What Would You Do?

[Saddle Bronc 124]

I'll endorse a "fancy" engagement in Belarus--ensure that either of the words "betrothal" or "engagement" is visible in a large sign, and take a photo thereof; it's excellent evidence for K-1.

[amberdima 6]

I'll endorse a "fancy" engagement in Belarus--ensure that either of the words "betrothal" or "engagement" is visible in a large sign, and take a photo thereof; it's excellent evidence for K-1.

nice!

[aliska 0]

No problem! Glad to help if I can. I'm not completely sure about the LOT info -- they might only work out of Minsk in conjunction with Belavia or something (meaning you might have to travel through Warsaw to use LOT on the return flight - which could mean 2 layovers) but I know they have an office here in Minsk as I've seen it several times in passing.

There aren't too many of us Belarus people here, are there? And even fewer where the USC is female -- we may be the only 2!

Have fun in Belarus!

-- aliska

[magpius 0]

Just a quick note. Sadly, Lithuanian airlines (FlyLAL) no longer operate and are out of business since middle of January. But i'm sure there are many other ways to get to Belarus.

Hi amber,

I've made the trip to the US from Belarus several times now. There are only a few airlines that work directly out of Minsk - Belavia, LOT (Polish), Austrian, Lufthansa are the ones I remember. You can also travel by bus to Vilnius, Lithuania from Minsk (about 3.5 - 4 hours) and use Lithuanian airlines (FlyLAL) as they are sometimes much cheaper than the options from Minsk. Since you want to fly to Poland, maybe you should call LOT and ask about an "open-jaw" round trip ticket - for instance fly into Warsaw, then maybe get a train to Belarus (if your fiance lives in Minsk, it's cheaper to take a train to Brest and then catch another one from Brest to Minsk than to buy a train ticket going directly to Minsk from Warsaw - or so I've heard), and then maybe you can use LOT from Minsk back to the US. I have never used LOT, I usually take the Lufthansa-Frankfurt-US route, because it is most convenient (time of day, less layover time) but not always cheapest. I have also done the bus to Vilnius route a couple of times (long boring bus ride, and a little bit scary for me when I first went alone and didn't know any Russian!).

But yes, you should come here (I say here since I'm actually in Belarus right now with my husband while we wait for his appointment), because it can be SO difficult for anyone here to get visas and I know they would be very happy to meet you!!! I am assuming that even though he's an only son, there are probably plenty of other relatives and friends to meet. And they will ALL want to celebrate your engagement - I think you'll have a great time here!

-aliska

[amberdima 6]

Just a quick note. Sadly, Lithuanian airlines (FlyLAL) no longer operate and are out of business since middle of January. But i'm sure there are many other ways to get to Belarus.

thanks for the tip!

[NatPatBen 3]

If I'm buying a ticket, I want to experience the joy of seeing a different place.