Whenever I’m about to go to a very different country, I’m always a little apprehensive.
The first time I went to Russia, I was so nervous that I almost didn’t board my bus in Helsinki to go. I had no idea what I would find in the country that is so often reflected poorly in the media. I didn’t speak a word of the language, and I certainly didn’t read or understand it. Look what I would have missed out on! I’ve now been to Russia three times and will probably continue to go as long as they allow me into the country ;).
Whenever these nerves come up, I remind myself of that night I boarded the bus to St Petersburg and how well it ended, and reason with myself ‘what if it turns out that wonderful? You can’t let yourself miss this!’ I’ve yet to encounter a country where the alternative is experienced.
I entered Belarus from Vienna on the once-weekly direct train. It was an inexpensive option that did not force me to cross the border by random small local trains, taxis, or willing families going over in their cars. This seemed, by far, the easiest and most legal way.
The train leaves Vienne Centrale on Sunday at 16:40 and arrives in Brest sometime between 6:40 and 7:40, depending on border formalities, which happen between 4-6am, first by exiting the EU in Poland, and then a few miles away entering Belarus by way of Brest.
There are a few choices in Brest for accommodation, and while they do not get many tourists, they have two hotels that are clean, safe and adorable with at least a few members of reception who speak basic English (though the official language of Belarus is Belarusian, locals speak Russian, refer to it as Belarusian – there is very little difference between the languages.).
I stayed at the Intourist Hotel, where a single room cost 16$ US per night and included breakfast. High-level rooms come with a view of the city or the river. The hotel is large and very reminiscent of the not-so-distance-past Soviet style. Though the outside is utilitarian and the rooms are dates, everything was clean and comfortable.
There were very few other tourists in the hotel – in fact, I didn’t see anyone other than a maid cleaning on my floor. Granted, there were few tours in town in general.
The other hotel popular with tourists is the Energiya Hotel. This hotel was difficult to find, tucked away in a small alley-way, however was smaller and more family-feeling than the Intourist hotel. Double rooms at Energiya Hotel cost 22$ US and included breakfast.
Both hotels were within a few blocks of the pedestrian street called vulica Saveckaja (Svetskya Street). This was a great place to find a number of dining restaurants, and to go and people watch other tourists and locals. This street also home to a 3D, and a 5D movie theatre. Prices for VIP films started at .20 cents. If you want popcorn or snacks, prepare to pay an additional whopping .15 cents.
Hotel Intourist is slightly closer to Gogolia street, a very nice but narrow park/path. The park is full of interesting metal sculptures depicting scenes from well-known classic novels, historical events, and other random animals, ideas and scenes. Tourists frequently engage themselves in the scenes and have their picture taken.
And the end of Gogolia Street is Brest Fortress (not to be confused with Brest Fort – sometimes called Fort number 5 – there are 12 in and around Brest). While the museum at Brest Fortress closes at 6pm, the park is open until sunset (~8:30/9:00 in the summer). The fortress is very interesting, however all the descriptions and information is in Russian and there are no audio guides for the park itself.
Best to arm yourself full of WW II history, or better yet, find Alexei the cab driver at the Hotel Intourist (he had no contact information to give me, but he tells me that unless he driving, he will be in front of the hotel. He’s incredibly passionate about his countries history, incredibly patient with those that struggle with the language, and tried very hard to get his information across using about a dozen words he knows in English. Bonus: he’s a ready and willing photographer :). He spent the afternoon with me and his charge was less than 3 USD. – just the price of driving me to two different destinations and to and from the hotel. More on this here.
There is no admission cost for the park and the museum costs a mere 1.20$ to enter and have an audio guide.
If authentic and original fortresses are of interest to you, Brest Fort (#5) is about 5kms outside of town and is worth a visit. This Fort costs .10 cents to enter and closes at 6pm. While interesting, the Fort is mostly very dark (flashlights are provided), sometimes wet tunnels emerging occasionally into large rooms. Pictures are posted to dictate the former glory. There is only one main tunnel, so you go in and out the same direction. A few new looking soviet tanks are outside the Fort. Very little information is presented in English, so again, good to do with a guide.
Aside from the forts, there are two beautiful churches to check out in Brest. Both are free to enter, however during daily masses, tourists must either enter and be seated, or stay outside.
Свято-Симеоновский собор church across the street from the Intourist hotel.
Сьвята-Мікалаўская царква church located 1 block west of the central bus station.
Though there are few tourists that bother to stop in Brest, or venture as far West, the city is beautiful, full of parks, flowers and outdoor art, the people are friendly, and the travel, inexpensive. What more do you want in a new destination?!
I also spent time in Grodno and Minsk. Check out what I thought of them too!
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