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.

 And before saying goodbye, it´s time to thanks (yes, this is like the Oscars):

Labai ačiū, Adutė, už lietuvių kalbos pamokas!

  Labai ačiū, Živilė, už skanią žolelių arbatą!

 Labai ačiū, Astra, už šią kelionę or už šias atostogas!

And in case I forguet to tell you...spring has arrive to the park!

Bike trip (& sorry for the delay!)

 I have a confession to make: I´m not a very athletic girl. That´s why when they ask me about participate the Bike trip organizated for the 40 th anniversary of the park, I had my doubts about it. When, latter on, I found out that it was more than forty km, I was already panicking. And when, the previous day, my mentor, Linas, was teaching me how to use the gears of my brand new (second hand) bike, I could see my future very clear:

So, on the morning of the Saturday 29^th March, I had some košė (porridge, the breakfast of the Champions!) and depart to the starting point: Gianucis Wathermill. Once all the group arrive, the thirteen brave people get ready to start their epic journey ;-) We said “Iki!” To the beautifull Wathermill and start cycling.

Between the high pines, we pass betwteen hundreds of burial mounds. In this burial mounds, the people of the iron age get buried along with some tools and bellongings. There is a reconstruction interior of one at Paluse. Linas atract my attention this wonderfull cross, a meticulous carving work in wood.

 The day was bright and sunny and the jurney very pleasant and relaxing. After a while, we made our first stop in a gorgeous campsite next to a lake. Sitting on a bench, with some water in one hand and and piece of chocolate in the other, i was inform that we had made 10 km. Already? My secret plan was to abandon after that mark, so I was very surprise of the easy and relax that was until there. New plan: I´m going to to aaaall the way!

So, back on the road! Everything was sunshine and lolipops until...first hill! The most brave ones finish it proudly on their bikes, but I had to push it the last bit (go Spain!) But it was worthy because latter we could enjoy the view of this beautiful tuquese church. Linas explain us that it was build just with the money of the people of the village. I could observe the same working in the wooden pilars than in the previous cross, what a hard job!

The next sight was hidden from the unexpert eye. This very old tile tree, a grandmother with more than 300 years, might look dead with her empty trunk, but she is still alive and her children occupy all the surroundings.

Then we stop in a very special place. Our group suddenly became silent and start walking more carefully. It was a rebel cemetery, datting os 1863. Here were buried the lithuanians against the regime that try to hide in the forest.

Then we had lunch by the wathermill of Mincia (Minčios vandens malūnas) It was just lovely to eat with the sun warming my back and with the soundtrack of the river. It's not easy to move when you are full and in such a nice spot, but we still had half of the way to complete.

We stop to admire the very old Suminu Pusis, a pine tree situated in Suminai village. Like in Finding Waldo, someone discover a Stork living on the top.

 In this old village was film the old movie (1972) of Tadą Blindą , known as the lithuanian Robin Hood. This hero fight against the Polish landlords and the Russian Empire that governed Lithuania on the s.XX.

After riding for a short time in a lonely asfalt road, we arrive to Trainiškis were we rest for a while in front of this old tree.

Then the big question: do you want to go by the forest of by asfalt road? Just 5km left, so we finally decided to go by the forest. 5 min. Later, I was regretting my decision because it was very hilly...but, it was good to “suffer” fro a while, for our triunphal to Guianuciai!! The timing was perfect, as the coordinator of the trip, Mindaugas Cibiras, had plan and we arrive all more or less at the same time. 

I just want to say thanks for the company and enthusiasm to all the participants. It was an amazing experience!

Chapter one

  "Palūšė, Palūšė" said the bus driver, as he waved his hands to make the three sleeping foreigners understand that it´s finally their  stop. Two smiley faces were greeting us when we get of the bus, half sleep and with the eyes still close...As I slowly trie to open them, I see a beautiful lake at one side and a big forest in the other. Finally, here I am, in Aukštaitija  National Park.

Mano Vardas Alba. Aš esu savanorė. (My name is Alba. I´m a volunteer.) Those are my mantra words, my small presentation since I arrive here 15 days ago. It doesn´t seem so long. Time goes fast, and more when you are disconverirg a lot of new things. Because there is so much to see and do around here. Astra, our Lithuanian teacher, has been our guide here, helping us from making bank accounts to learning how to ask for the prices in the market. We are also doing a improvise but intensive course of Lithuanian- vegetarian food, from the delicious potato pancakes to homemade yogurt and bred.

