tttfoto's experiences in Lithuania

Day trip to the Bison Ranch

2012-01-29T13:26:00.000+02:00

Lyduvėnai

Yesterday my wife and I plus a group of very good friends took a journey to Kelmė in‎ the Siauliai Region, on the way my wife had organised some sightseeing for the trip. The first stop was the village of Lyduvėnai. This remote village has the largest railway bridge in Lithuania, the bridge was built over the valley of very small rivers. Length of the bridge is 600 meters and the height is 45 meters. First wooden bridge here was built in 1915 - 1916 by the German army. At the time it was the largest wooden bridge in Europe. But the wooden bridge was unstable and in 1918 it was replaced by a concrete bridge. In 1926 - 1928 the bridge was reconstructed by Lithuanian authorities and in 1944 the former bridge was blown and rebuilt again in 1951. info over Google

Šiluva

Šiluva located in the region of Samogitia was first mentioned in 1457 in relation to the building of the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Apostles Saint Peter and Saint Bartholomew by the Lithuanian noble Petras Gedgaudas. Later the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary attracted huge numbers of the faithful to Šiluva, some from as far away of what later became Protestant Prussia. With the advent of the Reformation in 16th century Lithuania, many of the inhabitants of the Šiluva region converted to Calvinism. This caused the church to eventually be ransacked and closed around 1569. The last parish priest, John Holubka, buried the remaining church valuables and legal documents and deeds in an iron box near the vandalized church. Subsequent attempts by the Catholics to regain the property through legal proceedings against the Calvinists were hindered by the fact that the exact location of the documents pertaining to the church were unknown. Some Catholics believed that the Blessed Virgin Mary miraculously intervened in the matter by appearing at the church and holding the baby Jesus in her arms and weeping bitterly. The documents of the Catholic Church were found shortly after the apparition, and in 1622 the Catholics reclaimed the church. The famous Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary resumed in a small wooden church on the site of the apparition, and the icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary with the Divine Child became renowned as a source for miracles. The current-day Basilica of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary was erected on the site in 1786. The devotion to Our Lady of Šiluva was suppressed once again during the partition of Lithuania since the event had become a venue for sharing Lithuanian religious and secular books that were smuggled in from Prussia – in spite of a Tsarist ban of any Lithuanian publications in Latin characters. Following the restitution of Lithuania’s independence in 1918, the celebration in Šiluva was reinstated and took on special significance. After the Soviet occupation of Lithuania in 1940, a policy against popular religious traditions was implemented. The Soviet regime failed to completely suppress the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary although the KGB routinely sabotaged the pilgrimages. An example of the Soviet interference occurred during the pilgrimage in 1979, when the government blocked all of the roads to Šiluva under the pretext that an epidemic of swine fever was rampant in the vicinity. Throughout its turbulent history, Šiluva has remained the spiritual center for the Catholic faithful from many parts of Lithuania. The Feast of Šiluva has experienced a tremendous revival following the reestablishment of independence in 1990. Pope John Paul II made a special pilgrimage to pray at the National Shrine of Our Lady in Šiluva, during his visit to Lithuania in 1993. On the tenth anniversary of the Pope’s visit, a new facility for pilgrims and candidate seminarians was blessed by Archbishop of Kaunas Sigitas Tamkevičius and named The John Paul II Home (Lithuanian: Jono Pauliaus II namai). info over Google

Tytuvėnai

Tytuvėnai is a city in the Kelmė district municipality, Lithuania. It is located 17 km east of Kelmė. It is known for its Bernardine monastery.The first church in the town was built in 1555. The construction of the monastery was initiated by Andrius Valavicius and his family, who returned to the Catholic faith after a wave of Counter-Reformation. The construction plans were prepared in 1614, but the construction started only after the death of Andrius Valavicius in 1618. Works were sponsored by Jeronimas Valavicius, the treasurer of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. In 1633 the main part of monastery and church was completed. In 1772–1780 a courtyard was build, in which Stations of the Cross were placed. Unfortunately in the early hours on the 26th Jan 2012 just before our visit there was a fire in the monastery so we were unable to see the entire building, which is a shame as this had just been renovated. info over Google

Bison Ranch Kelmė

This Bison Ranch owned by a German-Lithuanian couple speaks for itself, friendly, relaxing and the food is out of this world. A small farm which caters for a different kind of taste with a American Cowboy feel in a Lithuanian surrounding. Further information for group bookings can be found on their website. Bison Ranch

A highly recommended outing for those that enjoy really good meat.

