INSIGHTS INTO INDOCHINA ~ 2019
Ellen with Former Mayor Eric Garcetti
Sasha Paperny, Associate Tour Curator for Quick Culture, brings a unique global perspective to our museum tours and travel adventures. Born in Moscow, Russia, and now an American citizen, she has studied the art collections of the greatest artists in both of the famous, esteemed Russian museums: The State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg and The Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts in Moscow. At both, she researched the artworks of international artists including Russia’s own masters: Andrei Rublev, Wassily Kandinsky, Marc Chagall and many more.
Her passion for art history and interest in varied cultures continued in the USA where she joined the staff at The Getty Center and The Getty Villa. Studying there for over 12 years, The Getty museums gave her insightful and invaluable knowledge of their exceptional world-class collection. When asked which artist is your favorite, Sasha exclaims, “That's like asking someone who is your favorite child!"
Always curious and adventurous, Sasha’s travel experiences range from cultural to extraordinary adventurous ones that include mountain climbing, skydiving and BASE jumping! Her motto is: Anything but boring! Quick Culture is fortunate to have Sasha create and provide private tours that include her entertaining stories and incisive knowledge.

*By attending a Quick Culture tour, you are acknowledging that there is an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 which may exist in any public place where people are present. You and any guests voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19 and agree not to hold Quick Culture liable for any illness or injury.
I traveled with Ellen Greenberg’s Quick Culture on a trip to the south of France and Paris. It was thoroughly researched, providing historical insights and adventures in regional cuisine as well as spectacular views and luxurious accommodations. Ellen was attentive to individual needs as well as inspiring companionship within the group. I would happily join another Quick Culture tour!
In 2011, I was lucky enough to join Ellen on an incredible two week trip to Berlin, Prague, and Budapest! Ellen planned every detail and nothing was left to chance! From the hotel reservations to the private tour guides, and the drivers who chauffeured us from country to country. Ellen has it all covered. I still remember our dinner at the Michelin 2-star restaurant at the Regent Berlin hotel!
I have since gone on other trips planned by Ellen-she never disappoints!
Ellen's itinerary for this week-long trip to the south of France was thoroughly planned and well thought out. We stayed at beautiful old hotel in Villeneuve Avignon and had a charming and educated guide every day who told us the history of all areas we visited. The trip was designed for many of the art history- focused visitors, and we concentrated on seeing places lived in and painted by Picasso, Van Gogh and Cezanne. Several evening meals and many lunches were included in the cost. Although most days were chock full of travel to fascinating places and through the Provence countryside, the tour also left some time for shopping and for relaxing in the grounds of the hotel and walking around the towns of Avignon and environs.
I highly recommend Ellen's Quick Culture travel. All I needed was my passport and baggage. The trip was made easy and pleasurable for all of us.
In 2010, I was part of the Painting in Provence experience, and what an experience it was! There is not a single aspect of it that I would change. Ellen's attention to detail was impeccable, and because of it, everything flowed smoothly...from the insightful pre-flight information/preparation to our arrival to our fabulous accommodations and accompanying cuisine to our art-related excursions (with our amazing guide, Laurence) and, most certainly, to our courtyard painting lessons with our very talented, patient instructor, Bill. I would be remiss if I didn't add the sheer delight it was to conclude the trip by riding the TGV to Paris and spending a few days focusing on the artistic wonders of this beautiful city. Attending a dinner party for artists was an added bonus. How Ellen was able to get our names on the invitation-only list is still a point of amazement for me! Without a doubt, I will always cherish the memories I have from this trip.
My first tour with Ellen was to Florence, a city I adore. Who knew I had missed so much! Ellen doesn’t just go the extra mile…she goes the extra ten miles.
From what we toured every day, to where we ate, to where we shopped… It was simply extraordinary. The tour that stands out to me was our lovely English speaking guide who walked us through downtown Florence and shared what it was like to be a woman in Renaissance Florence. Fascinating!!
I could hardly wait to join Ellen’s tour to Provence. From staying in an exquisite 5 star revamped/ Monastery, walking distance to Avignon, to a private art class in Van Gogh’s
Arles, to a spectacular wine tasting/dinner in the depths of the Popes’ Castle in Avignon and a private visit to Picasso’s jilted lovers’ home in Ménerbes. It just doesn’t get any better!
What more can I say? Ellen’s tours are dazzling.
I have already signed on for Japan in 2020! (and yes, I have been there before!)
Went to Vietnam with Quick Culture earlier this year. Small group had the best time exploring meaningful spots dedicated to war, people and artistic endeavors. A most unusual trip. My friends were jealous!
Ellen is a very sweet person and was a great guide at the Getty museum. She explained many interesting things about the paintings and the stories behind them. Something you would not get in the usual museum visit. She also encouraged us to pose our own questions about the art at any time.
Ellen made our trip wonderfully educational and a joyous experience. I would suggest you never go to The Getty without booking time with Ellen.
Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce
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