|
 |
| |
|
 |  |  |
|
Belarus
Summary: Belarus lies in eastern Europe, east of Poland, and is landlocked, generally flat and contains much marshland and roughly 11,000 lakes. Belarus remains self-isolated from the West and its open-market economies, and since its independence from the USSR in 1991, slow progress has been made to begin real market socialism and to develop a greater autonomy from Russia.
Capital: Minsk
Time Zone: DST +0300 UTC
Population: 9,685,768
Languages: Belarusian, Russian
Power: 220 V, 50 Hz
Currency: Belarusian Ruble
- Currently 1 BYR = 0.0003 USD $
Climate: Belarus has cold winters, cool and moist summers. Overall, a transitional climate between continental and maritime conditions.
- Currently 39º, Cloudy
Recent Headlines:
Belarus celebrates Independence Day, liberation from Nazi invaders - Itar-Tass - Jul 03 3:26 AM
FROM BELARUS TO NEW IBERIA - The Daily Iberian - Jul 04 10:42 PM
Ottawa unable to reach agreement with Belarus - Sarnia Observer - Jul 05 12:24 PM
Miracle-Working Icon in Belarus | The Associated Press - Loveland Reporter-Herald - Jul 04 4:51 AM
Lukashenko Vows Belarus Won't Copy Western Political System - Nasdaq - Jul 02 1:11 PM
|
| |
 | |  |
|  | |
|
 Minsk: Despite being thrust with a tactical role during World War II which ruined many of the older buildings, its renovation was done with a European feel which helps the remaining architecture stand out. Famous for ballet and puppet theater, Minsk offers a 12th century cathedral, the 1847 St. Mary Magdeline Church, the 19th century section of town called Troetskoe Predmestye, and antique lovers will love the shops along Scarina Avenue. |
 Brest: On the border with Poland, Brest can be a busy city with shoppers often going both ways and rail shipments transporting goods, although it still offers great places to see. The Brest Fortress holds a museum with treasures from the 13th century, the Bereste Archaeological Museum, built on top of 13th century ruins, and the main drag, Vulitsa Savetskaja and the riverfront against the Mukhavets are two popular choices for strolls. |
|
| |
| | |
|  | |
|
Getting around Minsk: Public transportation in Minsk is efficient. Buses and street cars are cheap, but may be crowded during morning and evening rush hours.
|
Be Smart: Don't show off money, and behave fairly with local authorities. It is better to take a train around than drive, avoiding any unnecessary interactions with the law.
Local Culture: With influences from 100 different sources, Belarusians tend to be very accepting and also still hold respect for their local folk traditions.
When To Visit: Spring or late summer are the best times to visit, avoiding the cold of winter and the rain of summer. The Expolingua, held in Minsk in April, is an international language festival and can be an interesting time to visit.
Food: Hearty foods such as bread, potatoes, cabbage and pork are traditional, including kotleta po krestyansky, pork cutlets served in mushroom sauce, and shtchi, made from potatoes, onions and sauerkraut.
Phrases: Yes = da, no = nyet, hello = privet, please = pozhalujsta, thank you = spasibo, to your health = na starovia, do you speak English? - govorite li vy po angliyski?
Tipping: Standard tipping of 10% - 15% applies if the service charge is not already included in the bill.
|
| |
| | |
 | Copyright © 2009 World Travel Tips |
| |
|
