Under a Continental Sky: Minsk's Cool and Cloudy Tale
Minsk, the capital city of Belarus, a place marked by broad avenues, imposing architecture that speaks of history and resilience, and generous green spaces, awoke this Wednesday, May 14th, not to the vibrant sunshine that spring can sometimes offer, but to the muted light filtering through a predominantly cloudy sky. The air held a distinct chill, a persistent coolness that reminded everyone that despite the calendar's turning to mid-May, the full warmth of the continental spring had yet to firmly establish its dominion. It was a morning that encouraged a brisk pace and the comforting embrace of warmer clothing. In these initial hours, as the city's rhythm began to build, with the metro rumbling beneath the surface and the first buses appearing on the wide streets, the temperature was low, hovering around a chilly 3-6°C (37-43°F). This wasn't merely a number on a thermometer; it was a feeling that permeated the air, a crisp, biting cold that was amplified significantly by ...