July 20th. Quick overview of the past watering spots

Today was intense day. Even though we went to sleep at 2:30am local, at 8am we were downstairs at a beautiful old cellar with brick arches sampling a breakfast that made Brussels Marriott one resemble McDs on a bad day. Next, off to the market taking the stock of what had changed during the last two years. Blinnie place on the way to Austras Vartai was still there though its neighbor Dog-God was gone, just like the wax museum in front of the gates. There is a new Georgian café outside of the walls. We sampled a few specialties later in the day - good call.



Wild Strawberries

The market made us slightly regret fully indulging during breakfast, but did not stop us from getting smoked slim salami, yellow farmer cheese and a bucket of wild strawberries. Note to Dan R. : the smell alone is totally totally worth the trip.


Coffee Inn

We consumed the berries at the nearest bench outside. The station of the local rescue squad is located a few steps away. We saw a couple of paramedics were engaged in a conversation. As we were eating we noticed a woman come up and say that there was a man having an epileptic seizure some 50 meters away at the nearest square. Paramedics ran off to their nest supposedly to help. We continued to eat and saw no action. We could see a man lying on the ground on the side with a blanket under his head and an older man watching him but no paramedics. Finally as we were leaving the area we saw First Aid truck pull up near the man. As if they could not walk there. Reminded us some of Vilnius perks on the opposite spectrum. 

Backyard near Stikliau

@ Kibin Inn

The next stop was Coffee Inn and Svegious bandales. Both got better if it is at all possible. After that we restrained our consumption of the physical and focused instead on looking at other changes. There are more eating places (we sampled metaphysically) and several more galleries.

At noon we continued our festival of gluttony at Kibin Inn which is called something else now. I lose track of how much we ate because it involved second helpings, deserts, and helping out the kids. All the family members in LT right now joined us: Inga, Isolde, Natasha, Andrei, Michal and t. Liliya. We did not want to leave but it was time to move on.

Hulk Bachelor Party 

Moved onto the plaza in front of the city hall to have some beers and snacks.


We finally finished at t. Lilia's with Chilly pizza and dessert. I think no amount of running can get me back to where I've started.

Lower castle museum is now open. Trees obscuring Gediminas tower gone as per the how it was supposed to be originally so that view is much better. Our hotel offers free valet service and parking. Wow. Kids absolutely exhausted and sleeping. Our turn. It is great to visit!!!



Painting on a backyard wall

July 19th. Back in Vilnius

This morning Dan and I dropped off school applications for Isabella's schools for plan A and B. I feel relieved that now she is taken care of as well. We also got trousers for Dan for our business meetings next week. It was entertaining to learn the British words pertaining to the male dress up. Dan is now looking smart :)

We set out to the airport over 3.5 hours prior to our flight from Luton, some 40 miles away. Took us longer to get to the airport than the flight itself. At one spot there was a large accumulation of cars in front of railroad tracks near a train station. We must have spent 30 minutes there alone watching the gates go up, let one car through and then close again for the train to pass. One would think to build an overpass.

In general, roads top the list of the worst ones we have ever navigated. Infrastructure is outdated, and while roads are generally in good shape, they are too narrow, highways are too few and too far from the cities and really cannot accommodate larger modern cars and bikes and motorcycles and just the volume itself. Plus people park just about anywhere forcing you go drive in the lane of opposing traffic and them do the same to you. Bus drivers must have the worst job in the world. It is not surprising that riders prefer to not notice pedestrians. I really did not expect it but don't wait to cross the street at the crossing - you'll be there for a long time.

One time Dan and I tried to cross zebra with our bikes and our side of the road was green but there was no pedestrian light. If they did not fear coming pedestrians themselves they would have come out and lynched us for all the screaming Mind you our side was GREEN. So be careful pedestrians!!

So the flight was pretty uneventful except us seeing the fireworks from the plane. Kind of weird watching it upside down. Isabella was very impressed by the site, kept asking why they stopped and trying to get an explanation.

Andrei picked us up from the airport. It felt like coming back home. Ground was wet but it was not raining. The old town was filled with young people hanging out at bars and restaurants. It was nice.

