Good Mood Travel Magazine. Spring 2015

Ma azine Travel Tips & Recommendations ̶ Lithuania by locals

Spring 2015

Your Local Advisors in Lithuania: Milda Mizarienė

Agnė Šileikytė

Gina Kubiliūtė

Urtė Sirvydienė

Editor

Photographer

Journalist

Designer

We offer you our local knowledge of the country, as well as our personal connections, so that you can get the very best out of your time in Lithuania.

Feel free to contact us if you have any questions: www.goodmoodtravel.lt

Lukas Vilkočinskas, Translator Tim Ochser, English language editor Publisher: UAB Atostogos LT ISSN 2351-745X

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milda@goodmoodtravel.lt

+370 687 25966

Editor’s Word Dear future guests, it goes without saying that the best way to experience a place is by knowing someone local there. My best travel experiences all came from visiting friends (or making friends while travelling) who showed me things I would never have found out from a guidebook. Having local expertise on your side helps you avoid tourist traps, being ripped off by unscrupulous vendors and wasting time and money on poor quality services.

It’s the little things that make a holiday special.

Hanging out in a bar popular with locals, enjoying a romantic dinner in a hidden-away restaurant or discovering a little-known architectural gem undoubtedly add a splash of color to your trip. A local friend can help you find local produce from ecological farms (and have it delivered to you), recommend the very best beauty procedures and find amusing activities to keep your kids happy. He or she can also help you find special souvenir gifts that you would never find in the usual tourist markets and gift stores.

Until recently, I was a curious traveler myself.

But during my travels around the world I would often find myself thinking about the extraordinary beauty of Lithuania and the outstanding quality of tourism services that we have here. That’s how the idea came to me and my friends: we would be your local friends during your visit so you could benefit from our indepth local knowledge.

Whatever your interests, we can help. Be it culture, shopping, entertainment or something a little more rarefied, our extensive local knowledge will help you experience the very best of Lithuania.

We have contacts all around the country to help you plan an unforgettable and risk-free holiday. Whether you want to stay in Vilnius or explore the country as a whole, we’ll help you plan every step of the way.

We have decided to share our experiences, recommendations and insights in our new e-journal.

We’ll tell you about the places we love and give you tips on how to make the most of your trip. Consider it a quality travel guide with detailed articles, stories, photos and advice from ourselves and our foreign

friends. We will only recommend places that we value, admire and are proud of – the sort of things we would like to see and experience while travelling abroad ourselves.

Perhaps you are merely thinking about visiting Lithuania. Perhaps you have already booked your flight and are planning your trip. Either way, you will not find a more personalized and helpful guide to the country than us. We will do our best to show you that our country has a fascinating history, pristine nature, four distinct seasons (complete with seasonal activities such as the national obsession with mushrooming), perfect beaches and skiing resorts (all-year round), sightseeing and cultural tours. But best of all, Lithuania is an extremely hospitable country where almost everyone is fluent in one or more foreign language. It is a country of lower prices, outstanding services and a vast range of recreational activities to cater for every taste.

So sit back, get comfy and enjoy reading all about Lithuania. This is the first edition of Good Mood Travel Magazine but we hope it will soon expand and become even more interesting and informative. Oh, and I forgot to mention that... we’re deeply in love with Lithuania. And we promise you will be too…

Your local Lithuanian friend

Milda Good Mood Travel Magazine

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Inside the Magazine

OUTLOOK: Independent Travel with a Local Advisor

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Taste of Lithuania: Curd Cheese

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Travel Focus: Bernardine Garden

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OUR RECOMMENDATIONS & Best-loved Places

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TRY THIS! Wellness & Eco Holidays

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Gifts & Souvenirs: Our Recommendations

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Been there, Done that!

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Meet the Locals!

Elena & Her Postcards

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Leisure tips: Landsailers

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Event Calendar.

Spring

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Outlook Independent Travel with a Local Advisor – a privileged way to see a place

By Milda Mizarienė

Braised rabbit, wonderful red wine and lots of salads – this is how I remember a welcome dinner given to me by a friend from Bordeaux at her parents’ home. That night, I learned a lot of fascinating things about the city over a long and delightful conversation.

When I think of Copenhagen, I think of fresh fish from a fishmonger loved by locals and a pulsing night club located in an old meat factory. One of my lasting impressions of Osaka was when I visited a luxury VIP-only bar and had a great conversation with its owner. I also fondly remember experiencing Japanese breakfasts in the homes of different acquaintances.

Visitors do not need impersonal tours or dry brochures but an enthusiastic person to bring the country to life.

These privileged experiences came from visiting friends and from forming new relationships all around the world. So believe me when I say none of it would have happened if I had merely gone on a holiday arranged through a travel agency or armed only with a guidebook! But how do you get to have such uniquely local experiences in countries where you don’t have any friends or acquaintances?

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Justė:

t way he bes t – us s ndation ts, unscrupulo e m m o rec s.” ist spo “Local service sy tour e y e t li h c a u Local recommendations to avoid rs and poor q o d n

for smooth travel e v “I would say that independent travelling is a privilege for those Flexible and cheaper who have enough spare time to travelling devote it to travelling and all the Independent travelling is preparation it entails,” says Justė, becoming more and more popular. who has a global network of a This is because it lets you set your friends and acquaintances to call own agenda: where you go, what on for help and advice. you do, where you stay. It allows Ideally, these people share you to really see a place and your tastes and worldview so get away from tourist traps and banality. Independent travelers make their own experiences and they can also avoid unnecessary expenses.

“Self-organized travel is much more flexible, while planning a trip can be as fun and as important as the travelling itself,” says Justė Grizickaitė, an experienced traveler who has travelled around every continent without ever using a travel agency.

Justė recommends reading travel guides, user reviews and consulting recommendations on the internet before travelling. “But the best thing is to talk to friends or acquaintances who have already been to that country – if you can,” she says.

Finding a bar teeming with happy locals, or a great tucked-away restaurant, or a real castle – these are the things that make travel so rewarding and pleasurable!

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Flourishing Sakura, Vilnius in Spring. Photo: Shutterstock.com

Photo from the personal archive

they can point you in the right direction. Justė asks her local friends and acquaintances to recommended places that they consider especially worthwhile to see, to recommend her the best in local entertainment, and advise her on the best ways to get around safely and comfortably.

According to Justė, this is the best way to avoid cheesy tourist spots, unscrupulous vendors and poor quality services. “Finding a bar teeming with happy locals, or a great tucked-away restaurant, or a real castle – these are the things that make travel so rewarding and pleasurable!” »»»

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Local "friends" will gladly share their passions, expertise and knowledge. Photo courtesy of M.Godelaitis.

Experience and knowledge – Use it!

Know People!

It may be that you simply don’t know any people in the country you are visiting. Or perhaps you do but you don’t want to impose on them with a string of questions and queries.

If that is the case, you could use a “local friend” service. Local travel advisors who live in the country you are visiting, are extremely knowledgeable about its cities, towns and resorts, can offer

Travelling with local advisors is a winwin for everyone involved.

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you not only their knowledge but can put you in touch with others who can help you. In short, it’s a win-win for everyone involved.

This is the ideal form of travel for those who crave authentic experiences. This way you get to live how locals live, taste what they taste, see what they see and enjoy what they enjoy.

It makes all the difference if you have a local “friend” to hang out with in the Old Town or go shopping with. They can help you with finding suitable accommodation, take you on excursions that aren’t in any guidebook, help you find the best entertainment for your children and take you to local farmers markets to experience the best in local produce. Moreover, they can help you find truly unique gifts to bring home for your loved ones.

“Why should I trust someone when I do not know him or her at all?” you will no doubt ask. This is why you should establish contact

with your “friend” long before meeting them. Chat with them via email and phone, befriend them on Facebook, get to know them as much as possible. It should be easy enough to determine if they are genuinely trustworthy. Just remember, there is a vast number of keen travelers performing great kindnesses to each other every day. The bad eggs are few and far between.

It goes without saying that this method of travelling can save you a considerable amount of money.

Here, too, your local friend will be able to help you out. Perhaps they can haggle for better prices on your behalf, get you a discount, find you a special offer. Either way, you’ll experience things that you never would if a travel agency arranged your holiday: eating dinner with a local family, getting into exclusive clubs, discovering unique little stores where you’ll buy something you’ll cherish forever...

