Featured

150 years since the birth of Jonas Sliupas (1861 – 1944)

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Dr. Jonas Sliupas (1861 – 1944) with family and friends at his Palanga home in the 1930s.

Dr. Sliupas was a physician, publicist, and a leading nationalist liberal activist both in USA and Lithuania. He was Mayor of Palanga from 1933 to 1940, and returned to this office briefly during the Nazi occupation of 1941, until ousted because of his protest against the destruction of Lithuanian and Jewish lives. Dr. Sliupas was one of the interwar's leading politicians and advocates for a free, independent, honourable and prosperous Lithuania – a proud representative of the national patriarchs who continuously fought for Lithuania’s case through all the years between the First and Second World War. Dr. Sliupas continued to speak the case of a free Lithuania until his death in 1944. He will be celebrated as one of Lithuania’s true heroes and finest gentlemen ever, with an amazing record of achievements for his beloved homeland.

The 6^th of March 1861 is now officially declared as the birth day of Jonas Sliupas. In some articles different dates are mentioned, among them 23 February which is the old Russian calendar date.

Please also read the attached article ‘Dr. Jonas Sliupas – Patriot of two continents’ (it’s in two parts) that appeared in the US publication ‘Lithuanian Heritages’ in 1995.

Jonas Sliupas, patriot of two continents (1)

Jonas Sliupas, patriot of two continents (2)

Jonas Sliupas was born in Rakandžiai, County of Šiauliai, the 6^th of March 1861. His uncle, Fr. Aloyzas Šliūpas, helped finance his early schooling. He studied history, philology and law at the University of Moscow from 1880 to 1881 and natural sciences at St. Petersburg in 1882. His student radicalism earned him three months imprisonment and a ban on further studies at any Russian university. Briefly, he edited the Prussian-based monthly Auszra [Dawn], the voice of the infant nationalist movement and was expelled by Prussian authorities.

His brother Rokas (1865-1959) became a famous activist-physician in the homeland, while his daughter Aldona (1886-1980) practiced medicine in the United States. Brothers Rokas and Silvestras (1859-1911) engaged in book smuggling during the tsarist ban of 1864-1904.

He came to the United States in 1884, where, subsidized by clergy, he entered the University of Maryland Medical School and became a physician in 1891, setting up private practice in the anthracite district of Pennsylvania. He was to remain there for thirty-five years, constantly on the lecture circuit, clearly establishing himself as the "father" of socialism and freethinking among his ethnic brothers and sisters.

As one of the few émigré intellectuals, the idealist elicited little support for his periodicals. Of his five publications, Laisvoji mintis [Free Thought] survived the longest, 1910-1915. His writings were simply too sophisticated for the masses.

In his essays, he professed socialist and freethinking ideas, combined with a vigorous ethnic spirit. At the same time, he belittled religion and capitalism as the twin enemies of the people. Curious to note, he enjoyed a fleeting friendship with Fr. Aleksandras Burba through a mutual passion for Lithuanianism and momentarily consorted with Polish radicals, such as the religious separatist Fr. Franciszek Hodur, to further mutual goals. Briefly, he headed the Lithuanian Freethinkers Alliance and held posts in other agnostic associations. The strong-headed maverick easily lost patience with those with whom he disagreed. For example, he parted company with Juozas O. Sirvydas, considered a major organizer of Lithuanian socialists. Šliūpas constantly engaged in polemics with clergy and in the homes of churchgoers, the physician's name became a household word.

Yet Šliūpas generated awe among his opponents. One finds him in the thick of nationalist stirrings, with membership on a variety of committees during World War One. In 1919, he assisted in setting up a Lithuanian mission in London and was a delegate to the Paris Conference.

Except for a fund-raising visit to the United States in 1920, Šliūpas was back in his homeland from 1919. One finds the restless scholar teaching high school at Biržai and Šiauliai (1921-1923), directing the Society for Ethical Culture (1923-1924) and teaching medicine at the University of Kaunas (1925-1930) where he was granted honorary doctorates in medicine, humanities and law. From 1933 to 1940, he served as mayor of the famed oceanside resort city of Palanga. He returned to this office briefly during the Nazi occupation of 1941, until ousted because of his protest against the destruction of Lithuanian and Jewish lives.

Šliūpas revived his Laisvoji mintis from 1933 to 1941 as a pulpit for his secularism, advocating a separation of church and state that would entail, for example, a civil registry of vital statistics, non-denominational cemeteries and the exclusion of religion from public schools.

The doctor was a prolific writer, publishing in Polish, German and English, as well as Lithuanian. He also borrowed, improvised and translated. The majority of his works trumpeted materialist and atheistic concepts, reflecting the nineteenth-century rationalism with which he was imbued. Another segment of his writings centered on Lithuanian history, culture and literature. His Lietuviškieji raštai ir raštininkai (Lithuanian Literature and Its Authors) of 1890, was the first attempt at survey. He delved into history with his substantial two-volume work, Lietuvių tauta senovėje ir šiandien (The Lithuanian Nation in the Past and Present) 1904-1905. One of his few English titles dates from 1918, called Essays on the Past, Present, and Future of Lithuania. Reflecting his own profession, he published Higiena [Hygiene] in 1928, and Senovės ir viduramžių medicinos istorija [History of Ancient and Medieval Medicine] in 1934.

