Finland Russia Baltic Day 11

Trafalgar Tours - Day 11 - October 13, 2008 - Monday - Osm'any - Vilnius, Lithuania

Xavier wanted to get an early start going though the border today so our alarm went off at 6:00. It was cool but dry as we left Minsk, the temperature was 54 degrees the humidity at 82%.

Minsk is a beautiful city now that we could see it in the daylight. There are just over 2 million people in this capital city. There are many parks and monuments with modern buildings all built after WWII because the city was leveled in the war.

Gaining its independence from Russia in 1991, Belarus has made much progress developing economic and social structures for its citizens.

Leaving the city, Xavier returned our passports for our preparation for crossing the borders this morning. The roads to Vilnius are new and very well built.

When we saw the long line of trucks waiting, we knew we were getting close to the border. At 9:30 we stopped, waited our turn, and pulled into the guard station. A guard talked to Nikolai and he presented the papers for the bus.

All Americans had to give their passports separately and a border guard came on to the bus to verify our photos and our faces. As Americans, we had individual visas pasted into our passports and the rest of the group was listed on a sheet of paper held by our Tour Guide.

While our passports were examined in another part of the station, another border guard looked into the entire luggage bay under the bus. In about 50 minutes our passports were returned to us so we could present them on the Lithuanian side of the border.

A Lithuanian guard entered the bus, looked at our passport pictures and our faces. He said his stamp was out of ink so he waved us on. We had a chance to use the restrooms and we were on our way by 10:50.

On the way to Vilnius, Xavier told us about the history of the country. Part of the Baltic tribes, the customs and language are very different from the Slavic countries we just left. He also taught us a few basic language phrases to get by for the next two days.

Lithuania was the first of the independent Baltic States. Real independence came in 1991 but the Soviets occupied the region until 1993. In 2005 Lithuania joined the European Union but retain their own currency.

Shopping for amber is the highlight here in Vilnius, the capital where 800,000 people live. When we arrived at the hotel we walked to the shopping center close by and saw the brown, yellow and green gems in most of the stores.

We got a few Lita from the ATM just in case, but we do not need much cash as we are here such a short time. One US dollar equals 2.55 Lita.

We had a wonderful buffet lunch; they even had pizza so I was in heaven. The salads were beautiful and they had a hot buffet as well.

Our room at the hotel is very nice, but our first room was a non-smoking room but had been used by a smoker. The clerk at the front desk moved us right away.

We met our city guide Marja at 1:30 and we were off for a tour of the city. In 1323 this city was founded on the confluence of the Vilna and Neris Rivers.

The city is very beautiful in the full fall colors of hardwoods. It is warmer here, 56 degrees with a crisp breeze. Our first stop was the St. Peter and Paul Cathedral.

This Roman Catholic Church was built in 1668. Pope Paul II visited Vilnius and is a hero to the people of Lithuanian as his mother was born here.

We started our walk through the old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Center. We stood on the steps of the Godeminas Cathedral and the Pope Paul II Square to have a group photo taken.

We walked to the Presidential Palace and were about run over by three speeding black limos. Marja told us it was the President on his way to a meeting at the Parliament.

Our walking tour took us to the University. Students were coming in and out of their classes, enjoying this beautiful fall day. Marja told us that tuition was $1,000 US dollars per semester. However, average salaries are only $1,000 US dollars per month.

We then walked to the former Jewish Ghetto, where we learned of the 94,000 Jews who were murdered here in 1943.

Our next stop was the Amber Museum where we had a short lecture about the formation of amber from ancient resins from pine forests. There were two small shops so it took awhile to make our way out of the museum.

The last stop of the day was the Gate of Dawn, on the east side of the medieval village. After spending a few minutes, we got back on the bus at 4:30 and went back to the hotel.

We had time to start the journal and look at the photos for the day. We walked over to the shopping center just to look at the grocery store and see what the average Lithuanian buys for cooking at home.

Most things were the same as we have, but there are a lot less fresh fruits and vegetables and a lot more Vodka! Buying Vodka here and in Russia is cheaper than buying bottled water.

At 6:45 we left the hotel and Nikolai took us to the city center where we got off and walked the rest of the way, (only about 10 minutes) to our optional folklore dinner. It was held at the Aludė Tavern in the old city.

We had a very nice meal and while we were eating there was a small band that played traditional Lithuanian music for us. At the end of the meal the group came back and we had a delightful interactive show. There was music, dancing, drinking games, and traditional folk contests. Almost everyone of our Trafalgar group was involved.

Then the band began to play the Happy Birthday song and I think Gennie was getting a little suspicious of my little surprise. The waiters brought out a chocolate birthday cake and Christine, whose birthday was yesterday, and Gennie shared the cake with everyone. It was an enjoyable evening - celebrating her “39th birthday” in Vilnius, Lithuania is one Dr. Garcia will not soon forget!

Accommodations: Reval Lietuva Hotel - - - Meal: B, L, D

It's been wonderful watching your trip. Happy Birthday, Gennie!

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