EVS in Aukštaitija National Park: All together now: PA-LAN-GA!!

This is the story of our holidays-schoolar trip (excursia) to the seaside. Astra, our lithuanian teacher, invite me and Calum to joy her in this trip. After a month, I already miss my atlantic sea, so I say yes without thinking it twice.

So, right after my arrival training, I meet my travel buddies at the stotis and we took the train until Šiauliai. Our first stop, still far away from the see, was this quiet and lovely city. I really enjoy walking by the streets full of sculptures and green spots.

Of course, we also went to the famous hill of croses. The day was dark and cloudy, and this even make the visit more impresive. Walking between the croses, like in the midle of a labyrinth, creats a feeling that I will not forget. Sorry I didn´t took photos, I didn't even think about it. Our three little (handmade) crosses are resting there, if you dare to find them.

When we arrive to Palanga, right after going down the bus we already could feel the brize of the see. One hour later we were already on the beach, staring at that amazing Baltic sea while the sun was setting.

Next day we were all day long walking by the beach: searching for amber, drawing in the wet sand and just enjoying the view.

After a quiet dinner we went to sleep early, because next day we had to get up early to go to very special place. We took the bus to Klaipėda and a ferry to Smiltynė.:we were arrive to the Curonian spit (Kuršių nerija) The legend tells that this sand spit was form by a gently gigantess call Neringa, in order to protect the village from a sea monster wich was tormenting them.

After a lovely picnic on the beach, we took the bus to Joudkrantė. I really like this village, we walk by the lagoon shore, were there are a lot of sculptures from international artist, and tradicional protected houses. Latter on, we visit the hill of wiches, a path full of both beutifull and scary wooden sculptures. 100% recomendable!

We spend the night in a lovely rental house, full of nice details like this:

Promise, I´m not paid for doing advertisement, but I totally felt in love with the place!

Next day we pack our things and take the bus to Nida, trying to pay attention because there is a part

where you can see the see and the lagoon at the same time. Once in Nida we went up till the sun clock on the top of the dune. Great views up there! In Nida, we also visited the amber gallery, where we learn about the diferent types of amber and how to check if it is authentic, and the cementery, with the tradicional tombstones. Then we went back to Klaipėda and latter Palanga.

Back in Palanga we visited ANTANAS MONČYS HOUSE-MUSEUM and I felt in love with his sculptures and masks. We also went to the Amber Museum and the nice gardens around it.

And it arrive the sad time to say goodbye to the sea...But before taking the train to cross all lithuania, we stop by Kretinga at the amazing winter gardens. It was the perfect ending of our mini holidays.