An intimidating task awaits a biographer of this complex, bearded, bespectacled, tall and imposing figure, who won a small circle of allies and numerous enemies during his provocative career. Recognized by the Lithuanian government with the Order of Gediminas in 1936, Sliupas died in Berlin, Germany, the 6^th of November 1944.

Source: LITUANUS

LITHUANIAN QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF ARTS AND SCIENCES
Volume 48, No.1 - Spring 2002
Editor of this issue: Violeta Kelertas

Jonas Šliupas Memorial Homestead at Vytauto g. 23a, Palanga,

stands there still today. Worth a visit!

Here’s what made the Kaziukas Fair so interesting – since the early 1700s!

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Lithuania's 300-year-old market, Kaziukas Fair, is probably the world’s best and most interesting outdoor market since the early 1700s! This market takes normally place the first weekend in March each year. But also during the rest of the year Vilnius Old Town is an attractive shopper's paradise, with prices people from the west could only dream about...

We went there today, and who didn’t we meet!

I wanted to find out how genuine the Kaziukas Fair really is, so I went there today with my 13-year old Norwegian-Lithuanian daughter Cassandra (13) who speaks Lithuanian fluently. We met some fantastic people that we now will introduce you to:

IRENA FROM PALANGA

Irena has been running more than 300 kilometres with her van, from the seaside town of

Palanga to Vilnius, to offer smoked fish to the market visitors.

JUSTINA AND PAULIUS FROM VILNIUS

This pair produces wooden toys from their workshop in Vilnius. Genuine, made of real wood! Plastic? What‘s that?

ONUTĖ FROM PRIENAI

Cakes, pies, cakes ... Onutė and her family bakes all year. Throughout the year they are very much excited about the fact that in March every year they will go to Vilnius to introduce their last year's pastries...

ZOFETA FROM VILNIUS

Zofeta has Polish background. So even if it is an old Lithuanian custom to make verbas (Palm Sunday flowers) from the twigs of certain trees and bushes, I think it’s fair to say that this is more of a Polish tradition. The custom has been passed down from ancient times, when people believed in the magic power of some plants to revive the earth after winter to give people health, and to protect them from disasters. Later this custom as reinterpreted and came to signify Christ’s entry into Jerusalem, as described in the Gospel. In any case, here she is, Zofeta, at the Kaziukas Fair 2011!

BEATA AND EGLĖ FROM VILNIUS

These two beautiful girls are doing their very best to feed the visitors to the market.

AUŠRA FROM MARIJAMPOLĖ

Ausra and her Marijampolė family are using very much of the year to make baskets of all kinds. And here she is, ready to convince YOU to buy at least one of her creations. How could you resist?

JONAS FROM VILNIUS

Jonas is a character of his own. He works with the ‘Lithuanian Folk Artist’s Society’, all year around carving, preparing wood sculptures, music instruments, toys and more....

AUDRIUS FROM SKUODO REGION

Never heard about Mosėdis? The village where Audrius lives, mostly in his blacksmith cottage, producing art and very useful tools for people who come to visit the Kaziukas Fair every year. Hey, Mosėdis is a unique place on Earth, not far away from Klaipeda, well known for its very special stone collection. The village’s museum and impressive outdoor stone collection were initiated by a person with the name Vaclovas Intas and have since expanded all over the town. The town also features a baroque catholic church of 18th century, and Audrius is a famous son of his hometown!!

Category : Featured / Go shopping!

Connecting people

- Posted by - 2763(1) CommentConnecting+people2011-02-17+16%3A14%3A130df53x21http%3A%2F%2Fvilnews.com%2F%3Fp%3D2763

Musicians at the 96th Lithuanian Festival in Frackville, Pennsylvania (USA) in 2010.
Photo by Joanne Antanavage of Philadelphia , USA. Frontover of the magazine
‘Bridges’, October 2010. http://www.lithuanian-american.org/bridges_en.php

More and more Lithuanians turn their backs to their home country. The wave of residents who have left or want to leave is growing day by day. The bright spots in economics and business are still few.

Parents with children in primary school are looking desperately for opportunities of further education abroad as the Lithuanian school system does not provide a satisfactory basis for future jobs. Health Service is also struggling with serious problems. Pessimism is spreading rapidly, and there are not yet too many signs that the country's politicians are able to tidy up and clean the 'Lithuanian House' where dirt and dust from the Soviet times still lie in every corner.

Fewer and fewer see a future for themselves and their children in this once proud country, and there is no indication that those who have already moved to the West will come back. Many descendants of those who emigrated in connection with World War II have not even been visiting their ancestral country. The national feeling among young Lithuanians around the world fades each day that passes.

- Is there then nothing that can be done to reverse this

negative trend? I think there is.

But first we need to get back optimism and faith in the nation called Lithuania. The Lithuanian people must once again begin to believe that joint efforts with common goals are not useless, and that the future will be far brighter if we all are working together to reach concrete goals.

One important step would be if Lithuania's political leaders began to consider absolutely all of Lithuanian background, wherever in the world they live, as full and equal citizens. The country's diasporas represent invaluable brain-power and should be invited 'back to the family'. An extensive bridge-building should be undertaken without any further hesitation.

'Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you

can do for your country'

This was what President John F. Kennedy said in his inaugural address in 1961. Such a speech should also President Grybauskaitė make, but first she should proclaim that Lithuania’s leaders will be the ones taking the first step; showing the good example, cleaning the ‘Lithuanian House’ and start demonstrating that they are ready to do their very best for Lithuanians around the globe.

