Francis Jocius
Vilnius… So much love in these 7 letters and the word itself. It was mentioned for the first time, described and sung by writers, poets (and not only Lithuanians!).
You say – Vilnius, you understand – Lithuania, you say Lithuania – you understand Vilnius.
The narrow streets of the old town full of history, churches, historical and architectural monuments, the Mountain Park, the Three Crosses monument, Gediminas Castle, the Gates of Dawn, the Vilnius Cathedral, and of course Geležinkelios Street, formerly known as Aleksandryjska, Kolegowa, Aleksandrovskij prospekt, Vokzalovskija come to mind ( Vokzalnaja) street is located in the 110th city and settlement of Lithuania. The 1.3 km long street will bring you right next to the Railway and Bus Stations, that is, the place where arriving eyes will first look at the monument commemorating the soon 700th anniversary of his birth. Capital of Lithuania.
If you turn towards the Railway Station from the Bus Station, which promises to be renewed for many years, you will see something you have never seen before: kiosks, beer barrels, and your ears will catch multilingual voices and more than one non-Lithuanian swear word (short trizas and Russian pentagrams still dominate: unsurprisingly in the stands) . many citizens of various nationalities live here: some came to work, others found shelter here), don’t be surprised that those who are tired, perhaps from carrying drunk glasses or glasses, often rest on the lawn next to it. After all, you need to pay tribute to Vilnius!
What will the guests of the capital say when they return to their hometown?
Police?! There is no such thing. Maybe when you really need it, it happens!
Do not be surprised by piles of garbage. All cities have them, but when a guest is greeted by a littered capital, what can he say when he returns to his hometown?
It is also possible to tell about very suggestive people who quickly glance left and right and ask for pennies (now euros) or cigarettes. Safeguards: if you feel very sorry and want to help: don’t show your wallet, because you might see it next time.
And don’t pick up the syringes lying on the pavement, poking your eyes: they are not medical!
There are bars, bars, restaurants, small restaurants, ancient buildings in the beautiful nearby Gėlių, Sodaų, Šopenas streets, but maybe go to the side of the old town, Pilies, Dižiųja gatve – the real beauty lies there.
despite the ills described, Vilnius is beautiful, because it is our, Lithuanian, Vilnius.
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