Quote Originally Posted by Hanna View Post
Haha, Capecoddah - yes, there probably is such a thing as being "too American" for Belarus.
People are a bit shy and you are not going to get any "how can I help you today, Sirs" or "Have a nice days!" in this country. Not to mention the politics. The people are among the most honest and kindest nationality I have ever come across though. It's one of the last countries in Europe where there is no mass tourism. You can't even find a postcard and you have all the sights (there are plenty) to yourself.

But you COULD get a visa, I am sure. On what grounds could they deny you? There is no ban on Americans even though admittedly not everyone (particularly not Lukashenko) likes the US. But you could for example buy a fake business invitation online, then you simply say that you are going as a consultant to the company that issued the invitation. Once you are in the country, all you need to do is check into a hotel and register your visa for the duration of the stay.

I saw an American (could have been Canadian, I suppose) at McDonalds in Minsk. He was having such trouble placing an order for a BigMac meal, that he had 4 staff members helping him..... and quite an audience!
LOL!
LOL at that staff. Wherever else in Europe can you find a MC's where the staff can't speak proper English?

I'm not sure WHAT is worth visiting there, but living there is not a box of chocolates for sure. The people are blocked from many opportunities each European naturally has.

By the way, Hanna, since you're still there, try buying some Euros for their local currency for your next trip, and then tell us if it was easy.