Still, the politicians can not really do much more than to facilitate. The real action must come from the Lithuanians themselves.

Our contribution to renewed optimism, bridge building and constructive criticism of the negligent sins that still characterize this nation, is the publication you are now reading. Our wish would be that VilNews should become a new bridge, with the aim of better linking Lithuanian groups in every corner of the globe to each other and their home country Lithuania.

For VilNews to get the necessary position and recognition as an international, interactive meeting place and an honest, professional media for Lithuania-related matters, there must in my opinion be a broad and solid group of readers and supporters from around the world standing behind it. Then we can, together and with weight, be pointing out issues we believe should be addressed in this country and for Lithuanian nationals around the globe. I believe we this way, in joint spirit, slowly could begin to rebuild the optimism that the country now so desperately needs.

We appreciate very much the letters we already have received from so many of you, dear readers, and I hope we together, over the next few years can use VilNews as a genuine tool for change.

Those who still live here, and all those who have sought

happiness in other countries, are all belonging to the same

Lithuanian nation and should be consulted and listened to

in the further development of the nation.

This year it will be 71 years since World War II took its grip on Europe, including Lithuania. The war and the post-war years became deeply tragic for Lithuania, characterized by the Holocaust, genocide, deportation to Siberia, a bloody partisan war and extensive emigration to Western countries, primarily the United States.

20 years ago Lithuania regained its freedom, and one could then have expected that the Lithuanian people would unite to again build up and develop this country that had seen so very many tragedies take place on its soil since it all started in 1940.

Unfortunately, the last two decades have largely been characterized by political turmoil and a more widespread emigration than ever before in the country’s history. Lithuanians and individuals with Lithuanian roots are now spread throughout virtually the entire world, and it is today unlikely that too many of them will ever move back to their little home country here at the Baltic Sea's southern coast.

Nevertheless, those who still live here, and all those who have sought happiness in other countries, are all belonging to the same Lithuanian nation and should be consulted and listened to in the further development of the nation.

The fact that the inhabitants are scattered around the whole Earth seems initially to be negative and an obstacle to cooperation, but maybe we together can turn this to be something positive instead?

Today's technology makes it possible, as never before, to communicate and collaborate across national boundaries, and both the Lithuanian nation and all with some form of affiliation to this country can certainly gain great benefit and pleasure by uniting - in joint efforts for the worldwide Lithuanian nation and the many fine people belonging to it!

Lithuanians have many reasons to be proud of their country's history. The time from when King Mindaugas (1200-1263) was crowned in 1253 until the country was occupied by Tsarist Russia in 1795 appears to be the most glorious. But the inter-war years (1918-1940) in regained freedom are also being remembered as good years for Lithuania, represented here by the two American-Lithuanian pilots, Darius and Girenas, who in 1932 flew across the Atlantic but tragically died when the plane crashed just before it reached Lithuania.

But although the war years and the years of Soviet occupation until 1990 offer little to be happy or proud of, also these 50 years represent a part of the country's history. We can not bring back those who were murdered or died in some other cruel way, but we should do our utmost to bring their stories to light. The people and systems committing crimes and misdeeds throughout the war and post-war years should be brought to justice. It is important for Lithuania's promising future that we work together and look ahead. But this should be based on clarity about what injustice and tragic events happened over the last 70 years.

'Let the past be the past,' many will say. But the

skeletons in the closet always have a tendency of

coming out, sooner or later, whether we like it or not.

Lithuania needs a thorough and serious confrontation with its past, primarily since 1940, and I hope this now can be taken really seriously by today's leaders.

It is on such a background we best can unite in common efforts for creating a bright future for the Lithuanian nation.

Also present Lithuania has much to be proud of. The landscape and the symbols of the country's glorious history (above, represented by Trakai castle outside the capital Vilnius) allows the country to remain one of the world's leading, but largely undiscovered tourist attractions. The many giant successes on the basketball courts, theatre stages and concert halls, stand today as the hallmarks of the new Lithuania.

Yet it is clear that Lithuania, and the many amazing activities going on here all year around, are too little known outside the country. Marketing to potential tourists has been and is still very bad. The culture is struggling with low budgets that leaves little room for marketing abroad.

The economical recession in the world has hit Lithuania very, very hard. But I think we now are beginning to see signs of improvement. The Prime Minister, the Ministry of Finance, various institutions and commercial companies already have success stories to refer to, and the country's export industry is again enjoying relatively good times.

The country's authorities have not been too good in asking

for advice and help from their own diaspora groups around

the world and from the international community here in

Lithuania.

It is, however, clear that much business can be created without interference or help from government or public institutions, and I see at present many signs that entrepreneurs and existing businesses are in the process of taking this challenge seriously.

The goal should be to unite all good forces for the benefit of Lithuania and Lithuanian interest and nationalities around the world.

My call to all of you is therefore – freely, and with a certain sense of humour, after Karl Marx... :

"Lithuanians of the world, unite!"

Your feedback would, as always, be appreciated…

Aage Myhre

VilNews Editor

Category : Blog archive / Featured

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It’s in Kaunas that you find the world’s only devil museum

Devil Museum, Kaunas, Lithuania

There’s something unnerving about being alone with 2000 devils…

Velniu Muziejus contains three floors, and a stunning array of devils in all shapes, sizes, colours and materials and hailing from all corners of the globe, is spread over them. The museum has a long-standing tradition: any visitors from foreign lands can bring their own native devil art to add to the collection, making for some interesting viewing.

