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THANKS
I want to thank the many VTers who helped make this trip so successful and enjoyable, especially Victoria (otherwise known as minchanka) and Julie (aka travelmad478). VT is a wonderful resource and a wonderful place because of people like you.
I visited Belarus to explore my family's roots. Three of my grandparents were born in Belarus so I was eager to see some of the outlying villages where they came from. (If you have read my Belarus travelogue, stop now. My Minsk page is excerpted from that travelogue. However, if you are specifically interested in Minsk, this travelogue is continued by the link to the above right.)
Minsk was the logical base for me: it is the capital, by far the largest city in the country, and centrally located. I would find a guide and take a few day trips to look for roots and other evidence of Jewish life. Minsk is also home to the country's largest Jewish community, estimated at about 20,000 out of total city population of 1,750,000. It is the center of Jewish life in Belarus; there is at least one active synagogue in addition to a Jewish day school and a Jewish People's University (connected with the Belarus State University) that offers adult education classes at night. There are even three Jewish newspapers and the city is home to the National Jewish Cultural Center. (On the other hand, I should also point out that during 1989-91, close to 50,000 Jews left Belarus; all is not well, either.)
Despite obvious similarities, it is worth pointing out that Belarus is not Russia. Although they share far more than just a border, there is, in fact, a separate language, though most people speak both. The languages are, not surprisingly, closely related, but Belarussian has some "extra" letters and its spellings tend to more closely reflect actual pronunciation than Russian does. And, of course, some words are completely different. In my case, it mattered little. I can read the Cyrillic alphabet without too much difficulty--it's used in both languages. (The biggest difference may be in the pronunciation of one letter: in Russian, it is "g" and in Belarussian it is "h." Thus, the city is Grodno to the Russians but Hrodno to Belarussians. My grandfather's last name would have been Gurwitz to Russians but Horwitz to Belarussians.) I speak Russian only sparingly. Fortunately, between my small vocabulary, my little Berlitz book, and my knack for pronunciation (and, I think, for charades), I managed without much problem--even though English is spoken by very few people in Belarus.
(You can read my entire travelogue on Minsk by clicking the link above.)
- Pros:Fascinating place to explore
- Cons:No tourist infrastructure; only Russian speakers
Reviews (10)
Introducing the Minsk subway
Transportation
(1)
There is a wonderful introduction to the Minsk subway available at an English language website:... more travel advice
Learn your Cyrillic alphabet
Favorites
(1)
Be prepared to speak a little Russian. If you don't want to do that, make sure you can read it. Unlike Moscow and St.... more travel advice
I stayed at the Oktyabrskaya...
Hotels
(1)
I stayed at the Oktyabrskaya because of its wonderful location. It is only two blocks from praspekt Skaryny, the main... more travel advice
See the National Art Museum
Local Customs
(1)
Not precisely a cultural 'tip' but I would strongly urge you to find a morning or afternoon to visit the National Art... more travel advice
tiganeasca's Related Pages
Minsk Travel Guide
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Badges & Stats in Minsk
- 10 Reviews
- 12 Photos
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- 33 Comments
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Share Your TravelsLatest Activity in Minsk
- updated a Minsk Travel Page "tiganeasca in Minsk"
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Comments (26)
Minsk and Belorus are still on my wish list! Like your packing tip ;)
Very great comments! I thoroughly enjoyed a trip to Russia and Ukraine a month ago. I want to visit Minsk next. The nuances of the culture were endearing after some time. Poor service, scowling Babushka women and crooked taxis were par for the course.
There isn't 'Pall Mall' here now. It was sold, rebuild and reopen as a 'Mon Cafe'. Pretty light cafe with a good (and not very expensive) european and japan food. At least you may taste 'sushi' there...
great page indeed.Thanks
Thank you for your isight about Minsk. Greetings from Oregon, USA.
I am going to be in Poland and thought I would go to Belarus. Your site is very helpful. Drop me a note at hcameron@projecttools.com if you get this.
may be helpful: the only people who speek english (& sometimes German) are children and teenagers. trust me, I know ) / message from Minsk
Just a fascinating page.
Lots of good, detailed info about this not so visited capital city. Thanx for sharing!
Great and very informative page! Some nice pictures :-)
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