As I stood at the airport in Malta, excitement coursed through my veins; I was about to embark on an adventure to Belarus, a country that had long piqued my curiosity. The plan was simple: fly to Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, spend a night in this vibrant city, and then hop on a bus to Minsk, the capital of Belarus, where I would immerse myself in the local culture for four full days.
The following morning, I boarded a bus to Minsk, a journey that unfortunately took around 9 to 10 hours with at least 5 hours at the Belarussian border as so many locals were heading home for the holidays! However, as the bus finally rolled into the bus station in Minsk, I felt an exhilarating sense of anticipation as I was greeted by its wide boulevards and impressive Soviet-era architecture.
During my full four days there, I discovered a city that was both vibrant and steeped in history. I visited the vibrant markets where locals shop for fresh produce and artisanal goods. The interactions I had with the friendly vendors, despite the language barrier, evoked a sense of community and warmth. I collected a few souvenirs—mainly some fridge magnets that will remind me of this journey for years to come.
One of the highlights of my stay was a walk through Gorky Park, a sprawling green space where locals gathered to relax, play sports, and enjoy the outdoors. However, being winter and bitterly cold, there was hardly anyone walking around.
The culinary scene in Minsk was another delightful surprise. I ventured into bustling markets and sampled traditional dishes: hearty draniki (potato pancakes), aromatic borscht, and decadent honey cake. Each meal was an exploration of flavours that spoke to the heart of Belarusian hospitality.
While my days in Minsk were captivating, my time in Belarus extended beyond the capital. I hired a car and drove to the nearby town of Mir, famed for its stunning Mir Castle—a UNESCO World Heritage site—and the picturesque village of Nesvizh, home to the exquisite Nesvizh Castle. Each outing added richness to my understanding of Belarus, highlighting its architectural marvels and scenic landscapes.
As my visit came to a close, I felt a bittersweet sense of leaving. The final day was spent visiting the poignant Memorial Complex “Khatyn,” a place that served as a stark reminder of the tragic history that marked Belarus during World War II. Standing in the solemn silence of the memorial, I reflected on the resilience of the Belarusian people and felt a deeper understanding of the country I had come to appreciate.
After four unforgettable days in Belarus, it was time to retrace my steps back to Vilnius. The bus journey back allowed me to reminisce about my experiences. Arriving in Vilnius, I spent my final night in a cozy restaurant overlooking the vibrant streets, reflecting on the journey through Belarus and the wonderful people I encountered.
The next day, the plane lifted off from Vilnius, carrying me back to the sun-kissed shores of Malta. As I gazed out of the window at the patchwork of fields below, I felt a sense of gratitude. My adventure had deepened my appreciation for the beauty of cultural exchanges, and from the heart of Minsk to my home in Malta, I brought back memories, friendships, and a yearning to seek out new horizons in the future.
Travelling through Belarus had been a leap into the less traversed paths of Europe—a journey that enriched my spirit and broadened my world. If you, too, are seeking an adventure beyond the usual, Belarus might just hold the treasure you are looking for.
