Blogs from Lithuania, Europe - page 3

Yesterday we left Belarus, crossing the border back into the more familiar European Union. We were told that this crossing could be lengthy and difficult, taking up to five hours or more, with again perhaps a border crossing guard asking to go through all our luggage. And this was heading into the EU! But, understandably, those crossing from the EU into Belarus are most carefully checked, and given that once inside the EU one can drive for thousands of miles without ever seeing another checked border point, we prepared to wait and try to gracefully accept whatever happened. The first stop, leaving Belarus, went very quickly and uneventfully. Happy with that part, we reboarded the bus and slowly processed to entering the EU station. What was surprising to see throughout this crossing was the very long ... read more

Bonjour à tous, J’aurais pu mettre en titre “Mais qu’il y a des variantes dans le nouveau testament (catholique). Sans mauvais jeu de mots, j’y perd mon latin. La voiture n’a pas bougée, mais, j’ai fait 11,7 km à pied. Et la journée n'est pas terminée. Hier au soir à l’hôtel garé, à côté de moi un motard espagnol. Nous avons discuter 1bonne heure. Son programme. Il est allé à Moscou voir un match, sans problème il avait un billet de FIFA. A laissé sa moto à Moscou, avec des copains, sont allés à Sotchi, à St Petersboug en avion, voir des matchs. Puis Moscou, Vilnius en moto, car ici il peut avoir des visas en une semaine, pour retourner en Russie, et se rendre à Wladivostock à l’autre bout de la Russie, en passant par ... read more

Today we left Poland for Lithuania. We had previously changed some money to Zlotys ( mainly in case we needed to use the toilets) and so as we were heading towards Lithuania we needed to spend it. Found a spot for lunch but still had some money left. It was a Sunday so all the shops were closed except for food and drink outlets. Kevin managed to find a shop that sold wine and the shop assistant found him a suitable red off the top shelf - Jacobs Creek Shiraz Cabernet!!!! Our dinner that night was at the Restaurant Medininkai, in a medieval building near the town square and close to our hotel. City Tour next morning to see the Baroque buildings around town including the Vilnius Cathedral used by the Soviets in the 1950s as ... read more

We are in the country of Lithuania tonight. I like it! The vibe here is good and the buildings – everywhere – are gorgeous. It’s like walking around a fake town and our hotel isn’t even in the “old towne” section. Their “normal” buildings are beautiful. Kamie & I walked around town on our own for a couple of hours during lunch today and then at 3pm we took a group tour of the Museum of Genocide or the KGB Museum. This is the original prison that was the headquarters for the Gestapo during the German occupation and the headquarters for the KGB during the Russian occupation. I will tell the stories below the pictures but I warn you, they are extremely sad. At one point during the basement prison tour, I felt it was too ... read more

Hi all The three Baltic countries - Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia - are tied together by shared history, especially in the last century or so with various occupations, most recently by the Soviets. This week's tour transports us between the three capital cities in turn - Vilnius, Riga and Tallinn. Starting in Vilnius, reminded us of a smaller and less busy version of Prague. A great coffee and eating out culture. As usual on an Explore trip we are getting a good balance between being guided around by a knowledgeable tour guide, and having ample spare time to just wander and soak up the atmosphere. Our guided tour took us into the city by The Gates Of Dawn - but we saw neither a piper nor any members of Pink Floyd, regrettably! Many churches and religious ... read more