Lithuania was named 3rd in Lonely Planet’s TOP 10 for 2015. Forbes declared Lithuania as one of the top 3 travel destinations for 2015 as well. More and more often, our country is described as “Europe’s best kept secret”, “The most beautiful country you’ve never visited” or “The nation that looks like a fairytale”.

The Beauty is in the Details Lithuania is rapidly climbing the list of most visited countries.

With around 3 million inhabitants, Lithuania has no shortage of welcoming, hospitable friends to help you get the best out of this wonderful country. Visitors do not need impersonal tours or dry brochures but an enthusiastic person to bring the country to life – people who will gladly share their passions, expertise and

We love talking to foreigners to gain new experiences and perspectives. We have a great sense of humor and know how to enjoy life to the full. The Old Town of Vilnius rings out with the music of cross-cultural conversations.

What better way to get a feel for a place than hanging out with an

amiable local? Whether it’s chatting at an outdoor café while enjoying a local specialty or walking around one of the capital’s architecturally rich districts, you’ll get to see, taste and experience the real Lithuania. »»»

Flourishing Sakura, Vilnius in Spring. Photo: Shutterstock.com

With around 3 million inhabitants, Lithuania has no shortage of welcoming, hospitable friends to help you get the best out of this wonderful country. knowledge. We want you to see that our country has a rich and fascinating history, beautiful nature, four distinct seasons, amazing beaches and skiing resorts, low prices and extremely high quality recreation and wellness services. Lithuanians are highly educated, hospitable, curious and multilingual, as you’ll see for yourself!

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Photo courtesy of R.Pakalkienė

Curious Guests It is no wonder that tour guides get asked all sorts of questions by guests eager to know all they can about their exotic surroundings.

Gabija Lunevičiūtė is a guide who takes guests all around the country. She says that the most common question she gets asked is where are the best places to sample real Lithuanian cuisine.

“Tourists ask me all sorts of things. What can they buy for their young daughter? What’s a good book by a Lithuanian author translated into this or that language? They usually order you for one day but end up wanting your services for most of their stay!” Gabija says.

The problem, she explains, is she can only help them for as long as the allotted time of their excursion lasts. This means she never has enough time to answer all their questions.

“It is easier with independent travelers,” says Gabija. There are no time constraints in their case and the conversation can happily meander from topic to topic.

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“Inde pend and s ent trave Gabija lers : pec the b ial reques always ha eaten ts. Th ve loa e path and v y want to ds of ques isit m tions get a w ore u nusua ay from “Independent travelers always l plac es.” have loads of questions and special requests. They want to get away from the beaten path and visit more unusual places. They might, for example, want to visit a real artist’s workshop rather than a tacky art gallery. Or maybe they want to sample a real local beer made in a microbrewery instead It is the local of the big brand beer they sell in friends you have tourist-orientated restaurants.” there that really Gabija says the main benefit of travelling independently with make all the a guide is that you have both a difference. That friend and a guide in country that is what makes you know little about. Otherwise it a truly unique how you could learn that Vilnius has secret tunnels, or where to experience. find the most delicious smoked fish on the Curonian Spit, or how a village grandmother would have traditionally greeted you.”

Gabija herself often travels independently. “It is the most enriching and rewarding way of seeing a place. But it is the local friends you have there that really make all the difference. That is what makes it a truly unique experience.”

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Shutterstock.com

Vilnius. Baroque jewel.

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Travel Focus

Bernardine Garden: The Romance of Past Centuries

By Milda Mizarienė

Photo by L.Ciūnys

On a sunny, warm afternoon, you are strongly advised to visit the Bernardine Garden on foot – it can be very hard to find a free parking place nearby. Moreover, if you are driving, be very careful near the zebra crossing on Maironis Street – parents with baby strollers, children and large groups all swarm across the street to get to this newly restored, beautiful park in the heart of the Vilnius city.

It has now become one of the most loved places in the city for people looking to spend a relaxing few hours strolling about the beautifully landscaped environs.

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Photo courtesy of Vilnius City Municipality

For nature lovers and romantics Before its makeover in 2013, the Bernardine Garden was known as Sereikiškės. The park lies between Gedimino Castle and the Bernardine Monastery and is ringed by the picturesque, fastflowing Vilnelė river. Full of lush green trees, you will quickly forget that you are right in the middle of

a bustling capital city.

The best time to visit the Bernardine Garden is during spring and summer when it is at its most beautiful. However, it is also worth visiting in winter as well. The romantically-minded will think of 19th-century novels as they stroll around the snow-blanketed paths and look up at the snow-covered hills looming all around them. »»»

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Photo courtesy of Vilnius City Municipality

Where sacred fires

burned The history of the Bernardine Garden goes back to the 19th century and even beyond. Between the 11001500s, it was the site of a sacred grove – in those days forests played a huge role in pagan culture – and was protected by divine powers. Many European nations had similar groves where sacred fires constantly burned: the Germans, Slavs and Greeks, to name a few.

The Balts, who lived within the territory of Lithuania, maintained the pagan cult of the divine forest longer than anyone. However, once Christianity was finally introduced in Lithuania, the grove was cut down and the land passed to the Bernardine monks. They transformed the site into an elaborate maze of gardens,

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ponds, canals and ornamental parks.

Public park and political influence When Tsarist Russia came to power in 1864, it closed the Bernardine monastery, and the land fell under control of the city. The city council decided to build a public park there, according to the fashion of the times.

The painter A.Štrausas and engineer Jasinskis designed the park between 1886-1888. Together, they created a richly landscaped and beautiful park full of romantic, winding paths and abounding with luxurious neobaroque ornamentation.

After World War II, the park once again changed in function and form.

It was turned into a Youth Garden in keeping with the political ideology of the time. Now a monument of Stalin

stood in the long path that stretched right through the garden. A cinema and amusement park were also built there. However, the park itself was very poorly tended. Plants and weeds sprang up all over the place and the park lost its carefully conceived charm.

It didn’t fit its environment any longer and was just a strange space where people wandered aimlessly.

Perfect for sports and entertainment The park has travelled a long and often rocky road through history.

Now it once again delights visitors with its original, harmonious design.

The rockery, pond, pathway along the Vilnelė river, Belvedere Hill and fountains (one of which is musical!) were all successfully restored to their former glory, much to the delight of

Photo courtesy of Vilnius City Municipality

local residents.

A permanent botanical garden has also been restored – it was originally one of the largest gardens of its kind back in the 18th century. Back then, the Bernardine monks tended the garden. The newly restored garden has the very same plants that they introduced. Visitors will be able to admire: Ginkgo, yellow dogwood, Canadian fir, black pine and some impressively aged oaks.

One of them is the oldest in Vilnius at the stately age of 400 years old.

But what is the 21st century without its beloved entertainments?

The park does not disappoint in this regard either. There is a charming café where you can enjoy a nice cappuccino or refreshing beer. You can play chess on various size boards.

The children’s playground boasts excellent play apparatus for the kids.

Older people, however, might like to amuse themselves playing the rather French game of petanque. Simply put, there’s something for everyone.

You can also experience the park by going there early in the morning to jog, Nordic walk or even meditate.

The park is open to visitors from 7am to 10pm.

Official

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VILNIUS TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE

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Our Recommendations & Best-loved Places These are some of our best-loved places in Vilnius. Some you’ll find in tourist guides, others are wellkept secrets, but all of them are especially worth a visit. We love spending time there with friends and family as part of our daily lives. This is why we recommend you take a guide with you to get the most out of your experience. Similarly, if you are travelling to another place in Lithuania, get in touch with us so we can give you the best advice on what to see/do or even arrange for your own personal guide to accompany you.

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Senamiesčio krautuvė

Local Produce

Based in one of the most beautiful streets in the Old Town, Literatu, this small specialty food store sells fresh and delicious local produce and products. It is a cozy little place whose friendly staff will happily tell you whatever you want to know about the Lithuanian products on offer and let you sample the goods. It’s a lovely gift option for food-lovers. They sell Lithuanian bread, homemade pies, honey and a range of other mouthwatering products.

