Lithuania

Lithuania

Another fascinating country with a rich although troubled history (like all of Eastern Europe for that matter).

Some beautiful old architecture to be found in the cities, with the majority of the rural land devoted to crop production or forestry.

I found that I had a slow leak in one of my tires today and plugged what appeared to be the hole causing the loss of air as usual. To my surprise the leak persisted causing me to look further. A cracked rim turned out to be the problem after the area was sprayed with soapy water. 'What a pain in the arse' I said to myself.

Checking ioverlander I found reference to a Land Rover parts dealer to the south in the city of Riga. Gunther and his wife couldn't have been more helpful. A few calls to his contacts in town and a very old and rusty second hand rim of the same size was tracked down. The next day we left town just after lunch with a freshly cleaned and painted replacement rim.

On first appearance most Europeans can be hard to love. They come across as very reserved, indifferent, cold in fact. And this becomes even more apparent the further East you go.
But need a hand? Nothing was to much trouble for Gunther and his wife. Even the offer of a meal and a place to stay if we wanted.

Little villages had some stunning churches.

Some farmers installed nest supports on power poles so storks wouldn't build nests on their chimney's

Young stork really ready to leave the nest.

Vilnius capital of Lithuania has impressive square with Dukes Palace, Castle and Cathedral.

Walking Vilnius old town streets.

Saw heaps of these folk character carved poles located through the countryside.

Some were at the start of a village.

These were in a town square. Great aren't they!