Before deciding to visit the museum you should know that this museum has no relations to Satanism, even priests dear to visit it.

Lithuania’s strong pagan heritage included the perception that also the devil is a part of the world and, in some cases – a personification of natural forces. Lithuanians and some other neighbouring nations believed that the devil has a strange sense of humour and that one had to be shrewd if to overcome him. However, not all managed to do this and some pieces of the collection are good illustrations of what then could happen. The museum contains numerous artistic works created for the sake of art, but also household items which had practical use.

The collection also contains pieces representing other cultures as all visitors may contribute by donating a devil from their country (Photo: www.7seasons.lt)

Each year more than 30 000 people visit this unique museum that was initiated by painter Antanas Žmuidzinavičius (1876-1966). The museum was established in his house after his death, but later moved to a special building.

Painter Antanas Žmuidzinavičius at home, January 1954

Photo: Family archive of Antanas Žmuidzinavičius

Main facts:

• Located in the centre of Kaunas, Putvinskio St. 64

• Exhibits collection of sculptures and carvings of approximately 3000 devilish creatures

• Before leaving your home country, please have in mind that visitors may donate their pieces to the collection of the museum

• Regular opening hours

September – May:

Tuesday – Sunday 11.00–17.00,

June – August: Tuesday – Sunday 10.00–17.00

• Excursions may be booked by telephone (+370-37) 221587.

Category : Featured

- Posted by - 1251(1) Comment2011-01-15+12%3A00%3A140df53x21http%3A%2F%2Fvilnews.com%2F%3Fp%3D1251

Conferences and incentives

Lithuania is the southernmost and and the largest of the three Baltic States, with a range of attractions that appeal to even the most fastidious visitor. In recent years Lithuania has become a popular venue for business meetings, conferences and events. Only here it is so easy to combine a comfortable work and business atmosphere with joy of new discoveries and adventures.

The largest cities of Vilnius, Kaunas and Klaipėda are the most popular venues for international conferences and events. They offer the biggest choice of conferences facilities. Lithuania offers a variety of convenient convention hotels: from 14 international hotel chains to cosy private hotels with exclusive architecture and spirit. Most of the hotels have halls and rooms intended for conferences and meetings, business centers, all necessary equipment for teams servicing such events.

The importance and solemnity of special occasions or meetings of top-level participants is emphasized by the special location of the event. The historical premises, such as the Lithuanian National Philharmonic Hall, the Vilnius Town Hall, the Opera and Ballet Theatre, the Drama Theatre, the Palace of Grand Dukes of Lithuania, the grand Trakai Castle surrounded by lakes and situated just 30 km from Vilnius, are especially suitable for gala and exclusive occasions.

The Lithuanian resorts have become a new conference zone for smaller events offering to combine work and recreation for those who want to escape from the hustle of big cities and looking for more quiet surroundings:

Countryside farmsteads offering authentic atmosphere is also a good option for smaller events. Different outdoor activities are usually organized after the working hours.

Due to its specific relaxing atmosphere Palanga became the favourite place for organizing team-building workshops, seminars as well as important official meetings. This resort is often the venue for official or informal summit meetings of the leaders of Baltic and Northern countries.

Another seaside resort Nida and other settlements of Neringa are famous places for small conventions, seminars conferences or meetings attended by high-level politicians scientists and artists.

Recently it became quite popular to organize workshops, seminars or other events in Druskininkai and after the working day to relax and to take beauty or health improving procedures.

Category : Featured / Travel Lithuania!

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	Barbara’s restaurant reviews
Lithuania is the perfect choice for dining and wining:. Here it is really easy to find luxurious, traditional and international restaurants side by side. Here you can easily combine efficient, comfortable work and business atmosphere with the joy of new discoveries and adventures in a country full of excitements. Barbara Ishwerwood and others from her organisation IWAV (International Women’s Association in Vilnius) takes you on a stroll to cafes and restaurants in order to help you find the best choices...
La Provence		Stikliai	Medininkai
Was eating with friends at la Provence on November 22nd 2010 and we enjoyed the fresh food, made with creativity and love, very much. The service was really friendly and attentive. We enjoyed the nice ambience and Provence atmosphere.		The restaurant is a gourmet delight but quite expensive - especially when compared to other hotels in the city.	This place IS worth checking out. Moreover, we reckon that the prices are still pretty reasonable compared with those in the West. It's a lovely place and the Lithuanian food is delicious.

Medininkai – Europa Hotel, Ausros Vartu, Vilnius

Last week we were told that it would be ‘complicated’ to accommodate a lot of ladies for lunch. We were also told that we would not be able to reserve a table. One of our Ladies tried again with them and they told us there would be no problem with the number but that we could not reserve. Consequently I arrived early – just before a terrific downpour – and found that they had reserved tables for us.

They do a wonderful cold beetroot soup. The staff were very friendly and the food was great. They could do with sorting out their ‘front of house’ staff as their attitude could well put people off.

http://www.medininkai.lt/news/

FIORENTINO’S,

Universiteto g., Vilnius

We periodically visit this restaurant for lunch and I must say that I never come away raving about the food. The really good thing about the place is the setting. The courtyard must be one of the most beautiful in Vilnius. What a shame that the food does not match the setting.

Two of us had the Tuscan tomato soup and I tried to get some idea from the waitress as to what it was like, as I had no idea. I can only describe it as ‘gloopy’ because it contained lots of mushy bread. As I try to eat very little carbs, this did not impress me. I believe the minestrone soup was good.

