Vilnius, Lithuania

Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, in the south-eastern corner of the country, with Minsk a few hours drive to the east, and Poland to the south, this city was again to be explored by Danik and Olga again. Our last trip in January 2007 was a day trip, but due to heavy snow and the coldness, we didn't actually explore Vilnius apart from the KGB Museum and cups of tea at the local Double Coffee.

We booked up for two days, with our transport on Eurolines from Riga, a four hour drive costing around 35LVL for return tickets for the both of us. Crossing the border posts into Lithuania would be the last time, as from January 2008, the border crossings between the European Union states of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania and into Poland will not be there.

Snow covered the fields and trees and onto our arrival into the city during the early evening, we were greeted at the bus station by Maria, who I met online a few weeks ago, and offered to show us around the beautiful city.

The first evening was just getting to know each other and having pancakes with hot drinks at another Double Coffee restaurant and a few drinks at the Skyline Bar at Hotel Lithuania.

HOTEL BOOKED INTO - Comfort Vilnius, Geliu 5, Tel: 264 88 33 or www.comfort.lt This hotel we booked into is a former Soviet building in a small side street, a three minute walk from the bus and trains station. The staff spoke English, and the double room we had was ok, not much heating, window had a slight hinge problem, blowing in some cold air, and the bathroom was a little bit used.

There was no where to put your clothes, like draws, but there were coat hangers and some hooks on the wall. Breakfast was an American style buffet and was nice, and filling. Not a bad little hotel, but felt like an upper class hostel to me.

Second Day - Saturday 17th November

We meet with Maria once again in mid morning, and had a walk around old town Vilnius. Everything in central Vilnius is in walking distance which was quite handy after the heavy snow from the previous night, which had started to already melt. First on the list was GATES OF DAWN (Ausros Vartal), which was built in the 16th century which once formed a part of the town's fortifications, being built onto the original city walls? Inside the walls is a small chapel to house an image of the Virgin Mary.

Around the city we saw the main CATHEDRAL (Arkikstedra Bazillika) which dates back to 1251 which was built by the Grand Duke Mindaugas, but the current construction dates back to 1419. This is built on the site of a pagan monument. Next to the cathedral is a BELL TOWER, but in between is a paving stone which lies halfway betwen to the two buildings. This is called STEBUKLAS, the miracle stone. It has the word Stebuklas, writing in a circle, and with a single S forming the start and ending of the word. The stone marks the point where a million people held hands to form a human chain that went between Tallinn to Vilnius via Riga (650-km) in 1991. This stone has become a symbol of freedom and hope. Also if you want a wish to come true, you make a wish while standing on the stone, and turn full circle clockwise three times.

It makes you look silly, as Olga found out.

HIGHER CASTLE MUSEUM on top of a hill which overlooks the city, dating back to the 13th century. If you don't fancy walking the hill (especially in winter), there is a funicular railway to take you to the top. Some great views from top of the castle and is cheap to get in. On the hill next to the castle, are the hill of THREE CROSSES which is a good photography shot. There are loads of churches and cathedrals in Vilnius, and some to mention are St Anne's, Church of the Holy Spirit, Orthodox Church of St. Parakeva and St Casimir's Church. These are some of the most beautiful buildings in the city. We meet up with one of Maria's friends, Is-Tea it is spelt in English, and we went for a short drive across Vilnius missing all the other cars driving really badly.

People say Lithuania is one of the worst countries to drive in, and how true they were. Similar to Rome. The TELEVISION TOWER, on the outside of the city. This place has history. Back in January 13 1991, Soviet tanks surrounded the tower in an assault that killed 13 civilians. There is a restaurant on top via a lift, which you have to pay around £4 to get in and a photographic exhibition on the ground floor. There is also a statue near the tower, and if you can get the right angles with your camera, the photograph will look like the woman is holding the top of the tower in her hands (see my photos)

Other things we did - saw the ex-prime Minster Algridas Brazauskas shopping in the local Maxima food store. He and his government resigned on May 31 2006 as two ministers face allegations of corruption.

Also we went to a graveyard, where nine of the thirteen people killed on that terrible day at the television tower are buried. Also there is a monument, which is for the French. Basically, back in 1812, Nelson's army, returning from an unsuccessful mission on Moscow, came back via Vilnius and some of the army died due to the bitter cold during that winter.

The evening was a great treat; we went to the national OPERA AND BALLETT House in Vilnius, as guests with Maria. We watch a one night performance of P.Tchailkovsky's ballet Swan Lake, with Miki Hamanaka playing the part of Odilija as the main swan, Nerijus Juska playing the part of Prince Siegfried, Valerijus Fadejevas playing the part of the Jester, who was very active and performed really well.

Loud cheers and clapping hands at the end of each part was warm and a great sense that you feel part of the show. The music by the orchestra was fantastic and too see it for real just gave you the great sense of satisfaction. We sat in a box overlooking the theatre, and overlooking the people of the city watching this performance, it feels all ballet fans of Lithuania wanted to come and get tickets for this performance. It was just a great show. We also had a look back stage and saw Nerijus Juska and Miki Hamanaka sitting down relaxing after all that performing. It was hard work for them, but I knew they feel great in putting in a stunning performance.

Afterwards we tried a place called Pizza Jam in the main modern part of the city, and it wasn't bad. Also it was really cheap and comfortable seating. A great evening all round.

We stayed for another night, but mainly the last day (Sunday 18th) was just walking around shops and relaxing with morning tea before jumping on our bus back to Riga just in time for Independent Day.