The Karaite in Lithuania, Magical

"The universe is full of magical things, patiently waiting for our wits to grow sharper." --Eden Philpotts

This was certainly the case today as I explored the area around the castle of Trakai today, besides the amazing castle the town is the center of the Karaims, ethnic Turkic adherents of Karaite Judaism. They came 600 here years ago via the Crimea to act as soldiers for a powerful lord here. They were granted rights and have survived centuries of Lithuanian upheavals.

Much of the beliefs and traditions were told to us by Jurij Shpakovski in the Kybynlar Restaurant over Turkish style coffee and treats. His grace and style were terrific and the experience amazing. The universe is indeed full of magical things…