The weekend proved to be a special one for the staff of the Institute of Informatics and Problems of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, who were treated to a two-day excursion to one of the country's most picturesque and historically rich cities—Grodno.

The city on the Neman River greeted the guests with chestnut blossoms, a scattering of white blooming gardens, and a drizzling rain. The stunningly beautiful Grodno is renowned for its rich history and cultural diversity. During the excursion, the group visited the Old Castle, the Great Choral Synagogue, the Farny Church, and the Kolozha Church, and strolled with a guide through the historic streets. It was truly a journey through time.

One of the highlights of the trip was a visit to the Augustow Canal and a boat ride through the Dobrovsky Lock. This unique hydraulic engineering structure is a true work of engineering art.

The return journey to Minsk was leisurely, with the bus passengers sharing numerous photos and discussing highlights. It was a true immersion into the history and culture of Belarus. Grodno also gave me new ideas for future travels, but it's a secret for now.