Drowning in history? 🏰

On a trip like this, I quickly lose track of the days of the week. So Monday morning was the morning after and it felt really hard 😪 A mix of physical exhaustion and general dissatisfaction because I had no plan in Vilnius. I set off anyway, because if I'm already here, I have to see something, right? A visit to the Gediminas Tower helped me get out of my low during my alibi flying visit. From there you have a great view in all directions. For the first time, I felt like I understood the city of Vilnius better. The historic old town is of course an important and distinctive part of the city, but it is not everything about Vilnius.

After a midday nap, I got back to work - with a plan, mind you 🫡 A new route through the old town, a stop at the insider tip cupcake shop from the internet (Tie Kepéjai) and a stroll along the Neris - after all, I still have my book to read 🤓

The district of Užupis is also highly recommended. It sees itself as an independent republic with its own constitution, its own flag and its own leader. The constitution is primarily a framework for community coexistence - everyone can be who they are. I would perhaps describe Užupis as alternative. Google will explain everything else 😉 What I find really interesting and positive in this context is that I have already got to know other places like Christiania in Copenhagen and the NDSM site in the north of Amsterdam that have carved out a place for themselves in big cities with similar content.

Despite my bad start to the day, I still have the knowledge that Vilnius has an impressive old town, which is rightly a UNESCO World Heritage Site. But it is by no means old-fashioned, rather lively and there is a relaxed spirit. The view over the considerable density of churches and museums in Vilnius was what I was missing from this city and I really like being here now 🤗