"There are damn it - your hazing." Foreign tourists about Belarus

Tourists who visited our country do not hide their impressions. Collecting their feedback on foreign blogs and in guidebooks, I had to laugh a lot, and sometimes to sink [we offer to discuss!]

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ABOUT COUNTRY

Here live the most cultural sports fans

"Belarus is wide plains, picturesque villages, ancient castles and monasteries, as well as dumping forests, picturesque landscapes and thousands of free bathing lakes.

And here you live here the most cultural sports fans. "

(Portal WORLDTRAVGUIDE.Net, United Kingdom)

"In Belarus, more than 7,000 lakes, wherever you stop, it is obligatory somewhere near the lake. To find it, ask for local. In Belarus, wet summer and harsh winters, so if you are going to swim, make sure you do it in the summer. "

(Rboittier, United Kingdom)

About Minsk

Patriotic consciousness sits in people

"I did not see such pure cities in life as Minsk. And this is not because someone controls people outside or hits them if they throw garbage. No, just in humans in itself sits patriotic consciousness, high morality, I really liked it in them. "

"Minsk has a glorious history and deserves to be the capital. But, unfortunately, the city was destroyed many times, and permanent wars Buried her prosperous past. The modern face of the city does not reflect the rich ancient history Belarusian people. "

About the people and traditions

No one speaks English

"I was in Belarus and believe that they have one trouble - they do not know how to drink. I tried to come to the apartments of some of my acquaintances, because there was always a lot of people and drank a lot. "

(JasonMaylett, United Kingdom)

"There is absolutely no one speaks English. Even words. "

(Ushastik, Ireland)

"Never give anyone to Belarus even number flowers. Local residents They consider it a bad admission. "

(TravelNotes Travel Guide, USA)

"Never quarrel with Belarusians even joking, it can end the fight. But if they were knighted, treat them with vodka, then they will definitely forgive you. "

(Dirty_harry, Israel)

"Do not talk about politics with anyone in Belarus. It is possible that the person who has this topic, a secret agent. "

(Tobias_Plieninger, Germany)

"When you go to Belarus, take with you less good clothes and jewels, so as not to seem like a showroom. Here, to buy what you can afford every month, Belorus leaves somewhere. "

(Blue-Viggen, United Kingdom)

"I was amazed that in Belarus they know such a group as Pink Floyd. and U2. I was told that only such songs like "Pupil" are popular here.

(Jon, Ireland)

About Belarus:

In mini skirts, despite the frost

"Russian women are unique creatures. They put the seven above themselves. They are always ready to make a brilliant career to be with her husband and children. Even if you give a Russian woman little attention, love and care, but show her that appreciate her as a wife and hostess at home, and you will admire her beauty, she will be faithful to death. "

"Belarus" means "White Russia". " Here live here beautiful women! Despite the frost, they always wear mini skirts and look so beautiful and feminine! Mostly Belarusian with blond hair and pale skin, and their eyes are green. They look like real clean, white Russians! "

(A-friend-of-belarus, Serbia)

"There are more than 300 Russian women's names. There are those that came from deep StoryBut still very popular. Interestingly, the fact that the Russians have each name has its meaning or meaning. Maybe it will seem strange, but if you know the meaning of the girl name, from whom they met, you can understand what kind of horoscope she is.

(portal city-of-brides.com, USA)

"In Belarus beautiful and sexy girls. Since men are smaller, and every Beloruska dreams only about the family, they have to look better to compete. "

(Portal MypartnerForever.com, United Kingdom)

About service:

Only the seller has keys to the showcase

« Many large stores in Belarus, especially non-food, keep a huge amount service personnel. Almost near each adjustment is the seller. Only this seller has keys to the showcase, behind which the goods are standing in the museum. If you want something to see, you must contact him, and he will give you it. After you choose the goods, you will need to approach another seller to pay. "

(DAO, United Kingdom)

"In many food stores or everyday demand goods, there are strange (for us) system. One store can be broken into five departments. You buy milk in one, meat - in another and so on, and it happens in small stores. It turns out that you pay all the time: you do two steps - and pay, then two more steps - and pay again, and so on. "

(Rboittier, United Kingdom)

"Hotels personnel are something! There are few people smiling here and speaks with you in a friendly tone - and this is a fairly expensive hotel (the room cost 40 euros per night). The registration and service department of guests barely speaks English, but it was not so big problem for me. I had a dictionary with me, and my native Serbian is very similar to the Russian, where everyone says there. "

(MIX, Serbia)

"If you are traveling to Belarus on your car, be prepared for a long wait on the border. We went through Poland to border Brest and waited there for 9 hours. For so long because there is not enough checkpoints, and there are many cars. We calculated for a couple of hours waiting, but not so much. System to get everything required documents- just chaos. If my Dutch friend did not help me, who speaks Russian slightly, we would go back to Poland. "

(Harlow, Holland)

About products:

Kefir is delicious

"Apple juice in Belarus is just a dream. He is without any additives, even sugars do not add. I think the Belarusians collect apples and squeeze them without any production. Such juice is sold in funny three-liter banks and stands as far as I remember, just over 1 euro.

