| Visiting Belarus
is like stepping back into the Soviet Union. After total destruction during the
Second World War, Minsk, the Belarussian capital, was reconstructed in the 1950s
as a model Soviet city. Located on the banks of the Svisloch River, Minsk passed
up its post-war chance to Europeanise like its Baltic neighbours, and visitors
can judge for themselves how effective their neo-communist model was. Lenin still
stands proudly in the main square. If the Soviet style becomes too much, you can
seek refuge in more classical attractions. Taste regional specialities such
as Belarussian Borshch (beetroot soup served with sour cream) and Draniki (potato
pancakes), washed down with Belovezhskaya Bitter, the local beer made with 100
different herbs. |  |