Tag Archives: history

Refresh my memory!

Posted on September 14, 2025 by Janette Silverman

About five years ago, a friend was talking to me about Varian Fry, who my friend considers a personal hero. He asked if I knew of Varian Fry, and when I admitted I did not, he sent me a copy … Continue reading →

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The call of the gulls

Posted on September 10, 2025 by Janette Silverman

I know this is kind of strange. Anyone who knows me even just a little will tell you I am not a person who enjoys camping. I have to admit that the few times I’ve stayed in a cabin have … Continue reading →

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Mechanical Failure

Posted on September 8, 2025 by Janette Silverman

So, the lesson is that if you get a pop-up message on a device, try to figure out exactly what it says and why. I must have inadvertently changed a setting on my camera and almost all my photos from … Continue reading →

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The Salt Mines

Posted on September 8, 2025 by Janette Silverman

The Wieliczka Salt Mine was likely the driver of the economy in the area for hundreds of years. During the partitions of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth in the 18th century, it fell under control of the Austrian Empire. The operation of … Continue reading →

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Avoidance

Posted on September 4, 2025 by Janette Silverman

Today we visited one of the most amazing museums – Polin. The museum is about 10 years old, and is absolutely incredible. I’ve been here before and I’m always finding something new, something to marvel at, and something to capture … Continue reading →

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Every City

Posted on September 1, 2025 by Janette Silverman

If I were to tell you that I have a favorite city that I’d be visiting on this trip, I’d be lying. Every city we go to, I can be found saying that I love this city. Today we flew … Continue reading →

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Flowers, History, and Tears

Posted on August 31, 2025 by Janette Silverman

Today we walked into the past – into the mid-19th century. This amazing ethnographic museum portrays life as it was in the various regions of Lithuania through its houses, villages, and other structures. Apparently, buildings representative of 19th century life … Continue reading →

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Tears

Posted on August 30, 2025 by Janette Silverman

Today we visited one of those all too many lost communities. It was about a two hour drive from Kaunas to Švėkšna. In 1897 there were about 1000 Jews living in Švėkšna. By the interwar period, Jews owned more than … Continue reading →

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History, Culture, Food, and of course, Ice Cream

Posted on August 29, 2025 by Janette Silverman

This morning, because the hours spend at the Palace of the Grand Dukes didn’t cure us, we went to see Trakai and Trakai Castle. If you followed my blog or spoke with me after my 2018 and 2019 research trips, … Continue reading →

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Raindrops keep falling, and falling…

Posted on August 25, 2025 by Janette Silverman

The raindrops are very real, but they are also metaphorical. Today we took a long drive to Plungė. I’ve never been there before, and neither has Lina, a native of Lithuania. I have probably not been to half or maybe … Continue reading →

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