Olga Karapysh, Deputy Director of RBCC

It is a pleasure to start off “A Day with…” blog series with Olga, a fellow London-phile who has kindly provided her inspiring photos of London. I’ve known Olga for a number of years through Russo-British Chamber of Commerce, for whom I did a website a few years ago.

RBCC is a wonderful organisation that brings Russian and British businesses together. The London Office helps British firms to find the right contacts in Russia when planning to do business with Russian companies or opening an office there. And vice versa for Russian firms looking to do business in the UK. The Chamber organises networking events for members but also has specialised events. There are three offices located in London, Moscow and St Petersburg. Olga is the Deputy Director of the Moscow Office, a very enthusiastic and knowledgeable professional, who can help you with any enquiries relating to the Russian market.

As far as travelling to London goes, Olga had a few occasions to visit the capital and fall in love with the city over and over again. She recalls her favourite places and tips with us today.

Olga: "Hello from a person who lives in Moscow but constantly waiting to visit London again! Every time it happens - my eyes are searching for a reason to smile! My name is Olga Karapysh, Deputy Director of Russo-British Chamber of Commerce (RBCC) in Moscow.

We have been supporting business relations between the Great Britain and Russia for almost 100 years (from 1916)! We dearly love and value business activities of all our Members in London, Moscow and St Petersburg. More of the Chamber’s plans here: www.rbcc.com. You are more than welcome to our events, please contact me for details at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

I have a wonderful experience of sailing twice from Karelia, in Russia, to the UK. These trips gave me an opportunity to get to know places such as Portsmouth, Lime Regis, Isle of White, Penzance and Bristol – great places for great boats!

I have been working at the RBCC for almost 12 years and I do visit London for work, and only London! Beauty of this city is endless! Please enjoy and smile with me!":)

Inna: Can you tell us more about your experience aboard of a liner?

Olga: I have sailed to the UK from Russia twice at the end of 20th century! It was not a comfortable liner it was a replica of the 17th century square rigger named St. Nickolai with a crew of 10 people.
I was cooking on the boat, as a duty, but definitely enjoying most of my time.
Dover, Portsmouth, Plymouth, Isle of Wight and Bristol! :)
What wonderful marinas! What wonderful people we met along the south-east coast of England! First experience of hearing real English and asking to repeat BBC English! Fantastic meetings with Ian Gillan (Deep Purple) and John Fowles (The French Lieutenants’ Woman) at Lime Regis.
St Michaels’ Mount Castle in Penzance, when the 4th Lord St Levan (the owner of the Castle) has touched me and said: “Oh, you are the first Russian I see here, you are very welcome to see my house!”
And we have seen the Castle! We were treated like Royal! With a specially baked cake for a Russian crew and coffee from the family silver….
Oh! Best memories! Do sail guys - it is the best way of travelling! :)

Inna: What were experiences of hotels in London? We see that at least when you stayed at Royal Garden Hotel, your view was more than simply spectacular!

Olga: Working at the Russo-British Chamber of Commerce I do come to London now and then. The Bentley Hotel and Royal Garden Hotel were the best with service, food and views!

Inna: Now that you have been to London quite a few times, do you have certain things that you do as soon as you arrive?

Olga: RBCC Office of course! The Swan pub! :)

Inna: Any tips for Russians travelling to London for the first time?

Olga: As a must to visit: the Kensington Palace Museum, The Wallace’s Collection, Fortum & Mason 5 O’Clock Tea and just walk in the parks – you will see lots of interesting!

Inna: What are your plans for your next trip to London? What else would you like to see or do?

Olga: I would like to have 5 O’Clock Tea with the Queen and chat about life and weather… :)

Inna: Dear Olga, Thank you for the fascinating interview and so many spellbinding facts about London. See you in London.