(Dirim, Bosnia and Herzegovina)

"In Belarus, drink such a drink as kefir. It is very similar to yogurt or Turkish Ayran, but less salted and more condensed. Very tasty! And from alcoholic beverages in Belarus drink champagne. As far as I knew, this tradition comes from the time of the USSR.

(Said, Turkey)

About entertainment:

All in black

"I was in the Minsk clubs and that's what I noticed: they go there mostly 20-year-olds (I even seemed to me that some were not 18). Music usually plays too loudly. The main part of people goes to the club in black clothes.

I was also in the same strip club, paid $ 50 for Privatthan and was disappointed.

(Ghardey, USA)

"I went to one night club In Minsk, and I liked everything! Especially the girls on the disco. They are very beautiful and easily meet with them. I was surprised that they were not a prostitute. "

(Stephan, Austria)

About security:

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 the police go everywhere. "

(CARLETTO76, Italy)

"I would like to say that I just returned from a trip to Belarus and I can calm all who wants to go there - is completely normal there. Pretend that you are poor to do not rob, do not need. You also should not immediately work if you see the police (although it is true that you should not bother them). People are beautiful and friendly, and here is low crime. "

(Winterflop, Austria)

"In Belarus, there are many people who concerned only how to get to your money. For example, when I needed to buy a ticket to the main railway station, no one spoke in English and did not understand what I want. But one friendly girl who spoke in English, offered me to help. I paid for a ticket in rubles, and later I learned that I was overpaid 30 euros. And I thought why the cashier and the girl who helped me, so smiled at each other. Everyone is trying to heat the money. "

(Dulgros, Germany)

Mikhail Sender - director of "Kufara" - almost every week meets foreign guests in Minsk. For several years, he had a clear view that and how (not) to do with a foreigner so that he would love our city.

As a person, half of life, who lived outside of Belarus, who visited several dozen countries and hundreds of cities, as well as a lot of foreign guests in Minsk, I will immediately say that this essay concerns foreigners from developed countries.

The inhabitants of the third world countries can be safely allowed in free swimming in the Minsk streets, and they will admire almost everything. But taking guests from Guests from Western Europe And North America, it is important to keep in mind that Minsk with all its charms is still very difficult for accustomed to the convenience and comfort of cosmopolitans.

Any foreigner in any country - walking prejudice

If you want your guests to have good impressions of Minsk, one should understand one important thing. Foreigners always go to new country With whole luggage formed previously prejudice, stereotypes and expectations. These expectations are built on the country's reputation in the world and on the information that can be leaked to different channels in their heads. These expectations are not always fair and objective, however, they are often the basis for visiting the country.

It is important to understand that foreigners will first look for confirmation of these stereotypes and prejudices. So, arriving in New York, tourists are trying to calculate the number of fatels and fast food, in Amsterdam sniffed to the smell of marijuana and look for LGBT couples, and in Bangkok - fried insects and transvestites-prostitutes. One-two correspondence stereotype seen on the street to consolidate the prejudice about the country and the city. And only if a person did not see any confirmation of a stereotype for the entire trip, his prejudices could be destroyed.

Here you like the host you need to make a choice: either you give guests what they came for, and help them confirm their prejudices, or you strive to surprise them, challenging stereotypes. In the case of Minsk, I prefer the second option - at least because all stereotypes and prejudices of foreigners about Belarus are usually exceptionally negative. They can be divided into two categories: common Eastern European stereotypes and mental associations specifically with Belarus.

What prejudices about Belarus are among foreigners

To general stereotypes about Eastern Europe These are typical cities for surviving communism. Gray concrete boxes under the code name "Buildings", poverty, dirt, crime, prostitution, painted blondes on studs, ready for all for money, short-sighted mugs in sports suits and classic grandmas in scarves, known as Babúshka.

But specifically from Belarus, besides the listed, expect even more. Regularly communicating with foreigners, never happened in Belarus, I approximately imagine how they see it. Arriving in the "last dictatorship of Europe" and the only European country that is not included in the Council of Europe and still applying fatherlandA foreigner expects to see oppressed and intimidated people in the fur hats, exhausted by corruption and bureaucracy marching the military in gigantic caps and widespread portraits and statues of Lukashenko. In addition, Belarus often is often waiting for compliance with numerous stereotypes about Russia, is also very unpleasant.

As you already understood, Minsk has a good potential to destroy many of these prejudices.

In Minsk is quite clean and safely, which is already a break of the template, and people do not look so sadly. At the same time, it is necessary to recognize that Minsk is indeed crowded with signs of militarism and the communist heritage, hide which you will not work.

But it is not bad! Saying an Item language, this is not a bug, but a feature. After all, if we talk in truth, without this Soviet heritage in Minsk there would be nothing special. The Fishka of Minsk is just that it is the perfect monument to the "scoop" in his best Ipostasi. Nowhere else in Europe is not, and it is really interesting for those who know about the USSR only from historical books and films.

