Vilnius
From Riga I took a bus to Vilnius which I knew very little about. I would only spent one night here but I was keen to see all that it has to offer.
My arrival at night to 5euro hostel was not the greatest welcoming to Lithuania. As I entered through a dodgy carpark full of old russian men smoking and drinking, to find the hostel entrance, I knew I was in for a shock. On arrival I didn't see one single female there as I walked up the numerous flights of stairs to the closed reception. I was given strange looks from all the men surrounding me which didn't make me uncomfortable but I just felt as if I was part of some prank. When the receptionist arrived he charged me €8 for the bed (apparently sheets are extra) and led me to the dorm. As we entered the first dorm, the full bright lights illuminated the lines of single beds as well as the half naked russian man sitting mid room eating his dinner at midnight. I refused the room and asked for another one. The second room had 3 sleeping old men and a smell I can't even describe but at least it was quiet and the lights were off... I took it! But I shouldn't have! The bed was filthy, the sheets were gross and the russian men started shouting at me when I set up my bed. I couldn't wait to get out of there.
Despite the hostel from hell, I left my bag and headed into Vilnius old town to explore. I was blown away by how beautiful it was. The churches and the architecture were amazing and the vibe was very uplifting. I spent the day walking around, even exploring the museum of genocide victims and KBG prison. It was amazing. I was learning a lot about the Baltic countries and their incredible history. I had dinner and that evening I went through the park where there was a night concert so I stayed for a bit before heading back out of town to the station. I was sure I would come back to Lithuania to see more some day but for now I was heading on an overnight bus to Warsaw.
My arrival at night to 5euro hostel was not the greatest welcoming to Lithuania. As I entered through a dodgy carpark full of old russian men smoking and drinking, to find the hostel entrance, I knew I was in for a shock. On arrival I didn't see one single female there as I walked up the numerous flights of stairs to the closed reception. I was given strange looks from all the men surrounding me which didn't make me uncomfortable but I just felt as if I was part of some prank. When the receptionist arrived he charged me €8 for the bed (apparently sheets are extra) and led me to the dorm. As we entered the first dorm, the full bright lights illuminated the lines of single beds as well as the half naked russian man sitting mid room eating his dinner at midnight. I refused the room and asked for another one. The second room had 3 sleeping old men and a smell I can't even describe but at least it was quiet and the lights were off... I took it! But I shouldn't have! The bed was filthy, the sheets were gross and the russian men started shouting at me when I set up my bed. I couldn't wait to get out of there.
Despite the hostel from hell, I left my bag and headed into Vilnius old town to explore. I was blown away by how beautiful it was. The churches and the architecture were amazing and the vibe was very uplifting. I spent the day walking around, even exploring the museum of genocide victims and KBG prison. It was amazing. I was learning a lot about the Baltic countries and their incredible history. I had dinner and that evening I went through the park where there was a night concert so I stayed for a bit before heading back out of town to the station. I was sure I would come back to Lithuania to see more some day but for now I was heading on an overnight bus to Warsaw.
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