Belarus 'White Russia' has been on out list of former Soviet countries to visit for some time.  Unfortunately, at the time of visiting, there was a 7 day visa limit.  So, we spent 3 days in Minsk and 3 in the countryside.  Belarus's Democracy Index rating is the lowest in Europe, and it's president has been in power since 1994, but regardless we found the people super friendly.

Minsk is quite beautiful.  Independence Avenue is flanked by classic Stalinist architecture and grand Orthodox churches.  While we were taking a break, the kids were running around some statues when two stern looking men came over and aggressively yelled something in Russian at them.  Our guide, in a seriously concerned voice, told us they were playing on the entrance to the KGB Office and we should move on quickly.

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Over 40% of Belarus is still forested, so a country stay here was a must. We stayed at the wonderful Hatka farmstead. The accommodation is traditional Belarusian cabins with woodfired stoves and an amazing sauna.  We had lots of fun here and wished the visa was more generous.

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