Jonava: The Heart of Lithuania's Greenery

• HelloLabas
  [lah-bahs]
• GoodbyeViso gero
  [vee-soh geh-roh]
• YesTaip
  [taihp]
• NoNe
  [neh]
• Please/You're welcomePrašau
  [prah-shau]
• Thank youAčiū
  [ah-choo]
• Excuse me/SorryAtsiprašau
  [ah-tsih-prah-shau]
• How are you?Kaip tu?
  [kah-ip too]
• Fine. And you?Gerai. O tu?
  [geh-rah-ee. oh too]
• Do you speak English?Ar kalbate anglų kalba?
  [ahr kahl-bah-teh ahng-loo kahl-bah]
• I don't understandAš nesuprantu
  [ahsh neh-soo-prahn-too]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseNorėčiau pamatyti meniu, prašau
  [noh-reh-chow pah-mah-tih mee-nyoo, prah-shau]
• I don't eat meatAš nevalgau mėsos
  [ahsh neh-vahl-gow meh-sohs]
• Cheers!Į sveikatą!
  [ee svee-kah-tah]
• I would like to pay, pleaseNorėčiau sumokėti, prašau
  [noh-reh-chow soo-moh-keh-tee, prah-shau]

• Help!Pagalba!
  [pah-gahl-bah]
• Go away!Išnykite!
  [ish-nih-kee-teh]
• Call the Police!Skambinkite policiją!
  [skahm-been-kee-teh poh-leets-ee-yah]
• Call a doctor!Skambinkite gydytoją!
  [skahm-been-kee-teh gih-dih-toh-yah]
• I'm lostAš pasiklydau
  [ahsh pah-see-kloo-dow]
• I'm illAš sergu
  [ahsh sehr-goo]

• I'd like to buy...Norėčiau nusipirkti...
  [noh-reh-chow noo-see-peerk-tee]
• I'm just lookingAš tik žiūriu
  [ahsh teek zhyoo-ree-oo]
• How much is it?Kiek tai kainuoja?
  [kyehk tai kai-noo-yah]
• That's too expensiveTai per brangu
  [tai pehr brahn-goo]
• Can you lower the price?Galite sumažinti kainą?
  [gah-lee-teh soo-mah-zihn-tee kai-nah]

• What time is it?Kiek valandų?
  [kyehk vah-lahn-doo]
• It's one o'clockViena valanda
  [vyeh-nah vah-lahn-dah]
• Half past (10)Dešimt su puse
  [deh-shimt soo poo-seh]
• MorningRytas
  [rih-tahs]
• AfternoonPopietė
  [poh-pyeh-teh]
• EveningVakaras
  [vah-kah-rahs]
• YesterdayVakar
  [vah-kahr]
• TodayŠiandien
  [shyah-ndee-ehn]
• TomorrowRytoj
  [rih-toy]
• 1Vienas
  [vyeh-nahs]
• 2Du
  [doo]
• 3Trys
  [treese]
• 4Keturi
  [keh-too-ree]
• 5Penki
  [pehn-kee]
• 6Šeši
  [sheh-shi]
• 7Septyni
  [sehp-tee-nee]
• 8Aštuoni
  [ahs-too-oh-nee]
• 9Devyni
  [deh-vih-nee]
• 10Dešimt
  [deh-shimt]

• Where's a/the...?Kur yra...?
  [koor ir-ah]
• What's the address?Koks adresas?
  [kohks ah-dreh-sahs]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Ar galite man parodyti (žemėlapyje)?
  [ahr gah-lee-teh mahn pah-roh-dih-tee zheh-meh-lah-pyeh]
• When's the next (bus)?Kada ateina kitas (autobusas)?
  [kah-dah ah-tay-nah kee-tahs ow-toh-boo-sahs]
• A ticket (to ....)Bilietas (į ....)
  [bee-lyeh-tahs ee]

Jonava, a town nestled on the banks of the Neris River in central Lithuania, was founded in the late 18th century. It began as a small settlement and rapidly grew due to its strategic location along the river, which facilitated trade and transport. The town was officially recognized in 1792, during the late stages of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.

The 19th century marked a period of significant industrial growth for Jonava. The construction of a railway line connecting Jonava to major cities like Kaunas and Vilnius further spurred economic development. The town became a hub for industries such as timber processing, flour milling, and later, chemical production.

During World War I, Jonava experienced occupation by German forces, which disrupted its economic activities. After the war, Jonava became part of the newly independent Lithuania. The interwar period was marked by efforts to rebuild and modernize the town's infrastructure, including the establishment of schools, cultural institutions, and public services.

World War II brought severe hardship to Jonava. In 1941, the town fell under Nazi occupation, and its Jewish community, which had been an integral part of the town’s cultural and economic life, faced brutal persecution. Many were deported to concentration camps, and the local Jewish population was decimated. The town also suffered from bombings and other wartime destruction.

Following World War II, Jonava was incorporated into the Soviet Union. The Soviet era saw significant industrialization, particularly with the establishment of the Achema chemical plant in 1965, which became one of the largest in Lithuania. This period also saw the development of new residential areas, schools, and cultural institutions.

Lithuania declared its independence from the Soviet Union in 1990, marking a new chapter for Jonava. The town transitioned to a market economy, which brought both challenges and opportunities. In recent years, Jonava has focused on modernizing its infrastructure, promoting tourism, and preserving its historical heritage. Annual events like the Jonava City Festival celebrate the town’s rich cultural traditions.

Jonava is conveniently located in central Lithuania, approximately 30 kilometers north of Kaunas, the country's second-largest city. The nearest airport is Kaunas International Airport, which is well-connected to various European cities. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a bus to Kaunas city center and then a direct bus or train to Jonava. The bus journey takes about 45 minutes, while the train ride is approximately 30 minutes.

Jonava is a compact city, and many attractions are within walking distance. For longer trips within the city or to nearby areas, local buses and taxis are available. The public bus system is efficient and affordable, with routes covering most parts of the city. Taxis can be hailed on the street or booked via phone or mobile apps. For those who prefer driving, car rental services are available in Kaunas and can be arranged for pick-up in Jonava.

The official currency in Lithuania is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops throughout Jonava. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments or market purchases. ATMs are readily available in the city for cash withdrawals. Currency exchange services can be found in banks and some larger hotels.

Jonava is generally a safe city for tourists. However, it is always wise to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas, and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places like markets or bus stations. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but staying vigilant and aware of your surroundings is recommended.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. This number connects you to police, fire, and medical services. Jonava has a local police station and several medical facilities, including a hospital and pharmacies for minor health issues. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies during your stay.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably and modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting churches, dress conservatively and consider covering your head. Public Transport: Do be courteous and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A friendly smile and simple 'Labas' (Hello) are appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food and drink offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality as it may be considered impolite.

To experience Jonava like a local, visit the city's central market, where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Lithuanian goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city's history and culture. Don't miss the Jonava Cultural Center, which regularly hosts events and exhibitions. For a unique experience, take a stroll along the Neris River and enjoy the scenic views and tranquil atmosphere.