Panevėžys: The Heartbeat of Aukštaitija

• HelloLabas
  [lah-bahs]
• GoodbyeViso gero
  [vee-soh geh-roh]
• YesTaip
  [tah-eep]
• NoNe
  [neh]
• Please/You're welcomePrašau
  [prah-sow]
• Thank youAčiū
  [ah-chyoo]
• Excuse me/SorryAtsiprašau
  [aht-see-prah-sow]
• How are you?Kaip tu?
  [kaip too]
• 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-chow pah-mah-tee-tee meh-nyoo, prah-sow]
• 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-sow]

• 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 gi-dih-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-chow peerk-tee]
• I'm just lookingAš tik žiūriu
  [ahsh teek zhee-oo-ryoo]
• How much is it?Kiek tai kainuoja?
  [kyehk tahy kahy-noo-yah]
• 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-zihn-tee ky-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 penkiolika
  [deh-shimt pehn-koh-lee-ka]
• MorningRytas
  [ree-tahs]
• AfternoonPopietė
  [poh-pyeh-teh]
• EveningVakaras
  [vah-kah-rahs]
• YesterdayVakar
  [vah-kahr]
• TodayŠiandien
  [shyah-ndyen]
• TomorrowRytoj
  [ree-toy]
• 1Vienas
  [vyeh-nahs]
• 2Du
  [doo]
• 3Trys
  [treess]
• 4Keturi
  [keh-too-ree]
• 5Penki
  [pehn-kee]
• 6Šeši
  [shyeh-shee]
• 7Septyni
  [sehp-tuh-nee]
• 8Aštuoni
  [ahs-too-oh-nee]
• 9Devyni
  [deh-veen-ee]
• 10Dešimt
  [deh-shimt]

• Where's a/the...?Kur yra...
  [koor yrah]
• 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 kitas (autobusas)?
  [kah-dah kee-tahs ow-toh-boo-sahs]
• A ticket (to ....)Bilietas (į ....)
  [bee-lyeh-tahs ee]

Panevėžys was officially founded in 1503 by the Grand Duke of Lithuania, Alexander Jagiellon. The town's establishment was part of a broader strategy to strengthen the defenses of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania against the Livonian Order. The town quickly became an important center of trade and commerce in the region, benefiting from its strategic location along the Nevėžis River.

During the era of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth (1569–1795), Panevėžys thrived as a significant economic and cultural hub. The town was granted Magdeburg rights in 1780, which provided it with a degree of self-governance and contributed to its growth. This period saw the construction of numerous churches, schools, and public buildings, reflecting the town's prosperity.

The partitions of Poland in the late 18th century had profound effects on Panevėžys. After the third partition in 1795, Panevėžys became part of the Russian Empire. The town experienced a period of stagnation under Russian rule, but it remained an important regional center. The local population faced various challenges, including the imposition of Russian administrative and cultural policies.

The 19th century was a time of gradual development for Panevėžys. The town saw the establishment of various educational institutions, including the Panevėžys Gymnasium in 1835. Industrialization began to take hold, and the town became known for its textile and agricultural industries. Panevėžys also played a role in the Lithuanian national revival, with local activists promoting Lithuanian language and culture.

Panevėžys was significantly affected by World War I, with the town being occupied by German forces. After the war, Panevėžys became part of the newly independent Republic of Lithuania in 1918. During the interwar period, Panevėžys experienced rapid development, with improvements in infrastructure, education, and culture. The town became a vibrant center for Lithuanian arts and literature.

World War II brought immense suffering to Panevėžys. The town was occupied by Soviet forces in 1940, and later by Nazi Germany in 1941. The Jewish community of Panevėžys, which had been a significant part of the town's social fabric, was decimated during the Holocaust. After the war, Panevėžys was incorporated into the Soviet Union, leading to decades of Soviet occupation. The town underwent significant industrialization, but also faced political repression and cultural suppression.

Following Lithuania's declaration of independence in 1990, Panevėžys entered a new era of development. The town has since embraced modernization, with significant investments in infrastructure, education, and culture. Panevėžys is now known for its vibrant cultural scene, including theaters, museums, and festivals. The town continues to honor its rich history while looking towards a dynamic future.

Panevėžys is located in the northeastern part of Lithuania. The nearest international airport is Vilnius Airport, approximately 130 kilometers away. From Vilnius, you can take a bus or a train to Panevėžys. The journey typically takes around 2 to 3 hours by road or train. Alternatively, Kaunas Airport is another option, located about 110 kilometers from Panevėžys. Car rentals and taxis are also available at both airports for a more direct route.

Panevėžys is well-connected by a network of buses and taxis. The local bus system is efficient and affordable, making it convenient to navigate the city. Bicycles are also a popular mode of transport, and bike rentals are widely available. For those who prefer driving, car rentals are available and the traffic is generally moderate, making it easy to get around.

The official currency in Lithuania is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are plentiful throughout Panevėžys, so withdrawing cash is convenient. It's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and markets that may not accept card payments.

Panevėžys is generally a safe city for tourists. However, as with any destination, it is wise to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas and be vigilant in crowded places to avoid pickpocketing. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but staying aware of your surroundings is always good practice.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance, which is the universal emergency number in Lithuania. Panevėžys has several medical facilities and pharmacies where you can obtain over-the-counter medications. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress modestly when visiting religious sites. Casual attire is acceptable in most places. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Remove hats and stay quiet in churches. Public Transport: Do be courteous and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don't be loud or disruptive. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. Lithuanians appreciate politeness and formality. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food and drinks offered by hosts. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Panevėžys like a local, visit the local markets such as the Panevėžys Market Hall for fresh produce and traditional Lithuanian goods. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city's history and culture. Don't miss the Panevėžys Civic Art Gallery and the famous Narrow Gauge Railway Museum for a unique cultural experience. For outdoor activities, visit the Senvagė Park, a popular spot for walking and relaxing.