I'm still around, but won't be on quite so much as we're finally starting our business! x
I'm still around, but won't be on quite so much as we're finally starting our business! x
Member since:04.01.2007
Reviews:40
Members who trust:14
I was introiduced to Lithuania by my husband, who is a Lithuanian. He lives in the UK but after we got married we decided to visit his homeland in the car via all of the European countries in-between, a kind of road-trip I suppose. I had heard many things about Lithuania from our Lithuanian friends, good and bad, so I really didn't know what to expect.
A little history...Lithuania is the largest and southernmost of three Baltic countries, though couldn't be more different from its neighbours. It has a long history of warfare and struggle, which is symbolised in its flag: the yellow top stripe represents the sun; the centre green stripe represents the grass and the bottom red stripe represents blood for the land whch has been so lovingly fought for.
Lithuania established itself as a powerful independant state in its own right (unlike the other Baltic states who were conquered by German crusaders) in the 13th century. After 150 years of continuous warfare with the crusaders it emerged victorious and had itself by then embarked on an ambitious programme of foreign expansion, eventually stretching all the way from the Baltic Coast to the Black Sea.
In 1386 the royal union with neighbouring Poland was a key event in Lithuanian history, though one which led to the end of its status as Europe's last pagan country. In 1560 the two nations formally merged into a Commonwealth, becomming the largest and at times the most powerful empire in Europe. Lithuanians look back on this with conflicting emotions, noting that Lithuanian culture and language was second to the Polish ways, which took precedent. The huge joint state became too unweilding for its own good and between 1772 and 1795 was gradually wiped of the map altogether. It wasn't until 1918 that either country was able to regain its independance. An interesting thing to note is that that the borders of Lithuania in the modern day closely resemble those of the 13th century, when the nation first emerged.
After being illegaly annexed by the Soviet Union in 1940 with its Baltic neighbours Lithuania had the familiar struggle to re-gain its own independance. Between 1990 - 1991 Lithuania staged a revolution which finally threw off the shackles of Communist Sovie rule and re-established its independance. It was the first republic to break free from the Soviet Union, and its brave example acted as inspiration to other states, resulting in the collapse
of the world's last great empire. The country is now a republic, has a parliamentary democracy with a president as head of state.
I was very pleasantly suprised when we entered the country. Lithuania must harbour some of the most naturally beautiful places on the whole earth, and you can understand why it was so diligently fought for. If you are into slick, modern cities don't waste your time; if you like package-style holidays where the best part of the country has been turned into a resort don't go...Lithuania is a little rough around the edges.
It was third from the bottom on the list of the EU's poorest wannabe member states list in 2003 and although money has been pumped into Lithuania (since it joined in 2004) it still shows in many areas. It is a nation of genuinely striking contrasts, one where new businesses using the very latest in global technology co-exist with hang-overs from the times of the U.S.S.R. This is evident throughout Lithuania...farmers still use ancient farming equipment, people still live in ramshackle huts next to their neighbours who live in a beautiful, modern homes, some families still draw drinking water from a well in the back yard, many families still have a cow in the back garden (my husband's uncle does)...This adds to the feeling that they are just catching up with the rest of Europe and you can image what it was like to live under Soviet rule. Some people are a bit abbrasive and resistant to change, according to my husband, due to living under Communism, though this is changing. Many outside influences were banned in Lithuania when it formed a part of the U.S.S.R and so people may seem a bit peculiar at times about things we accepted in the West a long time ago (women's roles, mixed-race issues...). This isn't down to sexism or racism but ignorance and oppression.
Lithuania is bursting with open lakes, flowing rivers, luscious forests, endless flat countryside full of colour, a beautiful coastline that looks out onto the Baltic Sea... Across Lithuania you see Storks (national bird) in the fields and vast, untouched areas of beautiful landscape covered in Rue (Ruta, the national flower). Lithuania has five national parks, which are: Trakai Historical National Park, just outside Vilniuscapital city, which includes the most spectacular castle which looks like it could feature in a fairytale (and one of my favourite places); the Curonian Spit National Park which harbours an astonishing natural wonder; Dzukija , which features some brilliant old wooden farms; Zemaiciu Kalvarija, a place of pilgrimage and Aukstaitija which includes the country's most extensive lake district. These places are a must-see and give an insight into history and the chance to see some of the most naturally spectacular places in Eastern Europe.
Other highlights include: the bright, energetic and animated Baltic beach resort of Palanga. This is a wonderful, fun expereince and well worth a visit. We stayed over in a lovely hotel, which offered facilities of a Western standard but with bargain prices. Just a stone's-throw from the beach it was a great way to maximise the time we spent there. It has become a little commercial, but not too bad. The prices in eateries are a little more inflated around the coastal areas, as you'd expect, but nothing too extreme. People sell amber on market stalls, as well as hand-painted artefacts, which make lovely, authentic souveniers and gifts. The beach stretches for miles and is fringed with forest. It has a boardwalk which extends out into the sea, allowing you to walk into the fresh, sea-breeze on a hot day. If you're lucky you may come across natural pieces of raw amber on the soft, lightly goldensands. A contrasting place to visit is Druskkininkai, whic is south of the country, near the Polish border, which offers a restful spa for people who love to indulge and relax.