I ordered pancakes with cottage cheese and spinach ( cannelloni with ricotta and spinach ) and it came nicely presented but unfortunately it was totally dry. It must have either been in the oven too long or re-heated in the microwave as the sauce on top had disappeared. Not nice. When the waitress asked me why I had not eaten the meal I explained but she seemed to take it personally and was very sullen after that. The lasagne was apparently OK, the pasta in melted butter – there was so much butter the pasta was almost floating and the shrimp salad came with a sauce all over it – it would have been better on the side. Hey – the tiramasu was good.

This will not be at the top of our list for a revisit – shame ‘cos I love the courtyard.

http://www.fiorentino.lt/indexeng-4.html

Zoe’s Bar & Grill,

Ogminiu gatve, Vilnius

Zoe's inside!

We had a great lunch here. Their spicy soup is exactly what it says – SPICY.

So spicy your lips feel as though they are on fire and you could easily turn into a fire-breathing dragon – hm! Perhaps some people already see me like that!

Some of us had the club sandwich which was great but don’t think much of the French fries.. One lady had pasta with spicy chicken and that looked very good indeed.

Zoe’s is always good and is highly popular. http://www.zoesbargrill.com

Felicie,

Ausros Vartu, Vilnius

Restoranas Vilniuje

The day before the lunch I went to the restaurant to reserve a table for the following day and, as I had a guest in town, decided that we would eat there on the Monday evening as well. When it came to dessert our waiter presented me with a knife and fork wrapped very prettily in a napkin. When I asked why a knife and fork for tiramasu he asked what I would prefer and I told him a spoon. He brought me a teaspoon. My guest burst out laughing and said I needed something larger so the young man went to the kitchen and brought me a huge serving spoon!!!!!

Lunch today, Tuesday, was as delightful as the meal Monday night. The food is very good and presented so beautifully. The service is excellent. You can get a lunch special – soup and main course – for 15 litas. We sat outside and our waiter made sure that the tables were situated so that if it did rain we would remain dry. I cannot praise this place highly enough. It has gone to the top of my favourite places to eat and is highly recommended. The other ladies must have thought so as well because they have decided to go back there for next Tuesday’s lunch bunch whilst I am away in the UK.

By the way – the tiramisu is to die for. I am not a lover of this dessert but this one melts in the mouth. It sticks to the roof of your mouth as though it does not want to let go. Very yummy!!!!!

http://www.felicie.lt

Kotrinos ,

Vilniaus gatve, Vilnius

Lunch today was at a new restaurant called Kotrinos which is next to St. Catherine’s on Vilniaus gatve.

This opened just as Mike and I left for our holidays and I have been hearing good things about it.

One thing I do not understand about some restaurants is why food should be good one day and nasty the next. Is uniformity so difficult to achieve? Some of our Ladies enjoyed their meals very much – the pasta dishes seemed to be good.

Some of us were not impressed. There are hundreds of tables at this place so you would think they could cope with nine ladies but we were given one meal at a time. Not good...

Sue’s Indian Restaurant,

Odminiu g., Vilnius

Today we visited one of our favourite restaurants. The weather was lovely and so we sat outside under the umbrellas. The food is always good and the staff are always courteous and helpful.

It must be one of the very few restaurants in Vilnius that caters for the customers’ tastes. If you do not want your food very spicy, then you only have to say so and if you want your food hot enough to blow your socks off then again you only have to say.

Very enjoyable as always.

www.sues-lt.com

Bistro 18,

Stikliu g., Vilnius

FAREWELL LUCNH:

We were in the room at the back with the domed ceiling and, yes noise does seem to echo but saying that the lunch was very good indeed and the staff, as always, are very friendly and courteous.

The lunchtime special is well worth having and always plenty of choice.

It was sad to say goodbye to these two Ladies as they have both been very active and supportive in IWAV.

www.bistro18.lt

D’Antonio’s,

Amberton Hotel, near the Vilnius Cathedral

We sat outside which is always a pleasant way to have lunch.

Some old and new friends joined us this week. A Lithuanian/American lady and her daughter over here to meet up with family and our old friend Anni Katigback, over here for three weeks holiday meeting up with old friends.

I had a salmon and shrimp salad. There was one small piece of salmon, and you all know my feelings about lettuce. You may wonder why I order salads if I don’t like lettuce but it’s too hot for soup, pasta is out as I am trying to lose weight and if I asked them to take the lettuce off then my plate would look too empty to justify the high prices they charge. A couple of other Ladies said that there meal was so-so but the others enjoyed theirs. I still think you can get meals just as good, if not better for less money.

http://www.antonio.lt/

Osaka,

Vilniaus gatve, Vilnius

I was not able to be at this lunch but I was told by all the Ladies how good the food was. So much so I am going with Mike and two friends. It was also suggested that whenever you want to go, whether lunch time or evening, you need to reserve a table as it gets very busy.

www.osaka.lt

Saint Germain,

Literatu g., Vilnius

The day we went here was warm but unpredictable so we sat outside and hoped for the best. Fortunately our friendly waiter came out to us as he was ready to bring the food, stood and looked up at the sky which had gone a delightful shade of black, and advised us to move inside before we became soaked. Two minutes later the heavens opened. The food is always very good here. I think my only criticism would be that there does not seem to be many small lunchtime meals available so I felt that I was a tiny bit limited in my choice.