Mint Vinetu This cozy, unique and friendly little used bookstore doubles up as a tearoom and internet café all in one space. Hidden away in a charming nook of the Old Town, it proudly sells “pre-loved” books, including a decent selection of English-language titles (along with a few other languages). It also has a piano and a guitar lying around should a tune suddenly come over you! Artsy locals just love to hang out here, browsing through the books or enjoying a nice cup of coffee and slice of pie. It is also a good place to find an original souvenir or gift option.

Literatų St. 5, Vilnius

Šv. Ignoto St. 16/10, Vilnius

Mon-Sat: 10.00-20.00 Sun: 11:00-17:00

Mon-Sun: 11:00- 20:00

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Local Produce

Tie kepėjai

This cool little bar is smack bang in the middle of a pulsating nightlife scene. It’s always packed and super friendly. It specializes in cider and has a beautiful cider-tinged glow about it. There are some 40 brands of apple cider on offer, along with calvados, apple sandwiches, apple cheese, and Lithuanian apple seasonings. In a word, everything is made from apples. You’ll even find apples glazed in honey and apple-flavored chips. A stylish but fun place.

Delicious sweets, sumptuous emotions. This is the name we would give to our favorite bakers in Vilnius! This is the perfect place to take a timeout from rushing around the city. Enjoy the perfect little pastry or cookie with a cup of tea or coffee while listening to the crackly music playing on the old gramophone. The view from the window is a special one – Vilnius Cathedral. There is only one table in this tiny little treasure. We always hope to get lucky and find it free.

Photo courtesy of Sarkozy

Sarkozy

Vilniaus St. 22, Vilnius

Tilto St. 6, Vilnius

Mon-Wed: 16:00-23:00 Thu-Fri: 16:00 -24:00 Sat: 14:00-24:00

Mon-Fri: 10:00-19:00 Sat: 10:00-18:00

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Local Produce

Sweet Root

Markus ir Ko is arguably the best place in town for steak lovers. Their steaks are simply perfect, however you like them done. The restaurant is located in a quant corner of the Old Town and has a sort of laidback ‘90s vibe going on.

Located in the very heart of the chic but bohemian Uzupis district, "Sweet Root" is a relatively new restaurant that only uses seasonal produce. The quality of the food is outstanding and the ambiance is coolly laidback. This place looks set to become a perennial favorite in Vilnius’s bustling restaurant scene. A great way to sample locally sourced food at its best and most imaginative. It is also a delightful place to go for breakfast, lunch or a blurry weekend brunch.

Photo courtesy of Sweet Root

Photo courtesy of Markus ir Ko

Markus ir Ko

M. Antokolskio St. 11, Vilnius

Užupio St. 22, Vilnius

Mon-Sun: 12:00-24:00

Dinner: Tue-Sat: 17:00-23:00 Weekend breakfast & lunch: Sat: 11:00-15:00, Sun: 11:00-17:00

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Local Produce

House of Na�ve

There are not enough superlatives to describe the aptly named Miracles. All we can say is that this is where art and cuisine come together in perfect harmony. Its weekend breakfasts are completely unrivaled. However, do not forget to book a table in advance.

Chocolate at its very best and most creative.

Chocolate Naīve are masters at what they do: they have elevated chocolate to an art form. Everything from the combination of flavors to the super-cool packaging just oozes with confidence and love.

A must-try for chocolate lovers. Their new and incredible House of Naīve is a combination of ideas, initiatives and creativity. This is an incubator where industrial design merge with food and fashion.

Photo courtesy of Stebuklai

Photo courtesy of House of Naīve

Stebuklai

Gynėjų St. 14, Vilnius

Didžioji St. 38, Vilnius

Mon-Sun: 08:00-23:00

Mon-Fri: 11:00-19:00 Sat-Sun: 11:00-16:00

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Toy museum

Suitable for Kids

Murrr Café

We recommend this café for its special ambiance.

If you like cats, you will simply love this place.

Guests sit around drinking tea and coffee, reading magazines and playing games, while cats freely wander about purring with happiness. Cat cafés are popular in Japan and we can see why. Murrr Café has proven a huge hit in Vilnius. It’s especially popular with children who love the quirky atmosphere and stroking their furry friends.

Photo courtesy of Toy museum

The Toy Museum is located close to the Bernardine Gardens, making it the perfect activity for the whole family. We never tire of this magical little place. For kids it is fun to see the vast range of toys on display and to play with the many beautiful toy exhibits.

Adults, meanwhile, will feel nostalgic for their own childhoods. You can happily spend hours in this place without getting bored. It manages to be extremely entertaining and delightfully cultural at the same time. They don’t make ‘em like this anymore!

Suitable for Kids

B.Radvilaitės St. 7/2, Vilnius

Pylimo St. 38, Vilnius

Wed-Fri: 14:00-20:00 Sat-Sun: 11:00-16:00

Mon-Sun: 11:00-21:00

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Cheese market

Local Produce

Culinary study This is an extremely original and attractive idea for a unique birthday, bachelorette, or team-building party. This international culinary institute is a place where people can let their creativity out and learn new skills into the bargain. Professional chefs will guide and oversee you as you work in groups to create something beautiful and delicious. It’s fun, educational and a great way to instill team spirit (before the real party begins).

Photo courtesy of Culinary Study

Friendly cheese-makers gather here to offer a mouthwatering variety of local cheeses: blue and fermented cheeses, cottage cheeses, sheep/cow/ goat’s cheese – you’ll find it all. You will also find fresh vegetables, eggs, and honey products. Coming here is one of the highlights of our week!

Salad bar Mano Guru, Vilniaus St. 22/1, Vilnius Sun: 10:00-13:00

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Teatro St. 7-7, Vilnius

Namai

Vegetarian/ Vegan

Leičiai

This restaurant-cum-brewery-cum-bar is in the heart of the Old Town and is best known for its traditional Lithuanian food and drinks. We recommend this place for the many varieties of Lithuanian draft beer, which are made by brewers who have been at it for generations. Charming décor too. It can get crowded in summer and has a small outdoor seating area.

Photo courtesy of Namai

Namai (Home) is a small, family-owned vegetarian restaurant. The food is simple, delicious, fresh and extremely high-quality. It is a cozy place much loved by local vegans and vegetarians who think of it as a home from home.

Local Produce

Subačiaus St. 6, Vilnius

Stiklių St. 4, Vilnius

Tue: 11:00-16:00 Wed-Sat: 11:00-21:00

Mon-Sun: 11:00-24:00

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Taste of Lithuania

By Gina Kubiliūtė

It’s white, neither sweet nor sour, melts in your mouth, and is strongly reminiscent of childhood holidays in your grandmother’s village. Ask any Lithuanian what this reminds them of and they will undoubtedly all say – curd cheese. This product might seem a little odd to foreigners but it is a much-loved staple of our cuisine and a must-try for any visitor.

I Milk Myself, I Press Myself

Authentic and traditional Lithuanian cheese made from natural curd

Produced since the Middle Ages

Over a year ago, the European Commission included curd cheese on a list of protected products.

It is now the third protected Lithuanian food product in the European Union. This means that curd cheese has to be made according to an authentic recipe and ensures it is of the highest quality.

This is a great way to preserve our culinary traditions. Lithuanian curd cheese is now marked by a special label that protects it from misuse and inferior imitations. The buyer can be sure that they are getting the real deal whenever they see the seal of approval.

In the Middle Ages, Lithuanian curd cheese was produced in manors. The production process itself is not very difficult but it requires a great deal of hard work. In villages curd cheese is still regularly made at home by many people. It is an integral part of Lithuania’s culinary and national heritage and features prominently in our everyday lives. Lithuanians are very proud to offer our curd cheese to foreigners; even great cheese-making countries like France or Italy don’t have anything like it.

The label that guarantees the authenticity of the product specifies the region it comes from because curd cheese is made using traditional methods throughout Lithuania. This type of cheese was widespread in the central part of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, which includes present-day Lithuania, Belarus and parts of Poland.

You will find curd cheese in almost every shop, big or small. Small producers of curd cheeses are of great social and cultural value. The principle of “I milk myself, I press myself, I feed myself” is used in small production companies. These small producers of cheese respect themselves and their clients.