Warming up for Burn's Night

2012-01-22T13:34:00.002+02:00

Scottish dancing at the Panorama shopping centre.

Winters setting in.

2012-01-19T14:51:00.001+02:00

Today

Last week

Happy New Year 2012

2012-01-01T00:30:00.002+02:00

" O Christmas Tree "

2011-12-31T09:17:00.003+02:00

This last week Vilnius was boasting to have the best looking Christmas tree in the Baltic's. Last night we visited the Christmas tree in Kaunas, made from plastic bottle bottoms and put together with millions of cable ties, and I have to say I found it to be very original and artistic so I think it deserves the best in the Baltic's award.

4D Projection "Miraculous Christmas" 2011

2011-12-28T08:40:00.001+02:00

Merry Christmas

2011-12-23T07:53:00.000+02:00

Wishing all a Merry Christmas and a Happy, Safe and Fulfilling New Year

from Vilnius.

Action just before Christmas

2011-12-22T21:02:00.000+02:00

For the first time in three years that we've lived in Vilnius, that we've seen action of blue lights driving down the Gedimino Prospektas, naturally with cameras at hand I decided to take a look. Fortunately it didn't seem to be to serious and hopefully no one was in danger. It's certainly not a good time of the year for problems of this nature. Please everyone be careful and have an enjoyable time over Christmas.

"Up Periscope"

2011-12-17T14:30:00.000+02:00

Finally I took a picture of these things sticking out of the pavement on the Pillies gatve in the old town, could be old vent pipes from some underground tunnel system from the past.

Christmas Market and Santa run in Riga, Latvia.

2011-12-13T10:05:00.002+02:00

Our weekend visit to Riga's Christmas Market was topped with the highly regarded charitable event of the year, The Santas Fun Run. People of all ages took part in the event, even some brought along their pets dressed up. This was a first for me to see so many red Santa outfits. Amazing event, will probably register myself for next years run......by the way, the hot rum tasted so nice.

Narrow gauge railway of Aukštaitija

2011-11-20T15:23:00.002+02:00

For more information about the Beaujolais voyage can be found here also Narrow gauge Railway

an excellent experience, not to be missed.

Life on the Edge

2011-11-17T11:49:00.001+02:00

Taken with the Canon G12 in miniature mode. Sitting at a well known burger restaurant I noticed that the amount of car drivers that didn't stop at the stop sign. This gave me the idea to make this short film. Enjoy and perhaps you could make a comment on the amount that did stop.......

Ps: even the police car didn't stop, amazing.

Autumn colours

2011-10-27T15:24:00.001+03:00

Taking advantage of the weather this week. The sun is shinning with clear blue skies and theres still some autumn colour left to enjoy....

Wide Views of Vilnius

2011-10-27T15:16:00.001+03:00

Some more wide views using my Samyang 7.5mm fisheye lens, trouble is I'm running out of bridges, will have to look for more subjects. Unfortunately the lens doesn't suit all forms of photography, its a fun lens but can be a bit restricted, even so I'm enjoying it and it wasn't that expensive. One more thing, did I tell you this lens is sharp...

Užupio gatvė bridge

2011-10-25T10:01:00.000+03:00

A view to the Orthodox Church of the Holy Mother of God from Užupio gatvė bridge and is also known as the Cathedral of the Theotokos.

Užupio gatvė bridge and the river Vilnelę (Tiltelis per Vilnelę, į Užupį). Both images were taken with my Samyang 7.5mm fisheye lens on the Panasonic GH2 and edited with Photomatix HDR pro.

