A Visit to Belarus
Being in Lithuania and heading to Russia, I couldn’t resist the opportunity to visit the country of Belarus.
I flew into Minsk, a city of grandeur and Soviet heritage where the airport is a 45-minute drive from the huge metropolis of the capital city.
After going through customs, where a huge sign informed me that I was entering “The Territory of Checkpoint!” I found the car and driver I had reserved.
Since there is no train or mass transportation at the airport, I had to make pre-arrangements in order to travel outside of the airport premises.
My driver was excited to have me with him, and he recommended a detour to show me some of the impressive military displays as we drove along the expansive highways.
A Chance Encounter With the Mound of Glory
A decade later, while waiting for a flight in Thailand, I overheard two men talking about the “Mound of Glory,” which was constructed in honor of brave World War II soldiers and the impressive giant sword shown behind me in the picture below.
The men were talking about the site, never having been there.
I was able to quickly show them the photo below, and a conversation about war and weaponry soon evolved.
The Grandeur of Minsk
Entering Minsk was awe-inspiring due to the enormity of everything.
The massive Stalin-inspired buildings were truly impressive, as were the wide avenues and sleek structural designs.
After arriving at my hotel, I decided to go for a trek; but first, I would need some Belarusian Rubles (BYY).
The BYY is a closed currency, meaning you must wait until you enter the country before you can “buy” some.
Before heading out for my trek, I decided to exchange $20 USD for some BYY. For my $20, I was given a stack of 384,200 BYY, a reminder of the unique financial landscape in Belarus.
Exploring Minsk
Setting foot on Nezavisimosti Avenue, I strolled towards Independence Square, where monuments honoring Kireva and Karl Marx stood proudly.
During my exploration, I had the good fortune of making a new friend, Liubov, a native of Minsk.
Together, we witnessed the overbearing Stalinist buildings and walked the bridge over the Svislach River to the tiny old town dubbed “Trinity Suburb” and toward the twin towers built in the classic Soviet style and once the gate to the city.
Discovering the Belarusian Countryside
Liubov and I ventured into the picturesque countryside, where the mesmerizing blue waters of the Zaslawskaye Reservoir awaited us at the Robinson Country Club and Resort.
It was an enchanting oasis amidst the Belarusian landscape, offering a tranquil escape from the urban bustle.
Here are a few videos of driving with Liubov in Belarus:
A Memorable Visit to Minsk
My time in Minsk, the capital of Belarus, was truly a beautiful and grand experience.
From the awe-inspiring Stalinist buildings and wide avenues to the exploration of the closed currency system, every moment was filled with intrigue and discovery.
Immersing myself in the city’s rich history and forging friendships with locals added depth to my experience.
Belarus, with its enigmatic allure and breathtaking landscapes, is a destination that truly captivates the adventurous traveler.
Where I Stayed
During my visit to Minsk, I stayed at the Marriott Renaissance Minsk Hotel. The hotel was less than two years old, and was a substantial five-star property. It offered an indoor swimming pool, fitness center, spa, sauna facilities, restaurant, bars, and meeting spaces.
Its location on Dzerzhinsky Avenue provided a comfortable base for exploring Minsk and its impressive city center.
For my trip, the Renaissance Minsk Hotel gave me a comfortable place to return to after exploring the enormous avenues, Soviet architecture, and countryside surrounding the city.