Anyone ever been to Minsk, Belarus?
Mar 8th, 2011, 09:28 AM
#21
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(sorry for my grammatical mistakes)I'm from Belarus. I have been living in Minsk. I read some posts and can say that I don't agree with some posts. For example, in my country there are quite enough beautiful castles, such as Mir of Nesviz. But it's hard to get there. We've got very tasty traditional dishes. I agree with traveller1959. Belarussian girls are beautiful. And what about girls and virginity and our men. Yes, most of men married to none virgin girl. (girls have got se[ before marriage, and I can say that virginity isn't important, but note for all)Also there are girls wich won't do it before marriage, who dreams about real love, family ets. But, unfortunatly,there are few of them.
Mar 8th, 2011, 12:44 PM
#22
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Thank you, Anastasya, for reviving this thread.
The people of Belarus are so warm-hearted. And the girls - the most beautiful girls in the world.
The problem with Belarus is the president. He is ruining the country. He keeps it on the level of a third-world country. Every intellectual whom I met in Minsk was against Lukachenko, but no one dared to say it in public.
Be as brave as the people in Tunesia, Egypt or Libya!
The people of Belarus are so warm-hearted. And the girls - the most beautiful girls in the world.
The problem with Belarus is the president. He is ruining the country. He keeps it on the level of a third-world country. Every intellectual whom I met in Minsk was against Lukachenko, but no one dared to say it in public.
Be as brave as the people in Tunesia, Egypt or Libya!
Apr 1st, 2011, 04:23 AM
#23
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as to our government: The time will come when Lukashenko will be in jail. The whole Belarus is against this piece of ...
as to some of the posts here: So disrespectful... Everyone who truly wants to learn about our culture including our soviet times n what we've inherited from the USSR are most welcome to visit. Those who dare to write in a such disrespectful tone about my country just go to hell n never come over again. Yeah, we have problems n our ppl have been through a lot for centuries. We are good hearted ppl despite everything what came on our way, but we are not gonna take this arrogance. If you were lucky to be born in a rich country, don't think u r better that's why than the rest of the world. I'm proud to be born in a such beautiful place as Belarus is.
as to belorussian girls: we are beautiful - that's right. however, those of you who practice sex tourism r missing out something way more important, coz our girls have to offer not only beautiful faces n nice bodies.. n it's a pity u r too shallow to notice it.
what a weird question about virginity. Belorussians r just normal girls like in everywhere in Europe. Ask us if we have TV or if we still live in caves.
as to some of the posts here: So disrespectful... Everyone who truly wants to learn about our culture including our soviet times n what we've inherited from the USSR are most welcome to visit. Those who dare to write in a such disrespectful tone about my country just go to hell n never come over again. Yeah, we have problems n our ppl have been through a lot for centuries. We are good hearted ppl despite everything what came on our way, but we are not gonna take this arrogance. If you were lucky to be born in a rich country, don't think u r better that's why than the rest of the world. I'm proud to be born in a such beautiful place as Belarus is.
as to belorussian girls: we are beautiful - that's right. however, those of you who practice sex tourism r missing out something way more important, coz our girls have to offer not only beautiful faces n nice bodies.. n it's a pity u r too shallow to notice it.
what a weird question about virginity. Belorussians r just normal girls like in everywhere in Europe. Ask us if we have TV or if we still live in caves.
Apr 1st, 2011, 06:14 AM
#24
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Reading some of these posts remind me of visiting [except for the sexual posting] Romania years ago. Very difficult finding a restaurant except for a pizza place.Most of the streelights were out and dogs were loose and barking in the streets.. We were pulled at by Romany children wanting money and the hotel and old communist hotel had no hot water in the morning and uncaring desk staff.
Had other incidents also, in Slovakia we stopped in a restaurant in the countryside for bkfst and we spoke no Slovakian and they no English. Settled on a bkfst with sign language, the same as everyone else was eating. Cabbage soup and a half cup nescaf.
we've had other experiences in the former communist countries but we always looked on it as an experience to add to our life. We Americans shouldn't complain when we go to visit, after all we always leave and go home.
Had other incidents also, in Slovakia we stopped in a restaurant in the countryside for bkfst and we spoke no Slovakian and they no English. Settled on a bkfst with sign language, the same as everyone else was eating. Cabbage soup and a half cup nescaf.
we've had other experiences in the former communist countries but we always looked on it as an experience to add to our life. We Americans shouldn't complain when we go to visit, after all we always leave and go home.
Apr 12th, 2011, 01:06 PM
#25
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Strike Minsk off my list...
I can say Alan that Romania is much better. I was there last year and enjoyed myself. The dogs were still there as well as children following you down the street and I was nervous to go more than two streets off the main boulevards due to the locals yelling at me (thankfully I couldn't understand).
There are better places to eat and the locals were very helpful in Bucharest with find my way around.
To the north in the Saxon area it was quite wonderful. I'd like to go back.
