Aros Museum of Art
July 11, 2017 in Denmark ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C
Mostly contemporary art. At the top of the building is that large circular rainbow. Several pictures are from inside the rainbow. I found the changing light disorienting.
Vilnius Old Town
July 14, 2017 in Lithuania ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C
A view over the old town. City hall. Lithuania was late later n conversion to Christianity. Signs of paganism still remain, such as the goddess of hunting an forests riding on a bear and sun symbolsRead more
Uzupis
July 14, 2017 in Lithuania ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C
Another "independent" area, this time in Vilnius. Originally artists, bohemians, etc. It has it own constitution, translated into 20 languages so far. One example of local artist's work is JesusRead more
Vilnius churches
July 14, 2017 in Lithuania ⋅ ⛅ 21 °C
Vilnius ius a city of churches. Most are Catholic/Uniate. And a couple orthodox. Here's a sampling.
Gates of Dawn
July 14, 2017 in Lithuania ⋅ ⛅ 21 °C
Old gates into the city. First from the outside and then from the inside.
Kernave
July 15, 2017 in Lithuania ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C
First capital of Lithuania and an archaeological site. 5 mounds/hill forts surrounded by a village. There is a view from the top of the highest mound and from down by the river contemplating no needRead more
Trakai castle
July 16, 2017 in Lithuania ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C
Anothger former capital of Lithuania, this time a restored castle. Seen from across the lake, the outer bailey, drawbridge and portculis to the keep over the space between the wall of the outer baileyRead more
Druskininkai
July 17, 2017 in Lithuania ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C
Lithuania's most popular resort city due to natural mineral springs. Not much else, although the massage was worth it. View from the cable car over the river and approaching the city and a church.
Arija Restbergs
Are you taking pictures of the stain glass windows they should be awesome
Pazaislis Monastery near Kaunas
July 18, 2017 in Lithuania ⋅ 🌬 18 °C
Spectacular octagonal church building with hexagonal nave (columns fill the extra). Lots of marble. 4 side chapels betweem columns plus narthex and chancel.
Hill of Crosses
July 19, 2017 in Lithuania ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C
This is just what it says--a hill covered with hundreds of thousands of crosses. This is a major pilgrimage site and political symbol of resistance during the Soviet era. I was given a cross of oilveRead more
Hill of Witches
July 20, 2017 in Lithuania ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C
A walk in the woods with extensive wood carvings. I'll post a few here.
Curonian spit
July 20, 2017 in Lithuania ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C
This is essentially a barrier island much like a lot of the Jersey shore. It is around 100 miles long. Unlike New Jersey, it is mostly undeveloped, wooded and protected. You get a sense for theRead more
Palongas botanic park
July 21, 2017 in Lithuania ⋅ ⛅ 18 °C
Lovely, well manicured park. Includes the mansion with an amber museum and birantes dune, largest on the coast. It has a small chapel on top--the picture of the icon was taken through the locked door.Read more
Palongas Beach
July 21, 2017 in Lithuania ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C
Soft, white sand beach on the Baltic. The first 2 pics are taken from out on the pier. The others on a dune, about at the end of what you can see frtom the pier.
Leipaja, Latvia
July 21, 2017 in Latvia ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C
Visiting new friends in Latvia, a look at the beach about a block from their home and the Ghost Tree, a sculpture on a park across the street from their home. Arija and Astrid were most gracious hostsRead more
Arija RestbergsSkip than k you for stopping in Liepaja and seeing my relatives. It brings back memories. Did you get pedinas?
Kolka point
July 22, 2017 in Latvia ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C
Out at the tip of Latvia where the Baltic Sea meets the Bay of Riga. Pics from the treetops showing the Baltic one way and the Latvian forest the other. Pics up and down the beach taken from offRead more
Rundales Palace Gardens
July 23, 2017 in Latvia ⋅ ⛅ 21 °C
Spectacular formal garden. The roses were amazing--hundreds, if not thousands of varieties. The was a small amphitheater, and I did walk the labyrinth.
Arija RestbergsI missed this place when my mother and I went to Latvia. I see I missed some gorgeous roses and gardens. Paldies ( thanks)
Rundales Palace
July 23, 2017 in Latvia ⋅ ⛅ 21 °C
Summer palace from the 18th century in rococo style. That's the main entrance followed by the main reception/throne room, the ball room and a few others. Way too many pictures to post here
Arija RestbergsI'm glad my house is not that big! I have enough problems cleaning this small one
Riga
July 25, 2017 in Latvia ⋅ ⛅ 22 °C
Of the cities I've visited so far, Riga is the most highly vegetated--trees, parks, gardens, etc. It creates a nice ambience. The center of town is the Freedom Monument, built in the 1930s duringRead more
Arija RestbergsGlad you had a good time. I hope you have tried the rye and dark rye breads. To me they are the best!
Cesis medieval castle
July 26, 2017 in Latvia ⋅ ☀️ 0 °C
Another medieval castle, partially restored. Pics are of the castle and courtyard. The original altar from the 16th century was found and reset. The girl in the pic is standing on stairs at the smallRead more
St John's Church, Cesis
July 26, 2017 in Latvia ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C
Begun in the 13th century and much of the orighinal is preserved. Pics show the sanctuary, the architecture, the structure an the "Alfreds Kalnins" organ
Kindergarten
July 26, 2017 in Latvia ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C
This is the kindergarten in Cesis, known as the Mengela House. I just thought that this looked like a cool building for a kindergarten.
Kuressaare
July 28, 2017 in Estonia ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C
skip's retirement travelThere are way too many birthday greetings to respond to each one, and I am immensely grateful for them all. So I'll take advantage of the time difference (7 hours to the east coast) to thank you all while you sleep. It is now 8:00 AM in Estonia. I had a nice birthday dinner at La Perla, a restaurant owned by an expat from Boston. Thanks again for remembering me.
Tallinn old town hall square
July 30, 2017 in Estonia ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C
Center is town since the 13th century. The large building with the tower is the city hall, dating from that time.