We had a triple reserved at Apia hotel. When we arrived the man who met us looked at the computer and spoke on the phone with someone in Lithuanian. Then he handed us back our reservation printout and said, "take this paper, you will not be staying at this hotel." "You will be staying at a five star hotel Narutis on Pilies at the same rate as here." Narutis is right at the corner of St. John's, one of my favorite places here. For years we passed by and said to ourselves that we should have dinner here. Ha, now we will have breakfast here :) It is five stars all right. But getting this unexpectedly makes it feel like 10 :) I'll take pictures of the beautiful lobby made by enclosing in glass a backyard between three old buildings. Kids did not know what to do with all the soap and little creams. Hurray!!!!!

July 18h. More of the local specialties

Irina and kids on bikes went to expand on our explorations at Bushy Park. It is great to see how confident Georgia is on the bike - she comfortably navigates other pedestrians and bikes on the sidewalk as I panic and drop off every time. Isabella is a bit uncomfortable in new places and requires frequent encouragement.

I went to visit nursery #3: Kingston Day Care. It is a chain school, like Kangaroo day school in NJ. Inside they had a similar security structure, actually even more robust - you need a code to get inside each classroom. I came at the right time again but now there were not rubber gloves and kids and teachers looked more engaged and happy. They even had a cage of chicks that they watched hatch. However the school is really tiny, and located in a house on a residential street. Their backyard is just a wooden box without even a slide. And while they provide meals and pretty extensive coverage, they cost more than our school in NJ.

So it was kind of in the middle...of the human kennel and a mess hall. Difficult decision. But what we have ultimately decided was two things 1) get Isabella placed in the nursery @ St. Lukes - she is able to attend 3 hours per day and it is free. But now we have to find a nanny to take her there and back home. 2) Will register Isabella @ Educare as a backup in case we cannot find a nanny. It is closer to St. Lukes and operates under the same schedule. We like option 1 because it allows to have the nanny, if we have to work late remotely, to pick up Georgia as well. And we can enroll Isabella in some enrichment classes at Educare on a part time basis.

Spoke to the director of the local school Druzhba. Even though it has 3 or 4 branches, in terms of the available programs is it a number of years behind Do-Re-Mi school: they have a few classes on Tuesday for little kids, and classes on Saturday and Sunday at a church building they get access too. They do not have dedicated facilities. The odds are we are not going to take classes on the weekend - there is far too much to explore here on our days off. So we will likely be continuing learning and practicing our Russian at the playground. But director may possibly introduce us to potential nanny.

At lunch we were to complete our banking application. It took about an hour. Bank rep mentioned that given our lack of credit history in the UK it is likely going to be a lengthy process to get a credit card. So I guess we will be without the "chipped" card for a while.

At night we sat on our bed and watched the beautiful Russian version of Ivanhoe with the kids. It is more than fitting for the place :) We will have to find and visit Sherwood forest. They really liked the movie and asked a lot of questions.

Irina observed a group of working out moms with running strollers. There was a fearless leader, followed by a flock of others doing their warm-ups and very determined and oblivious to some of the screaming infants. Incidentally Kingston is very much in line with the royal tradition of late - the number of pregnant women by far exceeds the number of non-pregnant ones. And it is definitely a family friendly town once one completes their pregnancy- streets are abound with all kids of strollers populated by the kids of all types and sizes.

Speaking of types. As I worked on the school application, I learned that there is interest in getting more precise information about one's "whiteness." It is not sufficient to just be Caucasian, in addition to plain White, there are entries like White British, White Irish, White Western European, White European, White English, White Welch, White and Asian (and/or Black Afrian, Black Carribean), White Other, Other White British? On another site I saw White Gypsy. I just wonder why? And who cares?

July 17th, Exploring the greenery

In the morning Dan and I went for a ride. We rode past Hampton Court along the river and then accidentally found Bushy Park. Wow. Absolutely amazing. We saw deer, rode through meadows of ferns, and along the wide fields. There were some other cyclers and horseback riders. It was really cool. Running helps discover new places faster. Cycling takes it to the next level.

