The strange thing is that no matter how different I feel from everyone else here, they seem to think that I am really lithuanian. Apparently my face and dress are quite common in Kaunas. When Sigita and I took the bus to Vilnius yesterday, the driver seemed to think that I was only "putting on airs" by speaking in english and that I could really speak lithuanian if I wanted to. I am still learning how to say "I don't speak lithuanian" in Lithuanian, and most don't speak much english. So, I often find myself in conversations with people who don't don't realize that I haven't the foggiest what they are saying to me. But despite this mix-up, I am not having too much trouble with the language barrier. Most of the people in my classes speak english, and Sigita has been nice enough to take me around and introduce me to her friends (fellow dancers and artists). Today she gave me a tour of Vilnius. There are beautiful churches on just about every street corner there (gothic, baroque, russian orthodox, roman catholic and every one in various picturesque states of disrepair). History is a part of everyday life in Lithuania, and not just the churches or the twisting pattern of cobblestone streets and courtyards. Virtually every building has its ancient roots exposed. There is 16th century brick/stonework in many places, peeking through 18th or 19th century additions and WWII or soviet damage. Even parts of the orginal city walls still stand and a bit of the 14th century castle that used to stand on the hill above the town. It is amazing considering how many times troops have gone marching through the city during the last several wars...