July 21st. Sites vs. the weather

We are spoiled by the London weather so planned poorly coming here. Just two sweaters for the four of us and an umbrella tucked deep into our backpack. Today, just as we got to Trakai lake it started to rain. We took cover at the nearby kibin café and used their blankets heavily. When we got tired of eating we did a quick run around the castle and headed for Kernave.

In Kernave we-united with the whole gang and walked as far as the lawn past the church when it started to rain. Back in the car and into the restaurant on Vievis - the one that offers amazing views of river.

Re-wrapped in the blankets we continued hanging out as kids obvious of the drizzle caught frogs at the little pond, fed the bunnies and in general systematically covered themselves in wet sand. I shudder...

Back in town, we continued to walk around - the weather became agreeable again. Found a few more pretty backyards, Subbachius gate construction is finished and looks good. Don't know when they will open it.

The are some nice new playgrounds and even Uzupis is beginning to show sign of decrease of the full neglect. The city is continuing to improve. New orange bikes for rent are a welcome site. There are more bikes into town in general and we even saw some runners. 

 

We saw our dreadlock guy and Rosita. With Rosita it was a bit weird. We spotted her in lovely red wig and came over to say hi and asked we could take a picture. She put out her hand and said she needs some money for coffee and the upkeep. I gave her some coins but she kept saying that she needs more. At some point I was ready to turn around and leave... She must have sensed it and stuck a nice pose for a picture. I took one but I really did not feel like it anymore.

Dan also saw America America guy so it is a OK as far as city characters are concerned. There is a new one on Pilies. Her is over 60, with a long white beard. Looks cleanly dressed. Speaks English. When street musicians started to play in the evening, he started dancing on the street and tried to engage the passersby's by holding their hands. He was solid on his feet and clearly had danced before. Maybe he lost his mate. Maybe he is very lonely. It was very sad to watch him.  

 

Some other notes. Saw my favorite St.. Kasimir's chapel at the Cathedral during rain yesterday. Its altar has some plaster figures moving through plaster between heaven and earth. I may had written about it before but it seems to strike me as an allegory on life or religion.. Not sure what. It presents people are stuck in a sticky substrate. They cannot get out. Inevitably they can only go up or down. They cannot come out of this place (no lateral moves).  This is all the universe that they get.

I am sleepy all the time. Maybe it is the weather. Or maybe it is the city - it is trying to hold on to me :) It is very relaxing here.