Karaliaus Mindaugo tiltas / Mindaugas Bridge

2011-10-24T16:45:00.000+03:00

A view from the side of the River Neris under Karaliaus Mindaugo tiltas / King Mindaugas Bridge, using a new Samyang 7.5mm fisheye lens on my Panasonic GH2.

99%

2011-10-18T13:04:00.001+03:00

Vilnius Cathedral

2011-10-15T10:06:00.000+03:00

Šv. Kotrynos bažnyčia ( Church of St. Catherine Vilnius )

2011-10-14T12:57:00.004+03:00

Feeling a bit experimental on the computer today and ran this image through Photomatix HDR pro to see what I could come up with. Quite happy with this, it was taken with my Panasonic GH2 & 20mm pancake lens.

The statue in front of the church is a monument to the famous composer Stanisław Moniuszko. The church is now a city-owned concert space inside a magnificently, converted 18th-century Baroque church where concerts are held..

Working Sundays

2011-10-10T20:47:00.000+03:00

We visited our favourite village of Salakas near Zarasai last weekend. Took this image with my Panasonic GF1 and a 14mm lens, with the weather not being so good I decided to turn the image into black and white which gave it a timeless feel of the olden days.

Cheese Tasting in Dargužiai

2011-10-03T14:43:00.002+03:00

Dargužiai is a small village about 55 kms south from Vilnius, on the A4. There you will find a smallholding that produces cheese of a French art, an excellent place to spend a Sunday afternoon tasting their fine cheeses with a glass of nice wine. More information can be found here.

Būsi Trečias baras

2011-10-03T14:17:00.002+03:00

.....Above ground.....

.....undergound.....

Last weekend a group of friend and I had the opportunity to visit the basement of the Būsi Trečias pub in the heart of Vilnius old town, to get an insight of what goes on inside a micro brewery. Kristupas one of the owners gave us a very informative tour and explained to us the workings of brewing different beers and their stages of fermentation. Then after this exhaustive tour, naturally we had to test those in-house beers.

6th International Folklore Festival "Pokrovskije Kolokola"

2011-09-26T11:43:00.001+03:00

Traditional folklore event of dancing and singing held in Vilnius

Kaunas Arena

2011-09-26T11:33:00.000+03:00

Last week we had the opportunity to visit the newly built basketball arena in Kaunas, complete with a guided tour from the architect.

Up Up and Away

2011-09-12T10:31:00.000+03:00

My second trip in a Hot air balloon, this time I rode in the Statoil balloon. The weather was just perfect, not much wind and it was so quiet and peaceful. Looking forward to my next ride hopefully one day over Trakai. For more information on flights check here www.ballooning.lt and you can see more pictures on my Flickr

Vilnius Marathon 2011

2011-09-11T12:29:00.000+03:00

Winner of the Vilnius Marathon 2011

Deichmann's High heel run

Music Fiesta "Vilnius Live 2011"

2011-09-09T14:01:00.003+03:00

Up until Sunday there is free music with live bands on the Gediminas Ave near the Amberton hotel and opposite the Novotel.

Basketball fever in Lithuania

2011-09-08T13:12:00.000+03:00

Capital Days 2011

2011-09-05T19:04:00.001+03:00

I can't believe that 12 months have passed already and we had the Vilnius Capital Days over the last weekend, but it definitely seemed busier than last year. It was great to see all the arts and crafts displayed from all the talented people from around Lithuania. Also not to forget to mention all the talented groups who performed for the evening concerts.

Holiday

2011-08-06T08:58:00.000+03:00

Wishing everyone a happy holiday, and I shall return soon.I'm off to England for our daughters wedding.....

Hot Air Balloon flight over Vilnius

2011-07-17T18:25:00.005+03:00

I thought is was about time and I've always wanted to do it, so I did, and what an experience. The excitement or nerves I don't know which, were creeping around my body, so the best was to photograph everything to calm my thoughts until I was told to jump in the basket. Trouble is these teams of ballooning specialists are so proficient that the command to climb in came rather quickly. Rising to the hight's was an adrenalin rush, that I've not experienced in quite a long time. Once settled, and cruising over the old town of Vilnius, my camera also got a rush and started acting like a machine gun, It just couldn't get enough (more pictures on Flickr). Many thanks to the pilot of DnBNord and his team.

