Lithuania by Kelly
Lithuania – Expect the unexpected.
This wonderful lady is known across Vilnius. She comes into the city every day by train, sporting her most colorful clothes. She walks around the streets and begs for money with a great lipsticked smile and a friendly greeting. The locals are used to seeing her on their paths and often have a few coins ready as they get close. She told me in a tiny sweet voice that happiness to her was being in good health. 'Without health you have nothing' she said with a serious look in her eye. A few moments later her expression softened and she said with a coy smile : 'I also find happiness in my wardrobe', following a childish giggle,'I really love my clothes.' 
Things you didn’t know about Lithuania : They have some of the best basketball players in the world, they drink hot beer and in their capital Vilnius is a small little republic called Uzupis.
‘Huh?’ You ask? Well, Let’s explain shall we. First of all, basketball. It is the Lithuanian’s favorite sport. They name it as one of their happiness factors. There are many Lithuanian players that play around the world including in the NBA.
Now, hot beer. It is not something I had ever heard of before but I guess if you’ve got hot wine and hot spirits then why not hot beer? It is after all a cold country. By the way, it’s not great…
Thirdly, Uzupis. You’re wondering what that’s about? Well in the middle of the city there is a small bridge over a river. At the entrance to this bridge is a sign that says : ‘Welcome to the Republic of Uzupis’.
In the capital of Lithuania lies a small district called Uzupis. The area is inhabited by many artists that leave their mark all around the place, paintings on walls, sculptures along the river, statues in the square. In 1997 the residents declared the Republic of Uzupis with its own president and its own constitution. Their national day is on the 1st of April. As you can see on the sign welcoming you to Uzupis there are four important rules to follow : Always smile, stick to the speed limit, appreciate art and you will fall into the river if you do not respect the first three rules.
Who knew there was an extra country to visit? expedition 206 just became expedition 207!
It is a small town that started out as an artist community. Now they pride themselves on having a certain independence and even an army (well, if you can call two men with clubs an army) Their Independence Day falls on the 1st of April, make of it what you want. The town houses many renowned artists but also regular families. There is art on every street corner. It is actually a requirement that you be able to appreciate art to enter the republic. Their constitution is mounted on a wall in a public street and translated into four languages. It is simple and fair, having article like : Everyone has the right to love, everyone has the right to be happy, everyone has the right to be unhappy, a dog has the right to be a dog, everyone has the right be creative… My personal favorite : a cat is not obliged to love its owner but must be there in time of need.
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