Gomel

The national capital Minsk is located 170 miles (274 kilometers) northwest of Gomel.

Check out the Art Gallery of G. H. Vashchanka or Tsentralny Stadium while you are here.

If you'd like to really experience the Belarus way of life, get out and discover the landscapes and communities surrounding Gomel.

Step into the past while you are visiting the Belarus area. Take a trip to some of the war relics and monuments for which this place is well known. If you want to stay indoors, you can't do better than Belarus' excellent art museums, theaters and history museums. These are good places to learn a little about the region's culture and find a unique souvenir.

The Belarus area provides plenty of laid-back pursuits, such as wildlife watching and cycling. Make the most of the area's great winter attractions. Locals and tourists alike enjoy snowboarding here. Skiing is also popular.

Try typical dishes or beverages and get to the heart of the local culture. Ingredients commonly found in a number of Belarus kitchens are cabbage and pork. How about trying halubtsy (meat wrapped in cabbage leaves) or machanka (thick soup)? Both dishes are a common fare in this region. Kulaga (thick drink made from berries, flour and honey) is a common dessert in these parts. Don't forget, whatever time it is, Belarus is a great spot to have miaducha (honey drink).

If you intend on arriving and departing by air, take into account that the nearest major airport is Zhulhany Airport, 140 miles (225 kilometers) to the south of Gomel.