Kaunas: Where History and Modernity Meet

• HelloLabas
  [lah-bahs]
• GoodbyeViso gero
  [vee-soh geh-roh]
• YesTaip
  [taip]
• NoNe
  [neh]
• Please/You're welcomePrašau
  [prah-shau]
• Thank youAčiū
  [ah-choo]
• Excuse me/SorryAtsiprašau
  [aht-see-prah-shau]
• How are you?Kaip gyveni?
  [kaip gee-veh-nee]
• Fine. And you?Gerai. O tu?
  [geh-rai. oh too]
• Do you speak English?Ar kalbate angliškai?
  [ahr kahl-bah-teh ahng-leesh-kai]
• I don't understandAš nesuprantu
  [ahsh neh-soo-prahn-too]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseNorėčiau pamatyti meniu, prašau
  [noh-reh-chiau 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-chiau soo-moh-keh-tee, prah-shau]

• Help!Pagalba!
  [pah-gahl-bah]
• Go away!Eik šalin!
  [ayk shah-leen]
• Call the Police!Paskambinkite policijai!
  [pah-skahm-been-kee-teh poh-lee-tsee-yai]
• Call a doctor!Paskambinkite gydytojui!
  [pah-skahm-been-kee-teh gih-duh-toh-yoo-ee]
• I'm lostAš pasiklydau
  [ahsh pah-see-kloo-dow]
• I'm illAš sergu
  [ahsh sehr-goo]

• I'd like to buy...Norėčiau pirkti...
  [noh-reh-chiau peerk-tee]
• I'm just lookingAš tik žiūriu
  [ahsh teek zhee-oo-ree-oo]
• How much is it?Kiek tai kainuoja?
  [kyeek tahy kahy-noo-oyah]
• That's too expensiveTai per brangu
  [tai pehr brahn-goo]
• Can you lower the price?Ar galite sumažinti kainą?
  [ahr gah-lee-teh soo-mah-zeen-tee kahy-nah]

• What time is it?Kiek valandų?
  [kyeek vah-lahn-dooh]
• It's one o'clockViena valanda
  [vyeh-nah vah-lahn-dah]
• Half past (10)Dešimt valandų pusė
  [deh-shimt vah-lahn-dooh poo-say]
• MorningRytas
  [rih-tahs]
• AfternoonPopietė
  [poh-pyeh-teh]
• EveningVakaras
  [vah-kah-rahs]
• YesterdayVakar
  [vah-kahr]
• TodayŠiandien
  [shahn-dyehn]
• 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-vee-nee]
• 10Dešimt
  [deh-shimt]

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

Kaunas, situated at the confluence of the Nemunas and Neris rivers, has a rich history dating back to at least the 10th century. The city first appears in written records in 1361 when it was attacked by the Teutonic Knights. In 1408, Grand Duke Vytautas granted Kaunas Magdeburg rights, which significantly boosted its development and status as a major trade center.

The 16th and 17th centuries were times of prosperity for Kaunas. During the Renaissance, the city became known for its thriving trade and cultural exchange. The Baroque period saw the construction of many notable buildings, including the Jesuit Church of St. Francis Xavier and the Town Hall, often referred to as the 'White Swan.'

Following the partitions of Poland in the late 18th century, Kaunas became part of the Russian Empire. The city experienced significant changes during this period, including the construction of the Kaunas Fortress in the late 19th century. This military stronghold was intended to defend the Russian Empire's western borders and remains a significant historical site.

After World War I and the subsequent collapse of the Russian Empire, Lithuania declared independence in 1918. Kaunas became the temporary capital of Lithuania from 1920 to 1940 when Vilnius was under Polish control. During this time, the city underwent rapid modernization and development, becoming a hub of political, cultural, and economic activity.

Kaunas faced significant hardship during World War II, experiencing both Soviet and Nazi occupations. The city was heavily affected by the Holocaust, with a large portion of its Jewish population being murdered. Post-war, Kaunas was incorporated into the Soviet Union, leading to decades of Soviet influence until Lithuania regained independence in 1990.

Since regaining independence from the Soviet Union in 1990, Kaunas has undergone substantial transformation. The city has embraced its historical heritage while developing modern infrastructure. Kaunas is now known for its vibrant cultural scene, hosting numerous festivals, museums, and cultural events, and has become a significant center for education and innovation in Lithuania.

Kaunas is located in the heart of Lithuania and is accessible through various means. The closest international airport is Kaunas Airport (KUN), which is about 14 kilometers away from the city center. Alternatively, travelers can fly into Vilnius International Airport (VNO), which is approximately 100 kilometers away, and then take a train, bus, or car to Kaunas. Regular trains and buses connect Kaunas with major cities in Lithuania and neighboring countries such as Latvia and Poland.

Kaunas has a well-developed public transportation system, including buses and trolleybuses. Tickets can be purchased at kiosks or directly from the driver. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Bolt are also widely available. For those who prefer to drive, car rental services are available at the airport and in the city. The city is bike-friendly, with numerous bike rental stations and dedicated cycling paths.

The official currency in Lithuania is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are plentiful, and most offer the option to withdraw cash in multiple languages. It's advisable to carry some cash for small purchases, especially in local markets and smaller establishments.

Kaunas is generally a safe city for tourists, but it is always wise to stay vigilant. Avoid walking alone late at night in poorly lit areas. The Old Town and city center are safe, but be cautious in more remote neighborhoods. Pickpocketing can occur in crowded places, so keep an eye on your belongings. It's advisable to use a money belt or a secure bag.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. This number connects you to police, fire, and medical services. The main hospitals in Kaunas include Kaunas Clinics and Kaunas Red Cross Hospital. Pharmacies are widely available for minor health issues. Always carry a copy of your travel insurance and identification.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid overly casual attire in fine dining restaurants. Religion: Do respect local customs; remove hats and remain quiet when visiting churches. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket upon boarding and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a firm handshake and maintain eye contact. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t leave food on your plate as it may be considered wasteful.

To experience Kaunas like a local, visit the local farmers' markets such as Urmas and Aleksotas Markets for fresh produce and traditional Lithuanian goods. Take a leisurely walk along Laisvės Alėja, a pedestrian street lined with shops and cafes. Engage with locals; they are often friendly and willing to share insights about their city. Don’t miss the chance to explore the Ninth Fort and the Kaunas Castle for a deep dive into the city’s history.