Second European Games in Belarus

MINSK, 29 October (BelTA) – English lawyer and writer Nigel Roberts who wrote travel guides to Belarus accepted a proposal of Belarusian Deputy Sports and Tourism Minister Mikhail Portnoi to write a special edition of the travel guide dedicated to the 2^nd European Games 2019 in Minsk, BelTA learned from the ministry.

On 29 October Nigel Roberts presented the 4^th edition of his travel guide to Belarus at the Sports and Tourism Ministry. During the talks with Mikhail Portnoi, a proposal was voiced to prepare a separate edition featuring sports facilities that will host the 2^nd European Games, people who are engaged in this large-scale project and places that might interest foreign tourists. Nigel Roberts assured that he will embark on this work gladly.

The 4^th edition of the travel guide to Belarus with 4,000 copies is not just a collection of Belarus’ landmarks, but the author’s perception of the country, its people and interesting events. The travel guide offers a sincere, sometimes emotionally charged account of the things the author experienced in Belarus. “I try to tell simple stories about people. These stories help better understand local residents, their mindset, habits and their way of life. I offer practical advice how to choose accommodation, make itineraries, what places to see, what dishes to try. My compatriots tell me that after reading this travel guide they found it easier to navigate the country. I fell in love with this country a long time ago and I want more foreigners to come and see it,” Nigel Roberts said. At the meeting he read some excerpts from his new book.

In 2008, seven years after he had first travelled to Belarus, Nigel Roberts published his first travel guide with 4,500 copies, which were sold out fast. Since that time, he has been to Belarus over 30 times and sees his mission in building a bridge between western readers and Belarus.

This time he came to Belarus with his son George-William. He plans to give a lecture at the Minsk State Linguistic University, visit Gomel Oblast, watch a FC BATE - Chelsea match of the UEFA Europa League and meet with friends.