Vilnius: Old Town Square and a Resort

From Stockholm, our next stop was Vilnius, Lithuania. We took the low cost Norwegian shuttle, a quietly efficient airways to fly us from Arlanda Airport to Vilnius. The country looked so beautiful from the skies and the little airport was lovely.

Our friends picked us up at the airport as we drove down to the Old Town for lunch first.....We were so glad to see the Swedish meatballs in cheese sauce, which we had missed at Stockholm , together with Lingonberry sauce...Yum!

After idling for a while at the town square, watching some young girls sing and dance, we moved towards the 18th century cathedral and Bell Tower across the street, as the skies started getting dark.

As the Cathedral was being dressed up for the Popes visit, we made our way to the Bell tower, where there are steps you can climb to the top to get panoramic views.

But better views of Vilnius, The old city and the new can be got from the Old fort like remains of the castle on a hill top, nearby, which some of us climbed , but where an elevator is being constructed for the very same purpose

We moved towards the interiors....the beautiful Lithuanian countryside...full of pretty cottages and apple orchards...

That night we were put up in Kernave resort, a place which exults in culture tourism. Hosted by Patrikas the Lion Heatred, a Frenchman, whose heart now beats with the pulse of Kernave. The whole place has been created to celebrate the Lithuanian spirit of joy, gaiety, merriment, nature and abandon. Did I miss out music and dancing?

Gaiety, complete abandon...limits are only self imposed....warm hospitality, rich pagan traditions....music and rhythm!!