Good Mood Travel Magazine. Spring 2015

Spring 2015

Ma azineTravel Tips & RecommendaTions

liThuania by locals

Your Local Advisors in Lithuania:

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.

Milda Mizarien editor

Agn ileikyt photographer

Gina Kubilit Journalist

Urt Sirvydien designer

publisher: UaB atostogos LTissn 2351-745X

Feel free to contact us if you have any questions:

www.goodmoodtravel.lt [email protected] +370 687 25966

Lukas Vilkoinskas, TranslatorTim ochser, english language editor

2 Good mood Travel magazine

Editors 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.

its 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. Thats how the idea came to me and my friends: we would be your local friends during your visit so you could benefit from our in-depth 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, well help you plan every step of the way.

We have decided to share our experiences, recommendations and insights in our new e-journal. Well 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... were deeply in love with Lithuania. and we promise you will be too

Your local Lithuanian friend

Milda

Urt Sirvydien designer

Good mood Travel magazine 3

Inside the Magazine

ouTlooK: independent Travel with a local advisor

6

Travel focus: bernardine garden

14

our recoMMenDaTions & best-loved Places

18

TasTe of liThuania: curd cheese

26

Try This! Wellness & eco holidays

32


Inside the Magazine

MeeT The locals! elena & her Postcards

50

leisure TiPs: landsailers

56

been There, Done ThaT!

58gifTs & souvenirs: our recommendations

44

evenT calenDar. spring

60


Visi

tors

do

not

need

impe

rson

al t

ours

or

dry

broc

hure

s bu

t an

ent

husi

astic

per

son

to b

ring

the

coun

try

to li

fe.


Outlook

inDePenDenT Travel WiTh a local aDvisor a PrivilegeD Way To see a Place

By Milda MizarienBraised 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.

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 dont have any friends or acquaintances?

Just:

Local recommen

dations the be

st way

to avoid cheesy

tourist spots, un

scrupulous

vendors and poo

r quality services

.

Flou

rishi

ng s

akur

a, V

ilniu

s in

spr

ing.

pho

to:

shut

ters

tock

.com

phot

o fr

om t

he p

erso

nal a

rchi

ve

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!

flexible anD cheaPer Travelling

independent travelling is becoming more and more popular. This is because it lets you set your own agenda: where you go, what you do, where you stay. it allows you to really see a place and 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 Just Grizickait, an experienced traveler who has travelled around every continent without ever using a travel agency.

Just 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.

local recoMMenDaTions for sMooTh Travel

i would say that independent travelling is a privilege for those who have enough spare time to devote it to travelling and all the preparation it entails, says Just, who has a global network of a friends and acquaintances to call on for help and advice.

ideally, these people share your tastes and worldview so


they can point you in the right direction. Just 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 Just, 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!

Just:

Local recommen

dations the be

st way

to avoid cheesy

tourist spots, un

scrupulous

vendors and poo

r quality services

.

Loca

l "fr

iend

s" w

ill g

ladl

y sh

are

thei

r pa

ssio

ns, e

xper

tise

and

know

ledg

e. p

hoto

cou

rtes

y of

m.G

odel

aitis

.

you not only their knowledge but can put you in touch with others who can help you. in short, its 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 arent 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, youll 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 youll buy something youll cherish forever...

exPerience anD KnoWleDge use iT! KnoW PeoPle!

it may be that you simply dont know any people in the country you are visiting. or perhaps you do but you dont 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 win-win for everyone involved.

Flou

rishi

ng s

akur

a, V

ilniu

s in

spr

ing.

pho

to:

shut

ters

tock

.com

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 youll see for yourself!

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


Lithuania was named 3rd in Lonely Planets 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 Europes best kept secret, The most beautiful country youve never visited or The nation that looks like a fairytale.

With around 3 million inhabitants, Lithuania has no shortage of welcoming, hospitable friends to help you get the best out of this wonderful country.

