After breakfast with our host families we went to a place called Grutas Park near Druskininkai. The park ws created by a private individual to tell the story of the Soviet occupation of Lithuania. Statues and various artifacts from all over Lithuania were brought here to help describe this tragic time in Lithuanian history. We took a self-guided tour using an audio device that explained what was involved in each display. There were statues of Marx, Lenin, Stalin and many Soviet leaders who dramatically affected the lives of so many Lithuanians for years to come. The various displays told about the period leading to the occupation, life under Soviet rule, indoctrination of the Lithuanian people, deportation of thousands to Siberian work and re-education camps, and the killing of hundreds of thousands of people who did not bend to Soviet rule.
The museum was criticized by a few people, but is the most widely visited museum in Lithuania. It is intended to factually tell the story of that period of history, and it left a dramatic impression on all of us. We learned alot about life in Lithuania during those times.
Our Interpreter who spent a day and a half with us. She is a 12th year student who is studying for her final exams.
Guess who is in this picture!
Submitted by Warren
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