Ballooning info at. www.ballooning.lt

July Days of 'Live Archaeology in Kernavė'

2011-07-10T12:01:00.002+03:00

July's traditional international festival of experimental archaeology “Days of Live Archaeology in Kernavė. Peace of Kernavė hill-forts were disturbed by the resurgent past and surrounded by the sounds of tanging warriors’ weapons, also skilful craftsmen from Lithuania and neighbouring countries, show their skills in reconstructed archaic crafts and to listen to the sounds of medieval music.

More pictures can be seen at my Flickr photostream

6th of July - the National (King Mindaugas Coronation) Day

2011-07-07T10:58:00.002+03:00

The President even waved to me, can't be bad

State flag-raising ceremony and the speech of President of Lithuania Dalia Grybauskaitė in the Daukanta’s Square.

Ginučiai water-mill

2011-06-29T11:45:00.001+03:00

Aukštaitija National Park has a small one street village called Ginučiai, in the middle of the village lies a water-mill positioned between two lakes. The mill was first mentioned in the 16th century and was run up until 1968 In 1935 the village used the mill to produce electricity. The mill was restored by the National Park Authority in 1978 and today is used as self catering accommodation. Last weekend we had the pleasure of staying in the mill and found it to be relaxing and very comfortable. Highly recommended. Contact for the mill........Tel: +37061629366

Typical weekend at the seaside

2011-06-20T17:03:00.000+03:00

Palanga

Birštonas Balloon Festival

2011-06-12T15:24:00.002+03:00

World Press Photo 2011

2011-06-07T13:07:00.002+03:00

Yesterday was the opening of the World Press Photo Exhibit and will be on until the 3rd July at the Lukiškės square in Vilnius. This exhibition shows some of the best in photojournalism and portrays the raw truth of what goes on in the world today. Viewing is highly recommended.

A Closer look to Vilnius 3

2011-05-29T19:05:00.004+03:00

Ok at the Europa Corral

2011-05-27T11:57:00.004+03:00

A Closer Look to Vilnius 2

2011-05-26T15:48:00.004+03:00

A Closer Look to Vilnius.

2011-05-25T11:06:00.005+03:00

Lithuanian Forces Day Concert at the Palace

2011-05-16T09:39:00.005+03:00

Warmer weather in Vilnius

2011-05-03T17:08:00.005+03:00

Easter in Druskininkai

2011-04-27T14:13:00.010+03:00

A. Česnulis Park of Sculptures

Grutas Parkas

Druskininkai

Over the Easter weekend my wife and I booked ourselves into a hotel in Druskininkai which is about an hour and three quarters drive south of Vilnius. My first impressions were I found the place a bit boring, very quiet, in fact it was dead, considering it was Easter weekend. The opening season in Lithuania is quite short, but funny enough the weather was great, sunny with the temperature in the low 20s. Druskininkai is small town recommended for it's spa therapy and rehabilitation centers, which we did enjoy some wellness. There are other activities like the Aqua park and a Snow dome which seems to be still under construction, but I'm not really into that kind of thing, I leave that to the youngsters. Just outside Druskininkai we visited Grutas Parkas which is an exposition of statues and monuments from the former Soviet times in Lithuania which I highly recommend visiting, it's very well laid out and informative in three languages and theres even a small zoo with playground for the children to enjoy.

In a forest along some dirt roads we managed to fine the village of Naujasodė and another place worth visiting. A. Česnulis Park of Sculptures. The wooden sculptures are exhibited in the homestead at the rivulet Ratnyčėlė and in the windmill, which was all built by hand. These sculptures represent the traditions of Lithuanian folk art, his work is truly amazing.

A. Česnulis Park of Sculptures Naujasodė K., Viečiūnai Sen.LT 4690, Druskininkai municipality.

Euro Cup Mini Football Tournament

2011-04-17T15:25:00.006+03:00

On the weekend at Sportima arena in Vilnius, the second football mini tournament Euro-Cup 2012 was held to promote the European Football Championship UEFA EURO 2012.

