This month's newsletter delves deeply into the rich history of Russia. Anastasia has provided information about Russia's most successful Tsarina, Catherine the Great. Few people in the West can imagine how high the stakes were for this German Princess who set out to capture the throne of one of the largest and most powerful nations in the world. She succeeded using her beauty, political instincts, and sheer audacity.

Perhaps more telling of her abilities was the fact that she not only succeeded in ascending the throne but proved to one of the most shrewd and successful of all Russian leaders.

She stamped her personality on all aspects of Russian life and her influence on the capital of St. Petersburg rivals that of Peter the Great, himself.

Many Americans are becoming aware of the tremendous sacrifices of the Russian people during World War II but are not as clear as to events that led to the beginning of WWII or as the Russians call it the Great Patriotic War.

I hope that you will enjoy this newsletter as much as previous ones.

I have been up to a grand round of speaking engagements to various civic organizations around the states of Georgia and South Carolina. We have focused on Rotary and Kiwanis Clubs and have a great deal of optimism that our efforts will lead to a most successful year of tours in 2006.

I again urge everyone to make every effort to get your trip reservations in as early as possible in order not to be left out when our trips depart next year for beautiful and exciting Russia.

Sincerely,
Michael E. Donnelly, Ph.D. President