Vilnius Siteseeing

St Peter and Paul Church
see all photos »

This morning the predicted temperature was 16c which we all agreed would have been quite pleasant. After stepping outside the hotel however, we were struck by a chilling wind, and an overcast misty morning where I doubted the temperature was over 8c. It felt like it didn't get much over this till late in the afternoon, and the fine misty rain didn't help those of us that were battling the bus head-cold.

Our first stop today was the catholic St Peter and Paul parish church. This church has over 2000 human statues inside. It is also the church that Pope John Paul visited just four days after Lithuatnias independance was granted by Russia. All of the statues are done in white plaster and is an amazing sight. Renovation in recent years bring out the brightness of the figures, after being a grey colour from centuries of dust. In the middle of the church is a chandelier of an old sailing sheep, the symbol of freedom.

Yet another St Peter and Pauls church...

Wonderfully sculptured ceiling in the church
see all photos »

AFter this we were bussed to our next stop, the "old town". Here we walked through the old town gate, the shrine for invalids. Here there are sick and injured people begging for money. They visit the shrine in the hope of healing. As we walk down through the cobbled stone streets, we see shop upon shop selling amber jewellery and linen products. There are also many churches, both Catholic and Russian Orthodox. It is said that no matter where you stand in the town you can see a church. We are given 20 mins to find a coffee in a local cafe and avail ourselves of their facilities.

One of three Shrines - the only colour on the walls of the church
see all photos »

It is then back on the bus and off on a 30 minuite drive to the local castle. This castle, after being destroyed in the 14th century, rebuilt, burnt down, then rebuilt and renovated to its current state. This castle was used as the backdrop of the film "Elizabeth", as well as "Robin Hood". We were taken on a guided tour of the castle, through the bedroom, dining and reception halls. We were then given about an hour of free time to find ourselves some lunch and wander our way through the many market stalls nearby. We stopped at the restaurant recommended by the tour guide and while I enjoyed some goulash soup and Joe some cornish pastries.

A chandallier of a sailing boat - signifying freedom of religion
see all photos »

After lunch we headed back into the city and were taken on the optional guided tour of the KGB Museum. This was not what we expected it to be. It turned out to be a tour of the old KGB interrogation and jail. We were also taken to what they think was the extermination room, and told stories of the hidden grave pit that was discovered only 10 years ago where more than 400 bodies where excavated. It was all a bit morbid really.

We were taken back to the hotel and had two hours of our own time. I would have liked to have walked back to the old town area. My head was now so stuffed up with the head-cold that I decided an hour or two in bed would be way better than walking around in chilly air. After a cappucino or two in the lobby bar, my head hit the pillow while Joe played around with his GPS tracking data and google maps.

Gate to the Old Town in Vilnius - a Shrine to Invalids is built inside the tower.
see all photos »

At 6:45pm we met up with everyone else in the lobby and headed out to our Lithuanian dinner. This was held in a downstairs dining room at a restaurant, and they had a four piece band playing for us on arrival. While we ate a delicious salad and mushrrom soup, the quartet entertained us. We then enjoyed a pork filled potato dumpling, then roast beef and roast vegetables. Our meal was ended with a lovely apple tart and ice-cream and coffee. The entertainment then re-started with some typical Lithuanian dancing and games. I was once again called up to play a maracca egg in a group of six of us with all sorts of other instruments. This dinner and entertainment would have to be a highlight of the tour.