Nastia and Bekzhan took us on a tour around the city the first day. It was a cozy place, and very old feeling. We stopped at a café for breakfast, and it was then I realized that our portions were very different from back home. For paying 8 litas for a breakfast sandwich, it was about the size of my fist. Whereas back home I would pay $4 and get an awesome breakfast bagel from McDonalds. This is just something that I’m going to have to get used to. The SA program gave us all 100 litas to last us the week, but I had to keep in mind that I am now responsible for paying for all my food. We went to an Iki’s (food store) to get some groceries, where I quickly learned that bread and cheese spread and I were going to become very close friends.
We went to the KGB museum to learn more about the Lithuanian history during the Russian regime. It was very sad and eye opening because these events happened within the past 20 years. I was alive when some of these events took place. That’s crazy! There were different torturing methods that the Russians used to get their information out of their prisoners. There was solitary confinement, a cold room, and water torture (standing on a small disk for days while the floor is covered in freezing cold water. And sometimes, they would put the person in hot water then dunk them back into the freezing water. Kind of like sitting in a sauna/jacuzzi and running back into the pool, but when it’s against your will and it’s freezing cold temperatures, I can imagine that it’s not as fun…)
After the KGB museum, Irena took us for a walking tour through the city. We started with the cathedral, which the archeologists still aren’t finished excavating underneath it (Sam!!). But from what they’ve found, it’s pretty cool. They still hope to find the most powerful King of Lithuania, but for now his remains continue to be a mystery. Then walking through the city, we saw this one street that writers had asked artists to make an image that represented their style. And while walking along one of the foot bridges, there were a ton of locks attached to the bridge. It is a tradition that when a couple gets married, they attach a lock that is engraved with their names and wedding date onto the bridge. I think this is an adorable idea, and future husband (whoever and wherever you are…) we are so doing this when we get married!
Then we went bowling. Sure it was something common for us back home, but it is a new sport rising up in Lithuania. But Derek got lucky and won a home cooked meal from Nastia. So props to you Derek.
August 26
We left the hostel at Vilnius and drove to Trakai, which is known for its castle. Note to self: never forget your ISIC (International Student Identification Card) card ever again. This card is very good for discounts on stuff, like going on top of the tower or riding the lift. But to save money, most of the group decided to brave the side of the mountain and walk (except for some of the boys who were determined to run up). Unfortunately, we tried to take the lift down without paying, hoping we could just get out at the bottom, but we failed. Well… at least all but two of us failed. Then back to the bus to finish our journey to Klaipėda.
So nothing too exciting, pretty much just a travel day. Except it was very exciting trying to carry up all my luggage to my room on the 5th floor!!! Thank God Merunas (an RA on the 4th floor) helped me carry my 44lbs suitcase up the five flights, because everything else on its own was already crazy heavy. After dumping everything onto my bed, I went downstairs to enjoy some tea and cookies (provided by Denise [pronounced Denis, though the other way is a male’s name in Russian]) and watch Iron Man 1 (provided by Mike, and which helped make the second movie make more sense).
No roommates yet. I hope they will show up soon. I’m really anxious to meet them!
Thanks for the shout out!
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