My Journey to Lithuania

As mentioned in the first post this year, I wanted to create a post about my journey to Lithuania even though it's been almost a year since I traveled. The main reason for it is that the memories will be always available for myself as I can check the blog. Furthermore, I want to show the beauty of Lithuania through the pictures I took, as well as tell you why it would be such a good destination for your next travel. 

On my way from Helsinki, Finland to Vilnius, Lithuania.

During every single flight, I can't stop myself from taking a look out from the window and taking a few pictures given that the weather is good enough. I don't know why, but perhaps it has got something to do with the fact of it being something rather unique, which doesn't happen every day - not even every month. 

The flight was very short, I believe the second shortest flight during my travels. It was a morning, when the plane landed in Vilnius, where one of my long-term pen pals, Almante, was waiting for me. Straight away she helped me to get myself a bus card and then we headed to her home. We didn't stay long as the plan for the first day was to do some shopping. Hence, we went to a shopping center close-by, where I found some lovely clothes. 

Trakai Castle

Always bring a lovely umbrella, so that you can take great pictures.

On the second day we took a train to the town of Trakai. It's a lovely place full of cute streets with wooden houses and of course, the Trakai castle. We didn't go inside, however, we wondered around it and took several pictures. It's totally something worth seeing, when traveling to Vilnius, as it's so close and easy to reach.

The third morning was spent for quickly taking a look at Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania. It was a quick look, because we headed to a botanical garden. To be honest, it wasn't really my cup of the, because I'm not such a gardener even though I have worked on a grave yard three summers in a row. That being said, it was spring, so I believe it could have been much more beautiful some weeks later. 

When traveling elsewhere in Europe, I tend to find myself visiting multiple churches. I suppose, it's because I find churches abroad much more decorated compared to the Finnish ones. Hence, most of the fourth traveling day was spent visiting churches and walking around the capital.

During the same day we also climbed on two sightseeing hills, which were very close to each other. It was relatively easy to go on top of those, because the view was the motivator for the journey. I was hoping for a better weather, however, I still enjoyed the view.

On the last day we didn't do much, because I had some packing to do and we had to make sure of me catching the flight. I liked the destination as it was somewhat similar to Finland, yet so different. I also want to say thanks for Almante for hosting me - it meant so much, thank you! 

What comes to Vilnius, and Lithuania as a whole, I'd say it's a fantastic destination, where everything seems to work and the prices are reasonable (rather cheap compared to what I have gotten used to in Finland). If you are wondering about something, please ask, however, I have to apologize for not remembering exact names for the churches and other specific places. 

Summing Up 2016

HAPPY 2017 everyone! 

As you've noticed, I've been a rather lazy blogger during the past few months - well, let's say during the whole year. There have been many times that I have wondered what I could write about, which pictures I could share and what I could do in order to create posts more regularly. That being said, I haven't succeeded, however, I'm aiming at being a better blogger within 2017. 

That same goes for correspondence - my dearest hobby of all, because I have been quite inactive, when it comes to writing letters. Please, don't get me wrong - I absolutely adore every single letter that I receive and think about the replies on daily basis. I just haven't been able to grab a pen and a piece of paper as often as I would have wanted to. On the other hand, I have been able to catch up with the letters quite well this January. Hence, I have letters waiting for to be replied only from; Emma (Australia), Sacha (Belgium), Ilona (Latvia), Inga-Siv (Sweden) and Emilia (Finland). My goal is to reply as soon as possible - hopefully, within this month or so. 

Due to the title of this blog post, I though I would sum up the year of 2016 a bit. I considered writing about it, but I have taken some pictures, which I haven't shared anywhere, so I figured I could make this post more visual instead of full of text. 

Wintry walks are the best.

As many of you know, I truly enjoy winter. Well, I do like all of the seasons, but winter has so many positive sides. For example, the beauty of the snow is breathtaking, it's less likely for me to get too warm on a chilly winter day and winter sports (cross-country skiing, ice-skating and ice-swimming) are there to be enjoyed.

Aulanko, Hämeenlinna

During the spring my boyfriend and I made a few journeys to close-by places, which generated lovely memories. Honestly, everything that we have done together has had a meaning, as it was our first year together. Because of him, I have tried out new things, visited new places, tasted various delicious dishes and simply enjoyed life more. 

Trakai Castle, Lithuania

Vilnius, Lithuania

During the change of April and May, I traveled to Vilnius, Lithuania, where I spent a few days together with one of my long-term pen pals. I aim at writing a more specific post about this asap.

Our summer cottage

Then it was time for summer and cottage weekends. I enjoy spending time at the summer cottage and it somehow saddens me that I wasn't able to visit it as often as I would have wanted to during 2016. Hopefully, I get to spend more time there this year. 

In Pärnu, Estonia

In August I needed a break from the grave yard work, which is why my mother and I took a last minute trip to Pärnu, Estonia. This is also a topic for a future post, which I want to publish as soon as I'm finished with it. 

Tallinn, Estonia

Hämeenlinna, Finland

When the autumn was coming, I went on a day-trip with two of my high school classmates to Tallinn, Estonia. It was a lovely day and the whole fall was rather beautiful indeed. 

Pyynikki Sightseeing Tower, Tampere, Finland

Laku-dog and I

During the whole year I looked forward to the weekends, because that's when I got to spend quality time with my love. There were numerous walks to the railway station from where I took a train to Lempäälä, where my boyfriend was waiting for me. We did some memorable things during the fall as well, e.g. visited Pyynikki Sightseeing Tower in Tampere. Something that we have been doing during the whole year, are walks with this super cute Laku-dog. I've never been much of a dog-person, because I have been mainly scared of dogs, however, this dog is really changing my view. 

Yay, I graduated as a bachelor of business administration in December 2016, which I will tell more about in a future post.

Then came Christmas, New Year's and now it's already 2017 - how can the time fly by so fast? Anyhow, I wish this year to be a successful one for everyone! Remember to enjoy the small daily things, which are actually the reasons behind your happiness.