Photos of Lithuania

Often people like to know what Lithuania is like as far as the seasons, the geography and the people. Here are a few pictures of the beautiful cities and some fun information to peak your interest!

 Downtown Vilnius in the Summer, where you can go for a stroll, have a drink or a bite to eat while enjoying the beauty of sunset on cobblestone streets and observing the locals live.

 While your downtown in Vilnius you do not want to miss the Cathedral and this statue of Grand Duke Gediminas who founded Vilnius in 1323.  

 Yes, there is snow in Lithuania. It is a beautiful time of year to have cooler weather and the soft fallen snow cover over the trees, streets and rubbish. It brings light to the dark winters and fun for all. Fall is full of bright colors as the Oaks, Maples and Birches turn.  Summer sees temperature in the mid 80's.  

Lithuanians are hard working! You can step back in time and visit the countrysides and find farmers still using horses to plow and work their land. I love getting to see this side of life. Many families have Summer gardens where the keep gardens and grow vegetables and fruit.  These Summer gardens serve to provide a place of relaxation where you can take a sauna after a hard days work or lounge around with friends and family by the lakes or rivers.  Lithuanians have more than hard work into their gardens they have pride and joy too!  

Here I am with my friend Laura at Kaunas castle (13 cent).  It's at the convergence of the Nemunas and Neris Rivers in Kaunas. I spent 2 years in this city and am so glad they spent some time restoring this beautiful castle. Lithuania has very beautiful castles, rambling rivers and green hillsides.  Makes for brick red contrasts and historic tales.

Lithuanian's speak Lithuanian! It is the oldest Indo-European language spoken today and is closer to Sanskrit lingiustically than any other language.  Here is a woman teaching her child Lithuanian as she spins yarn. During occupation times Lithuanians kept their language alive by "homeschooling" their kids in the their own language. It is a difficult language, but beautifully musical.  

Planes, trains and automobiles... Yes travel is often easier on foot than by car in town. Most places require parking fees and for students it is more economical to go by foot and trolleybus. Here in Kaunas students would await their buses to ride back to their dorms as this dropped them directly in front of their university.  I loved walking down the cobblestone streets and especially riding the trolleybus.  Carrying your groceries to and from home meant planning ahead and shopping more frequently.