An Umergiskė who has attempted an exclusive trip through Lithuania: visited the most beautiful corners of the country in 20 days and spent only 300 euros

– Tell us, how did the idea of ​​walking in Lithuania come about?

– The idea arose quite spontaneously, although there were several reasons that led me to this “stupidity”, as most called it at the time. The coronavirus in particular had to cancel a planned trip to the United States. I had to spend the whole summer there working and traveling. Later, life came up with a few more tests that I had to deal with. I was very exhausted, it seemed that I had “lost”.

One night on YouTube, I unexpectedly discovered the person who inspired me infinitely, Mike Posner. In recent years, you have suffered many losses, harsh judgments, and said in an interview: “When deaths suddenly overwhelm those close to you, only then do you realize how little time you have and that you have to live, you need to live. now”. After difficult experiences, this guy came up with the idea of ​​fulfilling a long-term dream: to move the United States from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean. He wrote the song “Live Before I Die” about this trip. It was incredible. I watched the video for the song about a hundred times until I finally realized that I had to go this summer too and become something I could be proud of.

– How long did you plan the trip?

– Although I have traveled a lot, I have never been on this type of trip. It was strange that I prepared for her in about two days. I started carrying things and looking at the hostel a few days before I left. Why Lithuanian Way the route is quite clear, marked, there was no need to trace the path itself.

– Apparently, on such a journey, the companion is no less important than the route. Who did you travel with?

– For the first time, I really wouldn’t have dared to get through such a hike alone, so I offered to join my friend Mantas. He is as groundbreaking and adventurous as I am. He didn’t even doubt that he would agree. However, on the second day of the trek, we met other pilgrims, with whom we held hands until the end of the trip and ended the trip on all fours. Therefore, it can be said that he had to go in very different ways, both with a larger company and with a friend or even alone.

When I had to walk alone, I realized that maybe even more fun is traveling alone with myself. That way you are in complete peace, you don’t have to chase anything, you go at your own pace and you just feel like you are the only person on this earth, because you don’t see anything on the horizon, and that can be for hours. It only remains with your thoughts, like “What great cow” or “Where is this stork interesting?”.

The mind becomes clear, so there is no desire or need to communicate. Interesting enough and a much later sensation that is not very possible to feel in a simple life anyway. I mean the people you go with are undoubtedly important, but you are free to go alone, and sometimes it brings even bigger changes and good emotions.

– What challenges did you face on the first day of the trip?

– Back pain from a heavy and poorly placed backpack was found as soon as we left Žagarė, where we started our journey. The first day I had to walk about 28 kilometers with a backpack that weighed 11 kg. If we had put it on right from the start, maybe everything would have been different, but we foolishly didn’t read how to put it on and all the weight fell on our backs and shoulders. Only later a girl explained how to wear it, the difference was indescribable.

So, both psychologically and physically, it was very difficult to leave when even the first day it seemed that we could not bear it any longer. Then various thoughts began to haunt me that “what I am trying to prove here, if it is already difficult the first day”, “definitely will not continue and suffer more.” There were internal contradictions and long conversations with himself.

Another challenge was that in some places it was difficult to find signs to show the way. The eyes were not yet “trained” to notice the mark, so I had to find the correct shape on the phone.

– Where did you rest and spend the night?

– It was the accommodation, for me personally, the greatest discovery of this trip. We abandoned the idea of ​​traveling with tents (we thought it would be too difficult to carry them), so we had to find accommodation. We found many places on the official site. Lithuanian Way page.

We spend the night in campsites, manors, people’s houses, farms, rectories, dormitories, pilgrims’ houses, hotels. Each place to stay was infinitely unique and I still remember them all with great nostalgia. One morning in Paberžė, before going on an excursion, Mrs. Regina met us and showed us various museums and played the piano, in two other places we spent the whole night until dusk talking to the stewardesses, listening to their stories about angry neighbors, stolen relics from the city or relics.

The most memorable one was the only free night at Babtynas Mansion, which was bought by businessman Mindaugas Šventoraitis after independence. The housing conditions were amazing, and a two-hour evening conversation with Mr. Mindaugas about the values ​​of life, a healthy lifestyle, travel and family will probably be remembered for life.

