Tourists who visited our country do not hide their impressions. Collecting their reviews on foreign blogs and guidebooks, I had to laugh a lot and sometimes feel sad.
The most cultured sports fans live here
“Belarus is home to wide plains, picturesque villages, ancient castles and monasteries, as well as dense forests, picturesque landscapes and thousands of lakes free for swimming. And the most cultured sports fans live here.”
(worldtravelguide.net portal, UK)
"There are over 7,000 lakes in Belarus, no matter where you stay there is bound to be a lake nearby. To find one, ask around. Belarus has wet summers and harsh winters, so if you are going swimming, make sure you do it in the summer ".
(rboittier, UK)
ABOUT MINSK
There is a patriotic consciousness in people
“In my life I have never seen such clean cities as Minsk. And this is not because someone controls people on the street or beats them if they throw garbage. No, people simply have a patriotic consciousness, high morality, I really liked that about them.”
"Minsk has a glorious history and deserves to be the capital. But, unfortunately, the city was destroyed many times, and constant wars buried its prosperous past. The modern face of the city does not reflect the rich ancient history Belarusian people."
ABOUT THE PEOPLE AND TRADITIONS
Nobody speaks English
“I was in Belarus and I think that they have one problem - they don’t know how to drink. I tried not to come to the apartments of some of my friends, because a lot of people always gathered there and everyone drank a lot.”
(jasonmaylett, UK)
"Absolutely no one here speaks English. Not even words."
(Ushastik, Ireland)
"Never give anyone in Belarus even number colors. Locals They think it's a bad omen."
(Travelnotes guide, USA)
“Never quarrel with Belarusians, even as a joke, it can end in a fight. But if you have a fight, treat them to vodka, then they will definitely forgive you.”
(DIRTY_HARRY, Israel)
“Don’t talk about politics with anyone in Belarus. It’s quite possible that the person who brings up this topic is a secret agent.”
(Tobias_Plieninger, Germany)
“When you go to Belarus, take less good clothes and jewelry with you so as not to seem like a show-off. Here, it takes a Belarusian about a year to buy what you can afford every month.”
(blue-viggen, UK)
“I was amazed that in Belarus they know such a group as Pink Floyd and U2. I was told that only songs like “Kupalinka” are popular here.
(Jon, Ireland)
ABOUT BELARUSIANS:
In miniskirts, despite the cold
"Russian women are unique creatures. They put their family above themselves. They are always ready to exchange brilliant career to be with my husband and children. Even if you give a Russian woman little attention, love and care, but show her that you value her as a wife and mistress of the house, and also admire her beauty, she will be faithful to you until death.”
"Belarus" means "White Russia". The most beautiful women! Despite the cold, they always wear miniskirts and look so beautiful and feminine! Mostly Belarusian women have blond hair and pale skin, and their eyes are green. They look like real pure, white Russians!"
(A-Friend-Of-Belarus, Serbia)
"There are more than 300 Russian female names. There are those that came from deep history, but are still very popular. It is also interesting that for Russians each name has its own meaning or meaning. It may seem strange, but if you know the meaning of the name of the girl you met, you can understand what she is like, just like in a horoscope."
(portal city-of-brides.com, USA)
“There are beautiful and sexy girls in Belarus. Since there are fewer men, and every Belarusian woman dreams only of a family, they have to look better in order to compete.”
(mypartnerforever.com portal, UK)
ABOUT THE SERVICE:
Only the seller has the keys to the storefront
“Many large stores in Belarus, especially non-food stores, employ a huge number of service personnel. Almost every counter has a salesperson. Only this salesperson has the keys to the display case, behind which the goods are displayed, like in a museum. If you want to see something , you have to contact him and he will let you see it. After you choose the product, you have to go to another seller to pay."
(DAO, UK)
"Many grocery or convenience stores operate strange (to us) systems. One store can be divided into five departments. You buy milk in one, meat in another, and so on, and this happens in small stores. It turns out that that you pay all the time: take two steps and pay, then two more steps and pay again, and so on.”