Our task is to ensure that during the stay of a foreigner in Minsk this "scoop" remained at the level of the monument and did not overlook in front of the guests in reality, confirming some of the above prejudice. To do this, I recommend you the following precautions ...

What you need to remember when you meet the guest at the airport

Fortunately, despite the completely anti-gravel symbiosis of Belavia and the airport "Minsk-2", the first holds a completely decent level of service, and the second last years led to a more or less divine look. Nevertheless, at the first stage of the visit of Belarus there are its trap.

Before departure, warn your friends that they should give the migration card on the plane, which you need to fill in the plane. This is important for two reasons. First, although Belavia's flight attendants and distribute them to everyone directly on board, they do it quite imperceptibly, in a hurry moving around the aisle, without looking at the passengers and accompanying the distribution typical of many young Belarusians with unbearable mutters in Russian.

It can be assumed that the migration card most often needed passengers who do not know the Russian language. But, apparently, such assumptions are not written in job description flight attendants. Over the past four years, I arrived at the Belavia in Minsk in Minsk, and each time everything passed on the same algorithm.

Secondly, your guests do not have to run at the airport and search for a handle (according to eyewitnesses, the handles in the arrival hall may not really be), to then be in the tail of the passport control.

Remember:the migration card will immediately consolidate one of the prejudices of foreigners about Belarus as a certain autonomous region of Russia. For on the left in the top on it it is written " the Russian Federation" This is one of the very few physical manifestations of the so-called "Union State", which, I assure you, no one outside of him has never heard.

No one ever heard about the CIS, CSTO, EAS and the "post-Soviet space", so you can not bother attempts to translate these abbreviations and expressions into English. Nobody will not understand anyway. Just say that we have an open border with Russia and therefore the same migration card acts at the entrance to both countries. From you for a while will stop, but get ready for the fact that you will still have to miss the image of Belarus as an independent country.

By the way, the one of you, whom the constant attribution by foreigners of Belarus, some Russian stamps, advise not to remake with patriotism, for it can play in the opposite direction.

It's hard not to confuse the country with Russia, where everything is spoken in Russian, the currency is called "Ruble" and 9 of 10 pronounce english adjective "Belarusian" ("Belorussky") as "Bellaráshan". For those who are not sure how to pronounce, listen here:

I very often see how Belarusians from patriotic motives are constantly trying to talk to foreigners about the differences between Russia and Belarus, Russian and Belarusians, exposing their people in the positive light. Should not be doing that. First, it smacks xenophobia. Secondly, no matter how paradoxically, this you only strengthen in the minds of foreigners a logical connection between these peoples.

The more often you remember Russia during a foreigner's visit to Minsk, the more he will associate this city with Russia. If you do not want it - compare better with other countries.

You take a guest from the airport

Also, do not forget to prevent your friends that they need to buy in the airport the insurance, which sells Belgosstrakh (just tell me that the green booth with an inscription insurance) right at the entrance to passport control.

It does not matter what they have, like everyone else normal people, There is already insurance covering expenses abroad, and it does not matter that it is quite enough. With 90% of their probability, they are deployed in the green booth with this insurance on passport control, because there is no PRAGOSSTRA stamp (free competition in Belarusian). Fortunately, thanks to the non-promotability of this brand, your friends will not understand the absurdity of this objection and decide that they themselves are to blame. You still have a chance to keep my homeland face.

If you can not celebrate guests yourself at the airport, send a taxi for them to some kind of decent company (let's say, "Friday"). Do not even think to recommend the bus. They will immediately come across a ticket machine, where there is no English interface, and shame and grief you cannot avoid. The express train will be able to solve the transfer problem to the city in five years, when the rails will place to the terminal itself and the train does not have to approach by bus.

If a foreigner decides to take a taxi himself - wait for him of troubles. As happened in many Eastern European airports in the 1990s, briefly short-lived men in training will begin at the exit to it, offering a taxi. An experienced traveler immediately honors a divorce and, ignoring athletes, will head to parking a taxi by signs. Taxi drivers will not catch it and guide back to the brothers in sports costumes, thereby fastening the prejudice of Eastern European crime and rack.

Your next task is to bring guests to Minsk without pronounced the horrors of the Belarusian village. You should prepare the topics for the conversation in order to distract the attention of passengers from the landscapes of the queen. For example, you can pay attention to the smooth landscape on the right side of the road, noting that Belarus is the most flat country in Europe. At this title also claim the Netherlands, but who will check them ...

Drinking to Ugra, pay attention to your friends on cornflowers, adorning the facades of some panels. I am not about flowers, but about the cruciform element of the Belarusian traditional ornamentwhich we use in the form of scenery everywhere where neither spit. This is a very unusual chip, when a symbol that is not official coat of arms is used everywhere in architecture and design of everything - from interiors to clothing.

