Minsk rises like a phoenix from the ashes of war as a serene, contemporary city, full of space and light, brimming with enough references to the post-war era to satisfy the most demanding of culture vultures. It has architecture, galleries, museums, restaurants, theatres and shops.

"The Park of Kupala", with its children’s playground, shady river walks, and bronze obelisks is ordered and peaceful – designed for the citizens of Minsk. "Troitskoye Predmestie" (downtown) has quiet bars and leads to the must-see mystical "Isle of Tears" on the left bank of the Svisloch.

Stroll down the wide Victors Avenue and Storozhevskaya Street and discover a shopping world behind concealed doorways: the country’s improving economy offers cheap to moderately priced goods. The Komarovsky Market, with hundreds of vendors selling fresh produce, will indulge the most exacting of gastronomes and defines the essence of Belarusian cooking. Prices generally are inexpensive and bargains can be found but anticipate higher prices in hotels and restaurants.

A new metro is clean, fast and runs at all hours. Trolley buses, taxis, and minibuses are also handy. Excursions run into the Belarusian countryside where the Babushkas sit in floral headscarves clutching bruised apples.

The Belarusian character is calm and friendly. People tend to leave you alone on the big streets of Minsk but beware of photographing government or unmarked military buildings: the police can stop and detain anyone. Find a guide to help you.

For most of this century, the daily life of ordinary citizens in Minsk has been hidden from view. Today there is something new and exciting about it all. Observe them as they observe us, as something exotic.