(rboittier, UK)
"The staff in hotels is something! Few people here smile and speak to you in a friendly tone - and this is quite expensive hotel(room cost 40 euros per night). The front desk barely speaks English, but that wasn't that big of a problem for me. I had a dictionary with me, and my native Serbian language is very similar to the Russian that everyone speaks there."
(Mix, Serbia)
“If you are traveling to Belarus with your own car, be prepared for a long wait at the border. We drove through Poland to the border crossing of Brest and waited there for 9 hours. So long, because there are not enough checkpoints there, and there are a lot of cars. We were counting on a couple of hours of waiting, but not enough for the system to get everything. necessary documents, - just chaos. If my Dutch friend, who speaks a little Russian, had not helped me, we would have gone back to Poland."
(Harlow, Holland)
ABOUT THE PRODUCTS:
Kefir is delicious
“Apple juice in Belarus is just a dream. It is without any additives, they don’t even add sugar. I think that Belarusians collect apples and squeeze them without any production. Such juice is sold in ridiculous three-liter jars and, as far as I remember, costs a little more than 1 euro.
(Dirim, Bosnia and Herzegovina)
“In Belarus they drink a drink called kefir. It is very similar to yogurt or Turkish ayran, but less salty and more condensed. Very tasty! And champagne is drunk in Belarus as an alcoholic beverage. As far as I know, this tradition dates back to the times of the USSR .
(Said, Türkiye)
ABOUT ENTERTAINMENT
All in black
"I was in Minsk clubs and this is what I noticed: mostly 20-year-olds go there (it even seemed to me that some were not even 18). The music usually plays too loud. Most of the people go to the club in black clothes. I also visited in one strip club, I paid $50 for a Privattan and was disappointed.
(ghardey, USA)
"I went to one night club in Minsk, and I liked everything! Especially the girls at the disco. They are very beautiful and easy to get to know. I was surprised they weren't prostitutes."
(stephan, Austria)
ABOUT SAFETY
Crime here is low
“Minsk is a really quiet and safe place, probably the capital is the safest place in Belarus. This is due to the fact that there are police everywhere.”
(Carletto76, Italy)
"I would like to say that I have just returned from a trip to Belarus and I can reassure everyone who wants to go there - it is completely normal there. There is no need to pretend that you are poor so as not to be robbed. Also, you should not work right away (Most likely, the translation is incorrect - see. . TUT.BY) , if you see police (although it is true that you should not bother them). The people are lovely and friendly and there's low crime here."
(winterflop, Austria)
"There are a lot of people in Belarus who only care about how to get to your money. For example, when I needed to buy a ticket at the main railway station, no one there spoke English and did not understand what I wanted. But one friendly girl , who spoke English, offered to help me. I paid for the ticket in rubles, and later I found out that I overpaid 30 euros. And I was wondering why the cashier and the girl who helped me were grinning at each other so much. heat up the money."
(dulgros, Germany)
As you know, not the whole world knows about a rather large country in the very center of Europe. Belarus to this day remains unpopular among tourists, although we have enough attractions and something to see. What do foreigners say about Belarus before and after their trip?
American Richard Gilbert decided to travel all over Europe, and Belarus, naturally, was included in the list of must-visit countries. “My friends didn’t know what kind of country it was or where. And I myself thought that Belarus was more like a village. The first thing that caught my eye when I arrived in Minsk was what kind of tall people. They are simply giants. Minsk is very clean and quiet. Even in the center. And at night you won’t see anyone on the street. To see Minsk, however, one day is enough. But I liked it here, and I will definitely tell my friends that this is not the poorest country in the world and it’s worth coming here.”
Edel Pons, a Spanish national, Cuban by nationality, but at the same time a resident of Norway, is not coming to Minsk for the first time. He says that his soul lies with both Belarus and Russia. “You are doing incredibly well. Calm, clean, beautiful. Before that, I lived in Russia for four years and decided to change my comfort zone. It is to Belarus that I want to move eventually. There are not many people in Norway who would even like to look at Belarus. They have completely different views on life, although many of my friends from Europe know about the existence of such a country. This is a country, in my opinion, for those who do not strive to earn millions, because there is little potential for building a career here.”
