Delving Deeper into Lithuania

We're up early and off to visit the slightly controversial Grutas Park. A private collector has acquired many of the discarded statues from the Soviet era, once adorning town squares, and exhibited them in a parkland setting with other artifacts from that time.

Powerful, eh?

We travel on to a 'farm camping' site, just west of the town of Trakai. Nice site but it's shared with a summer camp for lots of children - so restful it's not..

It's our turn later as we have a shared group meal and folk evening which involves us participating in traditional folk dancing.... OK, OK, I know..
High quality stuff, though, and interesting to hear folk styles from each region of the country. We're told that the traditions are being kept alive.

Also tried the locally made schnapps that's won an award..,....

Traditional Lithuanian Folk

Day 2

A trip into Trakai the next day with a local guide takes us through Lithuanian history and details of the reconstructed island castle in the town, reconstruction having begun in the Soviet era.

Something slightly scary about this suit of armour..

The town is the centre of the Karaite culture in Lithuania with 60 residents. They have their own religion and customs and we learn as much as we can. Really, really wish I could remember all this interesting stuff.

Sue tries the local Kibinai which are basically rather nice Cornish Pasties or Spanish Empanadas, if you prefer. Pity they're made of wheat.....

Off to the capital, Vilinius, tomorrow, so 'bye for now.