They also respect the environment by sticking to environmentally-friendly production practices.

There are two cheese markets in Vilnius: every Sunday at the salad/soup restaurant Mano Guru on Vilniaus Street from 10:00-13:00 and every Thursday at Užupis Tymo market from 11:00-17:00.

Gourmands will find a wonderful variety of Lithuanian cheeses at these bustling outlets, from traditional curd and sweet milk cheese to mouthwatering goat and sheep cheeses made according to French traditions.

Ginta Novičkienė has been producing high-quality cheese for 15 years in the Varėna region and selling it at various outlets in the capital. She says that traditional curd cheeses are increasing in popularity but her most popular product is natural fresh milk cheese. It is very similar to curd cheese but is made in a different way.

“Sweet milk cheese can be produced right after you milk the cows,” Ginta explains.

Fresh milk is boiled (and simultaneously pasteurized) and the milk is then concentrated by adding some acid. The cheese producer knows exactly how to control this process to obtain the right texture, delicacy and taste. The cheese can then become a dessert, which is extremely popular with children and adults in Lithuania, or can be smoked or fried with herbs and other seasonings. The milk cheese is slightly more yellow than a curd cheese because it has around 20 percent fat. It is recommended to consume this type of cheese within three days. The curd cheese is white and leaner, with around 14 percent fat. »»»

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Lithuanians love to eat curd cheese with honey or jam.

Those without a sweet tooth often like to eat it with an omelet.

Lengthy production process According to Ginta, curd cheese is produced in accordance with ancient traditions and is “live� because it is unpasteurized. It is impossible to make this cheese quickly. First, you have to sour the milk at the proper temperature.

Later, you need to skim the sour cream from the surface of milk; otherwise the cheese can be too bitter.

Typically, soured milk is boiled at 40-50°C until it concentrates into curd. It is then put into a special cheese bag and vigorously pressed. It is more difficult to find this type of cheese in markets because it requires labor-intensive production.

Price-wise, one kilogram of fresh milk cheese should cost you around 6 EUR and traditional curd cheese around 7 EUR. The nutritional properties of curd cheese are similar to curd: they are rich in vitamin A, calcium, phosphor and B group vitamins.

Ginta laughingly says that

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whenever she makes curd cheese at home, her family eats it right away. It is amazing that she finds the time to do any home-cooking at all. She has five cows, milks 50 liters of milk per day in winter and a whole lot more during the summer.

According to her, it takes 10 liters of milk to make one kilogram of curd cheese.

Sweet and salty In order to learn everything she could about making curd cheese, Ginta asked for recipes and advice from a range of older people. She wanted to make a curd cheese that was true to the ancient techniques used by countless generations before her. In other words, she wanted to make a truly Lithuanian

cheese. Cumin is often mixed into the cheese but Ginta tends to make her cheese without any additional seasoning. She also refuses to add salt into the mix, unlike other producers, because people’s diets have generally become less salty.

Lithuanians love to eat curd cheese with honey or jam. Those without a sweet tooth often like to

eat it with an omelet.

Dried small cheeses are also very popular in Lithuania; these are called Kmynukai. They are made from an equal mix of sweet and sour milk. The cheese, which is richly flavored with cumin, has a very specific smell and is often consumed as a beer snack. It is a curd cheese but is dried in

special premises using a carefully controlled draught. This cheese is usually sold in small, 50-gram chunks. Expect to pay around 1.5 EUR for a pack. It makes an excellent present because it can keep for up to a month.

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Shutterstock.com

More than 3000 lakes‌

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Try this!

Lithuania invites you for wellness and eco holidays

By Gina Kubiliūtė & Milda Mizarienė

Photo courtesy of B.Masiliauskienė

Unusual and exciting activities, beautiful nature, all kinds of sports, health procedures, amber massages, excellent food – these are just some of the unique experiences you can find in Lithuania. In recent years Lithuania has increasingly become a top destination for wellness and eco-tourism. Lithuania is well-known for its beautiful and pristine nature which is why it can offer tourists experiences they cannot find in other countries. Ask any foreigner what first strikes them about Lithuania and most of them will no doubt say: the greenery! With its abundance of parks and forests, Lithuania is like paradise for nature-lovers.

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Lithuanian Sauna– Renowned Among Sauna Lovers One hour spent in an authentic Lithuanian sauna is as rewarding for body, mind and spirit as a whole day of a good holiday. Sauna expert and lover Birutė Masiliauskienė is sure that you do not need to travel to some faraway exotic country to enjoy a great holiday – a steam sauna can give you the same salubrious effects (and a lot more quickly!). No wonder people say they feel newborn after a sauna.

“Although saunas can be found in most countries, the Lithuanian sauna is unique. It is quite different to, say, the Finish or Austrian sauna,” says Masiliauskienė, a qualified sauna expert.

to a primordial state of harmony, to pamper all their senses and completely relax their mind,” says the sauna expert. “In our saunas, the sense of touch is a very important factor: warm steam, whips made from birch twigs with their leaves. The body is oiled with honey and pampered with essential oils and herbal mixtures. The soul can escape from all the noise of the world and the body can cleanse itself of chemical hygiene and beauty products. Most of the things we use in our saunas are gathered from nearby forests and meadows.”

There is no doubt that the Lithuania steam sauna is extremely healthy in every way. It thoroughly relaxes and invigorates you – by

In our saunas, the sense of touch is a very important factor: warm steam, whips made from birch twigs with their leaves. The body is oiled with honey and pampered with essential oils and herbal mixtures. The soul can escape from all the noise of the world and the body can cleanse itself of chemical hygiene and beauty products. Most of the things we use in our saunas are gathered from nearby forests and meadows.

The 16th International Sauna Congress was held in Lithuania in 2014. After few days of official speeches and seminars, sauna experts from all around the world were treated to a firsthand experience of an authentic Lithuanian sauna – complete with technical explanations, of course!

The reaction of the guests, according to Masiliauskienė, said it all: most of them admitted afterwards that they had never experienced a real sauna after trying the Lithuanian version.

“Our sauna is unique because it allows people who are fatigued from the stresses of life to get back

the time you emerge from it, you feel like a new person. Even your skin feels glossy and rejuvenated.

Ever since ancient times, people bathed in saunas before important holidays and events. They used them for purification rituals and special rites. It has always been a great way to socialize and strengthen social bonds. »»»

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In Lithuania, the sauna is part of our fabric of life: it is used for all sorts of occasions from celebrating birthdays and engagements to weddings and anniversaries.

After a sauna, people feel far more relaxed, open and amiable.

This is why leaders in this part of the world would invite important guests to the sauna to discuss serious matters or sign treaties.

We even have a saying: Sauna Diplomacy. And this time-honored tradition lives on today. More recently, business managers make good use of the sauna to help their employees relax or to thank staff for their excellent collective work on a project. More generally, it is good for team-building. In Lithuania, the sauna is part of our fabric of life: it is used for all sorts of occasions from celebrating birthdays and engagements to weddings and anniversaries.

People generally drink herbal tea, sap juice, kvass or fruit juice during a sauna. Experts warn against using alcohol.

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MasiliauskienÄ— believes that the most interesting, exotic and enjoyable part of the Lithuanian sauna is the whipping ritual. This is a massage technique that combines warm steam and whips made from twigs (occasionally from grass). The body is whipped gently and evenly all over after the sauna is filled with steam and the body covered with drops of warm water. The leaves of the whip variously whip, stroke, brush and rub against the body.

Sometimes compresses are also applied. Sauna experts adapt the process to the individual and their specific needs. From 4 to 10 whips are used per person, and even more on special occasions. Besides whips made from birch trees, whips are also used from oak, juniper, maple, wormwood and apple trees.

The many kinds of whips allow for a unique symphony of sensations.

They help with skin problems, relax strained muscles and give off a wonderful aroma. Every sensation is intensified in the sauna. The most ordinary plants suddenly smell extremely exotic and magical.

Men generally prefer a more vigorous hot whipping while women choose a more relaxed and gentle approach (which also helps against cellulite). Various spa procedures

and elements are common features of the Lithuanian sauna. After all, the primary purpose of the sauna is to cleanse yourself of impurities and take care of your skin and hair. Salt, honey, clay, various grits, coffee and chestnuts are all used for body scrub procedures.