In addition, in the morning we receive their breakfast, introduction to the dogs and visit the museums in the courtyard of the mansion, where vintage cars, motorcycles and bicycles are exhibited. You have probably never seen such human kindness, hospitality and brilliance.

– What did you see more interesting? Perhaps you can highlight memorable places that are not marked in any tourist guide?

– All the places you have to visit can be found on the official maps of Camino Lithuania. All passing objects are marked there. Personally, the biggest impression, surprise or just good emotions left me behind the Babtynas mansion, the Rosalim bar, the Rosalim cognitive trail, the Vidzgiris botanical reserve, Lake Dusia and the city Paberžė.

I have already mentioned about Babtynas Mansion: After buying the mansion, Mr. Mindaugas restored it, turned half of the mansion into his home, and installed half of the mansion for his friends, guests and celebrations. There are museums, gardens, and various sculptures in the courtyard. The place is open to tourists and pilgrims.

The town president suggested that we visit the Rosalim bar. The bar is quite authentic and cozy, the product produces very tasty kvas and beer, and the prices are just amazing! A glass of beer costs 0.85 euros, and kvass – 0.35 euros.

After leaving Alytus, we were greeted by the Vidzgiris Botanical Reserve, we toured it for 7 kilometers. Wonderful nature, varied vegetation, mounds, monuments. The entire forest was so mountainous that you wouldn’t even believe you were in Lithuania!

Lake Dusia or otherwise: the Dzūkai Sea has just delivered on its promise. Blue water, waves and yachts, and the surrounding nature and abundance of campsites.

Paberžė was surprised to have only 6 inhabitants. The town is completely empty, surrounded by nature, all the standing houses are equipped with museums. At the end of the city there is a church, and at the beginning, the only museum in Lithuania in the 1863 uprising.

There are many beautiful tourists in Lithuania and places not discovered by Lithuanians, you just have to look good. It was the pilgrimage that made it possible to discover these hidden places. And Lithuanians are wonderful people with the widest smiles! People in the village in particular long for communication, heartfelt gossip or just a quiet stay together.

Along the way we also had to meet compatriots who, after learning that we were pilgrims, invited them to the guests and immediately set the table for a banquet. Once upon a time there was a way that even offered to come and stay the night if we couldn’t find it anywhere.

Of course, I also had to experience a lot of people’s misunderstandings. Almost 70 percent. The whole way had to go down a gravel road, and the drivers didn’t think and passed us at top speed without slowing down and raising balls of smoke so big they just had to stop, inhale, and close their eyes. Throughout the trip, there were enough drivers to slow down and sometimes even stop to count on the fingers of one hand.

– How much did you spend on this trip?

– Before the trip I had calculated that 300 euros should be enough. Around 200 euros. overnight stays and the rest for food. When I returned, I calculated that this is exactly what I spent.

– Did you have any problems during the trip?

– Surprisingly, there were almost no major problems. There have been many confrontations with loose dogs when you don’t know if running is how much they support your legs or standing and they don’t move. Then even the heart fell on its heels when I terrified the big, loose dogs.

A more ridiculous “problem”, if you can call it that, occurred when you left Kėdainiai. Suddenly, a car stopped on the street, a man got out and started running towards me. I was a little scared because I had just walked alone, but that man just asked me if I was going Lithuanian Way. I answered yes, and then we went to talk. He asked for all kinds of recommendations, advice, and finally walked away and shouted: “Good luck crossing the river today!” I got lost and thought about what he wanted to say before I reached … the river, without bridges. Then all the fun began, when with blisters and sore feet I had to walk down a rocky river with the biggest blanket on my hands and shoulders.

– What was the purpose of the trip and was it accomplished?

– Without a doubt, the main objective was to travel the entire route and finally overcome and climb through myself, my experiences and physical and emotional pain. It’s still hard to believe on my own, but I’ve implemented this plan, so I can only be proud of myself and all the other pilgrims. I am also happy to feel stronger now than ever, I have learned to enjoy the moments and not rush to live.

Of course, I was no less eager to get to know my country, at least to “touch and feel” my homeland, to meet people. It was also 100 percent successful, as I discovered a myriad of new and invisible places that I would definitely return to, not only, but with loved ones. I met many wonderful Lithuanian people who enjoy life, share everything they have and help in disasters. We have managed to establish a closer relationship with some and now we are even planning to celebrate Herbal together! Everything I expected after this trip came true in triplicate.