to contact Oksana
3. Mail for Oksana
4. Oksana reviews for other travelers

Guide in Milan Oksana

It’s impossible to get used to the building of Milan Central Station - it is impressive every time you see it. Not by beauty, but by some elaborate pomp, which doesn’t fit in with the ideas about the Italian capital of style, fashion and laconicism.

Milan Central Station

Having fallen out of the morning Venice train, and still not really recovering from an early climb and trip, I began to look around, trying to find Oksana among those who met. We agreed to meet right here, near the train, and begin the tour immediately upon arrival.

Feeling with my eyes every millimeter of the apron, I still manage to somehow miss it:

- Alex?

My guide in Milan It looks exactly as it described itself the day before. Tall, with calm, friendly eyes and blond hair - Oksana is at her disposal instantly.

A short exchange of courtesies, handing things over to the locker room, and we are already going to the Duomo, from where the official tour of Milan will begin today. Unofficially, it began immediately upon arrival, from the first minutes of acquaintance plunging into the history and culture of Lombardy.

It is felt that in the city of Oksana like a fish in water. The story of her life seemed to lead to the fact that sooner or later she would be in Milan. Born in Kazan, she graduated from music school, attended many circles. Then he studied at a Russian university for a designer and fashion designer, the crisis of the 98th year and the decision to continue his studies in Italy. Oksana independently entered the prestigious Brera Academy of Arts in Milan. It was there, in the midst of the atmosphere of history, culture, painting and architecture, that she came to understand what she really wants to do.

“When I was studying in Brera, I realized that my calling in life is to be a guide,” says Oksana. “I like to tell interesting facts and events, meet and meet new interesting people, because the tourists I meet are usually always very educated and curious travelers. "

Duomo - the main attraction and visiting card of Milan

All this I will learn later, when, after 2 hours, we Oksana sit down to drink coffee and have a snack before the second part of the tour. Once again I catch myself thinking how much you are missing out on a walk around the city myself, and that a good guide makes you take a fresh look even at seemingly familiar places.

Take the same Duomo: until relatively recently, I visited it on my own, studied a guidebook, rummaged through a bunch of information, preparing an article on BlogoItaliano, but anyway it turns out differently with a guide. It is as if you are once again finding yourself in a well-known place, discovering more and more details. The feeling of deja vu dulls as soon as Oksana begins her story. Even when you have already seen these places with your own eyes.

In addition to familiar places - the Duomo and the Royal Palace, the Victor Emanuel Gallery and the La Scala Theater - Oksana also surprises me with completely new strokes to the picture of acquaintance with Milan: Mussolini and his connection with the city, Lodovico Sforza, Leonardo da Vinci with his muse Cecilia Gallerani - Remember the "Lady with Ermine"? We are again and again immersed in the difficult history of Milan, from which Oksana, as from an ancient chest, gets all new plots.

La Scala Opera House was opened in Milan on August 3, 1778.

Like other guides, I ask her a question that has already become traditional, how much she herself is interested in walking with tourists along the same routes. But Oksana is not lost: “I really love my work and am an avid traveler myself. Having been in 14 countries, I try to book excursions everywhere to learn more about the country, traditions and culture. Therefore, I myself really like to feel part of someone’s traveling, especially if I see that travelers are happy with the excursion. "

In addition, Oksana conducts excursions not only in Milan, but also throughout the Lombardy region, often travels with travelers to Como, Bergamo, Brescia, and Lake Garda. In her arsenal there are also thematic tours dedicated to Mussolini and Leonardo da Vinci, wine and shopping tours. "There is no uniformity in this work at all," says my Milan guide - After all, every traveler looks at the same things, it would seem, from different angles. And internally, you adapt to what interests the person most. It can be architecture, history, personalities - we can go along one route, but the story will be slightly different each time. "

Sforza Castle - residence of the Dukes of Milan

Finally, Oksana and I planned the Sforza Castle - the former residence of the Dukes of Milan. Suddenly the phone rings and I find out that she, it turns out, is growing up a 12-year-old son. Oksana is a caring, but strict mother, and while she is at work, her son is waiting for her at home.

Once again I get acquainted with the guide, and each time it makes me think about the twists and turns of fate. Born and raised in Russia, so that over the years to become popular a guide in Milan, have a baby in Italy and still maintain an elusive connection with the homeland.

Saying goodbye to Oksana, I feel sincere gratitude that I was lucky to meet her. An interesting guide, a fascinating tour and a nice, bright person. Perhaps now I don’t have to look for reasons to go around the city, because looking at Milan in a new way, I feel that I spent not only a great day, but also acquired a friend who would be nice to meet again for coffee with amazingly delicious Milanese pastries.

Victor Emanuel II Gallery - one of the first passages in Europe

Russian guide in Milan: Contact Oksana

As with other guides, whose company in Italy was not only useful, but also pleasant, I clarified with Oksana whether it is possible to leave her contact on BlogoItaliano for readers who are in search Russian-speaking guide for Milan. Having received a positive response, I fulfill the promise made to her.

You can contact Oksana by writing to email email protected or by sending a message through the feedback form below. She assured that she checks the mail daily, and therefore it will not take long to wait for her answer to the request for the tour.

True, she asked if possible to write in advance. Travelers come to Milan year-round, and the city does not know the high and low seasons. Often, excursions are booked several months in advance, and therefore, by contacting in advance, you can much more easily agree on free dates and possible routes.

I also asked Oksana to send a description of the tours she organizes. As soon as they arrive, I will try to supplement them with the article.

Mail for Oksana:

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