Vilnius, stop-over to Saint Petersbourg
Trip Start
Apr 27, 2007
1
21
164
Trip End
Jul 15, 2009
Vilnius,
Lithuania
Saturday, June 9, 2007
But I feel like giving it a try. So, I take a bus that leads me outside of the city, on the road to Lithuania through Augustow (avoiding the one through Bielorussia as I don't have a visa for that!).
In any case, I still can grab a bus back to the railway station and take the 10:05 train.
But neither bus nor train is needed as I wait less than 20 min before a Slovenian truck pulls over. The driver is Lithuanian actually.
In English, Polish and a bit of German, we manage to have conversation. Well, at least to share some general information about where we're from and where we're going. And a bit more fortunately! :)
He only goes to Kaunas (I just say it so that you check where it is!) but instead of dropping me on any side of a dodgy road, he makes a real cool thing! He calls for any driver heading to Vilnius by his CB.
So, we pull over at a patrol station and I just have to jump from one truck to another! So easy!! :))
This new driver is nice! But he speaks Lithuanian, Russian and German. I can't really help! And I don't feel like spending much energy on being inventive onto universal language. So we don't speak much.
He drops me in the outskirts of Vilnius, at a supermarket. I'm lucky coze I'm starving and this way, I'll be able to complete the bread and cheese I've got remaining from Warsaw! :)
After being a few things, I seat down under the shade and am greeted a good meal by people passing by.
01- Vilnius
Nice attitude from these Lithuanian people who give me a slight impression of being somewhat more easygoing than Poles. But who can know within 2h time?This meal is even luxury as I've got apple pie for dessert! Thanks Agata! :)
Time to move on and make it for the center. I stick up my thumb again and I wait for... 3 cars! Today is definitely my day! :)
I'm taken by a very friendly english speaking guy who even get out of his way to drop me at the very center. Maybe I'm lucky it's Friday and people are in a good mood but still, this guy is really nice with me!!
Quickly after being dropped, I met Marija, the HC member who's going to host me. We go at her place, I drop my stuff, have a shower, grab my camera and set off back to the center. Alone this time as Marija goes out to meet up with some mates of hers.
I don't know if it's because that's kind of the first city of the trip I really get to know but Vilnius gives me a great impression. It's gorgeous! Moreover, everything is net, it looks quite rich, has impressive cars. I was not expecting this!
Moreover, there is quite a certain toursit business here! But I see no internet cafes, no kebab, no starbucks and so on. Would Vilnius officially fight against any globalisation?! :)
Another point: I reckon it's the first time I get this upnorth! And getting closer to the equinox, the sun takes a lot of time to set. So guess what? :) I had a great time taking a lot of photos! :))
And I carry on having this positive impression about the easiness of people. But maybe this is made by the tremendous weather and Friday night effect. Still, a Friday night here has got nothing to see with a Friday night in Coventry! :))
Here you go!!!
Sorry but I won't traduce it in French now. I feel like going and don't want to take the time for it. Sorry about that!
I thank you for keeping reading me! I just allow me to remind you it's just the beginning! :)
So, take care you all! Catch you soon.
Comments
wow wow
Hi my lucky monkey,
You seem lucky and happy and that makes me happy too.
I am fascinated more than ever about your trip and admire your experiences to come, in another words, I want to be in your shoes. (not physically huh!)
Please eat well and remember to drink plenty of water. I am writing you an e-mail about China.
Big kiss,
Nn thinking of you a lot