By turning attention to this, you can encourage the most gambling of them to start looking for cornflows everywhere. If you are lucky, it may distract them from finding confirmation by your vulgar prejudice.

Just imagine how difficult to foreigner understand the names

Few in Belarus thought about it, but by world standards we have a completely abnormal situation with the names of cities and streets.

There are many countries with two and more state languages \u200b\u200bin the world. But not in many countries the names of the streets differ depending on the language. As a rule, the names, like other brands, are not transferred. And we have even their own names.

An alien who is accustomed to the fact that everything has one name, it can be very confused. For example, you offer him to go to the Victory Square. He records in the notebook Plochad Pobedy. Then looks at the map and can not find because the Victory Square is written there. Then it sits on the subway, and there are declared Pošča Pieramohi. It is impossible to understand the mind.

Therefore, personally, I try to adhere to the international toponymic standards of the UN, for which all names are translated from belorussian language With the help of the official Belarusian Latin, and be in this consistent. Our city authorities are also trying. In the subway and on the pointers, everything is written. But on the maps it happens that not so ...

In what restaurants and cafes to conduct a foreigner

Many Minsk residents do not realize this, but compared to many european capitals in Minsk so much high level Quality of restaurants and cafes. In the center today it is difficult to find a place where it can be ashamed for the interior and where they disgustly fed. But there are times to fear.

One moment - we are allowed to smoke in in public places. Therefore, if your friends do not smoke, then they should not be conducted in place like Malt & Hops, where their fashionable outfits are fastened and they will be raised by Minsk (and you).

The second problem point is the complete unpreparedness of most establishments for foreigners. Most waiters in English either do not speak, or speak very bad. In many restaurants there is no menu in English. In some it is, but outdated, with prices in old rubles with twenty zero. Therefore, booking a table, it is better to clarify these moments in advance and ask the table that will serve the knowledgeable English waiter. Reliable places in this plan - Pinky Bandinsky, ID BAR, THE View, Don Coffe'on, Grünwald, News Café, Mai Thai, but there are others.

Come to the restaurant, ask the English menu for all, including yourself. What for? Repeatedly discovered that the English menu differs from Russian / Belarusian on the content and numbering of pages, not to mention the flaws of translation. This circumstance can significantly complicate the discussion of dishes and create misunderstandings and disappointment.

There is still such a moment: many waiters, although they speak English, try to avoid it if possible. If they see that the company has a local one, then they begin to lead all chatting on all guests only with you, in Russian. Personally, it is terribly tired of me, because I have to go to my free time work by the translator and perform a part of his work for the waiter, taking responsibility for possible mistakes translation and forgetfulness. And I also came to relax.

To avoid such cases, I, while in the company of foreigners, I try not to give the form that I know Russian, which I advise you. Let them train!

What to look in Minsk?

Be sure that your guests in Minsk will be much more interested in all the scary and ugly than what you would like to show them.

Nobody is interested in Troitsky and Rakovsky suburb, the upper city with its microscopic town hall and the humble church of the Holy Trinity, Syon and Alena, etc. architectural value Not much superior to the level of many provincial Western European cities.

We do not have huge gothic castles, cathedrals and palaces. Even National Library Few interests. The ugliness and backwardness is that foreigners expect to see and what will be able to tell about their friends. Your delicate task is to drive them in places where deformities are least, but to do it under the pretext of visiting something interesting.

For example, everyone is interesting to see the largest monument to Lenin, standing in front of the government. (Remember, this is a chip, not a bug!) Going there, you can spend the guests along Karl Marx Street, showing the presidential administration and the tank monument (this is also a chip).

And after a photo session with Lenin, to spend them on the Avenue of Independence to the upper city to visit the bars on Zybitskaya and at the same time to show the KGB building (the fact that the KGB still exists, is a super email!) And GUM (just do not let them inside). Thus, your guests will be located all the time within the decent look of the city, and it will form them overall impression On the architecture of Minsk, contrary to the stereotype of gray concrete boxes. They will be surprised that in Minsk is quite beautiful and tidy, although there is no outstanding works architecture.

What can you really impress foreigners?

Evening illumination. I really didn't see anywhere else in the world (and I visited more than 150 cities in 45 countries) so that all the facades in the city center were lit by the backlight for several hours. Come to guests on the avenue before dinner. Beautiful, originally and really remembered.

Keep in mind that the most pleasant impressions of Minsk will leave no buildings and statues, but a good time. Still after dinner on the bars on Zybitskaya, take off in the "attic" or wash in the "hooligan", talk with interesting and pleasant people, and the memories of Minsk with your friends will be the warmest.

Well, remind them of farewell to the migration card to be not forgotten, and other memories can be added on passport control.