Americans Sarah and Tom say that in their homeland few people know about the existence of such a country. “We just opened a map of Europe and realized that Italy, Spain, Germany and others European countries We had already been there and knew everything there, when suddenly we noticed Belarus. We have never heard of such a country before, but why not. One of our friends even heard the name of the country. In fact, this is not always the case. On the Internet we met many Americans who had visited Belarus, who reassured us and assured us that there was nothing to be afraid of. Indeed, there is nothing. Minsk is very beautiful city, true, Soviet-style, but very clean. On the first nights spent in Minsk, we thought that Belarusians don’t know how to party at all, don’t go to bars and clubs, but as it turned out later, you just need to know the places. It’s difficult to say whether we will ever come to you again, because a separate visa to Belarus is needed.”
Harut Voskanyan from Armenia came to Minsk for three months to study under the program. “In Belarus I met many interesting people. At first we were placed in a hostel in Roshcha. At that moment I was incredibly angry and do not envy Belarusian students at all, who have to spend three hours of their time every day to get to and from the university. Later I moved to the very center and got a better look at Minsk. I even managed to go to Mir and Nesvizh. Belarus is beautiful and clean, that’s what everyone says. But the girls whose beauty Europeans admire are not so magnificent. Ours is better! (laughs). But I can say this. In Belarus you have many young people with great potential who, unfortunately, do not use it. Many of my friends know about Belarus, many have been here, so even before my trip I heard a lot about you.”
I'm not exaggerating at all - this building was recognized as one of the ugliest in the world. It looks like a big empty box, visually very awkward.Looks like a huge one spaceship, which can’t take off. Moreover, the soil is swampy, it was calculated incorrectly and the library is gradually sinking. It definitely won’t fly into the sky; it will rather descend to the center of the Earth. At night, the building is illuminated with all the colors of the rainbow, sometimes even tastefully. And yet she is simply amazing in her clumsiness.
I am really very interested in what the architects were thinking when they built this school and how they ended up in their profession in the first place. It's just beyond my imagination. It turns out that this is architecture and this is a school building. Once you leave the building, don't be surprised if your vision of the space changes.
 |
 |
 |
J. believes that the photographer at work is much more interesting than that the object he is photographing. And Minsk residents don’t understand at all what I found here for filming.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Here, for example, is a bus station, which clearly demonstrates a typical modern city structure. This is the perfect anti-model for anyone studying architecture.The idea is good, that's clear. The central pillar supports a disc that protects passengers from the elements. The canopy evokes a feeling of lightness, we forget that it is above our heads, that it protects us, we forget about its pressure. But the architects of this building completely failed their beautiful plan. It’s as if you are being pressed to the ground by an overly heavy pillar and an equally heavy disk - its design is too complex, and therefore too heavy. It's a shame, but this mistake is made very often.
You can start with a good idea and ruin it with clumsy execution.
 |
The next, eleventh poster “I love Belarus!” There are not many advertisements on the streets here. But large formats of propaganda posters hurt the eyes. Like, Belarusian people, be proud, love your country, don’t forget it.
Transparent hints that the country should be loved as it is and let's not change anything.All possible clichés are used on the posters - nature-family-traditions. These topics tickle patriotic feelings a little.
The bad taste here is simply obvious, and it is logical to assume that they were made with funds collected from taxpayers.
 |
A small train in which children are taken for rides.
 |
 |
 |
At some point, the walk was interrupted in a store.
I wanted to buy sausages. And I want them to cut it into slices for me. I don’t speak Russian well, but no one is trying to understand me; people here are very excited about meeting a foreigner. They are closed in on themselves. Even in stores they don’t look you in the eye.And so, like a clown, I throw my sausage in front of the cashier, joke and laugh so that the atmosphere is less tense, but the cashier remains indifferent. Joking with her is like joking with a prison gate. My 1 euro turns into 10,000 rubles. I'm a millionaire! I grab all the bills together. They fall out of my hands, and again no one laughs at the cash register. Okay, about Belarusian money and the economy - later.
 |
I met J. at her house and we took the subway to see one of her friends, A. I met a lot of new people and we had a great time together. I talked about my first impressions of Belarus and a little about France. We laughed at the sausage story. I decided to make a film about this. We played Lou-Garou, this game is called “mafia” here. We ate salads and tea. Healthy food.
