Day 8: Vilnius, Lithuania

Yes the view from Room 419 is still there . . . even better today with the sun shinning and a blue sky!

We headed downstairs for a yummy breakfast . . . I should have taken my camera because it was amazing!  We quickly got outside and started enjoying the city.  We walked across the street to spend our day in the Cathedral Square area.  We did a quick walk around the actual Cathedral and noticed they had a Crypt tour in the afternoon.  The Clock Tower was open so stopped by and bought tickets to climb the tower and crypt tour in the afternoon.  I have a fear of heights specifically when going up stairs that have openings that allow me to see below.  So I started the climb and was thrilled the steps were easy . . .

. . . and then it changed . . . ummm nope not going to happen . . . I tried but turned back!

I will just stay here and look at the bells . . .

. . . and the views outside.  They also had some audio sets to listen to stories about the area and people.  Back outside for some much needed fresh air . . .

. . . and a stop at the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania Museum . . .

View of Gediminas Tower . . .

You know what was the best part of this museum?  They had this virtual reality movie that cost 1€.  You put on the headset and WOW, it gives you the whole history in about 7 minutes.  What I just spent the last hour or so reading was right in front of me and so visual and about the coolest thing I have seen in a museum!  It really was a very nice museum, impressive and so worth our time.  I was tired of reading and ready to relax.  Most of the hotels in the area are big on spas and wellness.  The Kempinski is no different.  So we put on our robes and slippers and headed downstairs.  Wow, isn't this amazing?

And there were only two other people there.  I enjoyed the whirlpool, cold pool, and sauna.  It was amazing and so relaxing too.  And just a FYI you were required to wear a swim suit so not one of those total nude places.  Since we were so relaxed it was time for a super short nap before heading back across the street for the crypt tour.  The crypt tour was a large group but really worth the price.  It was difficult to take photos as it was really dark . . .

It was snack time so back to Aula for more fried bread with cheese!

. . . and an after dinner drink at the hotel and snack because I just ate enough for two and why not it's vacation?

Day 7: to Vilnius, Lithuania

It was an early wake up to make the quick trip back to Amsterdam Schiphol for our flight to Lithuania.  The security at Amsterdam was painful . . . slow and every . . . I mean every electronic device no matter how small had to be removed.  It took a very long time.  Of course I am a bit spoiled having TSA Pre Check in the USA so maybe this is what a normal security line is really like for most travelers.  We are flying another budget airline, airBaltic which was painful to check in!

New Country Alert!  It would have been easy but the Vilnius Airport was closed for repairs to the runway so we had to fly into Kaunas which added on a 90 minute bus ride to the center of Vilnius.  They had a make shift terminal set up in big tents and baggage delivery was done by hand.  I must admit it was very efficient, and we arrived on time.  We boarded our bus at 2:30pm and were on our way.  The drive was super easy and nice to just watch the country side.  While it took longer than planned, it all worked out.

Now this is the one city I was most excited about visiting . . . it is a new country, and we are staying at a Kempinski!  Let's hope I am not disappointed.

We arrived at the Kempinski Hotel Cathedral Square Vilnius.  I can already tell I am going to love this place . . . warm steamed welcome face towels and a welcome drink; why yes please . . .

Room 419 . . .

Look at the view from Room 419 . . .

. . . and a welcome treat . . .

I don't think I want to leave the room, but we drop our bags and head out . . . it is just so beautiful and not crowded at all!  We walked the Vilnius Old Town area and stopped for a snack.  Sometimes the translations to English is a bit odd so when we saw Fried Bread with Cheese we were curious . . . I was thinking cheese sticks but this is what we got . . .

. . . don't judge because it was the best thing ever!  Small pieces of fried rye bread with this grated cheese, cream cheese mixture with spices.  It was SO yummy!

And then we walked, and walked, and walked until there was no more to see so we stopped by the Meat Lovers Pub . . . odd name I thought . . . we grabbed the last table and the menu is literally on a 10 foot wall next to me.  I loved the atmosphere.  I ordered Cold Beetroot Soup with a side of Ribs.

Let me tell you it was delicious!  I was not excited when saw the place from the outside or the name, but the place was cute and the more I sat there the more I loved the place.  It was back to the hotel, and I am so optimistic my sleep will be heavenly!