Belarussian sights

Dudutki (40 km from Minsk) is open-air museum. This is a museum of handicrafts which was
founded in 1993. Here the past and present are brought together and you can feel the atmosphere
of the century and discover the secrets of ancient handicrafts. It Dudutky one of the centres
of cultural life in Belarus.
Grodno (275 km from Minsk). Grodno was first mentio ned in 1128 A.D. It is one of the oldest
cities in Belarus. It was founded in the 11th century on the picturesque banks of the Neman
River. Monuments of all periods of history have survived in Grodno: the church of St. Boris
and Gleb (the only 12th century in Belarus); the Old Castle (a monument of the 16 th century); the
New Castle(the 18 th century); catholic churches of the 17-18 th centuries. The Old Town is one of the
most interesting sights of Grodno.
Lake Naroch (170 km from Minsk). The Narochansky land is famous for Lake Naroch, a pearl of the
Belarusian nature, and the most picturesque Blue Lakes. The beauty of Lake Naroch, its wonderful
forests, golden beaches and mild climate bring thousands of tourists to the lake’s shores. One third of
the area of the park is covered with forests. There are 42 lakes here. The Naroch land has the largest
number of pine forests in the country. The area is famous for its mineral waters, too. The Blue Lake
has made this land realy famous.
Sport Complex "Raoubichi" (22 km from Minsk). This sports complex in the central part of Belarus
was built for ski competitions. Now it is a popular place for festivals and weekend holidays -
tourists can stay comfortable three-star hotels and lovely little cott ages. There is a forest and a
lake there and in winter you can ski-jump and ride on sledges.
Right here there is a historical monument- a Cross Mount Roman- Catholic church with a
museum of local costume from all regions of Belarus.
National Park "Braslav Lakes" (250 km from Minsk) one of the most attractive place in
Belarus. The area of the lake is 183 sq. km. One of them Lake South Volos- is 40 m deep. The
lakes are surrounded with beautiful land scapes. The Braslav Lakes more than 800 species of
plants, 20 of them are disappearing and they are in the Red Book. There are more than 30 species of
fish in the lakes. 45 of the birds are in the Red Book too - they are in danger. Such animals as
badgers, brown bears, elks, wild boars and deer live in the forests around the lakes. The centre
of the National Park is Braslav - one of the most ancient towns in Belarus. It was first men tioned
in the early 11th century.

National Park "Braslav Lakes"

Sport Complex "Raoubichi"

Lake Naroch

Grodno

Dudutki
Let’s talk about travelling and tourism
It`s difficult to imagine modern life without travelling as the technological progress allows
people to cover long distances in no time. Travelling nowadays has become an important part of
modem life. Millions of people all over the world travel about their own countries and to foreign
lands as well. People travel to see other countries and continents, modern cities and the ruins of
ancient towns, to enjoy picturesque places or just for a change of scene. It`s always interesting to
discover new things and other ways of life, to meet different people, taste different food,
examine various architectural style, visit museums and picture galleries. Travelling is remarkable
key to understanding other cultures, a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the world we
live in. Most people enjoy travelling. Some travel for pleasure, and some – on business; some
travel light and some take a lot of luggage on their travels, journey, voyages or trips.
Those who live in the country like to go to a big city and spend their time visiting museums and
art galleries, looking at shop windows and dining at exotic restaurants. City-dwellers usually like
a quiet holiday by the sea or in the mountains, with nothing to do but walk and bathe and laze in
the sun. Most travellers and holiday-makers take a camera with them and take pictures of
everything that interests them — the sights of a city, old churches and castles, views of
mountains, lakes, valleys, plains, waterfalls, forests, different kinds of trees, flowers and plants,
animals and birds. Later, perhaps years later, the photos will remind them of the happy time they
once had. People travel by train, by plane, by boat, and by car. All ways of travelling have their
advantages and disadvantages. And people choose one according to their plans and destinations.
Of course, travelling by air is most convenient as in a short time you reach the place of your destination
well-rested and well-fed. Naturally it is the most expensive method of travelling too. Travelling by train is
slower than by plane, but it has its advantages as well. Many people are convinced that with a train you
have speed, comfort and pleasure combined. Most trains nowadays have very comfortable seats as well
as sleeping carriages and dining cars, which make even the longest journey enjoyable. Sea voyages these
days have become popular again mainly as pleasure trips.
I personally prefer travelling by car. There are several reasons for it. First of all you don’t need
to reserve your tickets. Then you can go as slowly or as fast as you wish, stop whenever you
choose and stay at a place you choose as long as you like. And, of course, you see much more of
the countryside than you do travelling by plane or even by train.
I enjoy visiting different places together with my family. We have already been to Poland,
Russia, Egypt and visited many sights of Belarus. My favorite country is Egypt. It`s the best city
to visit. It`s a mixture of modern and ancient. You can explore archeological treasures and watch
different ancient monuments You can sail along the river Nile in a traditional Arab boat, go
shopping to a popular Khan al-Kalili bazaar, see Tutankhamen`s treasures in the Egyptian
Museum or visit a traditional restaurant and try couscous and falafel. I`d like to visit Melbourne.
It`s a fantastic city which is full of history and colorful traditions. You can admire modern works
of art in the National Gallery of Victoria. Learn about the history of Australia in the Melbourne
Museum. You can also watch films from around the world in the Melbourne Film Festival. If
you love animals you can go to Melbourne Zoo. You can see more than 300 animal species.
Melbourne is famous for its Greek, Italian and Asian restaurants where you can enjoy delicious
food and try national meat pie. Melbourne is an exciting city and a perfect destination for a
sightseeing holiday.
If we are fond of travelling, we see and learn a lot of things that we can never see or learn at
home, though we may read about them in books and newspapers and see pictures of them on TV.
The best way to study geography is to travel, and the best way to get to know and understand
people is to meet them in their own homes.