Here, when you come to visit, you always need to take off your shoes. I just can't get used to it. I feel like a scruffy French guy.
Victory Square, Eternal Flame:
 |
Upon returning home, J. and I talked for a long time, and there were moments when I almost cried.
The impression is as if you are transported into the novel “1984”. These impressions are much stronger than just reading a book. Their existence within propaganda is disturbing, their desperation impressive.This is sad, but at the same time terribly interesting.
I know that the Belarusians I met are not typical of the majority of the population. They are certainly more open and interesting, but still suffer from the burden of dictatorship, which affects their consciousness. Who knows what I would have thought if I had been born here, if I had grown up here? Would I have the same thoughts? Hard to say.
When talking with J. about politics, we sometimes disagreed with each other. True, when I explained in more detail, it turned out that she completely agreed with me. She understands that a collision with dictatorship cannot but affect consciousness.
Propaganda uses racism, nationalism, isolation, and fear.I think fear is the most effective weapon.
At that time I received the results of the first round on my phone presidential elections in France. I was very disappointed by the meager support for the Green candidate. Previously, I would have been very upset by this news, but after learning how this happens in Belarus, you begin to look at many things differently. Here the votes are falsified, Lukashenko (he-who-must-not-be-named) is “re-elected”, gaining 80% of the votes, and very few are happy with this. And now I'm just glad that in my country you can vote.
I have a friend, let’s call him A., who is very energetically concerned about a certain “gene pool of the nation.” At sight sweet couple, where the role of the stronger half is clearly not a descendant of the Radimichi - he is too dark, black-haired and brilliant-eyed - A. tsks as a sign of disapproval. He also doesn’t like two-meter-tall Swedes with a red beard, but a Swede is a rare bird in our area. Historically, guests often fly to us on Turkish Airlines. They fly in and then captivate women’s hearts.
Tugruldemirel.com
« This is all because you women are complex. You don’t know your own prices. Follow the first one who beckons with his finger“, says A. and confidently leans back in his chair: he solved the infinity sign, no less.
I do not know. Maybe it's the other way around? We believe that flowers should appear in our lives so often that we no longer want to be photographed with them. We believe that we are worthy of the words “beloved”, “the only one” (or “bunny” at worst), and in what language is the tenth matter. Dear A., you can’t blame us girls for wanting to hear compliments, especially if the eloquence of the interlocutor is more inventive “ beautiful eyes" And although “compliments” and “complexes” are similar words, the latter seem to have nothing to do with it. Even beautiful girls fall asleep with a photograph of the boy who taught them to dive in the Red Sea.
« There are few gifts - but there will be an economical husband, everything will go to the house, and no ostentatious gestures“, - the grandmother will say. Oh, grandma, why do I need all these slow cookers without love? Without love, carrot cake will always be missing nuts...
« Modesty hides deeper feelings”, - the next series will promote us not the most recent idea. But you don’t need to be a genius to understand: not every modest person is an enviable match. What if the man is not at all modest and economical, but boring and greedy, worse than Shakespeare’s Shylock?
« Exactly! And you are fooled by money“,” A. grins condescendingly, as if he had checkmated a yellow-haired chess player. You can’t, they say, seriously love a person with a belly. And with a bald head. And even in old age... Stop, stop, stop. Since when did belly fat become a sign of ethnicity? It’s not just Apollos walking around the Belarusian streets (and it’s good, because we don’t have production of aphrodites on the assembly line either).
Even the most patriotic girl who uses Tinder will have a hard time ignoring absolutely all foreigners. Unless she specifically pays attention to names. The reality is this: if your avatar is well-groomed and courageous man with an infectious smile at all 32, this is in the vast majority of cases a foreigner.
