Lithuania

Well. here I am in the business ctr using their computer..let's see how this goes..
Drive here was through a lot of countryside and  tour guide told of the history and oppression of the past. They have a great sense of patriotism, and exhibit it through song fests and regional costumes ( NOT to worry: I will not try to join the songfest or kareoke..surely that would cause an international hub-bub).  The tour director's daughter joined us for a walking tour ( they live in Riga)..cute as can be...and she sang for us on the bus..her name is Katarina ( so, naturally, we told her we had a "Katarina" also).

I don't think I mentioned that the Old Towns of the Baltic Nations are all listed as World Heritage Sites ( I know I counted on Megan to keep track while we were in Australia....you keep a tally, but I think it will be on the low side....thanks, Megan).
Interesting bits about the amber..so popular here and Poland and Czech Republic: it washes  ashore and is captured in nets..it takes many years to achieve the appearance that you see in the shops....the colors result from effects of processing - like air---light color amber..green amber- grass mixed in...red and gold..who knows?  I could probably make something up...what the heck?  I ran out of "good" waiting to buy amber in Poland...so, last night we found a cute jewelry store and boosted the economy of Latvia- as a patriotic gesture, of course!!  So, act surprised when y'all get amber jewelry from Santa....the colors and designs just catch your eye and tempt you....
Economy took a bit of a plunge since joining the EU..inflation is around 17%..yikes!  Good thing the tourists spend so freely....The teachers and librarians are paid by the state...around $500-$600 US per month..can you imagine?  Needless to say, there's a shortage of people in  these professions..any takers???? Of course we could live like kings and queens here IF we brought our US funds with us....
One of the first things we did here in Lithuania was climb to the top of castle hill..well- the plan was to climb...being the woosies that we are,  we took the funicular...remember that from Paris, Megan and Kate?  Anyway, it's a cross between a glass elevator and a gondola ride UP the steep hill...gorgeous views from the top...one room had  suits of armour, so of course I took a pictture of David next to one...only to find out, pics were not allowed...oh, well..it's not going to melt the metal armour...hmmmm
One more thought before HH:  the art and architechture has changed from Art Nouveaus to Baroque..quite ornate.....lots of catholic churches here.....I'm sure we'll see the "cream of the crop" tomorrow....
On to the castle tour- inside too- on a lake setting--tomorrow.
Hope all is well with our family and friends who are travelling along with us  ...thanks for "staying tuned"---
I'll check in when I can