Statistically speaking, November is dark and rainy in Lithuania. The sun goes down a bit after 4 pm. It is completely dark at 5 pm and you cannot tell the time without a watch until the morning. Of course, everyone spends more time indoors and it is a good time to see family and friends for dinner. Our November had both, the dark and the light.
Lithuanians celebrate All Saints Day on November 1 and Vėlinės (All Souls Day) on November 2. It is the time to remember people who are no longer with us, to visit the cemeteries and to light candles. Lithuanian cemeteries are serene, calm and meditative spaces. The beginning of November is a time to spend some time alone, with your own self and soul.
Halloween is making its way in Lithuania as well. Kids really missed trick or treating around the neighborhood. To remedy the situation, we did go to see an installation at Vingio parkas.
Šermenys is a beautiful yet sharp Lithuanian word to describe the mourning time before the actual funeral. Very sadly, my best friend since childhood lost her dad in early November. Our families lived next to each other and we spent lots of time together doing house chores, camping together, celebrating birthdays and holidays together. Her dad is my parents‘ age. And my parents didn't even understand or believed me when I first told them about the loss. It definitely happened too early. There are no good words to express all the feelings, but being together during such a sad time provides support.
Milan’s cemeteries are the most extravagant. One can only imagine the wealth family had when you see cemetery plots with sculptures and chapels for single families. How do I know about Milan’s cemetery? Kids had a week off from school and we went to Milan, Italy to see our friends Arnie, Letizia and their kids, who spent a year in Madison, Wisconsin across our house. We wanted to experience Italy with real Italians. We truly appreciate our friends letting us stay with them, booking us some places and taxis, suggesting which museums to visit or which trams to take. We went to La Scala and saw „Peter Grimes“ opera, had a private tour of Duomo cathedral including views from the roof, and had a fabulous meal at a traditional Milanese restaurant (we had risotto, veal ossobuco, Milanese cutlet and tiramisu). Of course, we had a few pizzas, gelatos and cups of coffee throughout the trip. I really liked rolled sandwiches for lunch. We spent a few days in Venice as well. It is a special place. We were the regular tourists that visited all the famous places, took a countless number of photos, and took a gondola ride.
The Earth keeps turning and making rounds around the Sun. Dominick turned 10 on November 18. We celebrated in style at a laser tag game room, had some American style snacks and a big chocolate cake.
We finished November by hosting a Thanksgiving dinner with aunts and uncles. I got a nice turkey from a farmer, but there was nothing pre-made at grocery stores. I was proud of all the fixings I made, including a pumpkin pie which was a hit. Our families seemed to be very interested in experiencing the Thanksgiving meal as they have only seen it on TV or read in books.
Vilnius is getting ready for Christmas, more and more stores are already decorated for the holidays. The main Christmas tree and the Christmas market will open on December 1. The first snow already covered Lithuania. Walking commute is the best way to get nice pictures when very few people are walking.
Our family is ready for the giving, merry and joyful season to start.
Milda