16-07-2014, 09:33 PM
Some Background information:
Vilnius surprised me (and no doubt others too) by proving to be a vibrant, attractive European capital. It has one of the largest ‘old town’ areas in Europe, with lovely baroque architecture and many imposing churches, hotels, museums and government buildings. The Lithuanians are very proud of their heritage, and have made enormous progress in rebuilding the country since recovering their independence from the Soviet Union.
For convenience we are staying just across the road from the playing venue, which is the town hall. The Radisson Blu Astorija is just about the best hotel in town, but that can sometimes have its down side, too. For David and Alastair D it was having a room above the popular nightclub which fortunately only functions at weekends. For myself and my wife it was having a room almost next door to the President of the upper diet of the Japanese Parliament, and various other dignitaries and hangers-on, who were on an official visit to discuss economic development. So we had security guards stationed in the corridor 24/7, and at various times hordes of men (and women) in black suits and dark glasses whose function can only be guessed at.
Like most other European capitals Vilnius is full of up-market expensive shops selling fashions, leather goods, and jewellery (amber seems to be the particular local speciality). But the plentiful and varied restaurants are surprisingly affordable and we have had quite a time of it sampling the local cuisine and the local beers. The local delicacies include various kinds of sausages and dumplings, so it is not a place to come if your aim is to lose weight.
The weather has been kind to us too, with clear blue skies much of the time and it is warm enough to go out at night in short sleeved shirts.
Vilnius surprised me (and no doubt others too) by proving to be a vibrant, attractive European capital. It has one of the largest ‘old town’ areas in Europe, with lovely baroque architecture and many imposing churches, hotels, museums and government buildings. The Lithuanians are very proud of their heritage, and have made enormous progress in rebuilding the country since recovering their independence from the Soviet Union.
For convenience we are staying just across the road from the playing venue, which is the town hall. The Radisson Blu Astorija is just about the best hotel in town, but that can sometimes have its down side, too. For David and Alastair D it was having a room above the popular nightclub which fortunately only functions at weekends. For myself and my wife it was having a room almost next door to the President of the upper diet of the Japanese Parliament, and various other dignitaries and hangers-on, who were on an official visit to discuss economic development. So we had security guards stationed in the corridor 24/7, and at various times hordes of men (and women) in black suits and dark glasses whose function can only be guessed at.
Like most other European capitals Vilnius is full of up-market expensive shops selling fashions, leather goods, and jewellery (amber seems to be the particular local speciality). But the plentiful and varied restaurants are surprisingly affordable and we have had quite a time of it sampling the local cuisine and the local beers. The local delicacies include various kinds of sausages and dumplings, so it is not a place to come if your aim is to lose weight.
The weather has been kind to us too, with clear blue skies much of the time and it is warm enough to go out at night in short sleeved shirts.