Last January at the Orthodox Christmas time I attended a Ball in Mir Castle in Belarus - only 100 Belarus roubles, or about 50 US dollars, per person. This is a unique, wonderful annual event. I have attended before, in the 18th Century tradition with Polish (eg Mazurka, Polka) and other formal dances, and professional dancers in 18th Century costume leading and giving dancing lessons and performances.

An evening of dancing, music and fun…

Everybody has a good time and lots of fun. It particularly helps that I speak Russian, so can chat fluently to other guests, who are mostly from the upper echelons of Belarusian society. There are also talks about the history of the castle and the country, excellent buffet food and traditional board games and other entertainments. This year there was also a wonderful performance of well-known operatic and other sings by a group of three professional Tenors.

The castle dates back to the 16th Century, but was substantially enlarged in Renaissance style in the 17th Century, with a large central courtyard, by the famous Radziwill aristocratic family. It was badly damaged several times in successive wars which raged across this part of Europe, lastly in the Second World War, but has been restored magnificently.

You can stay overnight, or for longer, in luxurious bedrooms. I travelled there, and back the next day, from Minsk by the public bus service which runs Minsk - Stovbtsy – Mir – Novogrodek. Fare is only about 5 roubles (about £2) each way.