Opinions & Interviews

German velomobile traveler: Belarus is worth a trip

GRODNO, 17 December (BelTA) - Belarus is an interesting destination for cycling trips. This is a country of friendly and open people, beautiful places, BelTA learned from German Jascha Beuttler, who travels around Belarus in a yellow velomobile (a kind of bicycle with a body made of composite materials weighing about 45kg).

Grodno is one of the end points on his more than 10-day itinerary. He started his journey in Brest, then visited Minsk and Lida, other cities.

“Impressions are mostly positive. People are open, very sincere and friendly. Sometimes I got overwhelmed with so much attention. I did not expect such popularity and such interest,” the traveler shared his impressions. He said there were no problems with wayfinding as there were always people who were ready to help. The experience of dealing with with police officers and border guards was positive too.

“Sometimes the Internet coverage was poor on some forest parts of roads and I couldn't listen to music online. But, in general, the country is comfortable for travelers, including for trips by a bicycle or a velomobile,” Jascha Beuttler said.

The young man said he is interested in Eastern Europe, so the trip was important for him. "We need to see everything with our own eyes," he said. "I can't single out one single place in Belarus. They all are unique and beautiful in their own way. I always try to taste local food. I liked a lot of things such as borscht and cutlets. I tasted the famous local beer in Lida," Jascha Beuttler said and noted that he will be happy to come back to Belarus and perhaps will bring company next time.

At the end of December Utrecht will host a meet-up of velomobiles from all over Europe. Jascha is sure that after the trip he will be asked a lot of questions as Belarus is interesting to many people. "If they ask me whether they should go, I will answer – yes!” he said.

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