Minsk 2001

Minsk. The town, where I was born and raised. The town, where so much is known and loved. Minsk, many good memories are about you. It was not easy to come back after ten years. I didn't know what to expect. This trip overwhelmed all my anticipations.

We were coming from Frankfurt. Flight. Oh, Belavia… People, fly United, to say the least. Customs. Not much trouble there. Thought, officer was very interested in CD Player but I said that it is a gift for my aunt and he gave up after a few more tries. At the airport we were greeted my grandma and grandpa.

A little side note: ten years ago when I was leaving I didn't know for how long I'll be gone. The only promise I made to my girlfriend at that time is that first doorstep that I cross will be hers. I kept that promise. Vita was at work but her mother opened a door.

0 km in Belarus, All roads start from here

Entrance to Minsk's metro

Vanja, Vika, Alex, Ksusha

My high school friends are still my good friends and all are doing well. We reconnected instantly, as if I left ten days ago, or didn't leave at all! We met at schoolyard, where I spent countless hours playing soccer. Now most of my friends got married, have kids. Normal life cycle. We went to Vitusja's house and had a dinner there.

Vova, I, Tolja, Tanja, Vitusja, Marishka, Vovka, Alex --->

we are at the local market where one can find and buy anything, I mean anything.

Katja, I, Natashka, and Vadim

I, Ilia, Natashka and Vadim

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	Minsk. The town, where I was born and raised. The town, where so much is known and loved. Minsk, many good memories are about you. It was not easy to come back after ten years. I didn't know what to expect. This trip overwhelmed all my anticipations. We were coming from Frankfurt. Flight. Oh, Belavia… People, fly United, to say the least. Customs. Not much trouble there. Thought, officer was very interested in CD Player but I said that it is a gift for my aunt and he gave up after a few more tries. At the airport we were greeted my grandma and grandpa. A little side note: ten years ago when I was leaving I didn't know for how long I'll be gone. The only promise I made to my girlfriend at that time is that first doorstep that I cross will be hers. I kept that promise. Vita was at work but her mother opened a door.

0 km in Belarus, All roads start from here	Entrance to Minsk's metro	Vanja, Vika, Alex, Ksusha
We arrived to Minsk right on time for my aunt Tanja birthday celebration. It was so great to see my family again. My grandparents are energetic and full of life as in their young days. Aunt Tanja looked great! I always tell everyone that my aunt is the best cake maker. She treated us to the best again. Cousins Vanja and Ksusha are doing well too. Ksusha are going to med school and studying to become a doctor. Uncle Kolja is doing well also.		At dacha
My high school friends are still my good friends and all are doing well. We reconnected instantly, as if I left ten days ago, or didn't leave at all! We met at schoolyard, where I spent countless hours playing soccer. Now most of my friends got married, have kids. Normal life cycle. We went to Vitusja's house and had a dinner there. Vova, I, Tolja, Tanja, Vitusja, Marishka, Vovka, Alex --->		we are at the local market where one can find and buy anything, I mean anything.
		Those automate used to stay on every street corner and would dispense gas water with syrup for only 3 kopek. Now we could only find one inside the BelarusFilm. (Belorussian movie studio)
Katja, I, Natashka, and Vadim	I, Ilia, Natashka and Vadim
My high school friend Tat'jana. It was great to see you.	From old times.	I know it is summer, but fur hats are always popular! Don't I look good in it.
Shamovy. Great people.	We went to Brest for a few days to visit Irina's family and see the city. Here we are at Brest's Fort.
Everywhere we went we were greeted and treated with love. Relatives were glad to see us and practically had to kidnap us. We were there for 17 days, and that was not enough. Everyday was filled with activity.	Natasha, Kristina, Andrew, Yuri, Anja, Natasha, I	My aunt Olga and her grandchildren

We were invited for a picnic with my highschool friends and their families. There we played "Estafeta": a new drinking game mixed with running exercise. Two teams of 4 or 5 players. In a distance there are two tables with bottle, glass and some food. First runner opens bottle and pours some in a glass. Second one drinks it and third one has some food to chase drink that second runner had. Basically, if you are second next time you might be one who pours or eats. Here it is, drinking and exercise! Only in Belarus!
We went to a cemetery where our mother's parents rest. Later we went to Zalivko's. My uncle Alex and aunt Galja
		Move your mouse over this picture to see my cousin Andrew and his son Sasha.

Thank you, thank you all. I always say that I'm blessed with good friends and people who surround me. Thank you for all your help and support, your hospitality and sincerity. All who could went to the airport at 5 AM to say good-bye. Something I will never forget.