Right now I am leaning toward a visit to Belarus, though it's not set in stone. I can't go anywhere till Sept., so that may change. This is one country I have not seen anyone mention and was wondering if anyone has been there and if so, could you pass on a little info?
I'm talking to two ladies from good old Belarus, Minsk and Vibstek.
Despite the gloryfying descriptions you get from all internet travel reports, both ladies say life in Belarus is not enjoyable, because of the rampant crime waves, pollution and lack of economic opportunities.
I have also been considering going to Minsk to "shake hands" with them/her, but I rather meet them/her in St. Petersburg and travel back home to visit their families.
Has anyone been there yet....(and lived to tell the story?)
I've lived there for the first 27 years of my life.
Even though I'm sure there is a lot have changed since I've left but I think Belarus is a wonderful place. People are very kind and there are many beautiful women.
What kind of info are you particular interested in DaleE?
I am thinking about going to either Minsk or Vitebsk. I don't know ANYTHING about them. I will read what I can find out about the country. You have already mentioned that the women are beautiful so I don't have to worry about that one. Is russian language the accepted (common) languge there? Have you been to either city before ? Is there any social nitelife? What is there to do? (besides my main objective). How safe is it for a foreigner? Tell me PLEASE!
One more thing icinderella, I was talking to a man here in the States and he said that he's been to Vitebsk. He swore there are fifty women there to every man. Is that true? I think he might have wondered into the women's restroom when he took his head count.
As I’ve mentioned I left almost 7 years ago and I’ve heard from my friends that night life has changed for better. Although I can’t give you details on that. Russian is the laguage people speak in Belarus. Belarus (Minsk) is not as great as Russia (St.Petersburg or Moscow) for sightseeing. I lived in Minsk and I’ve never been to Vitebsk. Minsk is not too big and very densely populated. It’s been completely destroyed during the II World War. Minsk is great for your main reason but it if you are interested in sightseeing it make sense to get visa to Russia and visit St.Petersburg or Moscow.
I can't confirm about "fifty women there to every man" but I'd guess fifty good looking women to every decent man.
For safety I’d recommend to have a local guide (if you travel alone). I have Ukrainian friend and when she went back home with her Canadian boyfriend she asked him not to speak English in transit. She said it makes you a target for pick pocketing.
What's your plan for travelling there (independent, tour....)?
Thanks for your reply. So far my traveling plans are to go to agency to meet some certain women. Would have liked it much better to meet only one but if the chemistry isn't right, I can't afford to go but maybe twice before my funds are exhausted. Agency supplies the guide/translator, and apartment. It's a small agency in a small town so I was just wondering if there was anything else to do besides meet beautiful women all day long.:o) Need some place to take them to. As far as the pickpocketing is concerned, I'm taking 2 empty wallets and one with money deeply buried in my shorts. Even a pickpocketer wouldn't like to be caught with his arm buried down to his elbow in some guys pants.
I'm sure the guide/translator will give you better advice were to go and what to see. When you'll make up your mind about visiting Minsk I promise to give more detailed info.
Thats called your bluff Dale me old mate :o)
You gotta go now, the lady wants a good reason to tell you all she knows about her home country, you are not going to let 2 women down are you ? ;o))
By reading GLTALLTOAD's post, It makes me think icinderella's more detailed info might include something about packing a shotgun, bringing a gasmask, and making sure my will is in proper order before I leave.lol It's still a toss up between Minsk and Vitebsk.