Open Sky

The Belarusian village Druya used to be a major hub on the ancient trade route between St. Petersburg and Riga. Little is left of that bygone hustle and bustle of merchants and artisans. Although modern times call for an entrepreneurial spirit, local job prospects are bleak and the collective farms are walking on their last legs. While children indulge in careless play and youngsters start to dream of a future elsewhere, their parents toil and acquisce in remaining behind. They count their blessings in the peaceful solitude of the countryside.

Lambert van der Aalsvoort earlier published several books on the Far East. He now shares his interest in Eastern Europe.