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 its chatting at an outdoor caf while enjoying a local specialty or walking around one of the capitals architecturally rich districts, youll get to see, taste and experience the real Lithuania.

Phot

o co

urte

sy o

f R.P

akal

kien

curious guesTsit 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 Luneviit 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? Whats 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.

independent travelers always 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 artists workshop rather than a tacky art gallery. or maybe they want to sample a real local beer made in a microbrewery instead of the big brand beer they sell in tourist-orientated restaurants.

Gabija says the main benefit of travelling independently with a guide is that you have both a friend and a guide in country that you know little about. otherwise how you could learn that Vilnius has secret tunnels, or where to 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.

gabija:

independent travelers always have loads of questions

and special requests. They want to get away from

the beaten path and visit more unusual places.


It is the local friends you have there that really make all the difference. That is what makes it a truly unique experience.

shut

ters

tock

.com

vilnius. baroque jewel.


Travel Focus

By Milda Mizarien

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.

Phot

o by

L.C

iny

s

bernarDine garDen: The roMance of PasT cenTuries


phot

o co

urte

sy o

f Vi

lniu

s ci

ty m

unic

ipal

ity

for naTure lovers anD roManTics

Before its makeover in 2013, the Bernardine Garden was known as Sereikiks. The park lies between Gedimino castle and the Bernardine monastery and is ringed by the picturesque, fast-flowing Vilnel 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.


phot

o co

urte

sy o

f Vi

lniu

s ci

ty m

unic

ipal

ity

Where sacreD fires burneD

The history of the Bernardine Garden goes back to the 19th century and even beyond. Between the 1100-1500s, 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,

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.trausas 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 neo-baroque 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 didnt 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 Vilnel river, Belvedere Hill and fountains (one of which is musical!) were all successfully restored to their former glory, much to the delight of


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 caf where you can enjoy a nice cappuccino or refreshing beer. You can play chess on various size boards. The childrens 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, theres 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.

TOP offers: FREE public transport, FREE entrance to the museums, FREE walking tour / audio guide.

Special Discounts: From 10 to 20 % on restaurants,

souvenirs shops, car rental and more.

Plan Your Staywww.vilnius-tourism.ltEnjoy Your Timewww.vilnius-events.lt

Vilnius City Card is the best way to explore the city in 24 or 72 hours!

Vilnius City

Card

72 h72 h24

hViln

ius Cit

y Card

72 h24

hViln

ius Cit

y Card

Vilniu

s City

Card

24 h

Official Vilnius City Card

VILNIUS TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE

phot

o co

urte

sy o

f Vi

lniu

s ci

ty m

unic

ipal

ity


Our Recommendations & Best-loved Places

These are some of our best-loved places in Vilnius. Some youll find in tourist guides, others are well-kept 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.


Literat St. 5, Vilnius

mon-sat: 10.00-20.00sun: 11:00-17:00

This cozy, unique and friendly little used bookstore doubles up as a tearoom and internet caf 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.

Mint VinetuBased 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. its a lovely gift option for food-lovers. They sell Lithuanian bread, homemade pies, honey and a range of other mouthwatering products.

SenamieSio krautuv

v. Ignoto St. 16/10, Vilnius

mon-sun: 11:00- 20:00


Local produce

Sarkozy tie kepJai

This cool little bar is smack bang in the middle of a pulsating nightlife scene. its 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. Youll 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.

phot

o co

urte

sy o

f sa

rkoz

y

Vilniaus st. 22, Vilnius

mon-Wed: 16:00-23:00Thu-Fri: 16:00 -24:00sat: 14:00-24:00

Tilto st. 6, Vilnius

mon-Fri: 10:00-19:00sat: 10:00-18:00


Local produce

markuS ir ko

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 Vilniuss 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.