"Visa-free regime - great idea"," Bed with English "," Destroy hotels "- foreigners share their impressions about Belarus

Last month Spring traditionally becomes tourist for our country. In the May holidays in Minsk come residents of neighboring countries, mostly Russians who are about sightseeing Belarus can hardly tell me hardly than local inhabitants. Recently adopted visa-free regime added the capital streets of Colorite and expanded the picture of nationalities: from the strangers to which the entry is prohibited, residents of 80 countries have become desirable guests (even if only five days). Onliner.by came out on the decorated streets of Minsk to ask tourists about their impressions about the country and its capital.

What makes foreigners first? What will be told to your friends and can Belarus hook foreign guests so much so that they wanted to return here again (or even more than once)? Tourists we asked to tell not only about good, but also about what could be changed in our mistake so that the life of the "overseas" guest was more comfortable and familiar.

A young man named Hok though was born in Taiwan, constantly lives in Australia. A year ago, travel lover thanks to the Internet met with the beautiful Belorian. And decided to learn more about her native country.

What is class

- I immediately planned to stay longer than five days, so I had to make a visa, - explains Hawk. - In Belarus, I am already a week. All this time mainly spent in Minsk. Just yesterday I drove the whole city on a special red tourist bus - I climbed onto the second floor and examined the city. I like it. I heard that there is also a green bus that also introduces attractions, I am going to ride and on it.

Minsk Cool City. Impressed buildings in the center (beautiful architecture) and an independence area. I also liked the Belarusian food, especially pancakes from vegetables (I do not remember what is called). True, establishments where you can try the national cuisine, not so much - I go to "Vasilka".

I live at the hotel - I stayed at Bonhotel, the hotel is good, and the prices for rooms are comparable to Australian - an average of $ 60-70 per day. Nightlife Minsk has not yet studied. But I liked public transport - I used only buses and subways, the passage seemed to me very cheap.

What can be changed

- Simplify the procedure for obtaining a visa. When you're used to flying around the world at all without visas, all these extra jerks and experiences are perceived hard. For me it was very difficult. Well, S. english problem - Not all passersby understand what you are talking about.

Dominica also has a difficult geographic history: A man comes from Germany, lives in Ukraine, and to Belarus came to spend his wife's relatives. In our country, the hotel is not for the first time and notes changes.

What is class

- a visa-free mode appeared - it is very convenient. Five days, in principle, enough to solve basic questions and even learn the country a little (we flew at all for four days). The only inconvenience is a binding to the airport.

The city is constantly changing: new buildings are built, something restored, new bars and restaurants are opening. I can note that in the old town it became much most of all happening: before the streets were empty, and now exhibitions, festivals - in one word, activity.

What can be changed

- sometimes lack inscriptions on english language. In the center, everything is in order, but if you go down a little further, problems begin. Of course, you can contact the question of passersby, but not everyone will be able to prompt - the youth, in principle, speaks English, but the people are older - no longer. And this is very important. I do not have any problems, since I spend freely in Russian, but if my father traveled one in Minsk, it would be difficult for him even in the subway - the inscriptions there are non-standard. My advice is to popularize English at all levels.

Olya and Nastya - representatives of the most numerous tourist class for us, girls arrived from Moscow. Literally in a few hours they collected things, jumped into the car and rushed into Minsk.

What is class

- The trip was very spontaneous, but we always have it - Girls laugh. - Why Belarus? Because resting here inexpensively and not very far from home. Initially, we wanted to see the worldly and Nesvizhsky castles, so on the very first day we went there. Did not disappointed - the castles really liked. On the way back to Vitebsk.

Minsk is cool, and people you have very kind - everyone smiles, glad to tell. It conquers. We live in the hotel "Tourist" - an excellent option for a little money. As for nutrition, we try to try only the national cuisine. All good. You will definitely tell you about Belarus and advise you to come here.

What can be changed

- I would like more activities in the city: such that would attract young people, and then in the evenings on the streets empty and quiet. The problem arose with an independent tour: tried to download the guide to Minsk, but very few options were found. And when all the same, I downloaded one of them and listened, I almost fell asleep - "It was built in such a year, such a person who was a relative of such a person." Boredom, terribly uninteresting. Although it might leave much more impressions if everything was thought out and designed for young people.

It would be nice if there were original excursions in Minsk, such as in St. Petersburg on the roofs. Or so that the quest for urban attractions can be passed. And it would be nice so that the subway worked longer and the train movement interval was less (in the evening you can simultaneously stand). There are not enough good grocery stores - most of them are small with a small choice, and the prices for goods are the same as in Moscow.

Alexey and Julia with two sons, Stepan and Kirill, arrived in Minsk to the May holidays from the Volga region. For the first time, the head of the family was in our latitudes on workers, and having acquainted with the city, so inspired that he decided to show the neighboring country to his households.

What is class

- decided to spend the May holidays with benefit - and relax, and see how they live in a neighboring state, - explains Alexey. - We arrived by car, so I can safely say that the roads in Belarus are different: there is better, but eating worse. If we talk about entry into the country, then it requires refinement - after all, this is the face of the state. And in Minsk everything is not bad.

