My name is Masha (Maria) Vankova. I live in St. Petersburg and I was born in this city, but at that time it was named Leningrad. I graduated from St. Petersburg State University in 1989. It was biological department and my specialization was extremely interesting gene engineering. But I worked as a biologist only about two months and after it I had to give up that profession as a result of "perestroika" (economic changes in our country).
I always loved art and history so when it was necessary to change a profession I decided to become a guide to tell tourists about our city and beautiful pieces of art in the museums. I leaned English (self-taught first, then special courses, than private lessons with native English teacher) and joined a guide school, which I finished in 1995 and since that time I work as a guide.