"My first impressions from Lithuania" Kalvarija by matcrazy1

Kalvarija Travel Guide: 25 reviews and 28 photos

POLAND-LITHUANIA BORDER ON MAY 1, 2004

On the first day in European Union

I entered mysterious Lithuania for the first time in my life just there (look above), exactly on the day when Lithuania (and 9 other countries including Poland) joined European Union that was on May 1, 2004. Can you see those small blue balloons (with EU stars, believe me) put to celebrate that event. Haha, isn't my picture a little bit historical?

First impressions

IDYLLIC COUNTRYSIDE

I am like a kid in a candy store when I visit a country for the first time :-)). So, this page is more about my first observations and impressions than about places I visited there.

One of the first impression was that Lithuania seemed to be a very green country with somewhat secret and idyllic countryside, just like on my picture.

Off the beaten path :-)

ON HIGHWAY 134

I drove from Polish border to Kalvarija and before I entered its downtown/centre I turned right to a secondary highway 134 to Lazdijai and Druskininkai, definitively off the beaten path :-))).

Keep in mind that crossing border between Poland and Lithuania (and futher up to Latvia and Estonia) takes not more than 1 minute (!) now. There is only passport check up (no more customs check up!). And for EU members national ID is enough, no more passports!

Pros and Cons

Pros:Green lanscapes, simple life, idyllic countryside
Cons:None
In a nutshell:No border soon :-)))

Last visit to Kalvarija: Jun 2004
Intro Updated Dec 30, 2006
Add to Trip Planner (?)
Report Abuse

Reviews (25)

Big SMILE is the most important :-))))) What to Pack (1)

For walking around Kalvarija, small, city backpack and surely bag for your camera - both water-proof esp. in... more travel advice

MY PARKING LOT ALONG HIGHWAY 134 - Kalvarija

No parking lots, no tourist facilities Warnings Or Dangers (2)

There were no parking lots along highway 134 from Kalvarija to Lazdijai. But I can't complain. There was no traffic and... more travel advice

Common daisy - do not eat it :-) Off The Beaten Path (9)

Common daisy (Bellis perennis) is another popular field flower in Lithuania and probably the most widely-known of all... more travel advice

Poppy and opium Off The Beaten Path (9)

Field poppies (Papaver rhoeas L.) are quiet common field flowers in the area around Kalvarija. They are used to produce... more travel advice

Transportation (4)
See All Take a bus
Local Customs (6)
See All Bus stops nowhere

Comments (26)

Yaqui Sep 3, 2010 at 9:00 AM Report Abuse

Howdy Matt! Hope all is well. I still have my little green Echo! As always I enjoy the first class tour of Kalvarija! Nice page!
traveldave Mar 12, 2007 at 9:50 AM Report Abuse

I didn't know Lithuania joined the EU. Interesting page.
whitecliff62 Dec 30, 2006 at 4:11 AM Report Abuse

Well now i know where to go to get my car cleaned lol, some beautiful countryside around there as well.
LoriPori Dec 11, 2006 at 4:59 AM Report Abuse

Very enjoyable page on Kalvarija Matt. I liked how you disputed the prejudices / myths about Lithuania - most were not even true.
magor65 Oct 26, 2006 at 3:26 AM Report Abuse

Sometimes it's much more interesting to read about unknown places than about popular ones. It is so in this case, for sure. And your tip about prejudices is very thought-provoking.
ZiOOlek Oct 21, 2006 at 6:27 AM Report Abuse

The name of the place recalls me one of the most beautiful towns in Malopolska - close to both of us.:-)
keeweechic Mar 15, 2006 at 6:11 AM Report Abuse

Always interesting to read someones first impressions. Seems many countries are reducing speed limits. A memorable day to cross the border. Interesting photos.
JLBG Apr 26, 2005 at 2:20 AM Report Abuse

A very good page on your historical visit. It always brings great memories to visit a country before there are any tourists!
JetlagCity Apr 19, 2005 at 1:54 PM Report Abuse

A very nice page with lots of curious observations! Your list of true and false prejudices is especially interesting and valuable.
andal13 Feb 19, 2005 at 5:44 AM Report Abuse

Do daisies taste acid??? I hadn't known... I'll have same for lunch, then!!! ;-)