Well, all I can say is wow, I mean WOW.
Keep in mind, I am in Belarus which in ways is a lot worser off then Russia. Hyper inflation of the local currency, as well as a numorous other factors.
I always knew Belarus was on both US and EU sanctions for numerous reasons. I even joked, about going to Belarus like it was going back in time!
I can say it is! My paypal account became locked, when I tried logging into it from where I am staying in Vitebsk, Belarus. When, I was at the Latvian Belorussian border. I had to pay what they said was $5 for thier version of National Health Insurance (For those that don’t want ObamaCare pay attention) In order to legally enter Belarus if you do not have Insurance to provide for you have to pay somehow. Thus I paid by my Visa.
I look this morning in my account to find the Belorussian bank charged me $10 not $5 but the catcher is. The amount was declined by Visa, or my bank. Also keep in mind, I truly wonder, first what the TSA will say when i get back into the USA. Then also I am wondering how the heck if I am in a financial Blackhole. How i can even access my money haha I half want to call my local newspaper and say you would never believe this story.
In so many ways I feel like I have gone financially back in time. Due to the fact I would assume by US sanctions, I am financially cut off from the world. If not in other-ways I also have gone backwards in time. There is very few cars here, there is a lot of people traveling by horses.
I am perfectly fine, and staying with a friend. Just amazed and surprised by the countries bleak isolation from EVERYTHING. Also keep in mind Russia in international eyes is 20 years ahead of belarus. I never had a problem there. Though in my first 24 hours, I am cut off at the head almost by being in Belarus!
This is Soviet style living!
For those that want photos and the latest news from my great Soviet Overlords here ya go
plus.google.com/u/0/photos/111724317510997827487/albums/5700904523715045665
telegraf.by/2011/05/belarus-gets-revenged-for-attempt-to-establish-independent-state-lukashenko.html
Also for my Ruskie, and Baltic friends do you have any ideas or know ways around even getting things done other then the official means.
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