  Leaving apart the amazing food ( because if I start with that I am not going to stop ;)), the surroundings here are incredible. Just from a 5 minutes walk from Ignalina´s town center you can find a huge frozen lake. Well, apparently it´s just huge for me because it´s not even one of the biggest ones (the park have 126 lakes!). But it cause a big impression on me because it was the first time that I saw a whole lake frozen, with the fisherman on the ice included. Around the lake there is a lovely walk which seems to be the perfect place to go jogging when the weather gets better. Next to our house there are a lot of bike routes to explore different lakes and forest. I just saw a little bit for know, but I´m loving it! Riding between old trees, earring the woodpeckers everywhere and, if you are lucky, seeing a shy dear passing by.

 And then there is the park...the place where I go to volunteer every morning and that I can't wait to get to know better. Because for know we just scratch the surface of it for now: the botanical trail near Paluse, the beautiful sculptures on the shore of the lake, Gianuci mill, etc. I have been doing a lot of different task, the first of witch is to translate to Spanish the flyer with information of the park. It´s useful for me because I´m learning new words in English and also about the places to visit in Aukstaitija.  Beside this, we work outside a couple of times, at Gianucis mill and restricted area, taking photos every ten minutes! One day we paint bird houses with some girls from the local school. I must say that all of them look very artistic..lucky birds!

 I even had the opportunity to see the snow, witch was like a little present for me because I´m not very use to it. It made me go back to the childhood, with snow bolls wars and our snow woman- Tina Turner. It just last for a couple of days and right now it´s meelting, but I really enjoy it! Now the spring it´s approaching, and I can imagine that the park will look even more beautifull. I´ll be waiting for it...

My EVS wrap up

After my travels in September, there were still more than 2 months to go before the end of my stay. However, not much was left to do at work, aside from a few small tasks now and then. While that could have been somehow a letdown for many, I used the chance to slowly start thinking about my future plans, to get back to my studies again and, most of all, to enjoy autumn, my favorite season.
I kept myself busy during weekends and didn't stop travelling yet. I went some more times to Vilnius for IT conferences and other events, then to Salakas, for Olesya's birthday, once again to Kaunas, to meet one last time with the Coordinating Organization and the other volunteers, for final evaluations and goodbyes.
On Halloween holidays, I went visiting Warsaw. I was supposed to go with Giovanni, but he had to postpone it for some problem so I ended up going alone.

I really enjoyed walking around the old town while listening to Chopin's compositions in my earphones. He is one of my favorite classic music composers, and listening to his music while discovering his hometown was a great experience. I visited his museum, the church where his heart is buried and a beautiful park dedicated to him, full of wild squirrels, peacocks, ducks, swans and little birds which I could handfeed.

In November, I went visiting Tilda and the children house near Biržai again. I was missing them and I wanted to say goodbye, so I spent a couple of days there and they were very happy to see me!

My EVS ended in the best way possible: a road trip with my Italian friends, who came to visit me on the last week to then go back together. I went picking them up in Vilnius, where we rented a car, and we used Coachsurfing, a hosting network, to find accomodations around the Baltics.
On the first day, I showed them the Lithuanian capital and, since it was a Saturday, we hanged out with Marius, our host, till late in the night. We delighted him with Italian food (one of my friends is a professional chef) and some Italian folklore. Especially with one particular tradition of ours to cook, when we went back home in the night, some "aglio e olio" (garlic and oil) spaghetti at 4 'o clock in the night!

Next morning, we went back to my home in Ignalina, but only after detouring for a visit to Trakai. Weather was terrible, but we still enjoyed the view and the local food.

On the next day, we left early for Riga. The weather got better, so we enjoyed the trip, with some stops along the way.

We had another Couchsurfing host waiting for us there, who showed us the city, and whom we cooked for again, of course!

Then, the day after, it was time to head for Tallinn, in Estonia. We left late in the morning and had some stops to look at the coastline on the way, so we arrived there quite late, and only had time to have dinner out with our next host, and we left the visiting for next day.

In the morning, we went to the TV tower nearby. We went to the top to see the view, but unfortunately it was very foggy and not much could be seen.

Then we went to the old town and had lunch there. I have to say, among the Baltic capitals, this one was my favorite. The Christmas mood helped for sure, as the central square filled with market stalls, decorations and lights was very cozy.

