Never thought I'd be spending a day in Minsk, Belarus! When I was in high school attending the Model United Nations I represented Belorussia. It was easy to know how to vote on anything. All I had to do was watch how the delegates from the USSR voted and do the exact same thing. I never imagined that I would someday actually go to Minsk.
When Nikita Khruschchev visited Minsk soon after World War II he asked to be taken to the old city. When he was told that their old city had been destroyed by bombs during the war, his comment to them was 'well build another one'. That is what they did! And they work hard to make a visit fun for the tourists. Two actors followed us around all day pretending to be a thief and the sheriff. We learned the story of the thief's crime and subsequent rise to prosperity. At the end of our tour there was an opportunity to join them in a traditional dance and a photo op.
In America when taking a photo we might say, "1, 2, 3 CHEESE". In Belarus they say "3,4" and then everyone shouts "Hohh!"
After all this fun we were ready for some culture so we went to the beautiful Bolshoi Ballet house.
I learned that 'Bolshoi' actually means large! The Soviets didn't like ballet at first as it was considered decadent. All that changed when someone wrote a 'socialist' ballet! I don't know exactly what that would be like but if it worked that is great! You can still see the soviet influence in the decorations of the great hall
It was so fun to see a rehearsal but we were not allowed to take photos. One of the principle dancers seemed to be having a bad day. She kept making faces and stopping in obvious distress. After looking at the slippers they wear so that they can stand on their toes, I understand this distress. Finally the director took her aside and talked to her for quite awhile attempting to comfort her. I know that the term prima donna refers to the opera but I think it might apply here too!
And of course any self respecting Catalan would have to have their photo taken with St. Jordi - even if he is called by his Russian name!
When Nikita Khruschchev visited Minsk soon after World War II he asked to be taken to the old city. When he was told that their old city had been destroyed by bombs during the war, his comment to them was 'well build another one'. That is what they did! And they work hard to make a visit fun for the tourists. Two actors followed us around all day pretending to be a thief and the sheriff. We learned the story of the thief's crime and subsequent rise to prosperity. At the end of our tour there was an opportunity to join them in a traditional dance and a photo op.
In America when taking a photo we might say, "1, 2, 3 CHEESE". In Belarus they say "3,4" and then everyone shouts "Hohh!"
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