For about a week we are here. Given that we have two children, rented an apartment in the center, not a hotel. Proposals for housing in Minsk is enough. But having studied the options for Booking and Airbnb, we decided to see the local housing rental services. It turned out more profitable. Directly contacted landlords, talked, and people agree to work on an honest word, without prepayment, which is very nice. The most important thing is that the discrepancies between what is depicted in the photo, and there is no real state of the apartment. I want to note that the Belarusians are honest and decent people. Mentality is very similar to us.

I liked the city center - there is no sign of signs, everything is very organic and concise. We have already visited the worldly and Nesvizhsky castle - the best impressions. It is often said that Belarus is the USSR, but I do not agree. Echoes We found except in GUM, but this is again not said in the reproach, but in a good sense: a big store with your goods.

What can be changed

- It is necessary to develop the sphere of tourism. About Belarus and our attractions Even we, Russians, do not always know. Must be normal marketing strategy, it must be implemented. You have excellent goods and services, but this information must be conveyed. It is also worth focusing on national Kitchen - There is not enough institutions with a Belarusian flavor and original food. For some reason, little attention is paid to this.

Carolina and Marcello come from Italy, but learn in Moscow, and the weekend decided to spend in Minsk. Young people just flew to the country yesterday, taking advantage of a visa-free regime, and now they are glad to walk around the city.

What is class

- Before you come, we have almost known anything about Minsk and Belarus. And it would hardly be drunk on such a journey if not for visa-free regime. But since we have many friends in Moscow and they are often in Minsk, then we decided to try. Before that, they just watched their photos from the rest. You know, expectations and reality are still the same, there is no feeling of disappointment.

The first night we spent at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel - there is good, but very expensive. Today they moved to the hostel: 10 euros per day - this is the normal price. But it was not easy to find the place, almost all hostels in the center were booked on May holidays.

In Minsk, new places open every week for lovers of gastronomic delights and a call. Read about them and choose where to go to the remaining day off, you can click on the link.

Going to visit the worldly and Nesvizhsky castles, but we fear that the car will bring, - best specialists Repair auto looking in section

Foreigners (and our compatriots) discussed this question ..

Alex Filatov, lived in Belarus most own life

In fact, Belarus is not terrible. This country with a decade-millionth population has

• about 10% GDP growth;
• the main industries, including the production of potash fertilizers, household appliances, freight and passenger cars, public transport, optics; oil refining;
• ranked fourth in Europe on outsourcing;
• pretty well-developed education system.

Of course exist a large number of political, economic and social problems. The level of income per capita is rather low, political and often economic rights are not protected to the remedy. But this situation is far from the "terrible" when we mean the context post-Soviet societyWith which Belarus should be compared.

it beautiful country with the largest forests in Europe, which is inherent in the feeling of "provincial" despair and "wild countryside"Together with exceptional remnants of the Soviet lifestyle and decor that make this place special and interesting for visitors.

Mikita Mikado, founder QUOTE ROLLER

Belarus is not terrible.

The economic and political situation in the country depends on its government. Belarus Great country with good and tolerant people. Just visit her, and she will surprise you.

Yana Zhakovskaya

Belorus simply lacks interesting ideas. Most of the people have never tried another life, except what they have now. Only a few travel around the world, the use of the Internet is insignificant, the traditional media is very small, they are all strictly controlled by the government (unlike Russia, where, if not in the TV, on thousands of radio stations and in newspapers, you can only translate and print almost anything ).

I am familiar with a former foreign correspondent of one of the two national TV channels, which was allowed only to send materials showing the poverty of "ordinary inhabitants of the West", which lived so because of their "democracy of capitalism", emphasizing how good the Belarusians in the country . The reporter quit and left the country, and this is exactly the fact that too many of those who are able to change something has already done.

Jonathan Gattman, Analytics of Technology / Business Services based on Dallas HF

I would once again reminded that Minsk is actually a funny city. It is almost like the theme park epkot "World of the USSR". There is a hammer, and even more stars than in Russia. All monuments are associated with the events of World War II. And here is very safe.

Two years ago I was in Belarus for three days and never felt in danger, even walking at night. I would say that the country is inherent in the sense of racism, in principle, as well as other countries of the Eastern Block. Somehow I was in the bar with my Chinese-American friend, and a certain person gave clearly to understand that he was unpleasant to the society of my foreign friend.

Dmitry Shaiko, web developer

I would say that Belarus can be quite a terrible place if you live here (not only attend as a tourist). Wines in all people. A terribly spoiled by the times of the Soviet regime society will never be the same.

Some people are "victims" who endure everything they do with them (it was the only way to survive in the conditions of the Soviet regime and the result of natural selection).

Another part of people is something opposite. Basically, they earn their lives using the work of other people. They consider it necessary to go on the heads of people just to feel better.

I remember the Bitles group festival under Minsk a few years ago. The concert was over, and a large number of people built huge queues to buses (the idea of \u200b\u200bgetting stuck in the forest without a car was rather terrible). But whenever the bus drove up, people standing at the end of the queue were rapidly thrown to the bus filled with people. What was wrong? Frank joy on their faces. They really thought that they did the right "dishonestly overtaking fools."

