Nida is a small, very low key resort town on the spit of land Neringa, on the Baltic Sea. This idyllic little place is home to only 4 thousand people. It was an old fishing village and retains much of that character today. It’s a time capsule in some ways, one is that the children you see riding their bikes, playing ball, or otherwise things kids do, are almost totally devoid of any electronic devices. The forests you walk through on the way to the beach smell so fragrant with that “woodsy” smell. No need to lock your doors as crime is non-existent.
My home for my stay here.Typical street in Nida.
Wildflowers abound everywhere.Tiny marina with the boats of current day fishermen.Hike up to the largest and highest sand dune known as the “Dead Dune.” In prior centuries, these dunes were constantly moving. Consequently, they would occasionally encroach and bury the fishing villages. In order to prevent this, the villagers constructed walls to impede the movement. This led to the dunes becoming stagnant, and thus dying.Overlooking the Curonian Lagoon from the dune’s apex.Another view of the Curonian lagoon. The land along the horizon is mainland Lithuania.Crowded beach day.View to the north just minutes before sunset.Sunset over the Baltic
In a few days I will head to the Mediterranean for warmer waters and a whole different food experience.
This town is as charming as they get. With a population of approximately 650 thousand people it feels much like a lot of other western European capitals. It abounds with museums, art, shopping, restaurants, cafes, and tavernas. There are many fabulous hotels as well. It is very walkable and in summer the daylight is abundant, not getting dark until around 11PM. The city’s renaissance began just after its liberation from Russia in 1991, and it is still underway. It is evident in the numerous architectural restorations throughout the city, as well as the condition of most of its infrastructure. The streets are almost entirely made of cobblestone.
Cathedral Square. (Katedros aikste). Located at the end of Pilies Gatve, a charming little street lined with shops, restaurants, taverns, other outdoor attractions.Fountain in the square located at the other end of Pilies Gatve.Side streets with cafes, bars, and restaurants are abundant. While the Lithuanian language is predominant, English is very widely spoken and understood, especially with people under the age of 45.In July the daylight is plentiful. This image was taken at 10 PM.Hotel Pacai was my home for 5 nights. It is fabulous. Restored to preserve and expose its architectural significance. The building was originally a baroque manor house dating back to 1677. A child’s drawing of the 1991 revolution where Lithuania fought and won its independence from Russia. In this depiction you can see the Russian tanks driving over people to attack the television tower. Made even more sad, considering too that its artist was only 10 years old.The river running through on your walk to Uzupis. Uzupis is a neighborhood in Vilnius’ old town. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This district mainly attracts the large art community that thrives here. It has been compared to Freetown in Copenhagen, due to its laissez-faire and bohemian atmosphere. In 1997 the district declared itself an independent republic, with its own constitution.View to the other side of the bridge on the walk to Uzupis..Outdoor sculptures abound in Uzupis.The angel of UzupisAbout a 40 minute drive from Vilius you can find Trakai Castle. This was built in the 14th century. It is considered a masterpiece in defensive medieval architecture. Many films have been partially filmed on location here.The castle’s draw bridge is as medieval as it gets here.View from inside the castle.
After a 5 night visit to Vilnius, I will head west across the country to the little resort town of Nida, located on the UNESCO designated island of Neringa, on the Baltic Sea. See you there.
