Belarus in comparison to Polska?

Anyone ever been and if so, how was it? How does it compare to Polska in terms of culture, geography etc.

I'd love to go out of curiosity, although I gather it could be a bit dodgy i.e. foreigners have to report to the local police station when visiting.

Also, did anyone see those ukrainian activists Femen who got their tits out in Minsk yesterday? I do wonder whether they are simply bulls*iting about how badly they were treated (I mean anyone can cut their own hair and chuck pain on themselves), but they did look a bit shaken.

Actually, the same system exists in much of Europe, except you don't see it. For instance, in Schengen countries, the police will routinely visit accommodation providers to find out who's staying - and in some countries, it's reported automatically. Croatia has the same system too - and foreigners do get fined for failing to register.

Anyway, I have some Belarusian friends, and they tell me the same thing - as long as you don't go looking for trouble, Belarus is a safe country.

Very different.In Belarus everything is under Luka's close look.


They establish a new standard all over Europe.

Friendly people, cheap food/accommodation/well... everything, it's usually cleaner than in Moscow, may be boring though if you stay too long. Depends on what you expect to see there.

Stalinist architecture in Minsk is great.They built vast alleys and impressive buildings.Western cities of Belarus look like polish cities.Eastern cities look more Russian.Generally Belarussians are shy and friendly.