Since Belarus if off the list what other country might hold some "safer" experiences in Eastern Europe?
I can say Alan that Romania is much better. I was there last year and enjoyed myself. The dogs were still there as well as children following you down the street and I was nervous to go more than two streets off the main boulevards due to the locals yelling at me (thankfully I couldn't understand).
There are better places to eat and the locals were very helpful in Bucharest with find my way around.
To the north in the Saxon area it was quite wonderful. I'd like to go back.
Since Belarus if off the list what other country might hold some "safer" experiences in Eastern Europe?
Apr 12th, 2011, 01:10 PM
#26
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I must apologize since I did not read all the posts after the first several which were not flattering. I hold no disrespect to anyone and people feel it is worth visiting it would be a joy to experience. I hope no one takes the negative posts too seriously. There are places in our downtown I would not go in the evening.
Cheers all.
Cheers all.
May 1st, 2011, 07:31 AM
#27
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We will be in Minzk August 28 and 29 and are looking forward to it. Pictures show an exquisite new library, a newly opened synagogue, other wonderful buildings, but we have not been there yet. Am I wrong?
May 1st, 2011, 07:42 AM
#29
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Ive been to Minsk several times for business and have always had a great time.
True theyre a bit tough at the airport but not more than in Russia or China.
Very clean, extremely safe and in summertime, everyone is on the streets celebrating the very few hot days they can enjoy.
People are very friendly although just about nobody speaks any foreign language.
Nice soviet-kind architecture and very nice subway stations, although not as pretty as in Moscow. In Soviet times, Minsk was often reorted as the new jewel of the Empire.
An example here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/pacocanker/4826036427
Cheers!
True theyre a bit tough at the airport but not more than in Russia or China.
Very clean, extremely safe and in summertime, everyone is on the streets celebrating the very few hot days they can enjoy.
People are very friendly although just about nobody speaks any foreign language.
Nice soviet-kind architecture and very nice subway stations, although not as pretty as in Moscow. In Soviet times, Minsk was often reorted as the new jewel of the Empire.
An example here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/pacocanker/4826036427
Cheers!
Sep 9th, 2011, 02:50 PM
#30
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I read some posts, and did not believe it. I live in Minsk. I travel a lot and saw a lot of countries. Such delicious food, as in Belarus still have to search, and who eat pork and potatoes every day - you just was not lucky with the company that organized the visit to Belarus.
Now this is a country with great potential. Many foreign companies open software developpement back office in Belarus, because a lot of smart professionals who work with perfect quality and not so expensive as in usa, for example.
There are many things to see. And of course the girls in Belarus r very beautiful. And they saved their authenticity and humility.
So if someone wants to visit Belarus as a tourist or investor, I am open to answer all your questions and help with the organization. facebook: Slava Kiselev
Now this is a country with great potential. Many foreign companies open software developpement back office in Belarus, because a lot of smart professionals who work with perfect quality and not so expensive as in usa, for example.
There are many things to see. And of course the girls in Belarus r very beautiful. And they saved their authenticity and humility.
So if someone wants to visit Belarus as a tourist or investor, I am open to answer all your questions and help with the organization. facebook: Slava Kiselev
Sep 9th, 2011, 10:25 PM
#32
This has really nothing to do with the substance of the OP, but here is a fun piece of trivia.
What song (hint- it is in English)contains the names of 10 cities/towns that are in what was the Soviet sphere.
What song (hint- it is in English)contains the names of 10 cities/towns that are in what was the Soviet sphere.
Sep 10th, 2011, 05:59 AM
#33
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Slava Kiselev. My page:http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002613116904
Sep 11th, 2011, 05:08 PM
#34
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Sep 11th, 2011, 05:14 PM
#35
Give jahoulih a gold star!!
I have a friend in Minsk,
Who has a friend in Pinsk,
Whose friend in Omsk
Has friend in Tomsk
With friend in Akmolinsk.
His friend in Alexandrovsk
Has friend in Petropavlovsk,
Whose friend somehow
Is solving now
The problem in Dnepropetrovsk.
And when his work is done -
Ha ha! - begins the fun.
From Dnepropetrovsk
To Petropavlovsk,
By way of Iliysk,
And Novorossiysk,
To Alexandrovsk to Akmolinsk
To Tomsk to Omsk
To Pinsk to Minsk
To me the news will run,
Yes, to me the news will run!
I have a friend in Minsk,
Who has a friend in Pinsk,
Whose friend in Omsk
Has friend in Tomsk
With friend in Akmolinsk.
His friend in Alexandrovsk
Has friend in Petropavlovsk,
Whose friend somehow
Is solving now
The problem in Dnepropetrovsk.
And when his work is done -
Ha ha! - begins the fun.
From Dnepropetrovsk
To Petropavlovsk,
By way of Iliysk,
And Novorossiysk,
To Alexandrovsk to Akmolinsk
To Tomsk to Omsk
To Pinsk to Minsk
To me the news will run,
Yes, to me the news will run!