A great day out for children and adults is in Klaipeda, the Curonian Spit National Park as listed above, located along the coast. You have to get a boat, which is very inexpensive, and this takes you to a beautiful long, thin stretch of land, with water either side of it. Here there is a brilliant animal centre and dolphinarium, which has daily shows and activities to take part in . Tourist guides are available in English, which is helpful.
There is a tourist trail but exploring the country yourself is much more fun and adventurous. It is wonderful to stumble on places of beauty, though I did have my Lithuanian husband with me who made the experience magical! The country is tiny and the transport infastructure is good, so getting around all of these places is easy to do in a fortnight break.
Another must-see is
Pictures of General: Lithuania
A Stork in it's nest
located in the tiny village of Meskuiciai, just outside the city of Siauliai. It is a hill covered in millions of crosses (as in crucifixes) that people over hundreds of years up until the present day leave as prayers. It is a catholic pilgrimage site and attracts people from all over the globe. Every cross is different, some are massive and some are simply taken off a piece of jewellery and left. Some crosses have messages and others are left plain. It is a spectacular site and the atmosphere is incredible whether you are catholic or athiest, and is sure to leave an impression on you.
Lithuania is a heavily religious place in that their core beliefs revolve around Roman Catholicism, so if you are religious or interested in religion it's well worth a visit for the monasteries and churches alone. There are also several historic castles (on I mentioned earlier, see picture below) and war relics which are really interesting, especially if you love history.
The cities are quite primative, though they are becomming more modern, but you won't find multi-national stores there because the government won't sell land to foreigners, so you won't find see big-name shops or (in)famous fast-food chains. Everything is Lithuanian, which I respect in many ways. They are worth a visit and are becomming more civilised and modern places to visit.
Vilnius is the capital and by far the most well-developed city. It is beautiful and the exuberant mix of Gothic and Baroque arcitecture is typically Baltic with some Russian influences still to be seen. One negative is the public toilets...terrible. The ladies have to squat (!) over a hole in the ground in traditional-style facilities and the cleanliness clearly isn't at the top of the handymans agenda. If that's not bad enough you have to pay to get in!! My husband said that these are traditional public toilets though assured me there were some more modern facilities in the shopping cenre! The Old Town part of Vilnius has an enigmatic feel, it's quite cosmopolitan and houses some vibrant, modern bars. It's a real mix of old and new, with the cobbled streets leading you to some very nice outdoor eateries and cafe-bars, and some treasured historical monuments.
The food is quite basic and bland, and usually involves some type of pork mince. It is worth trying, though, and variations of the national dishes are availble. I had Sepoliniai, which is pork mince encased in a grated potato shell then boiled. It is served with double cream and is really quite delicious. I also tried Balandiai, whic is pork mince wrapped in cabbage leaves and is served with double cream, a light meaty sauce and booiled potatoes, sprinkled with dill. This was my favourite and I make it for my husband in the UK sometimes. It may not be to everyones taste, but should still be sampled as it is a part of the culture. Like many Easterners their chosen tipple is good quality Vodka (and this costs very little to buy), though there are several good Lithuanian beers available, which have won awards for their quality and taste. Another favourite is a wheat-based drink, which is non-alcoholic, exceptionally healthy but horrible to taste! Most Lithuanian's love it but I couldn't stomach it! Tea is served without milk in cafes and milk must be requested separately (when served the milk you will also be served a peculiar look from the waitress!).
The language is based on Latin and sounds rhythmic and poetic to the ear. It has 32 letters in its alphabet and is unfamiliar in the way letters are pronounced to Western ears. English is becomming more widely spoken in popular areas, so a pocket guide (or Lithuanian husband in my case!) is needed.
The most enjoyable times for me were spent swimming in the natural lakes and rivers, sun-bathing on the grassy banks and walking through the luscious, dense forests. The beach was busy but worth squeezing yourself in among the locals, and the Baltic sea was warm and clean. The people are quite friendly and welcoming and I was lucky enough to speak to many Lithuanians. Older people are a bit more subdued and like to talk about the hardships they have witnessed, though this is understanding and insightful, and makes you realise the effects war and disunity have on people. I would recommend this place to visit whole-heartedly; there is too much to write about in a review, the magic can only be found within the tiny, beautiful borders of Lithuania.
The currency is Litas and they use the metric system for weights and measures. Here is a little bit more general information...
Area: 65, 300 km squared Population: 3.48 million (83% ethnic origin) Nation emblem: Vytis, a mounted knight (see below) National Anthem: Tautine giesme by Vincas Kudirka Alphabet: Latin Religion: Roman Catholic
It is quite a safe place to visit. Police are present in the cities and roads, so be careful not to speed. The speed limits are quite strict and low, and Police travel in normal cars to try and catch you out. The main roads are good but the country roads are dire so be careful of that too.
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Wow!! what a comprehensive review. My short stay in LT recently was nice but i felt it was much less USSR-like than Belarus, i think there is a more Western looking vision in Lithuania, Belarus still lokks and feels very Soviet to me - great review
torr 24.05.2007 15:25
Interesting review. I shall be visiting soon and this will be most helpful. Duncan
pmdunn 20.02.2007 19:10
Very good review - sounds like a very interesting place to visit
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Jan 4th, 2007
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