After two lovely days in Vilnius we again woke early to head out into the City.  The plans for the day included going to visit the KGB Museum, some more churches and a cake-shop!

We were also planning on going back to a highly regarded pizzeria back in Uzupis for our evening meal.

Deciding to get an Uber to the other side of the city, we headed to the KGB Museum first. Lithuania was still kept under Soviet rule right until 1990 and you can see this in some of the architecture, styles, clothing and shops. However, for most part Vilnius is a beautiful, old fashioned, perfect city with many things to see.

The KGB Museum was one that we didn’t want to miss. However we knew it wouldn’t necessarily be an easy one to visit. Vilnius has a tragic history which is well documented. Where there was once a large Jewish community, many got put into ghetto’s and shipped off to work in Siberia and many more killed in concentration camps during the Second World War.

After the war when it came under Soviet rule, the KGB tortured, murdered and imprisoned many more. This can all be seen and heard about in the Museum.

On arrival we could see there were several staircases throughout the large building. We asked if they thought I could manage with my leg and stick. The advice was to not go to the higher floors, but to try the basement floor which is one of the main parts of the museum.

That decided, we made our way down the staircase to the lower levels.

Being someone who is a prolific photo taker, I have none to share. The basement was used for torture, solitary confinement and death. There were cells no bigger than a telephone box that people stood in for days on end. And it was cold. really cold.

Going out towards the back of the building you came into an area that had a glass floor. Under the glass was sand and littered in the sand were the remnants of the past. Rusted coins, damaged spectacles, buttons and more. Left behind by people who never left the building alive.

And this is the reason for a lack of photographs.

I believe it is important to learn about the past and the terrible atrocities that happened so we don’t let it happen again. But it is not respectful to take photographs for your album. People were brutally tortured and murdered within those walls and it is not fodder for Social Media.

My opinion and one that others might disagree with, but my blog and my rules.

Eventually we left the Death chambers and headed back to the ground floor. Boo went to have a look on the first and second floor whilst I found a really informative video and a comfy bench on the ground floor. I was quite happy for the sit down and the video showed a film about the Second World War and what happened.

It was tragic yet important to watch and I was moved to tears. Literally.

We left the museum and headed across the road where there was a large square which would be perfect for outfit photos. There was also a large group of electric scooters and Boo worked up the courage to give one a go. The plan was for us both to take one and travel about on them in the pedestrian areas.

Umbrella Skirt by Pin Up Girl Clothing, Designed by Mary Blair

However, for some reason this brand of scooter didn’t seem to  like me and would not work at all.

Plan foiled!

The perfect spot!

Boo did have a good go on one across the tiled square and it was pretty good fun all round.

We eventually started walking to a few of the local churches and places of worship. We were lucky to happen across a Christening which was simply lovely.

Churches Galore

Stunning Architecture

I was literally fascinated by this crystal boat hanging from the ceiling in one church; it was stunning!

Just superb!

The weather had changed a little and so we got an Uber back to the other side of town where we were planning on getting some cake!

Sugamour is a beautiful red fronted Patisserie on German Street. It is bedecked with red roses and inside was just beautiful. The cakes all looked like works of art and it was a little tricky to decide.

Sugamour

Eventually we both made a decision and then got a 3rd cake to share.

My cake was grapefruit flavoured, with a light sponge and a glazed red exterior. It came with two red chocolate disks and I have to say it was absolutely gorgeous.

Art on a Plate

The cake we shared was a nutty praline one with a crunchy base, caramel oozing centre and topped with popcorn. it really was too good to eat, but we did our best.

All three desserts

Leaving Sugamour we walked a little more around the City. Boo had several other buildings that she wanted to get a look at but I was starting to flag. I found a lovely little french cafe and she went off on her wander, with instructions to get ALL the photos for me.

Wonderfully decorated

Having a beer, reading my book and watching the World go by was a pretty great thing to do and I certainly made the most of it. Boo eventually got a taxi back to me about an hour later and had some great pictures to show me – Bonus!

A nice relaxed hour or two

We made a decision to head back to the hotel for a bit of a chill before getting ready for the evening. We were going to Uzupio Picerija, a highly rated pizzeria back in the Artisan Quarter.

There were several pizzas on the menu that I fancied, but ended up going for one with fresh mozzarella and rocket. It was so fresh and tasty and I honestly don’t think I could have chosen better.

Such a good Pizza

After eating we had a walk around the town, passing by a bar called Spunka and took some evening photographs.

Oddly named……

Eventually we got another Uber home and hit the hay after quite a busy day!

Angel Gabriel

After all, what did Monday hold in store?

Till next time

SPSG xxx