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I had made a reservation by email and so when I tried to check in I was discouraged to find it was full. Even worse, how would I find Lassi. The receptionist said, "just a moment. I will find you a place." When I asked if a Finnish man on a motorcycle was in the hostel she said, "Don't worry, he is in the same place." We both ended up in the same room in a nearby student dormitory. It was late when we began to search for a beer. Most bars and restaurants close at midnight but we were able to talk a bartender into one beer. The next day we walked the streets of the old part of Vilnius and generally admired the scenery and the beautiful women. I enjoyed the view but according to Lassi, Latvian women are the most beautiful in the world and also have the longest legs. I couldn't wait to visit Riga. We had a special Latvian lunch. I had pig ears with mashed potatoes and gravy. The ears had an interesting crunchy texture. Mmmm, ears. Lassi even ate one. Through a pure stroke of luck, we were present on the day of the inauguration of the new president of Lithuania. There was a special classical concert in the main square and after we climbed to the top of the tower mount we settled in for a few beers and some great music. The next morning Lassi went south and I went north. I'm sure I'll meet him again someday. Already we have crossed paths four times. 19JUL2004 On my return trip through Lithuania, I stopped at an unusual place called "The Hill of Crosses". A pilgrimage site, the two small hills are covered with crosses from elaborate metal and carved wooden crosses to something as simple as two slivers of wood. I estimate more than a million crosses of different types. A strange place. |
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12-13JUL2004
Vilnius is a beautiful city with no road signs to clutter up the view. My
Finnish friend, Lassi is on his motorcycle heading south to tour central
Europe. By the miracle of email we we're able to arrange a rendevouz at
the Fileretu Hostel in Vilnius. That, of course, assumes that I could find
the place. After patient directions from several people and an hour and a
half of aimless wandering, I managed to reach the hostel.