The skin scrub procedure greatly improves blood circulation, tone, regenerates the skin and relaxes the body. It is highly recommended for those who do not like heat and

Photo courtesy of B.Masiliauskienė

for those looking for a profoundly relaxing experience. The warmed, washed and scrubbed skin is further pampered with natural masks and an extremely relaxing massage.

Special women-only saunas can easily be organized. This allows for women’s particular physical needs to be taken into account and tailormade treatments to be performed.

As B.Masiliauskienė says, women are usually the ones taking care of others so it makes a welcome

change for them to be pampered in this way. The temperature is usually lower in women-only saunas and there are all sorts of beauty procedures available to them (this is why they last a bit longer than a normal sauna). Women feel safe and thoroughly relaxed in womenonly saunas. But whichever kind of sauna you choose, you will come away from it feeling utterly refreshed and invigorated. There simply is nothing quite like it. »»»

A traditional sauna lasts from 3 to 6 hours.

An hour with a professional sauna expert costs around 30 Euros.

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A massage with Baltic amber – an invigo rating experience!

Fancy a harmonizing massage with amber oil and powder, a luxurious white amber procedure, amber light therapy or even an amber tea ceremony? These may sound like ancient medical treatments but they are, in fact,

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No wonder amber has long been referred to as Baltic Gold! extremely effective ways to make you feel fresh and restored. Two years ago, Nidos Kopos (Dunes of Nida) began offering massages

using Baltic amber. Their skilled masseurs combine ancient amber therapy with the best massage techniques. In this part of the world, people have known about the properties of amber for centuries.

If you want to reinvigorate your organism after a long winter, stress, fatigue or illness, the holistic treatment offered by Nidos Kopos

Photo courtesy of Nidos Kopos

it in various procedures: peeling, wraps, masks and other. White amber does wonders when it comes to facial procedures and masks.

Nidos Kopos is based in Vilnius and Nida. When we visited their impressive premises in the Old Town of Vilnius, we were impressed by the extraordinary diversity of amber and the way it can be used to treat a range of physical ailments. No wonder it has long been referred to as Baltic Gold!

Amber permeates every aspect of the experience that Nidos Kopos offers. You will feel it with all your senses – even the mattresses are filled with tiny pieces of amber and heated ambers in linen bags. And that’s not all. After your massage, you’ll be soothed by the aroma of amber incense, oils and tea.

Amber doesn’t just calm you but spreads a tangible warmth with its unique aroma. Whatever way you look it, there’s just something about amber! It doesn’t merely look beautiful but gives off a real vibe of optimism and well-being.

Amber is a typical souvenir for most visitors to Lithuania. They usually buy some amber jewelry or ornament to bring home with them as a gift. But in this case we recommend that you experience amber in a whole new light and treat yourself to an amber massage. Your present to yourself will be going home feeling healthy and rested! »»»

will make you feel like a new person.

Their masseurs-physiotherapists work with children as well as with adults of all ages.

Using amber-based massages is no gimmick. The use of amber as a therapeutic approach for a range of physical complaints has a long and respectable history. Amber is a completely natural substance that has been forming for over 50

million years. Its health-enhancing properties were widely praised

by Hippocrates himself, who mentioned amber extracts, fillings, and the use of amber acid in his works.

The masseurs at Nidos Kopos use amber oil and powder not only for classic and harmonizing massages (in both passive and active techniques) but also apply

Your present to yourself will be going home feeling healthy and rested!

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Nordic Walking – Exercise in Fresh Air Nordic Walking has become increasingly popular in Lithuania in recent years. At first it may have looked like an exotic form of exercise but nowadays you can see people at it everywhere you look. And with Lithuania having so much unspoiled nature, it is the perfect place to indulge in this most healthy and pleasurable of pastimes.

Nordic Walking offers the perfect combination of leisure, socializing and exercise. And the best thing is that absolutely anyone can do it.

Photo courtesy of E.Babelis

Nordic Walking offers the perfect combination of leisure, socializing and exercise. And the best thing is that absolutely anyone can do it. It is an effective

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means of treating respiratory and circulatory disorders, spinal diseases, osteoporosis and even helps combat Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. It is perfect for old and overweight people because it does not require overexertion.

“It is active physical activity in fresh air,” says Nordic Walking instructor Valdemar Chmielevski.

According to Chmielevski, it is a good sport not only for the legs but for the back as well. Back problems are virtually epidemic in our sedentary modern world so Nordic Walking offers a cheap, easily accessible and fun way of easing and relieving back-related problems. It is not as demanding as running but is better than merely walking fast.

When you walk with sticks, more than 90% of all your body muscles are working. That is why it such an effective way to exercise after a long day spent sitting at a desk in front of a computer.

Another bonus is that you can do it at any time. As long as you have the right clothing you can do it in rain, snow, sleet or sun.

It is a great way to experience all

four seasons as you are an active participant in nature rather than a passive observer.

Research shows that Nordic Walking burns 47% more calories than if you walk fast.

Chmielevski believes that more and more people are turning to active leisure rather than drinking at dinner parties or sitting in front of the TV for hours on end. This is because people want a better quality of life for themselves and they want to use their time more productively.

All you need to get started is a pair of walking sticks, which are similar to ski sticks but shorter.

You can buy or rent them in most Lithuanian towns and cities. So good luck and happy walking!

Natural Food Compared with many countries, Lithuania has ideal conditions for rearing livestock and growing fruit and vegetables.

Because of the country’s rich soil, favorable climate conditions and abundant forests, Lithuania enjoys exceptionally clean air. Agnė Šileikytė takes a keen interest in healthy eating. She believes that Lithuania produces food of outstanding natural quality.

There are many ecological farms in Lithuania and you can find high-quality organic produce

Lithuania produces food of outstanding natural quality. in farmer’s markets all around the country. All organic goods are certified to make sure they conform to strict standards and there is a great range of products on offer. Agnė is especially proud of Lithuanian honey though. “We can be proud of our world-class honey,” she says. “The quality of our honey is perfect. Our bees

fly around untouched meadows and forests and their honey is unbelievably sweet and tasty.”

Agnė travels a lot but says she has never tasted better honey than in Lithuania (beekeeping is virtually a hobby in our country – everyone knows someone who sells fresh honey).

In Lithuania, the choice of good-quality unprocessed food is growing steadily (both in Lithuanian and imported products). Of course, it’s still a niche for the big supermarkets but even they are wising up and offering much more in the way of ecological foods.

“Because I feel so passionately about it, I only buy produce and products from certified growers and farms. It is actually easier than ever for people who care about what they eat to find what they want. The number of specialized food stores is growing and there are more and more farmer’s markets popping up. Citizens use social media to exchange information and recommend new buyers and products.” Naturally, you should expect to pay a little more for organic food products.

“Eating local and seasonal

Eating local and seasonal food is good for your health. food is good for your health,” says Agnė. For those who want to strengthen their organism with the onset of spring, Agnė suggests to enjoy the first vegetables of the year, such as Topinambas, which is extremely vitamin-rich. She also recommends nutritious cocktails.

Such drink is easily absorbed, children like cocktails as well (you can put more fruits more them).

Green cocktail is made from one part of fruits (apples, fresh or frozen berries, pears etc), and next part consists of wild or garden greens: spinach, alfalfa, sunflower sprouts, dandelion, nettles, radishes etc.

Just shake everything in your blender and drink it.

Agnė will happily advise you on all food-related issues during your stay, such as where to buy a punnet of the first strawberries of the year!

Lithuanians, you will see, love their fruit and berries.

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Get in a good mood IDW Esperanza Resort Executive Chef Mickey Bhoite is taking cuisine to greater heights!

By Milda Mizarienė

It really seems like time stops when you go to IDW Esperanza Resort. Situated near Trakai and Aukštadvaris regional park, the prestigious resort attracts visitors from all around the world.

Not only is it one of the most luxurious hotels in Lithuania (it’s one of very few five-star plus hotels in the country), it is also part of the Smart Luxury Hotels of the World. It recently came 17th in Trip Advisor’s list of the Top 25 Hotels in Europe.

But it seems there are no limits to perfection.

