The temperature is above freezing this morning. Happy dance!! Today’s focus: learning about life in Lithuania under Soviet rule. Our guide, Svetlana, was a teenager during the 1980s, so she has strong memories and feelings. The first feeling she shared with us: “We lived here in a prison, and we didn’t know it was a prison.”
Svetlana also does not walk slowly.
Ugly architecture aside, it can be difficult to find a lot of specific reminders of Soviet times in Lithuania – because after 1991, the Lithuanians removed almost all of them. No love for the Russians around here.
KGB Headquarters
Walked (with a sense of urgency) by the old KGB Headquarters (now a museum) in Vilnius. Thousands of Lithuanians were executed in the basement of that building during Soviet times. Did not go inside the museum because I don’t need to see the room(s) where it happened. Also, Svetlana was already 15 steps ahead of us.
The Barricades Memorial
Svetlana wrapped up our fast-walking tour at the Barricades Memorial – the spot where, in 1991, everyday Lithuanians in 1991 said, “Not today, Soviet Union,” and built a DIY fortress around their Parliament. They used whatever they could find – cement blocks, junker cars, stacked tires, and probably someone’s living room furniture – to stand between tanks and their emerging freedom.
Sidebar: Almost died of asphyxiation in a Bolt (Baltic Uber) car, which was driven by a guy who smelled like he hadn’t bathed since Soviet times.
Tried to do some more shopping this afternoon, but came up mostly empty. Didn’t really see anything that I had to have. I know, it came as a shock to me, too.
Another Organ Concert
Took dad to our third organ concert of the trip this evening – an organ and choral performance of Franz Liszt’s, Via Crucis. The only thing I know about Franz Liszt is that he wrote music. And after listening to this concert, I know he didn’t write especially uplifting music. Talented organist and choir, but wow, was that bleak.
Lithuania is a beer country, and the beer has been excellent. More traditional Lithuanian food tonight for dinner. I think I’m done with potatoes for a while.
Back to München tomorrow.
Į sveikatą ! 
Travel date: April 12, 2025
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