Back in Vilnius

This was a night full of sounds as victorious Lithuanian fans took their celebration to the streets. Closing windows was not an option on account of the heat. The good thing is that we are used to it on account of living upstairs of Depeche Mode for three months. Less good thing is that Georgia was bitten by probably 20 mosquitoes. At first we though those must be bedbugs but the bites are all over exposed areas. Also Latvian mosquito bites are not as itchy as those by Estonian ones. 

We walked around the city in the morning. It really is beautiful. The sheer quantity of amazing buildings is staggering. The ride to Vilnius was pretty good. The kids were either sleeping or watching cartoons.

A few modern building had sprang up around Vilnius. Some coffee shops changed the names and windows. The entrance of the Lower Castle is still blocked by the construction fence. Gediminas might need a facelift soon. But other than that, not too many other changes. Minsk, the supermarket that was Iki, is now bigger and beautifuler than can be imagined. Jaw dropping actually. And there is a new Maxima XX where Zalgiris used to be.

Alicia looks good. We counted 24 cats in the vicinity.

We had dinner at Cili Kaimas downstairs from our apartment on Vokieciu. Prices are up
50% from last year. I like Lithuanian beer the most compared to Latvian and Estonian. 

The city has been crowning its victors. As we were entering the city we saw displays saying that Gediminas prospectas will be closed due to the procession of the winning Lithuanian Basketball team. On the city hall square they had a whole presentation set up afterwards with players witting on stage wearing the laurel wreaths. There was a hot air balloon next to the stage done in the national colors. The crowds showed up in red, greens, and yellows as well. It was very lively and exciting. We were wondering if they would continue celebrating like they did in Riga, but they did not – it is 11:15pm and it is really quiet around here.  

Georgia had been recognizing places here and there. She is really enjoying the city.