Tensions in the Baltic

Kaliningrad.

Unrest in Crimea boosts Lithuanian tourism.

"The more the situation in the region remains unstable, the more Russians and Ukrainians will ponder spending their vacation in an environment similar to the one they were used to in the Crimea. I mean, the language and climate. In that sense, Lithuania really suits them."

Palanga has been a popular beach destination for many years.

Rattling

"Russian political scientist: If NATO attacks Syria, Russia should occupy Baltic States."

Will the subject arise when President Obama meets today with the presidents of the three Baltic republics?

Russia isn't happy about the Baltic States' NATO membership.

This is not a surprise.

A Familiar Spot

Palanga, Lithuanian Soviet Socialist Republic, Summer 1959. This photo looks familiar, but it's new to the blog. Palanga was the place where most Lithuanians vacationed—even way back in the day.

Thanks to my Toronto Cousin for making this photo available to us.

Welcome Summer

Palanga, Lithuanian Soviet Socialist Republic, about 1967. I posted this photo over a year ago. I revive it today because among all of the snapshots,  this one speaks "summer" to me.

Summer Approaches

Palanga, Lithuania, about 1952. Suzanne—the wife of my Dad's older cousin, Henry—unwinds at the famous resort. Behind Suzanne is the bridge from which people take sunset photographs.

Thanks to my Kaunas Cousin for making this photo available to us.

An Ice-Fishing Hazard

Over 200 Latvians rescued from two ice floes that floated 4 kilometers into the Gulf of Riga.

Amber Google

Google.lt celebrates Lithuanian Independence Day:

Saulėlydis Palangoje ("Palanga Sunset")

Palanga, Lithuania, August 2011. "'Seeing off' the sunset" on the bridge in the resort town of Palanga, Lithuania, is a nightly ritual that attracts both locals and tourists.

Thanks to Toronto Daina for making this photo available to us.

Visiting the Sculpture

Palanga, Lithuanian Soviet Socialist Republic, about 1964. My Kaunas Cousin sits next to the famous sculpture of Jūratė ir Kastytis.

Vintage Vacation

Near Palanga, Lithuanian Soviet Socialist Republic, about 1962 or 1963. My Kaunas Cousin travels to the Baltic Sea resort city of Palanga with her Grandparents, Suzanne and Henry.

Thanks to my Kaunas Cousin for making this photo available to us.

Charming

Palanga, Lithuanian Soviet Socialist Republic, about 1967. My Kaunas Cousin enjoys a day at the famous Lithuanian Baltic Sea resort with her Grandmother, Suzanne, the wife of my Dad's older cousin, Henry.

Jūratė and Kastytis

The Lithuanian folk legend about "Jūratė ir Kastytis" is as famous as the story of "Eglė žalčių karalienė." A landmark statute of Jūratė and Kastytis stands in a square in the city of Palanga.

Like the sculpture of Eglė, Queen of the Grass Snakes, this monument is another celebrated spot for picture-taking.

Palanga, Lithuanian Soviet Socialist Republic, August 10, 1967. My Mom's maternal aunt, Dora, touches the sculpture. Dora writes,"Here I am next to the sculpture, 'Jūratė ir Kastytis,' which stands on the sunset walkway leading to the sea bridge in Palanga."

Take a dip.

Palanga, Lithuania, August 5, 1939. My Mom, on the right, and her friend walk in the waves of the Baltic Sea.