A Zepplin in Vilnius

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We woke early and eager to find a different hostel to move to. Tourist information suggested a hostel not far from the old town so we went and had a look. We decided it was better than Paupio our current hostel, so we took it.

By twelve we were settled into our room and ready to get to know the better side of Vilnius. Instead of trawling round the city looking for lunch we settled for Double Coffee, a Starbucks type chain we had been avoiding but had been recommended in Riga. It wasn't as expected and had a good menu ranging from toasties to sushi, all at cheap prices. We both picked burgers, chicken and cheese, a cheese burger being a lump of fried cheese in a bun.

We were pretty sick of typical "old town" sights by now, so opted for the new part of town and a bit of shopping. Wrong decision. We soon learned that Vilnius is like every other main Baltic city and is in the middle of construction work. After we'd walked down the main shopping highstreet and failed to find anything worthwhile (other than an m+s) we went in search of the Jewish sector. This again was non existent and eventually sick of walking around, we returned to the hostel to change and wash out a few clothes. Due to a lack of a decent hostel we were both rather desperate for clean clothes.

We caught a bus up to Akropolis, a big shopping center just outside of the center. It is worth mentioning here that after nearly three weeks traveling, this is the first time we rode a public bus properly. Well almost, we bought a ticket on the way there which was a first in itself. On the way back however we managed to both buy and validate the ticket. Woohoo.

Akropolis was like a little Trafford center except the fashion here is depressing. You can have jeans in any size shape or colour and any type of trousers, but skirts are limited. Most shops sell either jeans or dull designer clothes. Boring. We ate at a buffet that sold stereotypical Lithuanian food. I managed to find some vegetable rice and Rob finally tried a Zepplin which is a potato stuffed with meat.

The cinema was showing a film in English called Catacombs. We'd never heard of it, but with little better to do we decided to see it. It was ok, but a little predictable.

We got to our hostel around midnight and I had about ten minutes till they shut the showers so I had a quick one. Scary stuff, they are communal and very open so needless to say it was a very quick shower. We are in student halls, but it still feels like we are stuck in soviet occupation times. We are both rather disappointed with Vilnius and quite bored with it already. It lacks atmosphere, beauty and anything to do. Tomorrow we are going to do the sights in my guidebook so it may be a different story tomorrows. Night night. Stob.

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Photos

The Constitution of Uzupio
The reflection is lovely but if you zoom in enough you can read all the items

City hall
In a square that was being renivated, like all of the eastern european countries.

Jeronimo Tower out side the Cathedral
I can't remember the actual name but it was something like Jeronimo

Comments

[nina]

What a shocker!
My dear you know full well that your choice would be cheese and bread with the occasional vegetable, your are in Eastern Europe it was bound to happen. Just be glad you like potatoes! Luv ya xXx