Gates, like doors, are also portals to buildings- homes, places of worship, offices, etc. They are meant to instill reverence, fear and intimidation, awe, or delicate beauty as you pass through them. In Vilnius, they are often made of masonry or iron, adorned with frescoes and curled metal symbols, and only hint at the secrets that lie within.
Category > travel adventures
Portals of Vilnius
Welcome back to my obsessions- doors and windows. These are some of my doors, photographed all throughout Vilnius on my recent trip there. Some look like little portals for gnomes, others, entrances for giants straight from the slightly creepy Lithuanian fairie tales my father used to read to me as a child. But from the most simplistic shed door to the most ornate wood cathedral thresholds, they are truly all feats of architectural craftsmanship.
Sad Beauty
I like to keep the mood and spirit of my blog light- the occasional gripes, but mostly full of the inspiration that sourrounds me in my every day that I will hope will also inspire you, too. But recently, I was saddened by some recent posts to my blog on the last few entries about my recent trip to Vilnius. I deliberated if i should indeed accept the comments, as I screen all of them, and ultimately decided that everyone’s opinion, for the most part, deserves the right to be heard. If you are interested in reading comments on the posts, click on each one (respectively) on the main page and scroll down.
A few notes to the unfortunate and ignorant commentator- and given the name and source of his email address, seems to be a native Lithuanian. Vilnius is such a beautiful city, and as I stated, full of the ability of promise to overcome its bloody history. Admittedly, its still has its less-than gorgeous sites, but in no ways would I liken it to a “gas station”. The most amazing thing about the history of Lithuania, and more specifically, Vilnius, is its constant acceptance of a variety of different cultures, ethnicities, and religious beliefs.
Sooty Sunsets & Soviet Dreams
One thing theme plagued me constantly while I was in Lithuania- the fierce juxtapostion of the continuing hope of Lithuanians and their progress in their world contrasted with the relics of Soviet oppression and dominance. The cold, crumbling cement boxes that dot the landscape outside Old Town and the power plant located outside the megaplex cinema are just constant reminders to me of what my relatives suffered through in this bleak landscape. This portrait reflects it perfectly- the strong, hopeful beams of light streaming through the sooty cloud that still has yet to lift.
Down with Omega
I’ve already posted about this once, but I had to recontribute some images for my newest obsession- the amazing graffiti art in Vilnius. Especially the work of one tagger, Omega, whose designs and cool colors stand out crisply against the fresh winter snow. The best part about it is that Vilnius has so many abandoned house and buildings, it adds a little color to all the otherwise sad, crumbling decay.
Finger Lickin’ n’ Artery Cloggin’
And people wonder why I’ll be coming back 10 pounds happier. This post is brought to you courtesy my Aunt Irena (famous chef of the baked apples baked above) and who contends that hot butter served in your tea will cure fluid in your lungs. Paula Deen, watch out.
Better than a Velvet Elvis
Glitter Jesus! Okay, its sequins, but it still looks like mosaics from the magic land. (that’s be Lithuania, folks!) I grabbed these images on a quick tour at my aunts workplace, which is now a Technical Library for Patents on Machinery and the like, but used to be a nunnery! (more on that later…..)
People living in pink houses shouldn’t throw stones
Having arrived in Vilnius just in time for a Lithuanian Christmas with my sister, I was greeted by the rosy tint of several cheerful buildings. All its missing is Skipper and Ken and the matching pink car.
