Thread: Explosion in Minsk - what happened?

Originally Posted by Marcus

сравнительной открытости и слабости Белоруссии

I thought it was one of the most closed countries ever. No one in, no one out...

Originally Posted by Marcus

По большому счёту не важно, кто исполнитель, важно, кто заказчик и каковы его цели, а здесь у меня сомнений нет.

Then what are the links between those "customers" and those two poor "executors", in your opinion?

Originally Posted by Eric C.

I thought it was one of the most closed countries ever. No one in, no one out...

Wherever did u get that idea? Just today, I recieved my visa for Belarus. I'll go there in two weeks. That's why I was asking about the explosion.

They seem really keen on tourism, just not according to the to the standard European model.
Actually, a visa to Russia is not entirely uncomplicated or fast, but a visa for Belarus is simple. Took me under 24 hours. The embassy staff was super friendly, despite the fact that I had accidentally filled in the wrong form for my application.

I'll let you know if I see any spies or dictators.... or tractors, lol!

But my reason for going is because it's a very safe Russian-speaking country (I am a woman, and travelling alone) it has really lovely nature, interesting culture & history + historic places. I know I'll be forced to speak Russian there - baptism of fire!! Happy to write a report, if anyone is interested.

I just don't understand how much people speak Belarussian, as opposed to Russian; and what language signs etc are in. For my own purposes.... I hope they don't speak Belarussian much, it would really confuse me.

Originally Posted by Hanna

Wherever did u get that idea? Just today, I recieved my visa for Belarus. I'll go there in two weeks. That's why I was asking about the explosion.

They seem really keen on tourism, just not according to the to the standard European model.
Actually, a visa to Russia is not entirely uncomplicated or fast, but a visa for Belarus is simple. Took me under 24 hours. The embassy staff was super friendly, despite the fact that I had accidentally filled in the wrong form for my application.

I'll let you know if I see any spies or dictators.... or tractors, lol!

But my reason for going is because it's a very safe Russian-speaking country (I am a woman, and travelling alone) it has really lovely nature, interesting culture & history + historic places. I know I'll be forced to speak Russian there - baptism of fire!! Happy to write a report, if anyone is interested.

I just don't understand how much people speak Belarussian, as opposed to Russian; and what language signs etc are in. For my own purposes.... I hope they don't speak Belarussian much, it would really confuse me.

Well, I hope you do realize, at least you can't expect anyone there to speak English. Here's an article which I think would be useful for you to read:

The Art of Non-Conformity

Don't pay much attention to what the link says, the article's actually about how an American was getting a Belarusian visa.

And sure, I'll look forward to your report on your trip there. I guess so will many of us.

I am looking forward for your impressions about Belarus...please don't forget to share here.

Some signs are in Belorussian, some are in Russian, but since the languages are very similar you shouldn't have problems understanding them. Everyone can speak Russian, even if Belarussian is their native language, but for majority native language is Russian.
About safety, I have to confirm that - from my experience the police are very friendly and uncorrupt compairing to Russia. Modern Belorussia reminds me USSR how it was in early 80, the good side of it.

Originally Posted by Hanna

Wherever did u get that idea? Just today, I recieved my visa for Belarus. I'll go there in two weeks. That's why I was asking about the explosion.

They seem really keen on tourism, just not according to the to the standard European model.
Actually, a visa to Russia is not entirely uncomplicated or fast, but a visa for Belarus is simple. Took me under 24 hours. The embassy staff was super friendly, despite the fact that I had accidentally filled in the wrong form for my application.

I'll let you know if I see any spies or dictators.... or tractors, lol!

But my reason for going is because it's a very safe Russian-speaking country (I am a woman, and travelling alone) it has really lovely nature, interesting culture & history + historic places. I know I'll be forced to speak Russian there - baptism of fire!! Happy to write a report, if anyone is interested.

I just don't understand how much people speak Belarussian, as opposed to Russian; and what language signs etc are in. For my own purposes.... I hope they don't speak Belarussian much, it would really confuse me.

I'm sure I'm only one of many people here who would love to hear about your trip when you return! Am very interested in Minsk, and hope to see it one day myself! Make sure you have a great trip