Sweet root

phot

o co

urte

sy o

f m

arku

s ir

Ko

phot

o co

urte

sy o

f sw

eet

Root

m. antokolskio st. 11, Vilnius

mon-sun: 12:00-24:00

Uupio St. 22, Vilnius

dinner: Tue-sat: 17:00-23:00 Weekend breakfast & lunch: sat: 11:00-15:00, sun: 11:00-17:00


Local produce

chocolate at its very best and most creative. Chocolate Nave 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 Nave is a combination of ideas, initiatives and creativity. This is an incubator where industrial design merge with food and fashion.

HouSe of naVe

Phot

o co

urte

sy o

f Hou

se o

f 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.

Stebuklai

phot

o co

urte

sy o

f st

ebuk

lai

Gynj St. 14, Vilnius

mon-sun: 08:00-23:00

Didioji St. 38, Vilnius

mon-Fri: 11:00-19:00sat-sun: 11:00-16:00


Local produce

We recommend this caf 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 cafs are popular in Japan and we can see why. murrr caf has proven a huge hit in Vilnius. its especially popular with children who love the quirky atmosphere and stroking their furry friends.

murrr Caf

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 dont make em like this anymore!

toy muSeum

phot

o co

urte

sy o

f To

y m

useu

m

B.Radvilaits St. 7/2, Vilnius

Wed-Fri: 14:00-20:00sat-sun: 11:00-16:00

pylimo st. 38, Vilnius

mon-sun: 11:00-21:00


suitable for Kids

suitable for Kids

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

CHeeSe market

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. its fun, educational and a great way to instill team spirit (before the real party begins).

Culinary Study

phot

o co

urte

sy o

f cu

linar

y st

udy

Local produce

salad bar mano Guru, Vilniaus st. 22/1, Vilnius

sun: 10:00-13:00

Teatro st. 7-7, Vilnius


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 dcor too. it can get crowded in summer and has a small outdoor seating area.

leiiai

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.

naMai

phot

o co

urte

sy o

f n

amai

Subaiaus St. 6, Vilnius

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

Stikli St. 4, Vilnius

mon-sun: 11:00-24:00


Vegetarian/Vegan

Local produce

ProDuceD since The MiDDle agesover 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 Lithuanias 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 dont 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.

i MilK Myself, i Press MyselfYou 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 Uupis 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 Novikien has been producing high-quality cheese for 15 years in the Varna 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.

Taste of Lithuania

its white, neither sweet nor sour, melts in your mouth, and is strongly reminiscent of childhood holidays in your grandmothers 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.

By Gina Kubilit

auThenTic anD TraDiTional liThuanian cheese MaDe froM naTural curD


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 40-50c 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

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 salTyin 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


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

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 peoples 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.



shut

ters

tock

.com

More than 3000 lakes

Try this!Try this!

liThuania inviTes you for Wellness anD eco holiDays

By Gina Kubilit & Milda Mizarien

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.

Phot

o co

urte

sy o

f B.M

asili

ausk

ien


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 Birut Masiliauskien 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 Masiliauskien, a qualified sauna expert.

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 Masiliauskien, 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

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 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.


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.

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.

Masiliauskien 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


Phot

o co

urte

sy o

f B.M

asili

ausk

ien

A traditional sauna lasts from 3 to 6 hours. An hour with a professional sauna expert costs around 30 Euros.

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 womens particular physical needs to be taken into account and tailor-made treatments to be performed. As B.Masiliauskien 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 women-only 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 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,

extremely effective ways to make you feel fresh and restored. Two years ago, nidos Kopos (dunes of nida) began offering massages

No wonder amber has long been referred to as Baltic Gold!

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


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

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 thats not all. After your massage, youll be soothed by the aroma of amber incense, oils and tea. Amber doesnt just calm you but spreads a tangible warmth with its unique aroma. Whatever way you look it, theres just something about amber! It doesnt 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!