http://www.vynine.lt/

Radisson BLU,

Rotuses, Vilnius

The staff are always friendly and attentive and the food is always good. I think I must have been feeling a little off that day. There was so much garlic around that I ended up feeling a tad unwell. I was also taking garlic capsules and they were not agreeing with me so I think the combinations were too much for my system. But, if you like garlic then you have no problems . The food was great and so was the wine.

http://www.radissonblu.com/hotel-vilnius/dining

Blusyne,

Saviciaus g., Vilnius

What a disappointment. The courtyard looks a lot better and has been extended but we sat inside. Two of us had pumpkin soup. We both thought that a pumpkin had not been anywhere near it but apparently they used a white pumpkin as he said the yellow ones were hard to find (tosh!) It contained ginger which gave it a kick but other than that it had no taste and was the consistency of wallpaper paste. Why do restaurants feel they have to thicken all their soups with potato? Two of us then ordered tiny chicken kebabs with a Thai sauce. I asked if it was possible to take out the lemongrass from the sauce and, for me, the worrying response was that they do not make the sauce. I am now wondering about the culinary expertise of Blusyne. There was also a small brown friend walking around the dado rail behind me. Mmm – yummy!

www.blusyne.lt

Dominikonu Karčema, Dominikonu g 6, Vilnius

(used to be Dubliner)

There was a large group of us at this restaurant and so the choices were extremely varied. People seemed to be reasonably satisfied. I had a tomato based soup which was quite good and then opted for a tuna salad together with another lady. We were both of the opinion that we needed to search for the tuna! It really was very hard to see. The restaurant has only been open two or three weeks and there was only one chef working at the time. As is the way with most of these places, they do usually settle down and hopefully improve. What I can say is that the staff were delightful and our young lady was most concerned that everything was OK for us. It is also interesting to look at the place and try to work out where the bar of the Dubliner was.

Category : Featured / Hotels & restraunts

- Posted by - 1996(2) Comment2010-04-01+09%3A41%3A590df53x21http%3A%2F%2Fvilnews.com%2F%3Fp%3D1996

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Category : Featured / Lithuania in the world

OPINIONS

Have your say. Send to:
editor@VilNews.com

By Dr. Boris Vytautas Bakunas,
Ph. D., Chicago

A wave of unity sweeps the international Lithuanian community on March 11th every year as Lithuanians celebrated the anniversary of the Lithuanian Parliament's declaration of independence from the Soviet Union in 1990. However, the sense of national unity engendered by the celebration could be short-lived.

Human beings have a strong tendency to overgeneralize and succumb to stereotypical us-them distinctions that can shatter even the strongest bonds. We need only search the internet to find examples of divisive thinking at work:

- "50 years of Soviet rule has ruined an entire generation of Lithuanian.

- "Those who fled Lithuania during World II were cowards -- and now they come back, flaunt their wealth, and tell us 'true Lithuanians' how to live."

- "Lithuanians who work abroad have abandoned their homeland and should be deprived of their Lithuanian citizenship."

Could such stereotypical, emotionally-charged accusations be one of the main reasons why relations between Lithuania's diaspora groups and their countrymen back home have become strained?

* * *

Text: Saulene Valskyte

In Lithuania Christmas Eve is a family event and the New Year's Eve a great party with friends!
Lithuanian say "Kaip sutiksi naujus metus, taip juos ir praleisi" (the way you'll meet the new year is the way you will spend it). So everyone is trying to spend New Year's Eve with friend and have as much fun as possible.

Lithuanian New Year's traditions are very similar to those in other countries, and actually were similar since many years ago. Also, the traditional Lithuanian New Years Eve party was very similar to other big celebrations throughout the year.

The New Year's Eve table is quite similar to the Christmas Eve table, but without straws under the tablecloth, and now including meat dishes. A tradition that definitely hasn't changes is that everybody is trying not to fell asleep before midnight. It was said that if you oversleep the midnight point you will be lazy all the upcoming year. People were also trying to get up early on the first day of the new year, because waking up late also meant a very lazy and unfortunate year.

During the New Year celebration people were dancing, singing, playing games and doing magic to guess the future. People didn't drink much of alcohol, especially was that the case for women.

Here are some advices from elders:
- During the New Year, be very nice and listen to relatives - what you are during New Year Eve, you will be throughout the year.

- During to the New Year Eve, try not to fall, because if this happens, next year you will be unhappy.

- If in the start of the New Year, the first news are good - then the year will be successful. If not - the year will be problematic.

New year predictions

* If during New Year eve it's snowing - then it will be bad weather all year round. If the day is fine - one can expect good harvest.
* If New Year's night is cold and starry - look forward to a good summer!
* If the during New Year Eve trees are covered with frost - then it will be a good year. If it is wet weather on New Year's Eve, one can expect a year where many will die and dangerous epidemics occur.
* If the first day of the new year is snowy - the upcoming year will see many young people die. If the night is snowy - mostly old people will die.
* If the New Year time is cold - then Easter will be warm.
* If during New Year there are a lot of birds in your homestead - then all year around there will be many guests and the year will be fun.

* * *

VilNews
Christmas greetings
from Vilnius

* * *

Ukraine won the historic
and epic battle for the
future

By Leonidas Donskis

Kaunas
Philosopher, political theorist, historian of
ideas, social analyst, and political
commentator

Immediately after Russia stepped in Syria, we understood that it is time to sum up the convoluted and long story about Ukraine and the EU - a story of pride and prejudice which has a chance to become a story of a new vision regained after self-inflicted blindness.

