Another quiet day in paradise.
This morning we enjoyed a coffee at "coffee inn",then I split from the group to get a special gift for me - I really want to see some Lithuanian basketball - and next Monday night the two best Lithuanian teams are playing in Vilmius. Lietuvos Rytas v Zalgiris. I wish Sam could be here to see it. It is sure to be a grudge match of epic proportions. I got really excellent tickets for everone (except Romas who insists he does not want to come.) It was then shopping time. I wandered across Vilnius and bumped into my mother and brother which I thought was surprising. Even more surprising was bumping into my brother an hour later after crossing the river and wandering in a totally different part of the city. It was then skype time with David, dad, Jamie and my Vanessa, Isobel, Lucinda, Sam, Archie & Jorgia via phone handset. It is so good to see loved ones when so far away. Great name for a song or move..... "Faraway, so close".

Audrey, Lauren and I then went for a wander down to Gediminas area - shops, postal office to see the 2011 Euro basketball exhibition - and then around the corner for the best coffee I have had in Europe so far.

Back to our apartment and Mums friends Vytas and Grygina arrived. They took us out to Belmontus - sort of hunting lodge styled resort in the forests that are north of the centre of the city. These wildlands are protected and are five minutes from the centre of Vilnius. We Had dinner there, then They then gave us the news (in Lithuanian with Mum interpreting) that we could use their Subaru Forester for the rest of the time we are in Vilnius. So another change of plans.
We got back to our apartment, then scrambling calls to Mindaugas to let him know we would no longer need him to organize two cars, as we now have one - but if Rita and he were coming , he would need to bring his car. Plans seem to change every 20 minutes or so in Vilnius.
So tomorrow - European vacation for real as the five travelling Linas's pack into the Subaru and head for Kriukai. I will probably do some catch up blogging when we get back to Vilnius in 5 days as I don't know if I will get wifi during the great Linas road trip. Good night all.