Just when we thought the restaurant there was the culinary height of perfection, along comes Mickey Bhoite as the new Executive Chef.

Born in India and raised in Toscana, Italy, Bhoite says that he aims to take the restaurant to even greater heights by offering more dynamic and eclectic culinary creations.

Mickey’s resume is certainly impressive. Le Cirque in Deli and Mumbai was awarded Best Hotel Restaurant in India, and he has worked at a range of other top-notch places such as Le Mirador Kempinski in Switzerland, the restaurant at Principe Di Savoia Hotel in Milan, the Park Hyatt and Grand Hyatt in Milan, Tokyo and Sidney, Tutto’s in Sidney and dozens of other high-end restaurants in Italy.

We are certainly licking our lips when we meet Mickey to talk about his plans and the challenges he faces in Lithuania. »»»

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Photo courtesy of IDW Esperanza Resort

Reservations only

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}How did you come to IDW Esperanza and what goals have you set yourself?

Photo by T.Baura

After spending four years travelling between Asia and the USA, I wanted to move back to Europe to be near my six-year-old son when the IDW Esperanza opportunity came along. After thinking the offer over, I concluded it was the perfect fit for me. I was looking for a slower-paced environment where I would have more time to develop and perfect my culinary skills. And the resort itself – its location and facilities – made me fall in love with it right away! My goal is to take the cuisine at Esperanza to new heights by using only the best ingredients sourced from all four corners of the globe. The beauty of IDW Esperanza Resort is reason enough to visit the place, but the food and wine list is going to be on a whole new level. }What does that mean for IDW Esperanza?

La Esperanza will go through a complete change of menu, offering more dynamic and eclectic culinary creations, while La Terrazza will become a more family-oriented place. La Costa will be a lakefront grill restaurant offering the best cuts of meat and fresh seafood! }What are the main challenges you encounter in Lithuania?

Having worked in many places around the world, I have to say that there are not many challenges.

I have to source a lot of products from the USA, Italy, France, Spain and Australia due to a local lack of them. But regarding eating habits, it’s easier here than in Italy or France because people are more open to new experiences and more willing to try different things. }What is a must-taste this spring?

I wholeheartedly suggest the red carabiniero prawns with burrata and prawn bisque and the Dover

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sole with Kamchatka crab encased in it. Two textures and a flavor to die for! }Have you specially prepared something for Lithuania – perhaps something made solely from Lithuanian products?

I will be using a lot of Lithuanian products during the opening of our La Terrazza restaurant in May! }You have visited many Lithuanian restaurants since you came to Lithuania. What do you like and dislike about Lithuanian cuisine? What would you change about it?

I’m not easily put off food! There’s nothing I would really change except for upgrading cooking techniques and skills.

Photo by C.Drazos

}Do you agree with the idea that cooking is an art form?

Are there a lot of emotions and creativity in cooking?

Yes I do. Cooking is a perfect balance of flavor, texture and aroma that has to be enjoyed and savored by our esteemed guests. }How would you describe haute cuisine in one sentence?

It’s when rare and luxury ingredients are prepared with the help of elaborate cooking techniques in order to maintain the freshness and flavor of the dish. }What is your signature dish?

Coming from Italy, I love making pastas and Risottos because they are so close to my heart! I love eating and preparing risotto, which is an art form by the way. Here at Esperanza we have cauliflower Acquerello risotto with mimolette cheese fondue, custard egg and oscietra caviar. Acquerello was defined as the Rolls Royce of rice by Alain Ducasse and is the only aged risotto in the world. It comes from Italy and we are the first restaurant in Lithuania to offer it.

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Gifts and souvenirs: our recommendations What gifts you should bring home from Lithuania

By Milda Mizarienė

The most obvious place to buy gifts and souvenirs for friends and family is from special tourist markets or duty free shops. However, these tend to be pretty tacky and impersonal. Nothing special, in other words.

But, with our help and advice, you can find the perfect gifts and souvenirs to capture the best of Lithuania.

You can trust us to find them for you, thus saving you a lot of time and stress, or else we can recommend a range of options for you to choose from. We really want our quality products to represent our country in the world and that’s why we put a lot of thought and care into our recommendations. In this section, we will introduce you to some original and delightful souvenir options. Most of them are handmade and produced by family-owned businesses.

For the Discerning Customer – Linen Products Made Using Old Looms

We love linen thanks to its unique qualities.

It is well known in Europe and Asia that linen not only absorbs moisture but is also eco-friendly and has natural anti-allergy properties. We wear stylish linen clothes whenever we can, especially when the weather is warm, and we often give our friends linen tablecloths or linen towels as presents on special occasions. However, we must admit that – being from the big city – we really didn’t know much about linen how is made until now...

We recently discovered the linen gallery Juratė in the very Heart of Vilnius Old town, not far away from

the Town Hall. There they make linen products using traditional methods and give people the chance to see how it’s done and buy their wares.

Named after a Mermaid from Lithuanian legend, Juratė’s linen products have been popular for many years in France, Japan and South Korea thanks to their quality and timeless stylishness.

The friendly and helpful women who work there are on a mission to educate people and keep ancient Lithuanian traditions alive. The women weave their elegant wonders using authentic Lithuanian looms that date back over 100 years. You’ll find all »»»

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manner of linen products on sale there from clothes and handbags to tablecloths and towels, many of which are ornately decorated with ancient Baltic symbols. The beauty of linen is that it always feels personal and looks stylish.

An American couple we met during a recent visit to Juratė said – and I quote - “it is the most beautiful shop we have ever seen in the world,” it is very difficult to think of it as a mere shop. It is more like a boutique store, textile factory, museum

and gallery all at the same time! Quite simply, it is a unique place. They even organize special workshops and training sessions as well.

Mrs. Virginija is one of the owners of Juratė. She explains: “Since ancient times Lithuania was famous for its linen goods. We were the second biggest exporter of linen products prior to the Second World War. Most of us grew up listening to our grandmother sing songs about linen and it featured in many children’s games as well. However, most people nowadays do not even know what linen looks like, much less the old-fashioned looms and tools used to weave it, or how difficult and long the process is to make linen clothes and tablecloths.” She enthusiastically hopes to change that by introducing Lithuanians and visiting foreigners to the wonderful world of linen and its truly timeless qualities.

Jūratė linen gallery & weaving manufactory Didžioji St. 20/1, Vilnius

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Gifts and souvenirs: our recommendations What gifts you should bring home from Lithuania

Eternal classics: Wooden blocks Spring from LAPALAI We came across these delightful wooden blocks by chance at a Christmas market and immediately fell in love with them! Produced by the family-owned firm Lapalai, the blocks are lovingly and carefully crafted from untreated ash wood. The result is beautifully symbolic of the Baltic love of wood. In some homes, they serve as unique pieces of art, in others as charming playthings for children. They look great and inspire that sense of aesthetic appreciation that only wooden objects can arouse in us. Whatever you do with them, they are a story just waiting to be told!

Fresh, bright and full of delight – that’s Spring for you!

From €50 Morka Boutique (Vilnius Airport) Mados butas, šv.Stepono St. 10, Vilnius www.facebook.com/lapalai

Hand-woven pillowcase from MY LITHUANIAN HOME

Mugs from NATIVE UNIVERSAL CERAMICS Enjoy the ultimate postmodern cup of coffee!

These handmade mugs are thoroughly unique.

They look industrial, almost like concrete, yet feel strangely delicate and look super cool. Personally, I would love to get a set of mugs like this as a housewarming present…

An unexpected meeting with a nice old lady, a cup of tea, and a bedspread woven by her mother resulted in the creation of “My Lithuanian home” studio. They make traditionally crafted pillowcases so that everyone can enjoy the warmth and love that goes into her work. The beautiful patterns of the pillowcases were common in 19th-century Lithuanian homesteads.

€50 Interjero erdvė, Rotušės sq. 18, Kaunas Vilnius Airport

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From €20

www.nuc.lt www.facebook.com/nuc.lt

For a healthier lifestyle: Natural Soap Mint from WILKES The Vilkai family (Wolves in English) is passionate about traditional Lithuanian soap-making methods and believe natural soaps are a much healthier way of staying clean and fresh. The “Mint” soap is made according to ancient Lithuanian traditions from lard and mint leaves. It is a certified National Heritage Product and is perfect for everyday use as well as making a lovely little gift.