Ukraine was and continues to be perceived by the EU political class as a sort of grey zone with its immense potential and possibilities for the future, yet deeply embedded and trapped in No Man's Land with all of its troubled past, post-Soviet traumas, ambiguities, insecurities, corruption, social divisions, and despair. Why worry for what has yet to emerge as a new actor of world history in terms of nation-building, European identity, and deeper commitments to transparency and free market economy?

Right? Wrong. No matter how troubled Ukraine's economic and political reality could be, the country has already passed the point of no return. Even if Vladimir Putin retains his leverage of power to blackmail Ukraine and the West in terms of Ukraine's zero chances to accede to NATO due to the problems of territorial integrity, occupation and annexation of Crimea, and mayhem or a frozen conflict in the Donbas region, Ukraine will never return to Russia's zone of influence. It could be deprived of the chances to join NATO or the EU in the coming years or decades, yet there are no forces on earth to make present Ukraine part of the Eurasia project fostered by Putin.

* * *

Watch this video if you
want to learn about the
new, scary propaganda
war between Russia,
The West and the
Baltic States!

* * *

90% of all Lithuanians
believe their government
is corrupt

Lithuania is perceived to be the country with the most widespread government corruption, according to an international survey involving almost 40 countries.

* * *

Lithuanian medical
students say no to
bribes for doctors

On International Anticorruption Day, the Special Investigation Service shifted their attention to medical institutions, where citizens encounter bribery most often. Doctors blame citizens for giving bribes while patients complain that, without bribes, they won't receive proper medical attention. Campaigners against corruption say that bribery would disappear if medical institutions themselves were to take resolute actions against corruption and made an effort to take care of their patients.

* * *

Doing business in Lithuania

By Grant Arthur Gochin

California - USA

Lithuania emerged from the yoke of the Soviet Union a mere 25 years ago. Since then, Lithuania has attempted to model upon other European nations, joining NATO, Schengen, and the EU. But, has the Soviet Union left Lithuania?

During Soviet times, government was administered for the people in control, not for the local population, court decisions were decreed, they were not the administration of justice, and academia was the domain of ideologues. 25 years of freedom and openness should have put those bad experiences behind Lithuania, but that is not so.

Today, it is a matter of expectation that court pronouncements will be governed by ideological dictates. Few, if any Lithuanians expect real justice to be effected. For foreign companies, doing business in Lithuania is almost impossible in a situation where business people do not expect rule of law, so, surely Government would be a refuge of competence?

Lithuanian Government has not emerged from Soviet styles. In an attempt to devolve power, Lithuania has created a myriad of fiefdoms of power, each speaking in the name of the Government, each its own centralized power base of ideology.

* * *

Greetings from Wales!

By Anita Šovaitė-Woronycz
Chepstow, Wales

Think of a nation in northern Europe whose population is around the 3 million mark a land of song, of rivers, lakes, forests, rolling green hills, beautiful coastline a land where mushrooms grow ready for the picking, a land with a passion for preserving its ancient language and culture.

Doesn't that sound suspiciously like Lithuania? Ah, but I didn't mention the mountains of Snowdonia, which would give the game away.

I'm talking about Wales, that part of the UK which Lithuanians used to call "Valija", but later named "Velsas" (why?). Wales, the nation which has welcomed two Lithuanian heads of state to its shores - firstly Professor Vytautas Landsbergis, who has paid several visits and, more recently, President Dalia Grybauskaitė who attended the 2014 NATO summit which was held in Newport, South Wales.

MADE IN WALES -
ENGLISH VERSION OF THE
AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF
VYTAUTAS LANDSBERGIS.

* * *

IS IT POSSIBLE TO
COMMENT ON OUR
ARTICLES? :-)

Read Cassandra's article HERE

Read Rugile's article HERE

Did you know there is a comment field right after every article we publish? If you read the two above posts, you will see that they both have received many comments. Also YOU are welcome with your comments. To all our articles!

* * *

Greetings from Toronto

By Antanas Sileika,
Toronto, Canada

Toronto was a major postwar settlement centre for Lithuanian Displaced Persons, and to this day there are two Catholic parishes and one Lutheran one, as well as a Lithuanian House, retirement home, and nursing home. A new wave of immigrants has showed interest in sports.

Although Lithuanian activities have thinned over the decades as that postwar generation died out, the Lithuanian Martyrs' parish hall is crowded with many, many hundreds of visitors who come to the Lithuanian cemetery for All Souls' Day. Similarly, the Franciscan parish has standing room only for Christmas Eve mass.

Although I am firmly embedded in the literary culture of Canada, my themes are usually Lithuanian, and I'll be in Kaunas and Vilnius in mid-November 2015 to give talks about the Lithuanian translations of my novels and short stories, which I write in English.

If you have the Lithuanian language, come by to one of the talks listed in the links below. And if you don't, you can read more about my work at
www.anatanassileika.com

http://www.vdu.lt/lt/rasytojas-antanas-sileika-pristatys-savo-kuryba/
https://leu.lt/lt/lf/lf_naujienos/kvieciame-i-rasytojo-59hc.html

* * *

As long as VilNews exists,
there is hope for the future

Professor Irena Veisaite, Chairwoman of our Honorary Council, asked us to convey her heartfelt greetings to the other Council Members and to all readers of VilNews.

