Neighbors, but not relatives
I always got the impression that Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania occupy a similar place in the mental map of people, a lot of them just know that they’re somewhere in North of Europe and that’s it… and most often they confuse even their capitals. In reality, the Baltic region is not an obscure little corner of Europe but rather one of the most unique regions of this amazing continent.
This year, my wife and I decided to spend a summer getaway to the Baltic Region – Vilnius Lithuania, Riga Latvia and Tallinn Estonia. I have read a lot about these places and I always wanted to explore and experience firsthand.
The history of the three Baltic States is one of tragedy, triumph, and controversies. And while the three Baltic States have a common historical experience determined by Russian domination, for centuries they developed in very different directions and are much more different than you’d think, not only culturally but also linguistically. Ethnically Latvians and Lithuanians are closely related, while Estonians have different origins and are linguistically related to the Finnish. Politically, Estonia and Latvia have had more in common, being subject to foreign rule from the 13th-20th century, while Lithuania has been a powerful empire in its own right.
In Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania we had seen three countries that were embracing their independence in the post-Soviet era while pursuing their path in the European Union. The cities were rich in history, the architecture gorgeous, the people friendly, the beer good, the food hearty, and the skies clear. These three countries, while apparently not diverse, seemed to be all open-minded and tolerant. I think the future looks bright for Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.
Neighbors, but not relatives
I always got the impression that Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania occupy a similar place in the mental map of people, a lot of them just know that they’re somewhere in North of Europe and that’s it… and most often they confuse even their capitals. In reality, the Baltic region is not an obscure little corner of Europe but rather one of the most unique regions of this amazing continent.
This year, my wife and I decided to spend a summer getaway to the Baltic Region – Vilnius Lithuania, Riga Latvia and Tallinn Estonia. I have read a lot about these places and I always wanted to explore and experience firsthand.
The history of the three Baltic States is one of tragedy, triumph, and controversies. And while the three Baltic States have a common historical experience determined by Russian domination, for centuries they developed in very different directions and are much more different than you’d think, not only culturally but also linguistically. Ethnically Latvians and Lithuanians are closely related, while Estonians have different origins and are linguistically related to the Finnish. Politically, Estonia and Latvia have had more in common, being subject to foreign rule from the 13th-20th century, while Lithuania has been a powerful empire in its own right.
In Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania we had seen three countries that were embracing their independence in the post-Soviet era while pursuing their path in the European Union. The cities were rich in history, the architecture gorgeous, the people friendly, the beer good, the food hearty, and the skies clear. These three countries, while apparently not diverse, seemed to be all open-minded and tolerant. I think the future looks bright for Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.