Honestly, this is what happens everywhere in Belarus. Just try to get on the bus near the metro station in evening time (Say, near the metro station Moscow or East). If you do not want to conflict, then you will have to wait for several clocks of the bus. Are you lucky and you have already hit the bus? Well, try to smile to people who surround you. Carefully, you can hit you. Go to the store, there you will like unforgettable Soviet-specific service. Sellers do not consider you as a client who will bring the company's profit. You noticed that there is no trace of this type of thinking. Whenever you go somewhere, you will observe the Echo of the Soviet regime. I mean the behavior of people, not monuments, banners and buildings. Although, you can hardly notice it by a simple tourist without communicating with the simple people.

Mikhail Nitko

The pride of Belarus is the old forests, which occupy 40% of the total territory of the country, and this is not just some forests. This ancient, virgin forests that existed in Europe in Europe in the Middle Ages, when legends were born about King Arthur and Robin Gude. The rest of Europe has long destroyed such forests.

Vitaly Shevchenko, Project Manager

One of the terrible things that foreign tourists may face are considered almost a complete lack of English signs in the capital, even not to mention other cities and settlements.

Of course, you can meet in English such common words as toilet, currency exchange, cafe, hotels, taxi. You can also try to talk in English with young people and get valuable answers, because most students study at least one foreign language in the University.

Let's hope that the 2014 Hockey World Championship made some positive changes in the question of English signs.

Angel Martinez Corby.

In my opinion, there is nothing terrible in Belarus. This is a beautiful country wonderful people. It was in Belarusians that I noticed many values \u200b\u200bthat were lost in our countries. I do not understand why this question is so terrible Belarus, generally arose. Just because you need a Belarusian visa for entry?

Alexander Burkut

It seems that you have never been to Russia and Ukraine.

Pinshgeein Lang Carmindai (Pynshngain Lang Kharmyndai), student

I have never been to Belarus, but checking some sources, I really doubt that life is terrible in Belarus. I am confident that life in Belarus is even better than in such european countriesAs Portugal, Greece, not to mention the countries of the Third World.

Personally, I would like to visit Belarus to see everything with my own eyes. Of course, it sounds strange, but the only thing that comes to my mind when I see Belarus is Victoria Azarenko.

Residents of Switzerland, Albania, Latvia and Luxembourg told Kyky, as rendered Belarus. The answers were controversial: authoritarianism, "part of Russia", dishes from the internals of animals - a composite portrait of the country in the West. It pleases that at least an Albanian girl with a Belarusian guy to meet simply - say in Russian: "Hi, I love you. All, come on! "

Mattias, Switzerland: "Men and guys in Belarus are strong and large, and wearing sweaters who tied their grandmothers"

I know that the capital is Minsk, but what is the city, I can not say. Your president, Lukashenko called the "last dictator of Europe" - in power, it is probably 15-20 years old. The political system is quite autocratic, democracy is not well developed, and in addition Belarus is quite closed for the European country.

Probably in Belarus it is cold, because you are not far from Russia. In winter, the temperature is -10 or -15, and even -20 - when the wind goes from the northeast, with Siberia, here it must be very cold. But in the summer it is hot - above 30 degrees. Fox live in Belarus, maybe the sands, many small fluffy squirrels.

I do not have a clear idea how Belarusians look like: girls and women probably almost always wear skirts. Men and guys in Belarus are strong and large, and wear sweaters who have tied their grandmothers, and hats (but not French). Hipster here is a bit - can, 0.5% of everything. Maybe popular something related to Militari: Military Boots, Camouflage, short haircut. These are not skinheads, not political activists - just they like a military style.

I have the feeling that Belarus is a rather conservative country regarding gender roles: men are strong, and women are mostly sitting at home, children are growing. Therefore, to get acquainted with the Belarusian girl, I would act in this direction. It is necessary to seem strong that you are able to provide family and so on.

In their free time, Belarusians are engaged in the same way that the Swiss: watch TV, guys play football. Maybe you play chess? You are close to Russia, and her culture influenced you, and the Russians love chess. Probably you still love fishing.

Arild, Albania: "The Belarusian writer won the Nobel Prize - Honestly, I expected it to be imprisoned"

I study in Lithuania and know a lot about Belarus. Your president is in power since you gained independence. Therefore, it is authoritarian: trying to control not only politics, but also society. The most cool thing that you can not clap on the street because of the protests that were a few years ago. Belorussian writer won Nobel Prize - Honestly, I expected that, on returning to Belarus, it will be put in prison.

I wanted to visit Belarus, and I had the opportunity: the university organized a trip for foreign students In several countries, including to you.

But I did not give a visa: I had to provide an invitation and ordinary tourist could not get. In Male it was written: "You can't go, because your nationality is prohibited."

