Peaceful Lithuania

During the visit to the north of Lithuania I felt very much at peace.  Probably because everyone I met was happy - hardworking, but happy.

We docked at the comparatively new cruise terminal at Klaipeda which seems to be a mix of post World War II buildings and some very new and stylish ones.  Later in our tour when we had time to look around I was pleased to see that there is a very small 'old' town.

But first we simply drove through the town and north to the seaside resort of Palanga.  On the outskirts we visited the Botanical Gardens and an Amber Museum which is housed in the Tiskeviciai Palace.  This is a 19th century neo-renaissance style mansion - and wouldn't you know, undergoing restoration.  This being the case we only got to see a small part of the collection of amber artifacts.

The gardens are lovely having gradually brought back to the original layout, a few statues dotted about, a picturesque lake together with swans and a small white bridge, and some flower beds. 

It was then on to Palanga proper.  This is a popular resort with a long sandy beach reached by the Basanavicius Promenade.  A long and colourful pedestrianised street with souvenir shops, cafes, restaurants and various entertainments along the way.  Having done a lot of walking through the botanical gardens there was no way I would make it to the beach and back.  They need a land train for the 'less able'.

Back to Klaipeda.  At one time this was a part of Germany and called Memel.  Under the Treaty of Versailles it became independent and in 1923 became a part of Lithuania, subsequently changing its name.

We were dropped off at Theatre Square.  Look at the theatre and there is a balcony where Hitler had a rant.  In the centre of the square is a sculpture of Annchen von Tharau who was the heroine of a 17th century poem.  (Longfellow translated it - 'Annie of Thorow'.)

Around the edge of the square were stalls that local people had set up to sell their wares, much of it hand made.  There was a problem.  Although Lithuania is in the EU it doesn't yet have Euros and we didn't have the local currency.

In front of the statue was a folk band - jazzed up with a drum kit.  All very toe-tappy.  I understand that a later group from the ship started a conga like, much to the amusement of the locals.

Now it was time to stroll through the old town which didn't take long as it is roughly two streets by two streets.  As well as the old buildings we found the statue of the smug looking cat and, around the corner one of a perky mouse.  One small square is a game of chess - honestly, it comes complete with large pieces to be humped about.

To finish the tour we were treated to a glass of the local beer and traditional garlic bread.  As I don't drink beer I had a coffee.  The garlic bread?  Small pieces of fried bread - enough to chip your teeth - but I couldn't taste any garlic.  Perhaps they forgot to use it!