Exploring Minsk: A Hidden Gem Through the Eyes of Traveler Nigel Roberts

Exploring Minsk: A Hidden Gem

British journalist and traveler Nigel Roberts left his legal career, to which he had dedicated 30 years of his life, to explore the unknown. His journeys have taken him to Africa, Australia, America, and nearly every country in Europe. In 2003, as part of a UN charity project, he visited the Belarusian town of Vetka. Since then, he has visited Belarus annually, making 35 trips to various regions over the past 17 years. Nigel has compiled and regularly updates the only English-language guidebook to Belarus, now in its fourth edition in the UK.

Birmingham: My Heart’s Home

Birmingham is my hometown, my fortress, where my family lives. It will always hold my heart. Despite being an industrial city and the second-largest in the country, Birmingham has beautiful spots away from the center. Within minutes of leaving home, you can find yourself immersed in nature by a river or in a field. I make it a point to spend as much time as possible outdoors.

Born in 1957, I grew up in a happy, stable family environment. My parents moved from Birmingham to the suburbs, optimistic about the future. My father worked in an office, and my mother took care of our upbringing. My childhood and school memories bring joy and warmth. I first left home at 18 to attend Cambridge University.

I love discovering new countries and meeting new people, but I believe I can travel with an open heart because I have my Birmingham to return to.

Languages: A Gateway to New Worlds

I started learning French at seven and later took up Latin. In high school, I had to choose between Russian and ancient Greek. Opting for Russian, I studied it for two years. In 1988, I visited Moscow and Leningrad, practicing my Russian and exploring the Soviet Union, which had always fascinated me.

Minsk: A City Reborn

I enjoy walking through cities with a notebook, pen, and a good camera phone. I love the solitude, observing the city, and soaking in its sounds and smells.

Minsk is one of the best cities I’ve visited. Destroyed during World War II, it was rebuilt in the 1950s with a well-planned layout, wide pedestrian zones, and numerous parks with rivers and canals. Unlike London or New York, Minsk’s low-rise buildings allow you to see the sky, making the city feel open and free. It’s a place where you can truly feel the city’s soul.

I enjoy riding the metro, and Minsk’s metro is particularly well-designed and aesthetically pleasing. Each station is a work of art, reflecting the city’s culture. I love exploring different stations and walking through distant neighborhoods, like the Tractor Factory district, which I plan to feature in my next guidebook.

During each visit to Belarus, I make it a point to attend the opera. The theater is beautiful, with a talented troupe and an excellent repertoire. The performances are always energetic and top-notch. What I appreciate most is the affordability of the tickets, making high culture accessible to everyone. In contrast, tickets to London’s Coliseum or Covent Garden are extremely expensive, limiting access to the wealthy.

I also love Victory Park, particularly the Island of Tears. It’s a place to pay respects to those who lost their lives in the Afghan War, a somber chapter in history shared by many countries, including the USA and the UK. I visit to honor the memory of those who never returned home.

The Mystery of Belarus

When I first visited the USSR in 1988, it was a mysterious place for Britons. My journey to Belarus was unexpected. I received an email from a UN-affiliated organization inviting me to a meeting about Belarus. Representatives from Vetka were also present, discussing a charitable project. Intrigued by the opportunity to practice Russian, I decided to go.

In 2001, Belarus immediately piqued my interest. We spent time and money restoring a correctional center for children with disabilities in Vetka. The building lacked electricity, a kitchen, and basic amenities. Our project aimed to improve the lives of ordinary people in Vetka.

Most of my time was spent in the Gomel region, where ordinary Belarusians live, much like ordinary Britons. Now, I know many regions of Belarus well. I believe ordinary people are the heart of the country. The more I visited Belarus with charitable projects, the more fascinating it became. I am convinced that I ended up here for a reason, drawn by an unknown force. Belarus is a country I want to understand and share with English-speaking readers through my book.

Philosophy: Understanding Life

I became interested in philosophy in school. I enjoy grand ideas and pondering the meaning of life, trying to unravel the mysteries of life and the universe. Philosophy helps me better understand the world around me.