Grodno has restored nearly every building in the center since last year when Maryna and I visited. They are still working very hard to improve their country... indeed, I can tell they have made progress and will continue to do so. The grocery stores are open until 11 pm in Grodno - this was bumped up from 7 pm (or 9 pm) last year, plus there is a new indoor market in town modeled after a shopping mall (the quality is very respectable) - I even found a pair of real Nikes for sale (though they cost $100 US). Along with the progress, prices have increased. Last year, a bottle of Vodka cost $1, this year it was about $2. There were also cars everywhere - good ones like Mercedes & BMW. Plus, there were a half dozen or so apartment buildings built within the year. Along with the progress, the attitudes of the people have changed; I think they have some hope for the future now.
