In July 2008, I spent several weeks in Eastern Europe
My first stop was Minsk, Belarus.
In the US, we consider World War II one of the pivital events of the 20th century. But the effect on the US was nothing compared with the nations of eastern Europe. For example, one third of the people of Belarus were killed during that war. Imagine that!
In Russia, as well as much of eastern Europe, WWII is refered to as the "Great Patriotic War."
At the monument for the "Great Patriotic War" in Minsk
Jul 04, 2008
Partying with Sacha and Mikhail
Jul 05, 2008
During my visit, I met two Russians from Moscow, who turned out to be good drinkin' buddies. Vodka anyone?
My last day in Minsk.
On Nezavisimosti Avenue
Jul 08, 2008
Museum Complex
Jul 09, 2008
My next stop was Kiev, Ukraine.
From there it was on to the small town of Kremenchug, Ukraine.
Lenin statue in Lenin Park
Jul 13, 2008
The Odessa Steps
Jul 15, 2008
The next stop was the port city of Odessa, Ukraine. Here I am walking down the Odessa Steps, made famous by the ancient Russian film Battleship Potempkin.
Odessa is located on the southern coast of Ukraine, which adjoins the Black Sea. Much of the Russian naval fleet is still stationed there.
The Black Sea
Jul 16, 2008
The Bucharest National Theater
Jul 19, 2008
My next stop was Bucharest, Romania.
This is a big, ancient city.
On the street in Bucharest
Jul 19, 2008
The Parliament building
Jul 20, 2008
Bucharest is the home of the second largest building in the world. (The largest it the Pentagon in Washington D.C.)
My final destination was Transylvania, a central region of Romania.
The entry to an old fortress
Jul 21, 2008
By the old church in Brasov
Jul 21, 2008
The small Transylvanian village of Brasov is about as spooky as you would expect!