Belarus starts with the capital city. Minsk has almost a thousand-year history. During the Great Patriotic War Minsk was destroyed by more than 80 %. That is why very few ancient buildings have survived in the city. However, Minsk can be proud of wide avenues and streets, spacious squares, diverse architectural ensembles, verdurous boulevards and parks. The Belarusian capital offers over 40 pedestrian and bus tourist routes introducing tourists to historical and cultural heritage, museums, theatres, exhibition halls, and other facilities.
The Mir Castle Complex (Mir Castle) is an outstanding specimen of the 16th century fortification art. It is included in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List. The Nesvizh palace and park complex is a unique monument of architecture and landscape design of the 16th−18th centuries. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The Augustow Canal is a hydraulic engineering specimen of the early 19th century. It connected the Vistula River and the Neman River. Numerous international cultural and sport events, national and regional contests, tourist gatherings take place at the canal. Tourists can go for kayak, canoe, motorboat trips along the Augustow Canal.
The memorial complex Khatyn is one of the most impressive monuments to the victims of World War II. It is located at a distance of 54 km from Minsk. Khatyn is a former Belarusian village destroyed by fascist invaders during the Great Patriotic War. Today Khatyn complex is one of the most revered places in Belarus. The memorial complex has its own museum and a photo exhibition.
The Brest Fortress memorial is a specimen of the 19th century fortification art. It is a 30-minute walk from Brests downtown. The fortress is a symbol of Soviet soldiers resistance in World War II. On the 22nd of June 1941 the fortress garrison repelled the first attacks of Nazi invaders. The besieged fortress managed to hold the line for over a month. It was awarded the Hero Fortress title in the wake of World War II for outstanding courage displayed by Soviet soldiers when they fought against fascist troops.
Belovezhskaya Pushcha is one of the major tourist attractions of Belarus. It is the biggest forest in Central Europe famous for its oak trees, which are over 500 years old. Belovezhskaya Pushcha is also home to numerous bird and animal species, including Europes largest population of rare aurochs. The Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The Braslav Lakes National Park is located in Vitebsk region. The park includes the most beautiful glacial lakes in Belarus. The lakes are the habitat of rare birds and animals included in the Belarus Red Book of Endangered Species.
Discussion
1. You have to organize a Belarus day for exchange students visit from Great Britain or the USA. What activities would you choose?
2. Suggest your friend, whos come from another city, to meet at 8 oclock tomorrow morning for a sightseeing tour of Minsk (or your native place). Discuss the plan of your tour with your friend.
3. Steve Brennon, your friend from Great Britain, is visiting your home city. You have taken him to many places. He shares his impressions with his friends.
Project
Make a report/presentation about a famous compatriot.
UNIT III: GREAT BRITAIN
Pre-reading
1. Answer the questions to learn how much you know about the UK.
1. What image of Britain do you have?
2. Which places in Britain would you like to visit?
3. What does the flag of Great Britain symbolize?
4. Is Britain a politically stable country?
5. Do you know what kinds of leisure are purely British?
Reading
2. Read the text below and answer the following questions.
1. Great Britain, England and the United Kingdom how are they different?
2. How was the United Kingdom formed?
3. Why is the weather characterized as changeable and unpredictable?
