Travel, Wine & Shoes

Nestled within Vilnius is the Republic of Užupis which is the most fascinating place I’ve ever been!  The Constitution is fabulous!

Užupis is a neighbourhood that was once home to the Jewish population that were mostly killed during the Holocaust.  Important areas like the Jewish Cemetary were destroyed during the Soviet Occupation.  Over the years it was a neglected area.

In 1997 a group of 11 artists took it over and founded the Republic of Užupis.  They have their own flag, president, currency, constitution and they celebrate their independence on Užupis Day which is April 1 (April Fool’s Day).  There are 4 official flags – one for each season.  The flag is the palm of a hand and it changes colours with the seasons.  I want to live here.

Crossing the bridge into Užupis is an adventure itself.  There are love locks on the bridge, a mermaid statue and a swing underneath the bridge.  The swing wasn’t open when I crossed, but I have one more night to go and see if I can swing underneath the bridge over the river Vilnia!

Update:  Swinging on the Swing!!

I even got my passport stamped!

The Constitution

1. Everyone has the right to live by the River Vilnelė, and the River Vilnelė has the right to flow by everyone.
2. Everyone has the right to hot water, heating in winter and a tiled roof.
3. Everyone has the right to die, but this is not an obligation.
4. Everyone has the right to make mistakes.
5. Everyone has the right to be unique.
6. Everyone has the right to love.
7. Everyone has the right not to be loved, but not necessarily.
8. Everyone has the right to be undistinguished and unknown.
9. Everyone has the right to idle.
10. Everyone has the right to love and take care of the cat.
11. Everyone has the right to look after the dog until one of them dies.
12. A dog has the right to be a dog.
13. A cat is not obliged to love its owner, but must help in time of need.
14. Sometimes everyone has the right to be unaware of their duties.
15. Everyone has the right to be in doubt, but this is not an obligation.
16. Everyone has the right to be happy.
17. Everyone has the right to be unhappy.
18. Everyone has the right to be silent.
19. Everyone has the right to have faith.
20. No one has the right to violence.
21. Everyone has the right to appreciate their unimportance.
22. No one has the right to have a design on eternity.
23. Everyone has the right to understand.
24. Everyone has the right to understand nothing.
25. Everyone has the right to be of any nationality.
26. Everyone has the right to celebrate or not celebrate their birthday.
27. Everyone shall remember their name.
28. Everyone may share what they possess.
29. No one can share what they do not possess.
30. Everyone has the right to have brothers, sisters and parents.
31. Everyone may be independent.
32. Everyone is responsible for their freedom.
33. Everyone has the right to cry.
34. Everyone has the right to be misunderstood.
35. No one has the right to make another person guilty.
36. Everyone has the right to be individual.
37. Everyone has the right to have no rights.
38. Everyone has the right to not to be afraid.
39. Do not defeat.
40. Do not fight back.
41. Do not surrender.

The Angel of Užupis is a statue in the main square.  At first it was just an egg, but funds were raised for the angel.

Fresh drinking water is available to all from this water spout.  On April 1 each year when Independence Day is celebrated, beer flows from it.  I hear the line-up is quite lengthy, but oh what an experience it would be!

Legalizing Pot

My own country’s Prime Minister gets a mention – I did not vote for him and I am not a fan.

Unique and eccentric, Užupis is a dream to stroll through.

This is officially Tibet Square and the Dalai Lama visited The Republic of Užupis in 2013.  What an experience that must have been!

Placing your hand in the palm print and making a wish allows you to soak up all the energy from the hands before yours, including the Dalai Lama’s.  Of course I made a wish!

The Republic of Užupis is not to be missed when in Lithuania!  Go Visit!

Happy Travels!

Lithuania