A solitary state in Belarus

Fall: Between expression and repression during darkening days at the geographic center of Europe.

Belarus Solitary state Trying to script a future free of crippling forces. Recalling a complex history, relishing natural beauty Layers of time are reemerging inside the 12th-century chapel set in the St. Efrosinya Monastery in this city that was once at the center of regional rule. Approaching Belarus Minsk is the capital of the country at the very center of Europe. What waits there, and in... More of Tom's blog from Belarus Email video to a friend

Edge of Europe series Romania Seeking warmth among historic monasteries in the weeks before Romania joined the European Union. Turkey Journeying west to east as ideas and identities struggle to take root in the Asian arc of Turkey. Norway Measuring changing climates beneath the midnight sun at an Arctic outpost of Norway. About the series Writer Tom Haines reflects on the origins of a year at the edge. More on the Edge of Europe