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?
The next day we move to the wedding venue... ....an 18th century mansion redesigned into an ethereal resort...— in Ukmerges, Panevėžio Apskritis, Lithuania. ...of beautiful wooden beam , a huge loft room, burnished antique railings...
We reach the beautifully done up sit out and hall...loved the personal touch to the decor...
And The Wedding...a totally Pagan traditional wedding on the wooded slopes of the never ending grounds of this redesigned ancient mansion.. ...wedding mood flutters in the breeze... the high priest blows his horn...the high priestess softly whispers words..the choir enthralls with their harmonies...as well wishers hold the ribbons under which pass the couple, cocooned by the warm blessings of friends and family.....the drink shared....the bread broken and shared with all....an unique marriage amidst nature and seeped in rich ancient tradition...
Early next morning, we went for a walk around the grounds...beauty...nature....soul. Let the pictures speak for themselves...
What a Beautiful place is Lithuania. And we were indeed fortunate to be part of a cultural and traditional wedding. Gaiety, complete abandon...limits are only self imposed....warm hospitality, rich pagan traditions....music and rhythm...that was the Vilnius I experienced... A Culture tourism, in its truest sense. Couldn't have got better!!