Good Mood Travel Magazine 37

Phot

o co

urte

sy o

f N

idos

Kop

os

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. it is an effective

means of treating respiratory and circulatory disorders, spinal diseases, osteoporosis and even helps combat parkinsons and alzheimers 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.

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!

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

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

phot

o co

urte

sy o

f e.

Babe

lis


naTural fooDcompared with many

countries, Lithuania has ideal conditions for rearing livestock and growing fruit and vegetables. Because of the countrys rich soil, favorable climate conditions and abundant forests, Lithuania enjoys exceptionally clean air. Agn ileikyt 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

in farmers 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. Agn 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. Agn 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, its 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 farmers 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.

Lithuania produces food of outstanding natural quality.

food is good for your health, says Agn. For those who want to strengthen their organism with the onset of spring, Agn 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.

Agn 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.


Get in a good mood

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.

mickeys 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, Tuttos 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.

By Milda Mizarienit really seems like time stops when you go to idW esperanza Resort. situated near Trakai and auktadvaris regional park, the prestigious resort attracts visitors from all around the world. not only is it one of the most luxurious hotels in Lithuania (its 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 advisors list of the Top 25 Hotels in europe.


iDW esPeranza resorT execuTive chef MicKey bhoiTe is TaKing cuisine To greaTer heighTs!

phot

o co

urte

sy o

f id

W e

sper

anza

Res

ort


Reservationsonly

}how did you come to iDW esperanza and what goals have you set yourself?

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, its 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

phot

o by

T.B

aura


phot

o by

c.d

razo

s

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?

im not easily put off food! Theres nothing i would really change except for upgrading cooking techniques and skills.

}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?

its 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.


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

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 thats 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.

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 didnt know much about linen how is made until now...

We recently discovered the linen gallery Jurat 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 its done and buy their wares.

named after a mermaid from Lithuanian legend, Jurats 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. Youll find all

By Milda Mizarien

for The Discerning cusToMer linen ProDucTs MaDe using olD looMs


Jrat linen gallery & weaving manufactory

Didioji St. 20/1, Vilnius

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 Jurat 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 Jurat. 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 childrens 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.


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

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 thats spring for you!

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.

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

from 50Morka Boutique (Vilnius airport) Mados butas, v.stepono st. 10, Vilnius www.facebook.com/lapalai

50Interjero erdv, Rotus sq. 18, Kaunas Vilnius airport

from 20www.nuc.ltwww.facebook.com/nuc.lt

eternal classics: wooden blocks Spring from lapalai

Hand-woven pillowcase from my litHuanian Home

mugs from native univerSal CeramiCS


from 20www.nuc.ltwww.facebook.com/nuc.lt

simple, timeless and beautiful handmade wooden spoons perfectly suited to serving up honey, jam and mustard.

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.

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 eviakovait and Jolanta Rimkut and are exquisite pieces of handcrafted jewelry that use traditional Lithuanian motifs such as flowers, oaks and the national coat of arms, Vytis.

4,63Lithuanian Design Block, evenkos St. 16A, VilniusMorka Boutique (Vilnius airport)www.wilkes.lt

9Interjero erdv, Rotus sq. 18, Kaunas Vilnius airport

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

for a healthier lifestyle: natural Soap mint from wilkeS

light-reflecting brooches rta, uolas and vytis from lt identity

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 youll find anywhere in the world.

Honey with freeze-dried berries from erkno meduS, 200 g

Handmade wooden spoons from my litHuanian Home

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


The

env

elop

e po

stca

rd


elena froM The e

nveloPe:

PosTcarDs are l

iMiTless

Meet the Locals!

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.

