Belarus is cold and very dreary. A thick gray cloud hides the sun and temperatures are currently around -15 fahrenheit. I took the train from Minsk to Vitebsk. With these severe temperatures the train never warmed up enough for me to remove my coat and gloves. Belarusian hotels are basic and clean. For the sake of economy many hotels and homes design the bathroom with the sink adjacent to the bathtub so the faucet can perform double duty, providing water for both fixtures. Bathtubs are actually functional allowing a person to stretch out their legs! I can’t wait to see the children that we support tomorrow!
Photos: Minsk Airport, The exterior of my hotel; The bathroom faucet