Then Irina took the kids to explore another royal implement: Kew Gardens for the whole day. They really liked it. She managed to get them through all the major attractions even though it was a pretty hot day. We will go over the weekend or sometime when we have guests (guests, please!!).

Meanwhile, I went to see another school on the list: Dolphin nursery, steps away from St. Lukes. They have a very impressive security: ID is required, video-monitored entrance. Teachers at the playground near the entrance looked pretty cheerless at but it could be the sunny weather everyone is unfamiliar with.

Friendly exec. assistant took me on a tour. Inside smelled like a cleaning solution. Good, they clean here! Computer room downstairs was very presentable. But then we went into the playroom and I lost my some of the interest. It had a small window right near the ceiling, and the artificial light was not sufficient. The carpet where kids normally would spend their time (there wasn't any other place to sit) was dirty and in much need of replacement.

After that we went to the pre-school class. 15-20 (?) kids huddled on the floor pretty much not doing anything. One of the teachers had rubber gloves on and a bucket nearby and was vigorously scrubbing a little boy in front of her. When I got closer I saw that she was actually rubbing on sunblock. I came over closer and asked the boy how old he was. The teacher answered "we are 4.5" while energetically covering the entire squirming face, eyes, and mouth. She continued: "we encourage independence and so now we can do our numbers and go to the bathroom by ourselves." The other teacher was doing the same.

Neither of their faces looked particularly excited, same for the kids involved, or those sitting down waiting for their turn. Maybe I came the wrong time and the same thing happened in our last schools as well. I don't know, but Isabella will definitely not be going to this school. Maybe others who have their kids there will disagree, but based on what I've seen it is a human kennel all right.

During lunch we tried to open a bank account at Barclays and ran into another local specialty. It is a law that you cannot open an account in the lucky day you decide you need one and show up at the bank. You have to provide your name, address and make an appointment for another day. I guess getting a bank account it is a bit like getting married - they really want to make sure you are ready for this decision.

Kitteh meant to be shared

Kids returned in the evening. We had another one of Dan's cooking masterpieces - he really works wonders with local spices. There is Asian supermarket nearby and other supermarkets are staffed pretty well but spices taste different. Jerk chicken, tandoori paste, and even satay sauce are unrecognizable - and we like local tastes. Finished off with some ice-cream and more bike riding. What a great day!!

July 16th. Richmond Park and New Bikes

This morning we drove to the office and Irina went to Richmond park with kids. Apparently it is right nearby - maybe 25 minutes away. They said it is very big and beautiful. They've only seen the tip of it and it had horseback riders, ancient oaks, playgrounds and walking and bicycling paths. We will have to come back.

It was slightly better to drive again. Like I said, in 150 or so times I'll get used to it. The area around Wokingham is the hardest. The roads must have been just as wide several hundred years ago. As far as thrills go, this one definitely gets your adrenaline going.

After work we picked up our bikes. Dan has this long attachment for attaching Isabella's bike if she gets tired. They did a few rounds at the market square. Isabella was a bit scared but it looks like she will get used to it. After dinner, kids took bikes again and we went for a walk. They were absolutely happy.

Mom shared this link - Chinese Circus Ballet I think. Pretty incredible new direction. Maybe with time, they will choreograph it better so it would appear more flawless and "easy" and emotional. But they definitely broke the new frontiers.


Dragon Boat


Been meaning to write about this. This being an island, there is some effort to constrain water utilization. Flushing takes an act of commitment. Kids are typically cannot the unleash the full power of the water dragon. Even for adults, a certain persistence is needed to restore the pristine state. And it is not just ours. By now we've tried those in the parks, bars, and Starbucks.



July 15th. St. Lukes

Dan, Georgia and I went to St. Lukes today. The school has an interesting architecture that I think is representative of the public schools here: central hall surrounded by the classrooms. Interestingly they house lunch room and extended care in separate buildings sized like a large room. To not to have to have it heated continuously? To prevent the spread of bugs?

The principal and executive assistance were very nice and friendly. Georgia really enjoyed the school and is excited about starting there in the fall. We are going to get some uniforms later in the week.

