The stop at Daugavpils - Latvia's second largest city- for the overnight was pleasurable. The location of the hotel, with some retro vibe of the Soviet Union ever present in a good way, could not be better to discover the city that, like the whole region, is very flat.
Taking a leisurely walk down the main street I could not only admire the beautiful façades of the buildings but also do some shopping.
Once again, no border checkpoint between Latvia and Lithuania as the two countries are members of the Schengen area. There was not an obvious change in landscape but something that surprised me was to see railway level crossings without a gate or a barrier...
From the border to Zarasai, a scarcely populated area at the North-East of Lithuania, several long stretches of the road were under works which delayed the driving a lot.
A quick visit to Zarasai city and the change of Euros to Lita (the local currency) were followed by a stop at Trakai, prior to reaching Vilnius, as it had been scheduled before. No time for any break before arriving at Trakai, a getaway known for its island castle, which makes it the most visited place in Lithuania. The castle, sometimes referred to as "Little Marienburg", dates from the XVI century. Once my eyes set on the only castle on an island in Europe, I soaked up the charming and romantic atmosphere of Trakai...
Trakai is also called the capital of Lithuanian Karaites for being home to the Karaite community since late medieval times, when a number of Karaite families from Crimea settled there.
Nowadays, only a small community, which has preserved its language, distinctive customs and its houses with three windows - one for God, one for the family, and one for Grand Duke Vytautas (forefathers of many Karaites served in the military forces of the Lithuanian ruler Vytautas) remains there!!! The light, late on that afternoon, was particularly beautiful, adding a special charm to 'Karaite' street.
Taking a leisurely walk down the main street I could not only admire the beautiful façades of the buildings but also do some shopping.
I smiled at a pond turtle and...
...stopped by the sculpture dedicated to the region ceramics, however, I had not enough time to count the total number of pieces in that glass showcase.
Loved this scene and..
... wondered where they were going to or coming from...
Judging from the people's faces, the city seemed to be a nice place to live in, even if showers and sunshine were constantly playing hide and seek.
I have no idea about the birth rate over there but adults pushing baby cars was a common street scene.
Once again, no border checkpoint between Latvia and Lithuania as the two countries are members of the Schengen area. There was not an obvious change in landscape but something that surprised me was to see railway level crossings without a gate or a barrier...
From the border to Zarasai, a scarcely populated area at the North-East of Lithuania, several long stretches of the road were under works which delayed the driving a lot.
A quick visit to Zarasai city and the change of Euros to Lita (the local currency) were followed by a stop at Trakai, prior to reaching Vilnius, as it had been scheduled before. No time for any break before arriving at Trakai, a getaway known for its island castle, which makes it the most visited place in Lithuania. The castle, sometimes referred to as "Little Marienburg", dates from the XVI century. Once my eyes set on the only castle on an island in Europe, I soaked up the charming and romantic atmosphere of Trakai...
Trakai is also called the capital of Lithuanian Karaites for being home to the Karaite community since late medieval times, when a number of Karaite families from Crimea settled there.
Nowadays, only a small community, which has preserved its language, distinctive customs and its houses with three windows - one for God, one for the family, and one for Grand Duke Vytautas (forefathers of many Karaites served in the military forces of the Lithuanian ruler Vytautas) remains there!!! The light, late on that afternoon, was particularly beautiful, adding a special charm to 'Karaite' street.
If you feel like touring with me again, I will be pleased to be accompanied by you... Hope you enjoy...
~loved the photos and your journey... always catching a glimpse of the normal.... lovely journey through eastern Latvia, and Lithuania's castle and lake seem serene ~ loved the sail boats! Wonderful to come along with you on your journey.
ReplyDeleteAnother lovely journey with fantastic photos to match. I particularly like the castle. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteYour company is always a pleasure...
DeleteHi Belita!! I really enjoyed this part of your journey, probably my favourite of all the places you have posted so far. I loved the beautiful churches with the golden 'onion domes' and the wonderful castle of Trakai, and Karaite houses.
ReplyDeleteIt looks that your trip is in 'crescendo' :)
ReplyDeleteThe sequence Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania is probably the correct direction to enjoy these nice countries. Trakai is really a romantic place with the lake, the nature, the castle (though it was heavily restored), I have nice memories of that area...
The itinerary was made based on the information I had collected at the respective embassies in Lisbon. Trakai is like a jewel that your eyes never get tired of looking at ...
DeleteThanks, Edoardo, for the visit and comment!
Thanks a lot for the lovely tour dear Belita .
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure, Fatos!
DeleteWhat a fabulous journey you took. Your photos are perfect.
ReplyDeleteI was surprised how the women dress up in high heels.
I don't know much about this part of Europe, but now I no a little more.
Also I enjoyed your slideshow.
Loved your journey and thank you so much for sharing.