Thread: Travel Blog; CIS/ex-USSR countries (i.e. Russian speaking)

Originally Posted by Hanna

Norwegian is essentially Swedish with a funny accent, a few words that are different, and different spelling.

Or maybe vice-versa

A woman is reading in the park



Nationalistic campaign that can be seen across Belarus


In a suburb of Minsk
Wow, it looks and feels exactly like my childhood! The layout is so similar, and the nature.
But such suburbs are not the same in Sweden anymore.






My outing to Minskoe More ("Minsk Sea")

Train station after terrible thunderstorm


If you come from a Northern country, there is nothing more relaxing than the sight of pine trees and Birch trees (in England, they hardly exist). The nature of Belarus seems identical to Sweden's, even though Belarus is much further South. Not sure why.

I have noticed that Belarussian shops sell juice made from Birch sap. It tastes sweet and very good.

Originally Posted by Hanna

The nature of Belarus seems identical to Sweden's, even though Belarus is much further South. Not sure why.

Because climate in Scandinavian peninsula is affected by Gulf Stream, places in Siberia and North America wich has the same latitude have much colder climate.

Approaching the sea



The beach (there is much more... ) Basically they have created an artificial beach (by dumping lots of sand on the shore of the lake) for about 2 kilometres. There are some benches and tables etc for people to use while enjoying the beach. My grandfather and his neighbours created a small beach in the same way, at his summer cottage (dacha).



By the canal-side in Central Minsk



The Swedish Embassy (note that the building is pre-war, unusual in Minsk!)



Palace of the Republic



MUST-VISIT (for Women) IMPULSE shopping centre [Импульс]
Near the Kamarovskiy Market is an absolutely amazing shopping centre aimed at younger women. I have never seen such a thing; Definitely not up-market but clean and well organised. It consists of little booths absolutely crammed with makeup products, clothes or jewellery. To get anything, you have to speak with the saleswoman, who gets it from the back of the shop. An amazing range of products is available - I was looking for something and found it, which frankly I had not expected. This is not a place to shop for high-end expensive looking fashion, but it's a great place for bargains and simply an experience to visit. Recommended!!!