We weren’t sure what to expect in Klaipeda, but our day was way better than we imagined it would be.  It is a Baltic port which rarely freezes over, so was a prime target for Germany and Russia during WW2.  

Our day started with a visit to a museum of the Soviet occupation years 1940 -1952.  The group of ladies who sang for us were all survivors of Soviet camps in Siberia where they were sent as young children. It was a very moving experience to hear first hand of how their lives have been lived, and to compare that with our very safe and sheltered life in NZ. The population of Klaepida was decimated during this time when Lithuania lost 780,000 people.  The population of Lithuania is now around 2.8m, but it is estimate that if the war atrocities had not occurred it would be twice that.

We then visited the home and farm of a former British consul.  The countryside is beautiful – so green, lush and productive.

The old town is dotted with magical statues – if you whisper a wish in the mouses ear it will come true, and if you stroke the  cats tail and make a wish it will come true as well.  All part of the country’s folklore and witchcraft legends. 

This wonderful day started when we left the ship to the sounds of a local music school orchestra, and ended with a beer and snack listening to the same orchestra playing in the old town square.