Handmade wooden spoons from MY LITHUANIAN HOME Simple, timeless and beautiful handmade wooden spoons perfectly suited to serving up honey, jam and mustard.

€9 Interjero erdvė, Rotušės sq. 18, Kaunas Vilnius airport

€4,63 Lithuanian Design Block, Ševčenkos St. 16A, Vilnius Morka Boutique (Vilnius Airport) www.wilkes.lt

Light-reflecting brooches Rūta, Ąžuolas and Vytis from LT IDENTITY Light-reflecting brooches do not only make a stylish present but carry an added safety benefit too!

What better way to show someone that you care?

The brooches are designed by Ieva Ševiakovaitė and Jolanta Rimkutė and are exquisite pieces of handcrafted jewelry that use traditional Lithuanian motifs such as flowers, oaks and the national coat of arms, Vytis.

€20,30 LT identity / BALTAI shop, Užupio St. 2A, Vilnius

Honey with freeze-dried berries from ŠERKŠNO MEDUS, 200 g A vivid palette of flavors and no artificial additives – sounds good? This mouthwateringly delicious collection of honey is made from totally natural ingredients and using the very best modern technology. Up to 99% of the vitamins and nutritional properties of the fruit and berries are preserved in the freeze-drying process, ensuring that you get all the taste and goodness in this fantastic product.

As for the honey itself, it is completely natural.

Lithuanians have long had a special love affair with honey and produce some of the finest you’ll find anywhere in the world.

From €5,49 Find different outlets at: www.serksnomedus.lt

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The Envelope postcard

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Meet the Locals!

By Milda Mizarienė

When you meet Elena Malinauskiene from The Envelope, her burning eyes and inspiring creativity immediately charm you. She is clearly passionate about what she does and her enthusiasm is infectious. Elena makes postcards. But not the boring kind of postcards you would find in a souvenir store. Her postcards zoom in on the local, the unusual, the beautiful. They are little works of art that bring a traditional Lithuanian dish to life, for example, or a sculpture. She hopes her lovingly created postcards will help people understand why the locals love their city so much and even cheer you up or inspire you whenever you look at one. »»»

: velope n E e h rom T less Elena f ds are limit r Postca

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}What is a postcard for you?

A postcard is a small piece of paper that you can fill with art, joy, love, surprise, tenderness, confessions, interesting thoughts, sincerity, inspiration. Postcards are limitless. }What do your postcards say about Vilnius?

I am very excited to live in Vilnius and love to explore my city and share my discoveries through my postcards. In this way the idea Districts of Vilnius was born. I try to capture the unique character and charm of the city’s districts in a series of postcards. In the area around the Central Station, for example, there is a sculpture of a cat on Aguonų St. which was erected in honor of the famous Lithuanian writer Jurga Ivanauskaite.

There is Geležinkeliečių rūmai – the Palace of the Railwaymen – with its imposing architecture and post-modern Hook sculpture by Mindaugas Navakas.

In the same neighborhood you can find the first McDonalds restaurant to open in Lithuania and where business is still booming. A stone’s throw away you’ll find the beautiful building of Halė market as well as countless other wonderful buildings. It is fascinating to explore the city’s different districts. I plan to create postcards for 19 more districts on top of the 6 that I have designed so far. }Your postcards are mainly about Vilnius. Will you create them for other cities as well?

Of course, yes. Before starting to create a postcard you need to know and feel each city. That’s what I am doing at the moment. Now I am focusing on Kaunas. In addition, I want to visit smaller cities as well – they are also very interesting for me. It would very fun to create postcards for Meškuičiai, Laižuva, Alanta, Dovilai, Ramučiai, Leipalingis, Krokialaukis, Pušalotas and many others. }What message do Street Art postcards carry?

I collect Vilnius in photos because of the stories they tell. From these photos my postcards are born, which preserve those things that make it special and personal: pancakes, waffles, Frank Zappa and his song Don’t Eat Yellow Snow, individual being in a postmodern society, Super Mario, Jimi Hendrix, Jesus and Dinosaurs. Most of these stories are dormant beneath the surface paint just now. My postcards are like time capsules that preserve these wonderful tales. They allow you to know the city and its people through street art. After all, street art is made by people who talk to us and often for us. I try to see and save their words. }What should a postcard look like to cheer someone up?

Postcards from Districts of Vilnius series

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It should be sincere, special and only for that person.

Postcards from Street Art series

You can buy The Envelope postcards at: Mint Vinetu bookstore, Šv. Ignoto St. 16/10, Vilnius Rūdninkų bookstore, Rūdninkų St. 20, Vilnius Districts of Vilnius series – at Vilnius Tourism Information Centre, Vilniaus St. 22,Vilnius www.facebook.com/theenvelope

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Curonian Spit. Baltic pearl.

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Shutterstock.com

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Leisure tips Harness the coastal wind to move ahead!

By Milda Mizarienė

Wind, sand, waves, speed and the unique sensation of flight – Mantas Mizgiris, a professional yachtsman, who loves the wind, offers a truly unique experience. You can see for yourself by going to the Lithuanian coast to ride on a Blokart – a landsailer.

My friends say they screamed in joy and fear when they gave it a go – you go so fast, they said, it seems like you will never stop. After hearing their enthusiastic description of Blokart landsailers, we just have to add it to our MUST list for this spring!

the wind oast – just

Photo courtesy of Irklakojis

The Baltic C

and you!

What better (and more thrilling) way could you experience the magical elements of Baltic sand, waves and wind and to see the wild beauty of the Curonian Spit? The sensation of flight and the feeling that you are at one with the wind is simply unique according to Mizgiris. “No engines, no boosters, it’s just you flying on the wind,” he says. The wind is always changing on the Curonian Spit so the experience is always slightly different. It is also an extremely green way of having fun – zero CO2 emissions guaranteed!

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Matas says that is also the perfect activity for people who know nothing about sailing as it extremely easy to learn to control the Blokart. The instructors will teach you everything you need to know in just in few minutes before you are on your way, riding the waves and feeling like you are on top of the world.

Blokart is the smallest class of landsailers. They are comfortable and easy-to-use because they only have one configuration. Anyone from kids to adults can quickly get the hang of it.

Photo courtesy of Irklakojis

If the sand is hard and the wind is strong enough, you can reach speeds of 25-50 km/h. The organizers choose your course according to the wind direction so that you get the maximum velocity as you whizz along. But it doesn’t stop there. Once you return to slow-paced reality, you can enjoy a beach picnic, take a refreshing dip in the sea or enjoy a relaxing sauna (we Balts love our saunas).

You can ride Blokarts in Nida’s aerodrome throughout the summer and even in winter because it is very easy to change the wheels to special iceskates. But the best winds are in spring and autumn so get your skates on and get moving. You’ll be in for one hell of a ride.

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Been there, done that!

Visitors' Impressions & Recommendations

We are always eager to hear feedback from our guests. We like to know what different people from different backgrounds make of Lithuania. In our experience, foreign visitors often notice things that local people overlook or perhaps don’t fully appreciate. That’s why tourist recommendations can be an invaluable source of information and advice.

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• The biggest impression for me was the character of the city. It has

really got a personality. Another impression was that I realized people (specially older people) were quite religious and real believers. I liked walking around the streets and enjoying the views and scenes and historic buildings coz it is so alive and interesting.

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to Lithua he beau tiful env nia for ironmen atmosph t, tranqu ere and il to avoid human b uzz.”

• I am particularly impressed by the renovated architecture of Vilnius

Old Town, abundance of cozy wine bars and gourmet restaurants.

I was surprised by quantity of design, fashion, and exclusive food boutiques. The high quality niche chocolates can easily compete with Belgian 'Marcolini'. Vilnius is just filled with stylish and elegant young people. One of the biggest surprises for me was the discovery of Lithuanian goat and sheep cheese from small producers!! You can hardly differentiate it from Italian Pecorino or French cheeses. I am impressed by the determination of our farmers!!

• In Vilnius you can admire beautiful Gothic or Baroque architecture

while strolling around the small Old Town streets, pop into a cozy wine bar to have a glass of good wine, have a dessert in a family-owned cafeteria where you can chat with the owners. And feel relaxed...

