Lithuania

I just finished my week in Lithuania. The first thing that has to be said about Lithuania is that it is one of the most beautiful countries I've seen in my life. The landscape is simply breathtaking - green and clean, and with beautiful architecture. It is also cheap. Not Vietnam cheap, but something around China cheap. Vilnius isn't the most well cared for city on earth, especially compared to some place like Stockholm, but in a way the aging city has an appeal. There is something nice about the occasional weed growing through a sidewalk crack. It actually reminds me of home (El Cerrito).



In addition to the beauty of the place, the food is quite good as well. I was so busy shoving it in my face that I didn't take the time to take any pictures of it. Anyway, its good. You should try some.

I took a short trip outside Vilnius to a town nearby called Trakai, which is noted for its lakes and Gothic castle. Here is an example of the beautiful Lithuanian "Architecture." We took a pedal boat out on the lake surrounding this castle. The water was cool but not cold, so it was quite nice to put your feet in, and the water was quite clean too.

Afterwards, we had some meat pies that are traditional for the area and some local beer, which was "quite not bad."

Other days were much the same, relaxing and enjoying the city and the company. Did some dancing on Sunday and Monday, but the dances were always on hard cement and my knees did not like that so much.


Now I'm in Kiev, Ukraine. Check back in a few days more more info on that.