We spent the whole afternoon around, then took some foolish decision: to go back right away to Ignalina without other stops. It was around 20 in the evening when we left, and almost 600 km ahead. We figured out it was a bad idea when we stumbled across black iced roads, fog, a snow blizzard and engine faults, which slowed us down a lot.
At 7 in the morning, after 11 hours straight on the road and my friends fallen asleep, I barely managed to drive back home. One would go straight to bed after such adventure you would say, but.. we're Italians, remember? So we just decided it was time for spaghetti aglio e olio before going to sleep! We spent the rest of the day at home, sleeping, cooking and eating, to recover our energies.
Next day was our last one, as we would have then left early in the morning. We went visiting the park, and I stopped to say goodbye to everyone. Luckily there was some event in the Visitor Centre, so almost all my collegues were there that day. I hate farewells but, after all, it was just a goodbye, as I'm sure I'll go back to Lithuania for a visit someday.

While running to the airport to catch the flight, very late on our schedule (did I mention we're Italians?), and having to pick up my bike first, which I had already boxed and sent to Vilnius some weeks earlier, and to refuel and deliver back the car, I had different feelings in me. On one side, it was nice to go back home to my old life and get some rest from travelling and adventures. Also I felt like it was just the right time to go, as I didn't have reasons to stay there any longer. Yet, the future was still unclear, with some hopes and ideas around but no clear paths to follow. Also, I knew it would have been ok to stay at home for a while, but within a few months I would have needed to move forward again and to do something new. Also, I knew that I would have missed Lithuania, and I started thinking back to the EVS months I just spent here.

Since Blagovesta left in late October, I was on my own again and, with temperatures dropping, it was like I was going back to the beginning and a circle was closing, but so much was different now. I was now somehow feeling at home in Ignalina, I had made many new friends, and hopes and expectations were now replaced by good memories.
While going for long walks in the forests around, enjoying the enchanting brownish landscapes and fresh air, those memories of the months spent there were passing through my mind.

I remembered about the first month, when I was feeling so lonely and out of place, then slowly getting used to the new life. Then meeting my new roommate and fellow volunteer Blagovesta, who arrived a month later, showing her around and starting working and spending free time together. Our long wait for a kitchen, which was being fixed in the first months, finally being able to cook in our flat, and going from a sandwitch maker noob to the best pizza chef in Lithuania! I had never cooked anything before the EVS and I would have never guessed there would have been people asking me for recipes in a few months… I guess it's in the Italian blood!

I remembered nature surprising me in ways I hadn't experienced before. To begin with the snowy landscapes, frozen lakes and the enchanting snowfalls I enjoyed from my house, sit by the window with relaxing music in my headphones and radiators warming up the room.
Last spring was the first one I could really enjoy. Being alergic to some plant very common around my hometown, its flowering period, for me, equals to constant running nose and sneezes. Looks like that plant is not present at this latitudes, as I didn't experience any hay fever this year!
When flowers started blossoming, I got another surprise: my favorite flower, the forget-me-not, is very common in Lithuania and growing everywhere. It's not present in my place so it was the first time I could see it. Same with the beautiful storks, who started appearing around. Later in spring, wild strawberries began popping out, filling the woods with their delicious scent, and then faded out, while tasty blueberries kicked in.
In summer I discovered the "neverending days". It was so weird for me to still have a bright sky at midnight, and almost no night at all! I also found out that it's not too cold to swim in lakes and rivers, and somewhere the water was much warmer than I expected, like near Ginučiai Watermill.
By the end of the season, berries disappeared to leave space to delicious mushrooms. There weren't too many in our region this year, but I still managed to find a few, and got some from Astra's family from time to time.
Autumn arrived with its falling leaves, variegated colors, and chilly weather. Too bad I couldn't stay long enough for seeing the lakes froze again, but luckily enough I got the chance to see the first snowfalls.

And now, while winter was kicking in, I was running away to a warmer place. We barely managed to get to the airport on time, and got scolded by the hostesses for being so late.

While gaining altitude, I said my last goodbye to those beautiful green and white lands. Once in Italy, my russian style hat, which saved me from freezing in Lithuania, was now almost melting my head, as I suddenly jumped to almost estival temperatures. I realized that my EVS was over, but it had not disappeared, as it was now part of me in form of memories and life experience.

I'm already looking forward to go back in Lithuania someday. And for my next adventure. But now, I'm leaving this space for next year's volunteers, wishing them luck and to have at least as much fun as I had, and enjoy Lithuania as much as possible.
Thanks for following my tales, and I hope you'll look forward to read the next volunteers' ones as much as I do! Iki!