Full Day in Vilnius

What an amazing day. Not a cloud in the sky, which is rare for Lithuania, so we got in a full day of walking and touring. We began in a library at the University of Vilnius where a Jewish ghetto survivor described her harrowing story of survival and community. It was very eye-opening, as it put a face and voice to much of what we had read on the era. She was so very full of energy, and captivated the group with her honesty and strength. Major props to Mrs. Carver as well, who showed off her talents as our Russian translator.

The group listening to Fanya, a survivor of the Vilnius ghetto during the Holocaust

Fanya and our group

We then walked back to Cathedral Square for a look at the church and belfry. Then we found a terrific lunch at an outdoor cafe just behind the Square. Next came a long hike up the bumpy path to maybe the most recognizable landmark of Vilnius, the Old Castle, perched on a steep hill overlooking the entire city. The fortifications, most of which have long since fallen, date back to the 1300s.

Gediminas Castle atop a huge hill

View of Old Town Vilnius from the castle

Next, a walk to the KGB.Genocide Museum, a cannot miss site in Vilnius. The former headquarters and prison of the KGB is a sobering and fascinating tour through the real power that the Soviets held over Lithuanians from 1940-1991. The bottom floor is a hellish prison, while the two floors above are displays dedicated to the Lithuanian resistance to Soviet rule, as well as the deportations to Siberia. So much of Between Shades of Gray is brought to life here. The students had such mature, insightful, and interesting reactions that we caught on film, and the teachers were absolutely blown away by what they learned from this experience.

Outside of the KGB/Genocide Museum

Lastly, after a stop for some ice cream, it was a jaunt over to one of the most beautiful churches in all of Vilnius, St. Anne's. Along the way there were Hare Krishnas and kayakers on the rivers, just to name a few interesting sights.