If hostels had an equivalent of the Oscars then Jimmy Jumps Hostel in Vilnius would be the Titanic of them. Awards came raining down, including most comfortable beds, best location, most original breakfast (home-made waffles), best common room (big, airy loft room with very comfy couches), best DVD selection, best bathroom (biggest/cleanest) and I'm sure I could think of more, given time (and yes, before anyone points it out, I know Titanic was crap but at this precise moment I can't think of any other films that won lots of awards). Shame we only stayed one night, really. However, partly due to rain and partly due to fatigue from overnight bus travel, we did spend more time inside our Vilnius hostel than outside it!

Seemed like a pretty cool city on the surface, though, despite the lack of time we spent exploring it. Nice atmosphere, architecture, etc, and most interestingly a small, run down artisty area called Uzipo that had declared it's independence from Lithuania, would stamp your passport, and had laws such as everyone has a right to be happy and a dog has a right to be a dog. Not an original concept, mind you, as anyone who went to university with me will recall the Ruddles Republic of Bower Road, independent of the UK and with sworn allegiance to beers, balti and tomfoolery. And of which I was proud to hold the position of Governor of Jon's House.

So, as I said, just one night in Vilnius, then an overnight train to St Petersburg, and finally our Russian visas come into play!

Just started a new book called The Alchemist (I think most people have at least heard of it, if not read it). Reckon I'm going to enjoy it just out of empathy, as, having read the first few pages, it would seem to be about the travels of a wandering nomad, like me, except he has a herd of sheep and I have Paula. Wonder who has the more difficult task, in fact? Paula's probably more likely to wander off, but there's only one of her to keep track of... Sheep don't need much entertaining (if any?) by me, but then Paula can be more entertaining to me... Much more heads to feed with the sheep, but, on the other hand, they have much more simple dietary requirements. Hmm...could be a close call!