The next destination in Kaunas was to the Choral Jewish Synagogue. The Vilnius Synagogue had called earlier today to let them know we were coming. It had an interesting interior with a gold front altar.

We now wanted to get some lunch so I stopped by Hessburger's again which was cheap for a wheat burger with onion rings for only 1.35 Eu ($2). Then we needed ice creams to cool down.

We followed the pedestrian street to the end of the old town trying to locate the castle. After some navigating we found it as the street didnt end directly there. Entrance was 2.32 Eu. Lithuania just joined the Euro on Jan 1 so prices are irregular numbers trying to match the old local prices.

After the castle we were on a schedule trying to get the 90 min bus back to Vilnius in time to catch the Palace of the Dukes before it closed at 6pm. We took a cab back to the bus station for 3 Eu. The heat was quite bad like mid June and making us both quite tired. We forgot to cross to the other side of the river and take the funicular for city views.

We got on the 3.25 bus which cost 5.50 Eu so same prices as the train getting here. It was an old bus with sealed windows and no vents or A/C. It was a boiling hour and a half ride back.

Back in Vilnius it was about 5pm so we opted to take a cab to get us to the Palace of the Dukes. He got stuck in traffic so we got out to walk even though he charged 10 Euros!. The ticket office had closed and the security guard said they close at 4pm.

So all the rushing from Kaunas was for nothing and there was no way we could have made it back in time. It opened at 11am so the only way was to have done it in the morning before Kaunas so we wouldnt have had to rush back, but the tourist info gave me the wrong info and didnt say they stop selling tickets at 4pm.

I was trying to find the old guy selling Russian coins from yesterday but everyone had already shut shop for the day. We explored some more churches.

The one last place to explore was a small city district that declared itself an independent republic. The Republic of Uzipis is a community of artists but there wasnt really any signs or markings to indicate its status except for a large fluted monument.

We went back thru the Writers Street and looked for something for dinner. I didnt want another burger as I had one for lunch. It was a busy day filled with lots to see in Kaunas and Vilnius. There is a lot of religious diversity, not just in Churches but also Synagogues and the Tatar Mosque. Not the USSR we were ever told about.