Vilnus 7 January

Today is my first day of my experience in Vilnius, Lithuania. How strange and yet peaceful it is to finally be here. Thank you Lord for safe travels. I left Phoenix at 9:30 PM ( 21:30) and I flew to London(Heathrow) I arrived at 14:15 london time. Then I left there at 16:35 where I arrived in Amsterdam at 18:00. I took a plane from there to Vilnius, Lithuania and arrived at 22:45. When i got out of the plane, I went to the baggage claim to find 1 out of my 2 bags there waiting for me. woops.... :/ A man helped me figure out where my other bag was and it was over in Amsterdam waiting for the next plane out.

Nevertheless, I met Natalija in the airport with one of the interns, Altynaj, who were both happy to see me. This meant that they could return to the hostel and get some rest from the long day full of many airport visits. Another girl, Amanda, had arrived at the same time and we quickly headed to the taxi that was waiting for us outside. They took us to the hostel that was very nice. Two people per room with one toilet and two showers to share between the 6 of us. The other 6 were upstairs with the same situation.

Today, 7 January, we toured Vilnius in the normal tourist-fashion. We walked in groups everywhere with our cameras out speaking to each other in English, while testing out some new Lithuanian vocabulary. There are 4 interns and 1 staff member who were taking care of us all day long. We walked around the city in the -10 degrees celcius weather. Plenty of snow to go around a little too much for my liking actually.

We started with a Lithuanian breakfast at a restaurant that was delicious. Then, we went to a tour of a KGB prison, where they kept, tourtured, and killed thousands of clergy and freedom fighters. I couldn't believe the personal story that was told by the tourguide. He watched as the last of the KGB left that building in 1992. Then, we went to the supermarket where we bought our lunch (aka a roll and milk) with our Litas. Then, we walked to a church where we met our next tourguide who took us on a walking tour through Vilnius. We saw many churches and I learned that Lithuania is one of two countries that is famous for Amber. The Amber Museum was beautiful and held many stones that have been polished and sculpted. Now, we are back from our tours warming up our toes so we can go out to dinner followed by bowling in a little while.