Sandwiched between western Europe and Russia are the beautiful Baltic States. Thousand year old castles, rolling green hills and thick forests make up most of these small countries. Hundreds of years of wars, divisions in power, oppression and history have shaped theses countries and this land into what it is today. Beautiful languages vary from areas just 100 miles apart, though cultures and architecture seem a lot alike. However, even though there may be a common feel in the culture between theses three countries, each and every one has its own special charm and individual feel.
Formally controlled by the USSR, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, recently gained their independence in the early nineties. Since this time they have grown and maintained their cultures. In the times of communism and control by the USSR, schools taught Russian as the main language. All of the Baltic States have since joined the European Union.
We fell in love with the treasures which we discovered in the Baltic states. Although not commonly visited by tourists to Europe, we consider it a must see.
The first Baltic state we visited was Vilnius, Lithuania. We hiked up to the hill of three crosses to get a great overlook of the city.
Musicians played as we walked down the cute cobble stone streets lined with shops and restaurants.
We took a 30 minute bus from Vilnius to Trakai. We learned that the Trakai castle is the only castle in Europe built on an island. The water seemed a little scary to me, but we rented a paddle boat and Brendan and Christopher went swimming.
Our next stop was Riga, Latvia. Behind us is one of the squares in old town.
The weather wasn't the greatest in Riga. It rained on and off throughout the day. We stayed right down the street from where I'm at. It was a great location in the heart of old town.
Our walk home from church.
The last Baltic state we visited was Estonia.
We hiked up 350 stairs to the top of St. Olaf's Cathedral (tallest cathedral in Tallinn) dating back to the 11th century.
The cliffs at Paldiski on the Baltic Sea. It is about an hour long train ride from Tallinn.
The last Baltic state we visited was Estonia.
The cliffs at Paldiski on the Baltic Sea. It is about an hour long train ride from Tallinn.
1 comment:
Looks so beautiful you guys! I especially loved the cute little German house :) The pool job's going great. Everything looks beautiful, even when Campus Plaza kids chuck a broken open watermelon into the pool. Dennis said you're staying a few more weeks, eh? Sounds like a great idea! Why not! :) Have fun! GREAT pictures & journaling!!
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