Trakai Castle

We had a 90 minute lecture on Geopolitical Risks this morning by a very bright young 35 year old professor from University of Lithuania, Linas Kojala. He gave a very informative comparison of the economic and political progress made by each of the 3 Baltic States and a bit about support from the neighboring countries. He also runs his own think tank, serves as an advisor to the Lithuanian PM, had just come from a meeting at the Aspen Institute.

Bottom line on current situation with Russia is that he think the Putin regime is hollow, that Ukraine, won’t surrender, and that the war in Ukraine will continue unless/until something changes in Russia. He said the war has served to cement EU and NATO membership for the Baltics and neighboring countries.

We then drove about 45 minutes outside Vilnius to the small village of Trakai, which was the capital of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania in the Middle Ages. The Castle was constructed in 1409, badly damaged fitter’s with Russia in 17th c., and reconstructed 1951-1961. The Lithuanians are very proud of their heritage and make every effort to preserve it.

The town has a special food called kibinine, something like an empanada only bigger, and available with pork, chicken, lamb, or spinach and cheese. We had a pork one and it was delicious.

We ended the day at the Museum of Occupation. I really admire the Lithuanians for the determination and perseverance through almost 50 years of Soviet occupation.Read more