By Milda Mizarien


elena froM The e

nveloPe:

PosTcarDs are l

iMiTless

}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 citys districts in a series of postcards. in the area around the central station, for example, there is a sculpture of a cat on Aguon St. which was erected in honor of the famous Lithuanian writer Jurga ivanauskaite. There is Geleinkeliei rmai 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 stones throw away youll find the beautiful building of Hal market as well as countless other wonderful buildings. it is fascinating to explore the citys 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. Thats 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 Mekuiiai, Laiuva, Alanta, Dovilai, Ramuiai, Leipalingis, Krokialaukis, pualotas 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 dont 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?

it should be sincere, special and only for that person.postcards from districts of Vilnius series


You can buy The Envelope postcards at:Mint Vinetu bookstore, v. Ignoto St. 16/10, VilniusRdnink bookstore, Rdnink St. 20, Vilniusdistricts of Vilnius series at Vilnius Tourism information centre, Vilniaus st. 22,Vilniuswww.facebook.com/theenvelope

post

card

s fr

om s

tree

t ar

t se

ries


curonian spit. baltic pearl.


shut

ters

tock

.com


phot

o co

urte

sy o

f ir

klak

ojis

Leisure tips harness the coastal wind to move ahead!

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, its 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!

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.

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!

By Milda Mizarien

The balTic coasT jusT The

WinD anD you!


phot

o co

urte

sy o

f ir

klak

ojis

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 doesnt 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 nidas aerodrome throughout the summer and even in winter because it is very easy to change the wheels to special ice-skates. But the best winds are in spring and autumn so get your skates on and get moving. Youll be in for one hell of a ride.


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 dont fully appreciate. Thats why tourist recommendations can be an invaluable source of information and advice.

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.

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!

Hosein from iran:

most girls want to b

e models, very big y

oung

bald guys and crazi

ly fast internet speed

.

Jrat, a lithuanian living abroad for the last 9 years:it is worth coming to Lithuania for the beautiful environment, tranquil

atmosphere and to avoid human buzz.

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!


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 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. its 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

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

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 Galv where the Trakai island castle stands. its 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 Rumiks. 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!

ragnheiur from ic

eland:

it feels like a histo

rical place where kn

ights

and princesses used

to live.

rui from portugal:

Lithuania has lots o

f history on show, y

ou can eat

well there, and peop

le are super friendly

!

nikoloz from Georgia:

i had an impression of some fusion

of Berlin style+typical european.


Event calendar. Spring.

KAzIuKAs FAIrEach 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.

March 6-8Vilnius Old Town

highly recommended

MusIcAL "ThE LEgEnD OF YgIMAnTAs AugusTAs AnD BArBOrA rADVILAIT"

The musical The Legend of ygimantas Augustas and Barbora Radvilait 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 ygimantas Augustas falls in love with Barbora Radvilait, 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 countrys history.

March 11siemens Arena, Ozo st. 14, Vilnius


VILnIus InTErnATIOnAL FILM FEsTIVAL "KInO pAVAsArIs"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.

March 19 - april 2Various 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.

March 27-28contemporary Art centre (cAc), Vokiei st. 2, Vilnius

KAunAs JAzz FEsTIVALThe 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.

april 23-27Various venues, Kaunas, Vilniuswww.kaunasjazz.lt

highly recommended

BALLET "BArBOrA rADVILAIT"Barbora Radvilait 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 ygimantas 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 ballets choreographer and librettist Anelika Cholina.

april 30, May 2Lithuanian national Opera and Ballet Theatre, A.Vienuolio st. 1

highly recommended


highly recommended

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.

March 29-30exhibition and Convention Centre litexpo, laisvs ave. 5, Vilnius

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.

May 28-31Various venues, Vilnius

InternatIonal street musICIan's dayThis 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.

May 16Various venues

Highly recommended

nIght In the museum The castles 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 Dukes 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 Galv. The event is part of International Museums Day, which has been celebrated annually on May 18 since 1978 in 150 countries.

May 15trakai Island Castle, kstuio st. 4, trakai

62 Good Mood Travel Magazine

Good Mood Travel Magazine. Spring 2015

Documents

Transcript of Good Mood Travel Magazine. Spring 2015