Viso Gero, Vilnius

We bid farewell to most of our Road Scholar companions last night as some were departing as early as 0300. Ugh.
We had a much more civilized start and went down the street to the cathedral. The interior was an understated baroque with the minimum of decoration. When we arrived, the organist was practicing for a concert Thursday and we were happy to listen.
Next up was the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania which started with the various foundation ruins from the 1300s and led up, floor by floor, to recent times. The Medicis and Borgias have nothing on the founders of Lithuania when it comes to intrigue and family alliances to get the job done. Poland, Livonia, Muscovy, Sweden, Teutons, Crimean Khanate, et al, all had a seat at the table. Even a few Hapsburgs and Popes were in the mix. After 2.5 hours and five centuries we threw in the towel. Marcia & I agreed that in our youth, there was no mention of Lithuania as being a mover and shaker. Was it because it was behind the Iron Curtain?
In the p.m. we scooted over to the Lukiskes Prison, the tour of which had been highly touted by the likes of National Geographic. It was interesting but a disappointment.
Supper was at MOMO Grill and it was ab fab.
The Baltics were well worth a visit; I only wish we had more time.
Tomorrow: our 24-hour trek home.Read more