Belavezhskaja Puscha, the ancient forest
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Belarus is a landlocked country in Eastern Europe. Russia shares a good chunk of the border in the north and east, Ukraine borders the south, Poland is in the west, and Lithuania and Latvia share the rest of the northern border. The country itself is divided into six provinces, known as voblasts to the natives. The major cities include Brest, Grodno, Gomel, Mogilev, Vitebsk and Bobruisk and Minsk, the latter being the capital of Belarus.
The country is a land of stark and beautiful landscapes. It is brimming with forests, which take up about a third of the country, lakes, rivers and a multitude of wildlife. Belavezhskaya Pushcha National Park, which can be found 70 km north of Brest, is a nature reserve of national acclaim. This medieval forest is home to the rare European bison, the wisent. There is a museum and a zoo in the park, and the animals can be viewed in enclosures year round. By comparison, the architecture is every bit as dazzling and extravagant as the local scenery.
The Red Church, more formally known as The Church of Saints Simon and Helena, Minsk is a Roman Catholic church constructed during 1905-1910. The construction was financed by Edvard Vaynilovich and the church was named for Vaynilovich's departed children Symon (Simon) and Alena (Helen). Throughout Belarus are many stunning churches, cathedrals, fortresses, convents and theatres that resonate the traditional Belarusian architecture. The National Academic Big Opera and Ballet Theatre of the Republic of Belarus is another fine example.
During World War II, all of Europe felt the devastating effects, Belarus is no exception. Belarus suffered the loss of about a quarter of its population and more than half of its economic resources. The republic rebuilt in the years following and eventually became one of the founding members of the United Nations. In many places one can feel the history all around them. Reminders of war, oppression, suffering and survival can be seen all throughout the country. Despite all this, tradition has won out over the many years of oppression. Today, the crafts, dances, and opera that have survived Soviet Imperialism radiate the essence of the inspiring Belarusian culture.
Belarusian cuisine finds one generally viewing a plate of vegetables, meat (especially pork), and breads. Most foods are either slowly cooked or stewed and breads mostly consist of rye, though wheat is often on the menu as well. Culturally, it is proper to eat a very light breakfast and two hearty meals, with dinner as the largest meal of the day. When greeting a guest or visitor, the host will make an offering of goodwill and hospitality in the form of bread and salt. Russian wheat vodka is a favorite drink of the Belarusians, as is kvass, which is a soft drink made from malted brown bread or rye flour.
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Belavezhskaja Puscha, the ancient forest
The Red Church | photo by: Hanna Zalenko