For Isabella, I'll check out Dolphin school located practically in the back of St. Luke. They seem to offer everything but boarding. I'll have to make sure it is really a nice place with some educational options for kids and not just a large human kennel. I like how their menu stated lunch for one of the days:
Regular option: Bacon and Shredded Vegetables.
Vegetarian option: Shredded Vegetables.

Veggie kids need protein too!!

Few interesting things happened today. Got tickets for a couple of children's plays coming up. Worked really late and  then came out to Wagamama for dinner. They seem to have such an interesting looking salads in the window. Totally not the case when you are inside. Not very tasty, third rate-ish type of Thai/fusion. Kids noodle dish was devoid even of salt. Never again. There is a really nice Japanese stall at the market square - that's a place to go to for some good fusion cuisine. Walked by the river in the evening. 

July 14th. Kingston Carnival

We stayed at home today to participate in the many activities taking place in the city. First there was "Enchanted Garden" at All Saints Church. It was a bit more like enchanted merchant stalls but there was a cute albeit a slightly varnished Fairy Queen smiling coquettishly from behind a tombstone. The kids got some fairy wings and enjoyed running around after a brief stint with a local photographer. Isabella was uncooperative.

Before leaving we dropped into the church. It is very cool. The first kings of England were crowned here and it is around 1000 years old. They are trying to restore it so the inside is a weird mess of things - medieval sarcophagus implemented as a praying noble in the corner, followed by a pile of stones with a broom on top of it, followed with a makeshift kitchen complete with a microwave. Still, with so many modern implements, and amidst the reconstruction work, there is a feel that it is an ancient place.

The next stop was a bike shop where we outfitted the rest of the family. Like I said, I should have gotten me a new one - it would have been cheaper and lighter. We will be getting them on Tuesday - will ask Irina to take a picture of a family on wheels.

We went home for lunch, because of the heat occasionally came out to see what is going on on the market square. Performers took turns is a pretty nice show. Finally at 3pm there was a carnival. Participants of the many youth events going on in the city this summer (dancers, musicians, circus actors, capoeira masters, and more dressed in carnival clothing marched through the center of town. Georgia was very excited and walked with them dancing. Isabella did not like the one dressed like a spider and clinged to Dan. There was also face painting, puppetry and printing on fabric going on near by.

My colleague Ricardo, his wife Irina and their three kids Alex, Natalia and Max came over later in the afternoon. We were nervous because we still have not figured out the local cooking and spices but I think everything turned out OK. Alex is a bit younger than Georgia, and Natalia is a bit older than Isabella. Little girls bonded instantly. They even look alike. Georgia managed all the kids. She was like their Alice and Lily. In the end, she even got a swoon-worthy kiss on both cheeks from a well-mannered gentleman. We had a really great time and hope to see them again.

July 13. A few pictures

I know, I know - it is July 15th already! As a way of the consolation as I prepare for a lot of typing tonight, here are some more pics from London.



 piles of trees to climb :)





July 13. London and Cruise from Richmond

Trying to write this blog entry and falling asleep for the second day in a row. But if I don't finish it now, it will set the precedent for a bad practice. So I will try to write something - sorry if it comes out like it was written by a family from Prostokvashino.

Irina, kids and I went to London on Saturday. Primarily to familiarize her with the trip logistics. We spent over 3 hours in the Southside walking at most 1 km in the process. Kids sampled every playground and sandbox on the way. It is a great place to spend time in the summer in great weather.

Dan joined us at the Mexican restaurant, Wahaca, built from the shipping containers. Very nice place in terms the service, ambience and food. After lunch we walked west along the bridge, crossing the bridge at the beautiful Garden Museum and going back past the Parliament back.

We took the train to Richmond at the Waterloo station and decided to walk home. We filled up on the road necessities at Tesco: water, giant loaf of freshly baked bread, bananas and junk food. But it became pretty clear that most of the party was not destined to make the trip. So we walked back and caught a boat to Kingston. We all enjoyed it. Going through the lock for the first time in our lives was an added bonus.

At night Dan and I walked to Surbiton and bought me a used mountain bike. In retrospect, we should have bought a brand new lower end one but at least it was a starting point to get the whole family equipped so that we could continue to enjoy this place in different ways. OK. I think I am done for tonight :)