Vilnius

Keith and I went for a walk downtown the other night. Vilnius is such a cool old city, but after living here for 11 years you get so used to it and take all its quirkiness for granted. We had such a great time strolling around and talking about the experiences we've had here.

Gediminas Castle

Cathedral and Bell Tower

We grabbed some coffees from our favorite place "Coffee Inn"                                                             
  

Then proceeded to wander the streets of old town and take in the sights....

                                                                           
Uzupis is a unique section of old town (actually they consider themselves to be their own repuplic and have their own independence day - April Fools Day - and their own constitution which declares such rights as #12 A dog has the right to be a dog. #33 Everyone has the right to cry. and #29 No one can share what they do not possess.)

                                                                         

                                         
You have to cross the river to get to Uzupis and they have the loveliest tradition on the bridges. When a couple here marries they take a key and lock it to the bridge and then throw the key into the river symbolizing that they are now locked together in a permanent union. So the bridges are all covered with padlocks, some old and rusted, some new and shiny.

                                       

                                     
One year on our anniversary we added our lock to the bridge and it's still there!                                                                           

                                                                           

Vilnius has its own charms


unexpected courtyards

exposed stonework

                       

funny statues

flower boxes

                                                                                                                  
It's hard to believe that we're leaving....