Read in full in the source with photos:
menrules.com
Foreigners immediately write “hi” and easily take the acquaintance offline. Our guys often remain silent after mutual liking, like grandfathers-partisans. Marinate them, huskies. Statistics are collected. At the same time they look stern. It’s understandable: autumn, the dollar exchange rate, a car loan... Of course, a hurricane of passion may be hiding behind an icy wall, but not everyone has enough warmth to test this theory. And then, suddenly Kai... that's it? In other words, it cannot be resuscitated. Some people don’t smile because the weather is November, but others are just a boring misanthrope who needs to be run away from, and as soon as possible!
The tummies do not check the coat of arms on the passport. Everyone's bellies are growing. And by the way, there is a huge difference between an overweight, always dissatisfied guy in sweatpants and a fake Rolex, in whose look you can read: “I’m that guy who is always rude in line,” and a jovial fat guy who cooks the best pizza in the world and knows how to laugh so hard the walls shake.
By the way, there are also fans of the bald head.
Read in full in the source with photos:
finebathroomvanities.com
« Nobody gives birth in the country“, grumbles A. I can see him at the table of the Minister of Labor and Social Protection. By the way, A. himself has exactly zero children so far. I don’t know what’s stopping him from creating blue-eyed charmers for an entire hockey team. The dollar exchange rate or the fall, or most likely the fact that A. does not understand the main thing. If a girl married a foreigner, flew to Munich and supports Bayern, then it’s better for her. For others (the majority of them), no matter how many speeches sweeter than baklava are poured into their ears, it is much more important to experience similar emotions with the chosen one at the sight of an electronic toy, where the wolf from “Well, wait a minute!” catches eggs, and laughs at the same moments in “Yolki.”
Cultural commonality often outweighs openness to imports. Gives a ten point handicap. But you can earn at least five more if, in addition to knowing the chords of “Spleen,” you learn to switch your seriousness to hibernation mode at the right moment. Worth a try.
When you are abroad, you always feel nostalgia for home. AND the best remedy for the soul - to hear something about your homeland. I tried to figure out what Europeans know about Belarus and how they feel about our culture?
Alexander, 35 years old, Munich, Germany:
It always seemed to me that Russia and Belarus are one country. But, nevertheless, we separately call the country Russia and “White Russia”. I heard that your place is incredibly clean, and I also know a little about your president. Oh, yes, and the capital of Belarus - Minsk. Fortunately, I have the highest grade in political geography ( laughs).
Franceska, 41 years old, Brno, Czech Republic:
I know a lot about Belarus. For example, about your Christian traditions: you celebrate Easter completely differently. I have a friend from Minsk, and she often teaches me interesting statements, which are completely unusual for our region, for example: “I’m like a cucumber in the morning.” This is incredibly funny! Sometimes I use your Belarusian sayings in the company of my friends, and they think I'm a little crazy ( laughs). Besides, I know what potato pancakes are. There is a similar dish in our kitchen.
Lina, 37 years old, Vilnius, Republic of Lithuania :
I love Belarus very much. You are our neighbors. But the most important thing is that you are very responsive people. And Minsk is a beautiful and clean city. I use your Belita cosmetics. We sell Polesie toys and some branded clothing or underwear of excellent quality - I have been wearing some of these items for many years. By the way, I very often come across Belarusians at work - I am delighted with the kindness of these people, who are always ready to help in any situation.
Roger, 28 years old, Rotterdam, Netherlands:
Belarus? Where is it? Just kidding, I know about your country. I’ve never been, but I know that you drink a lot and eat fatty foods. I know the name of your president. That's probably all. You need to use Google.
Abi, 31 years old, Paris, France:
I was born in Omsk and moved to live in France when I was little. Sorry for my Russian - I already have a noticeable accent. As far as I know, Belarus is very beautiful country. I once discussed it with friends, and they said that Minsk is a sterile clean city. However, most of all they liked Brest and Grodno. By the way, I know who “Krambambula” is. I want to visit Belarus and, I think, next year I can do it.
Belarus is a country that does not have the Eiffel Tower, Gaudi architecture or any Wonder of the World, but, nevertheless, Europeans know about us. They know, experiencing warm feelings, a desire to come and explore. They value the purity and pristine beauty of nature. Isn't this enough?