The following teams that took part:

- Seimas (Parliamentariansâ team)
- Seimas (team of the Speaker of the Seimas)
- Office of the President
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Ministry of National Defence
- Embassies of Sweden & Denmark & Finland
- Embassies of Japan & Great Britain & Ministry of Energy
- Embassies of Hungary & Czech Republic & Germany & Austria
- Embassy of France
- Embassy of Poland
- Embassy of Russia
- Embassy of Ukraine
- Embassy of the United States.

The winners were Ukraine, 2nd USA, 3rd Russia. Well done to all who played.

April 1, Uzupian Independence Day,

2011-04-06T09:50:00.002+03:00

Bokšto Vartai ( Tower Gate )

2011-04-04T13:50:00.003+03:00

If you are looking for a bar in Vilnius old town with a bit of British flavour, then this is the place for Fish & Chips with a good beer. Highly recommended. Bokšto g. 2, Vilnius.

I'm locked up in Uzupis

2011-04-03T17:33:00.005+03:00

As part of my wife's birthday, being as we were celebrating both our big zero's and Uzupis was also holding their Republic Day celebration, we locked our love for each other on the Uzupis bridge.

Locked up in Uzupis 3

2011-04-01T11:02:00.001+03:00

Locked up in Uzupis 2

2011-03-31T10:32:00.000+03:00

Locked up in Uzupis

2011-03-30T08:57:00.001+03:00

Graffiti

2011-03-28T08:59:00.002+03:00

How original

Spring is coming

2011-03-22T11:48:00.004+02:00

But I think they are jumping the gun a bit, as it's only +8˚c and they've got the chairs out already.

Meltdown, spring is on it's way.

2011-03-14T10:10:00.001+02:00

Kaziukas Fair 2011

2011-03-06T17:12:00.007+02:00

Every year on the first weekend of March, Vilnius Old Town streets are full of artisans and craftsmen. The "Kaziukas Fair" attracts thousands of people and artists from all over Lithuania.

Vilnius Book Fair 2011

2011-02-20T11:59:00.004+02:00

Sushi

2011-02-13T15:24:00.002+02:00

Last night a few friends and I got together to make some homemade sushi, its the first time I've ever tried to make any, I mean I've eaten lots in Sushi bars or restaurants but the rewards of making it at home paid off and i must say it went down well especially with Japanese beer.

Halls Utena Winter Rally

2011-01-29T17:25:00.005+02:00

Happy New Year.

2011-01-02T19:36:00.003+02:00

Sorry that I've not been around, unfortunately due to medical reasons I spent the last month in Berlin. Hopefully soon in the new year I will be back to normal. Hoping all had a joyous time over the Xmas season, and best wishes for 2011.

Fund Raising Event

2010-12-09T15:45:00.003+02:00

Last night my wife & I, with some colleges where invited to a LNK TV televised fund raising event for the Maltese Red Cross, who do tremendous amounts of voluntary work and care for the elderly. After watching numerous acts we were entertained the whole evening. From start to finnish the donations just rolled in, seeing those numbers increasing every second was amazing. The audience rejoiced when the target of half a million was well passed. Thankfully, I had the best camera in my pocket at the time, which was my iphone. Well done to everyone who participated and donated.

Bonfire Night at Belmontis Park

2010-11-06T20:30:00.003+02:00

The Art of Parking

2010-10-29T12:28:00.001+03:00

Mushroom Festival Varėna (Grybų šventė)

2010-09-27T22:40:00.013+03:00

The forests of Varėna region produce the highest amounts of wild mushrooms. In September of each year, a Mushroom Festival (Grybų šventė), which has already become traditional, takes place there; it attracts many people from all over Lithuania. During the festival, a national mushroom picking championship takes place.

Concert at the Presidential Palace

2010-09-19T17:26:00.001+03:00

Open Air Museum Rumšiškės

2010-09-19T10:21:00.005+03:00

Crafts day at the Open air museum of Lithuania was quite an eye opening experience to see how people lived and worked in the old times. There was demonstrations in old working crafts of artisans, dancing, and cooking with a taste from the past. Just spending an afternoon there gives you a real feeling of what it was like to live in the olden days. A visit to this cultural heritage site is highly recommended.

