After the car problem we left late for our next stop, Druskininkai. This township is in the very south of Lithuania, very close to the border with both Poland and Belarus.

We had planned to visit Grutas Park, quite close to our stop, but by the time we got there it was really too late to pay the entry and see the park properly. Grutas Park is a controversial park which houses a 90 or so statues of Soviet figures which were torn down in 1991. Some say these statues and busts should not be exhibited as they glorify the Russian figures . Others say the public needs to be reminded that this should not happen again. But time ran out for us.

We did need to eat something as we hadn't had lunch and it was 4.30pm, so we stopped at a nearby Armenian restaurant where I had very good chicken soup and Bob had the local Spicy Beef Soup. And spicy it was. But just what we needed.
 
 
 
So then to our stop for the night. This town is known as a spa town, and as we enter it the signs are everywhere. For 200 years people have come here for water and mineral mud treatments. These days the as well as sanitaria there are businesses that offer fitness and beauty treatments. It is a lovely place, with the Nemanus River flowing through, and houses among pine forests. 

Checked into our very colourfully decorated apartment and then found a restaurant by the lake serving Lithuanian food. So a very good dinner to end to a day that started a bit messily. 

We have gone as far south as we can go in the Baltics, so next morning we started to travel north towards Vilnius. We drove through a number of villages with houses made of wooden logs, a bit like wooden cabins we are familiar with. We have been surprised at just how many houses here are built of wood. In fact all houses except those more newly built. Obviously wood has been the available material but many don't look as though they would be very good at protecting the inhabitants from the cold.

Just before Vilnius we stopped at Trakai Castle. Trakai stands on a 2km strip of land between two lakes, making the castle position a very safe spot. Much of the castle and walls have been rebuilt in very new looking bricks, but it is a lovely spot.

Interesting nearby are the houses of the Karaites or Karaim people. Not many people of this minority group remain, but in this area a small number of familes have lived for many years. The community, who practice a form of Judaism have preserved their language and customs.Their houses always have 3 windows to the street - one window for God, one for the family, and one for Grand Duke Vytautas.

And so to Vilnius.