Šiauliai: The Sun City of Lithuania

• 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-ry. 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-tee-tee meh-nee-oo, prah-shau]
• I don't eat meatAš nevalgau mėsos
  [ahsh neh-vahl-gau 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!Išeik!
  [ee-sheik]
• Call the Police!Paskambinkite policijai!
  [pah-skahm-been-kee-teh poh-lee-tsee-yai]
• Call a doctor!Paskambinkite gydytojui!
  [pah-skahm-been-kee-teh gee-dih-toh-yoo-ee]
• I'm lostAš pasiklydau
  [ahsh pah-see-kloo-dah-oo]
• 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?
  [kyek tahy kai-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-zin-tee kai-nah]

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

• Where's a/the...?Kur yra...?
  [koor yra]
• 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-pyi-ye]
• When's the next (bus)?Kada bus kitas (autobusas)?
  [kah-dah boos kee-tahs ow-toh-boo-sahs]
• A ticket (to ....)Bilietas (į ....)
  [bee-lee-eh-tahs ee]

Šiauliai, one of the oldest cities in Lithuania, is believed to have been established in the 13th century. It was first mentioned in written records in 1236, in connection with the Battle of Saule, where the Samogitians defeated the Livonian Brothers of the Sword. This victory had a significant impact on the region's history and is considered a pivotal moment in the defense against the Northern Crusades.

The Battle of Saule, fought on September 22, 1236, is one of the most important historical events connected to Šiauliai. This battle saw the Samogitians, along with their allies, crushing the Livonian Brothers of the Sword, a crusading military order. This victory halted the Northern Crusades' advance into Lithuanian territory and is commemorated in Lithuania and Latvia as the Day of Baltic Unity.

Throughout the medieval period, Šiauliai grew as a significant trade and craft center. The city's strategic location contributed to its development, fostering connections with various Hanseatic League cities. By the 16th century, Šiauliai had established itself as an important economic hub in the region.

The city faced numerous challenges between the 17th and 18th centuries, including devastating plagues and wars. The Great Northern War (1700-1721) and subsequent plagues significantly reduced the population and hindered economic progress. However, Šiauliai showed resilience and began to recover in the latter half of the 18th century.

The 19th century marked a period of industrialization for Šiauliai. The city became a major center for leather production, earning it the nickname 'Leather City.' Additionally, the arrival of the railway in 1871 further spurred economic growth, connecting Šiauliai to larger markets and facilitating the exchange of goods and ideas.

During World War I, Šiauliai was heavily damaged, with much of the city being destroyed. The interwar period saw significant reconstruction efforts. In 1919, Šiauliai played a crucial role in the Lithuanian Wars of Independence, and the city continued to develop economically and culturally in the years following the war.

Šiauliai suffered greatly during World War II. The city experienced substantial destruction, and its Jewish community, which had been vibrant and significant, was decimated during the Holocaust. Following the war, Šiauliai fell under Soviet control, leading to decades of Soviet occupation. This period saw the imposition of Soviet policies and the suppression of Lithuanian culture and identity.

With the re-establishment of Lithuanian independence in 1990, Šiauliai began a new chapter in its history. The city has since focused on rebuilding and modernization. Today, Šiauliai is known for its vibrant cultural scene, educational institutions, and economic contributions, continuing to evolve while preserving its rich historical legacy.

Arguably the most iconic site near Šiauliai is the Hill of Crosses, located about 12 kilometers north of the city. This pilgrimage site features thousands of crosses and religious symbols placed by visitors over many decades. It serves as a powerful symbol of faith, resistance, and national identity, particularly during the Soviet era when the site was repeatedly bulldozed, only to have the crosses reappear each time.

Šiauliai is located in northern Lithuania. The nearest international airport is in Vilnius (Vilnius Airport, VNO), which is approximately 214 kilometers away. Alternatively, you can fly into Riga International Airport (RIX) in Latvia, which is about 128 kilometers from Šiauliai. From either airport, you can take a bus or train to Šiauliai. Bus services are frequent and reliable, and the journey typically takes around 2.5 to 3 hours from Vilnius and around 2 hours from Riga. Trains are also available but are less frequent than buses.

Šiauliai is a compact city, making it easy to explore on foot. For longer distances, public buses are a convenient option. The city has a well-developed bus network, with buses running frequently from early morning until late evening. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Bolt are also available. Renting a car can be convenient if you plan to explore the surrounding countryside. Bicycle rentals are popular during the warmer months and provide a scenic way to explore the city.

The official currency in Lithuania is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Šiauliai, including in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are readily available throughout the city. It is advisable to carry some cash for small purchases, especially in markets or rural areas. Currency exchange services can be found in banks and exchange offices.

Šiauliai is generally a safe city for tourists. However, like any urban area, it is advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While Šiauliai does not have specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. This is the European emergency number and can be used for police, fire, and medical emergencies. The local police station and medical facilities are available in Šiauliai. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies throughout the city where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting churches, cover your shoulders and knees. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A friendly smile and a simple 'Labas' (Hello) is also appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Šiauliai like a local, visit the local markets, such as the Šiauliai 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 visiting the Hill of Crosses, a unique pilgrimage site located just outside the city. For a unique experience, take a walk or bike ride around Lake Talkša and enjoy the natural beauty and local wildlife.