"My love and best wishes to all. As long as VilNews exists, there is hope for the future,"" she writes.

Irena Veisaite means very much for our publication, and we do hereby thank her for the support and wise commitment she always shows.

You can read our interview with her

HERE.

* * *

EU-Russia:
Facing a new reality

By Vygaudas Ušackas

EU Ambassador to the Russian Federation

Dear readers of VilNews,

It's great to see this online resource for people interested in Baltic affairs. I congratulate the editors. From my position as EU Ambassador to Russia, allow me to share some observations.

For a number of years, the EU and Russia had assumed the existence of a strategic partnership, based on the convergence of values, economic integration and increasingly open markets and a modernisation agenda for society.

Our agenda was positive and ambitious. We looked at Russia as a country ready to converge with "European values", a country likely to embrace both the basic principles of democratic government and a liberal concept of the world order. It was believed this would bring our relations to a new level, covering the whole spectrum of the EU's strategic relationship with Russia.

* * *

The likelihood of Putin
invading Lithuania

By Mikhail Iossel

Professor of English at Concordia University, Canada
Founding Director at Summer Literary Seminars

The likelihood of Putin's invading Lithuania or fomenting a Donbass-style counterfeit pro-Russian uprising there, at this point, in my strong opinion, is no higher than that of his attacking Portugal, say, or Ecuador. Regardless of whether he might or might not, in principle, be interested in the insane idea of expanding Russia's geographic boundaries to those of the former USSR (and I for one do not believe that has ever been his goal), he knows this would be entirely unfeasible, both in near- and long-term historical perspective, for a variety of reasons. It is not going to happen. There will be no restoration of the Soviet Union as a geopolitical entity.

* * *

Are all Lithuanian energy
problems now resolved?

By Dr. Stasys Backaitis,

P.E., CSMP, SAE Fellow Member of Central and Eastern European Coalition, Washington, D.C., USA

Lithuania's Energy Timeline - from total dependence to independence

Lithuania as a country does not have significant energy resources. Energy consuming infrastructure after WWII was small and totally supported by energy imports from Russia.

First nuclear reactor begins power generation at Ignalina in 1983, the second reactor in 1987. Iganlina generates enough electricity to cover Lithuania's needs and about 50%.for export. As, prerequisite for membership in EU, Ignalina ceases all nuclear power generation in 2009

The Klaipėda Sea terminal begins Russia's oil export operations in 1959 and imports in 1994.

Mazeikiu Nafta (current ORLEAN Lietuva) begins operation of oil refinery in 1980.

* * *

Have Lithuanian ties across
the Baltic Sea become
stronger in recent years?

By Eitvydas Bajarunas

Ambassador to Sweden

My answer to affirmative "yes". Yes, Lithuanian ties across the Baltic Sea become as never before solid in recent years. For me the biggest achievement of Lithuania in the Baltic Sea region during recent years is boosting Baltic and Nordic ties. And not because of mere accident - Nordic direction was Lithuania's strategic choice.

The two decades that have passed since regaining Lithuania's independence can be described as a "building boom". From the wreckage of a captive Soviet republic, a generation of Lithuanians have built a modern European state, and are now helping construct a Nordic-Baltic community replete with institutions intended to promote political coordination and foster a trans-Baltic regional identity. Indeed, a "Nordic-Baltic community" - I will explain later in my text the meaning of this catch-phrase.

Since the restoration of Lithuania's independence 25 years ago, we have continuously felt a strong support from Nordic countries. Nordics in particular were among the countries supporting Lithuania's and Baltic States' striving towards independence. Take example of Iceland, country which recognized Lithuania in February of 1991, well in advance of other countries. Yet another example - Swedish Ambassador was the first ambassador accredited to Lithuania in 1991. The other countries followed suit. When we restored our statehood, Nordic Countries became champions in promoting Baltic integration into Euro-Atlantic institutions. To large degree thanks Nordic Countries, massive transformations occurred in Lithuania since then, Lithuania became fully-fledged member of the EU and NATO, and we joined the Eurozone on 1 January 2015.

* * *

It's the economy, stupid *

By Valdas (Val) Samonis,

PhD, CPC

n his article, Val Samonis takes a comparative policy look at the Lithuanian economy during the period 2000-2015. He argues that the LT policy response (a radical and classical austerity) was wrong and unenlightened because it coincided with strong and continuing deflationary forces in the EU and the global economy which forces were predictable, given the right policy guidance. Also, he makes a point that LT austerity, and the resulting sharp drop in GDP and employment in LT, stimulated emigration of young people (and the related worsening of other demographics) which processes took huge dimensions thereby undercutting even the future enlightened efforts to get out of the middle-income growth trap by LT. Consequently, the country is now on the trajectory (development path) similar to that of a dog that chases its own tail. A strong effort by new generation of policymakers is badly needed to jolt the country out of that wrong trajectory and to offer the chance of escaping the middle-income growth trap via innovations.

* * *

Have you heard about the
South African "Pencil Test"?

By Karina Simonson

If you are not South African, then, probably, you haven't. It is a test performed in South Africa during the apartheid regime and was used, together with the other ways, to determine racial identity, distinguishing whites from coloureds and blacks. That repressive test was very close to Nazi implemented ways to separate Jews from Aryans. Could you now imagine a Lithuanian mother, performing it on her own child?

But that is exactly what happened to me when I came back from South Africa. I will tell you how.

* * * Click HERE to read previous opinion letters >

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