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“There’s something of astonishing beauty in these far-flung old-world roads of Belarus. They stretch extensively and sweepingly from village to village, from towns to cities, connecting parishes, provinces and countries. How much beauty and magic appeal there’s in their blue yonder! How many new pictures, fresh tunes and enigmas they promise to the eyes and heart of a traveler! How incredibly strong is their calling and how profoundly it affects one’s heart strings! What is the power hidden in these unbounded expanses of native roads and what is their power over you, restless and always troubled itinerant?..

And maybe, this is unsearchable and scary endlessness of wandering, where it’s so difficult to find the beginning and the end symbolized by these roadways, that covers your soul with vague excitement and calls you to fuse with the boundlessness of the earth? Or, maybe, this is the indistinct reflection of eternal human dissatisfaction, the uneven call for searching different life forms, unconscious striving to the better destiny? Or – the violent burst of the soul to break away to the endless expanses of freedom that doesn’t yet exist?

Ah, roads, my native roads! Who will retell your fairytales, decipher the thoughts the epochs noted on the trunks of your wayside trees?..”

I found these lines in one of the most famous Belarusian novels of the 20^th century titled “At the Crossroads”. Our great literary figure Yakub Kolas started writing it 100 years ago – in 1921. And then I thought: how many things have changed drastically within the past 100 years, and, at the same time, how many things remained unaltered? People change, landscapes change, sites change… But I am sure: if I could talk to Yakub Kolas face to face, we would surely understand each other’s passion for roads.

What did the writer think about when setting off on a journey? Let’s try to imagine. Wheels banging on the pavement, the horse pulling the cart strugglingly through the mud and puddles, sleeping overnight in a coach of a steam train and, certainly, miles and miles on foot, laden with reflections, conversations, observations…

What do we think about nowadays as we set off on a journey? Roaring airplanes, high-speed trains, multi-lane highways…

But some things remain unchanged. The mysterious network of roads still can entoil a curious traveler and tell him or her thousands of stories. Belarusian roads are different – each with its special character. Wide turnpikes inviting to enjoy speed and freedom. Twisting local roads bringing surprises at each bend and sometimes giving you absolutely unexpected discoveries that make you jam on the brakes and turn aside forgetting about your initial plans. Challenging and unpredictable earth-roads tickling nerves and calling you to true miracles of nature or a distant village that hides very special impressions for the most decisive travelers. Field tracks that today will bring you to the necessary place and next time will turn plowed over and overgrown with winter crops…

To respond the call of the road – this is what inspires me and this is what I love to talk about. I am eager to share some impressions, deeply personal thoughts and insights with you, dear friends.

Each road brings us from point A to point B. There are millions of points like this on the map and they are stringed on the roads just like beads. You pick these beads and put them as precious gifts to the treasury of your memories. And wherever you go, no matter where A and B are, every time the road gives you a chance to get to know more about who you are.

Sincerely yours,

Volha Blazhevich

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