Why - it is unclear. Although I did not have a chance to visit Belarusian cities, but I can assume that they look a little in Soviet - like Klaipeda, for example.

It seems to me that the Internet and social networks Here are more limited than in Europe: there is no access to all sites. You use "VKontakte" instead of "Facebook" - and therefore, as it may be separated from the Western world and more connect to the Russian community, because only Russians and Belarusians use this network. I think you also use Instagram and Snapchat ( messaging app with attached photos and video. Users ask the limit how long recipients will be able to view them - approx. Kyky.).

Belarusians eat borsch, maybe something similar to Lithuanian clospets. But a special product - potatoes. Probably Belarusians eat it three times a day. Belarusians, which I know, very quiet, do not like to talk and show your feelings - even when I ask about them about the country, do not want to tell something. To meet them beautiful boyfriend In Belarus, I would say in Russian: "Hi, I love you. All, come on. "

Laina, Latvia: "Belarusians have soft features. For me, a little round look "

Your president is Lukashenko, and people call him "baty". Your flag is pretty beautiful, because on the left side is depicted national Pattern. I know the hymn - but I can not sing now. I was in Belarus, came to the competition. True, I do not remember that it was outside the city. Know that there is a stadium where preparations for winter olympic Games and training in biathlon.

Belarusians are very kind and responsive people. We broke the car, and I had to stay for another three days. Not only are the money ended, so we did not even know where you can repair the car - we were in an isolated place. But we were given a good room for free, fed and helped get to the border - it was very saved.

I noticed that Belarusians have soft features of the face: there are no sharp lines on the jaw, the nose. For me, even a little round look. Women are quite low growth, and men - on the contrary, very high. At least, so I can talk about people who met. How to get acquainted with the Belarusian guy? I think I would say: "I think you should be able to dance!"

Richard, Spain (Catalonia): "Probably, the authorities are in power"

Belarus is the post-Soviet country. It is medium sized, but less than Spain. Probably, the authorities are located in power - it seems so, because your past is connected with communism. I heard of your president, and that he is not completely democratic. Perhaps he is in power for 25 years.

I think the Belarusians are high, white-skinned, with clean clear eyes. Girls wear braids - because it is a traditional hairstyle. Free time, Belarusians usually spend at parties and drink vodka. Eating a lot of soups and wild animals: Kabana, maybe elk, like in Estonia. I think more potatoes and vegetables, for example, broccoli.

To get acquainted with the girl, I would pretend to be a Spaniard ( Richard considers himself Catalan - approx. Kyky.). There is little southern here, and it is different from what is accustomed to the north - therefore something from the south seems steeper.

Leonor, Luxembourg: "It seems to me that Belarus has always been part of Russia before

I do not want to talk for the entire Western European youth, but I personally know little about Belarus. But I largely associate it with Russia - for me it is almost the same thing, because the names of the countries are consonant and they are nearby. It seems to me that Belarus has always been part of Russia before.

Belarus has gained independence after the Bolshevik revolution or after the First World War.

Probably, the country wanted to become independent for a long time, but after these events such an opportunity appeared. I do not know how Belarusian national symbols. Definitely eat red, because communism ( laugh), dark green. Perhaps he is similar to the flag of Lithuania. Surely there is a third color - but I have no idea what.

I think the Belarusians are like Russians. Belarusians have a strict face and eyes, women cold and removed. In Belarus is strong family tradition: You have many children, three or four. Probably you love political jokes, irony and satire. For Belarus, IT-sphere is important. For some reason, it seems to me that Belarusian men love informatics very much. Agriculture can hardly be the main sectorate of the economy - the Belarusian climate is not very suited.

Stella, Germany: "In the free time, Belarusians drink"

The only thing I know is the name translates from German as "White Russia". Plus-minus I know where it is not in the EU, but borders with the Baltic and Ukraine in the north. Probably, it will sound in racist: the Belarusians do not slavic type appearance, and more Russian. But Russia is a very mixed country, so I will say that Belarusians are similar to Sibiryakov, northern people: blondes with blue eyes.

In their free time, Belarusians drink, but I say not because of the stereotype. All people do this: in Spain, in Germany, in the Czech Republic ... I think, on Belarusian money, famous and important personalities are depicted: poets, musicians.

Aireng, Cyprus: "Belarusians eat hot fish soups with fish and herbs or meat, with animal entrails"

I learned about Belarus a few years ago at the lesson of geography at school - before that did not have that such a country exists. And the only thing I know is: the capital is Minsk. Belarusians are similar to Russians and Ukrainians, because they are closely related to each other. Probably, Belarusians have blue eyes, blonde hair and necessarily white leather! Belarusians eat hot fish soups With herbs or meat, with the insides of animals - as in Edinburgh, because it is a cold country.

Probably the most profitable classes - an economist or businessman. I say so, because I have a friend from Minsk, which is studied by Marketeg.

It comes out to the idea that this area is in demand in the country and, perhaps, people employed in this is waiting for a good future.

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