Galileo was the first order of business for today as Michele wanted to buy a new pair of boots for Europe. She made an excellent choice and then was invited to roll the dice. She rolled a six and they excitedly presented her with a large box of chocolates.

We also spent some time looking at possible gifts for Michele’s upcoming momentous birthday.

We walked back to the old town and found a cafe for lunch. The music in this cafe was all English Christmas carols. We washed our meals down with dark beers and then found our way to the cat cafe.

The cat cafe is a refuge for homeless cats and you are invited to adopt one if you like. Each guest had to sanitize their hands before touching the cats. The cats were found in various rooms and places all over this small apartment. It was very quirky.

After this experience some more exploring by foot was planned. Teresa had read about the KFC which has a bas relief sculpture above it and we inadvertently stumbled upon it on this journey. A cafe was also necessary to wash cat off hands and have a bevvy.

There was another GUM department store at this part of town so we browsed for a while. We made our way back to the main part of town where the traffic moves quickly and efficiently on the wide roads.

It was time to head back to the main square to find dinner and a drink for New Year’s Eve. We returned to the cafe from the day before and could eat as long as we finished by 8pm. The food was good and so were the White Russians and Beer Cocktails! Scott ordered goulash and Teresa and Michele had pork hotpots with mushrooms. Another side of potato pancakes were of course in order!

We then ventured outside to be entertained by a performance on the small stage. What was evident was the lack of crowds everywhere we went. Definitely a change from the NY crowds of other major cities!The whole evening was very pretty.

We then made our way home in time to see some fireworks in the distance. The Gates of Minsk were nicely lit. It was time to say ……..