«No noise like in India, no garbage on the streets like in big cities, no annoying souvenir sellers like in most capitals... But most important of all is the beautiful nature: lakes, rivers, forests, seaside... Just rent a car and go! The roads are very good but mind the speed!»

• Neringa and its sandy dunes is the most spectacular view I have ever seen even though I have visited

dozens of beaches around the world. What is the most unique about our seaside is the smell in the air, which is the mixture of sea, sand and pine trees. Nowhere in the world you can experience this!

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tory iendly!” ts of his lo s a super fr h e r ia a n a le u p peo “Lith re, and well the

• I really liked the friendliness and culture of the people in Lithuania.

They were very sociable on streets. I also enjoyed the architecture, lot of historical monuments, clean streets, the gastronomy (a lot of things made with potato), lot of churches and history. And, what is important, I always felt safe during my visit. I strongly recommend visiting Lithuania.

• What left the strongest impression for me was Uzupis Republic

(in Vilnius) – a bohemian district with a great sense of humor. I loved the funny constitution it has on display on a wall in loads of different languages. And some demolished structures standing naked near really cool cafes. I would recommend to visit St. Anne's Church and later to go to Art Academy's exhibition just opposite for a nice contrast of culture. As an architect, I loved the Soviet building Sport and Concert hall. It is disappointing cause it is totally abandoned. And of course, Zeppelini (national dish) – Mmmmmmm…

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«What makes Lithuania so unique is most of all the people.

They are really welcoming, have a good sense of humor, and they are very open minded.» I always have a lot of fun in Lithuania. It´s truly worth the visit! For me Lithuania is a country with an extraordinary history and after freeing themselves from the Soviet Union there is something really creative and exciting going on there.

• Vilnius is very cultural, alive, green and at the same time a modern beautiful city. It has so many hip and cool restaurants and bars with various cuisines from all over the world. But most of all I love to eat the simple local food. «One of my favorites is Saltibarsciai a traditional pink beet soup that is absolutely delicious! And then I recommend to do a bar crawl and get Baltas (wheat) beer with lemon and “Kepta duona” a Lithuanian fried bread soaked in cheese! Yummy! And of course you have to have a shot of “Trejos Devynerios”, a Lithuanian liquor that I always have fun with.»

• I also enjoyed a beautiful lake called Galvé where the Trakai Island castle stands. It´s a nice place to go sailing or just go to a restaurant by the lake and watch the beautiful view and eat Kibinai. Also check out the beautiful museum in the countryside called Rumšiškės. And of course the magical place called Nida where you find beautiful white beaches and one of the highest sand dunes in the world. I loved that place and recommend everyone to go there!

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Event calendar. Spring.

Kaziukas Fair

Highly recommended

Each year in the first days of March, the streets of Vilnius’ Old Town are filled with the joyful sights, sounds and smells of this thrilling fair. This is the largest annual folk arts and crafts fair in the Baltic countries and definitely one of the most interesting events in Vilnius. There are ample opportunities to taste all sorts of traditional foods and drinks, as well as to meet craftsmen, folk artisans and find lots of unique hand-made creations: from toys to clothes, jewellery and souvenirs.

6-8

March Vilnius Old Town

Musical "The Legend of Žygimantas Augustas and Barbora Radvilaitė" The musical “The Legend of Žygimantas Augustas and Barbora Radvilaitė” is an exclusive work that will reach Lithuanian arenas in March. A dramatic royal love story, it is the biggest and most expensive Lithuanian musical ever produced. Set in the mid-16th century, the young king Žygimantas Augustas falls in love with Barbora Radvilaitė, who is descended from a famous Lithuanian noble family. No one is impressed by the passion of the young king. He should be strengthening his dynasty, not indulging his feelings. What will win the day: a political union that is good for the country or true love? It all makes for a grand and luxurious spectacle that both entertains and offers a fascinating look at the country’s history.

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March Siemens Arena, Ozo St. 14, Vilnius

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Vilnius International Film Festival "Kino pavasaris"

Highly recommended

This year, the largest film festival in Lithuania “Kino Pavasaris” will celebrate its 20th anniversary both inside and outside movie theatres. Fans of cinema will be able to see the most important new films and meet their creators during the festival, which will span two weeks starting March 19th, and take place in 5 Lithuanian cities. Films, that will be screened throughout the festival, include the latest movies from internationally acclaimed directors, as well as exciting and groundbreaking debuts by talented new directors.

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March April Various cinema theatres

Fashion Festival "Mados infekcija" "Mados Infekcija" – is the most prominent annual fashion festival in Lithuania. But it opens to everybody with a love for fashion and aims to appeal to as wide an audience as possible. The festival showcases the best local designers and creates an exciting multimedia experience that makes for a unique two-day celebration of fashion. Expect a fest for the senses.

27-28

March Contemporary Art Centre (CAC), Vokiečių St. 2, Vilnius

Kaunas Jazz Festival

Highly recommended

The Kaunas Jazz festival is a hugely important event for jazz lovers and this year it is celebrating its 25th anniversary. The festival takes place between Kaunas and Vilnius. There are loads of concerts on offer, from street performances to big-name stars. The festival is a favourite on the international circuit and has no problem attracting established names and bright new talents. The festival has a great vibe and attracts jazz lovers from far and wide.

23-27

April Various venues, Kaunas, Vilnius www.kaunasjazz.lt

Ballet "Barbora Radvilaitė"

Highly recommended

Barbora Radvilaitė is one of our most popular historical personalities. Withdrawn into her own intimate world of secret emotions and having no political aspirations, she still managed to create turmoil in the society of her day, leaving a deep trace in history simply by living her quiet life. "Never before have I felt such responsibility and been so uplifted while producing a theatre performance; after all, the love story of Barbora and Žygimantas Augustas that blossomed in Lithuania, is the only story in the whole world that tells us about royal love as it is - genuine, sorrowful and controversial,” explains the ballet’s choreographer and librettist Anželika Cholina.

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April , May Lithuanian National Opera and Ballet Theatre, A.Vienuolio St. 1

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Night in the Museum The castle’s gates remain open after the museum closes so guests can enjoy this extraordinary event.

Craftsmen and merchants line up in the courtyard alongside the defensive wall, while cooks prepare food over open fires. The event delightfully recreates the authentic atmosphere of a medieval castle. Visitors can talk to the Duke’s portraitist, meet noble courtiers, play chess with the Duke or talk to a monk. Throughout the event, there will also be various concerts and theatre performances taking place in the courtyard and in the Great Hall of the castle, along with combat between knights. In keeping with tradition, there will also be a theatrical sacrifice to Lake Galvė. The event is part of International Museums’ Day, which has been celebrated annually on May 18 since 1978 in 150 countries.

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May Trakai Island Castle, Kęstučio St. 4, Trakai

International Street Musician's Day

Highly recommended

This much-loved event unites all those who speak the world's most universal language – the language of music. Professional and amateur musicians flood into the streets, yards, parks and squares of Vilnius, as well as other towns/cities in Lithuania. Armed with a variety of musical instruments, they play rock, classics, jazz, avant-garde and folk music, African rhythms – pretty much anything you can imagine. On this day all Lithuanian cities and towns become a joyful and friendly tribute to the powers of music.

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May Various venues

nternational Folklore Festival "Skamba Skamba Kankliai" Since 1973, the International folklore festival "Skamba skamba kankliai" has taken place during the last week of May. During the festival, the courtyards of the Old Town are thronged with lovers of folk art. Everyone can sing, dance and have a good time among the cheerful and good-natured crowd. Concerts take place in Old Town courtyards and concert halls.

28-31

May Various venues, Vilnius

International Wine Fair "Vyno dienos" The exhibition “Vyno dienos” is the biggest international wine exhibition in the Baltic countries, attracting more than 4,000 visitors. Lithuanian importers of wine, foreign wine makers, wine lovers and experts all take part in the exhibition. There are plenty of wine-tasting events as well as illuminating seminars. Whether you work in the wine trade or merely love wine, this is a lively and highly enjoyable event.

29-30

March Exhibition and Convention Centre Litexpo, Laisvės ave. 5, Vilnius

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