Sep 12th, 2011, 06:18 AM
#36
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As a musician, you're probably familiar with this, in a similar vein, by Kurt Weill and Ira Gershwin:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PkJdmTrlTYk (Danny Kaye version)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQAEFwNdzO4 (Tom Lehrer version, with lyrics)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PkJdmTrlTYk (Danny Kaye version)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQAEFwNdzO4 (Tom Lehrer version, with lyrics)
Sep 15th, 2011, 10:45 AM
#38
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To all who plan the visit to Belarus:
Your previous advisers wrote horrible things from which I have to conclude that they were absolutely unlucky with their guides. Sorry
My main recommendation for tourists is to find friends in Belarus before your visit, preferably among students, who know history of the country better than their parents do. Without native speaking guides you will lose much.
Secondly, there are very many interesting destinations to visit besides the capital. If you come from Europe, castles might be not of great interest to you. Then choose the nature! Go to Belavezhskaja Puscha, the most ancient wood in Europe, or to the national park “Braslav Lakes”!
If you prefer the cultural program, my suggestion would be to visit one of the ethnographical museums nearby Minsk, e.g. Strochicy, where you could also try real Belarusian cuisine, which has almost nothing in common with Russian I say this as a professional ethnologist.
Concerning the shopping… It is important to know what to buy. I live in Germany, now for several years, but always bring with me a lot of staff for my family and friends. And they are always delighted. So, my usual list for shopping is: 1.Flax table and bed clothes. I cannot compare its quality with what I can have for this money in Germany;
2. Jewelry. For rather small money you can get silver, gold and jewels coming from Russia and also different traditional accessories which can suit your look in case you like ethnic style;
3.Delicious chocolate. In most cases it is 60-80 % bio-chocolate, sometimes with berry filling, nuts or soufflé. I always buy kilos for gifts;
4. Vodka for friends (ask for vodka from Brest, it is the best);
5. Very cheap and good jersey clothing and leather shoes ("Marco", "Belwest", etc.) – you can wear it more than one year, be sure.
If you want to have a nice shopping just take the main avenue in Minsk (from metro station Kastrychnickaya to Ploscha Lenina) or go to the underground shopping center “Stolica” and you will find all things there.
And at last but not at least I received foreign guests for several times. I also met many foreigners during my studies in Minsk. My usual recommendation for friends from Western Europe was “Leave your stereotypes at home and be open to another culture!” People in Belarus are shy and don’t speak English sometimes (the young do) but they like guests and try to do all their best to amuse them.
I wish you a nice journey!
Your previous advisers wrote horrible things from which I have to conclude that they were absolutely unlucky with their guides. Sorry
My main recommendation for tourists is to find friends in Belarus before your visit, preferably among students, who know history of the country better than their parents do. Without native speaking guides you will lose much.
Secondly, there are very many interesting destinations to visit besides the capital. If you come from Europe, castles might be not of great interest to you. Then choose the nature! Go to Belavezhskaja Puscha, the most ancient wood in Europe, or to the national park “Braslav Lakes”!
If you prefer the cultural program, my suggestion would be to visit one of the ethnographical museums nearby Minsk, e.g. Strochicy, where you could also try real Belarusian cuisine, which has almost nothing in common with Russian
I say this as a professional ethnologist.Concerning the shopping… It is important to know what to buy. I live in Germany, now for several years, but always bring with me a lot of staff for my family and friends. And they are always delighted. So, my usual list for shopping is: 1.Flax table and bed clothes. I cannot compare its quality with what I can have for this money in Germany;
2. Jewelry. For rather small money you can get silver, gold and jewels coming from Russia and also different traditional accessories which can suit your look in case you like ethnic style;
3.Delicious chocolate. In most cases it is 60-80 % bio-chocolate, sometimes with berry filling, nuts or soufflé. I always buy kilos for gifts;
4. Vodka for friends (ask for vodka from Brest, it is the best);
5. Very cheap and good jersey clothing and leather shoes ("Marco", "Belwest", etc.) – you can wear it more than one year, be sure.
If you want to have a nice shopping just take the main avenue in Minsk (from metro station Kastrychnickaya to Ploscha Lenina) or go to the underground shopping center “Stolica” and you will find all things there.
And at last but not at least
I received foreign guests for several times. I also met many foreigners during my studies in Minsk. My usual recommendation for friends from Western Europe was “Leave your stereotypes at home and be open to another culture!” People in Belarus are shy and don’t speak English sometimes (the young do) but they like guests and try to do all their best to amuse them. I wish you a nice journey!
Nov 5th, 2011, 06:50 AM
#39
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Also a lot of tourists come to Minsk on New Year's holiday. Minsk Christmas fairs and sales will be opened. On the streets in each district set Christmas trees. And of course the festivities, a lot of fun during the night of December 31 to January 1.