Vilnius Marathon 2010

2010-09-12T11:37:00.004+03:00

That time of the year has arrived again for the Vilnius Marathon, with a good turn out of competitors and dry weather, it got off to a good start.

Mushroom picking

2010-09-11T18:47:00.002+03:00

Today for the first time ever we went out with a group of mushroom collectors into a nearby forest, I mean, I have absolutely no idea what you can pick or not. Loaded with a basket and a book, we set off in search and to our surprise we found a multitude of varieties, unfortunately not all were possible to eat. Considering it was our first attempt, I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and fresh air. Now I think it would be a good idea to spend some time on the internet for information and to make some comparisons on what we collected.

Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaitė presented the President’s Cup to winners of the Automobile Rally ‛Around Lithuania

2010-09-06T12:18:00.009+03:00

Sostinės dienos (Capital Days) in Vilnius

2010-09-06T11:05:00.007+03:00

This last week-end, Friday till Sunday, Vilnius City Fiesta took off providing various entertaining events for the people of Vilnius. In Gediminas Avenue from the Cathedral Square to a Zverynas Bridge the Buzzing Avenue event took place. The tradition is apparently five years old, but its a first for myself. Since the event began more and more people and guests of Vilnius are swarming to the main street of the city like bees every year. This is where the name of the tradition comes from. The Buzzing Avenue was neither a market, nor a fair, it was a place for cultural action and creative ideas. It was a place where neighbours, friends and guests of the city met.

There was enough to keep people of all ages entertained. Saturday evening during the rock concert a record-braking launch of flying burning torches by UTENOS DARK took place, so many that I would say it could have been seen from afar. I'm already looking forward to next years event.

Top of the Radisson

2010-09-03T08:49:00.004+03:00

Last night we held our monthly meet of expats for the first time in the Sky-bar lounge on the 22nd floor of the Radisson Blu hotel, unfortunately the weather was'nt great for views of the city, but it is certainly worth another visit. Next time I'll take a wide angle lens, (my iphone did what it had to do).

TV3 Lithuania

2010-08-31T09:09:00.005+03:00

Vilnius may be a small Baltic city but they certainly know how to put on events. TV3 put on a production to open open up a new season on the Town Hall square last night. Events like this don't seem to get publicized very much, or possibly it's my lack of understanding the language, but fortunately I had the best camera in my pocket at the time (iphone to the rescue).

St.Bartholomew's Parade

2010-08-27T15:41:00.003+03:00

St Bartholomew's Fair Vilnius.

2010-08-27T15:32:00.004+03:00

In the year 1495, on the eve of the St. Bartholomew’s day (24th of August), the grand duke of Lithuania Alexander, confirmed the statute of the first Vilnius guild. The privilege of the duke was given for the goldsmiths. Since then, the 24th of August became a very prominent day for the craftsmen of Vilnius. Accordingly, the most important festivities of the manufacturers were taking place during the St. Bartholomew

Mmm!!!Pizza

2010-07-09T13:39:00.003+03:00

Later I will go and enjoy some of their hospitality, then early tomorrow I'm off to use up some much needed R & R . Happy Holidays to all, and remember "Drive carefully, Return safely".

"One man's junk is another man's gold"

2010-07-07T15:45:00.006+03:00

Traders selling their goods at the Market in the village of Kernave'

Life in Vilnius

2010-07-04T11:54:00.006+03:00

How much?

Pondering

Checking stocks

Smoke break

Presentation Ceremony

2010-07-02T13:36:00.002+03:00

Hot Air Ballons over Vilnius

2010-07-02T10:06:00.003+03:00

More information about Hot air balloon flights can be found Here.

Skateboarding on Cathedral square

2010-07-01T16:28:00.002+03:00

Place to relax

2010-06-30T14:52:00.001+03:00

Summer nights

2010-06-29T11:23:00.004+03:00

Vilnius at it's best, to sit, drink a beer and watch the sun go down.