27 May 2026 Quite the day.
Berlin public transportation behaved itself. My timing good, just like a pro riding the rails. Tram 8 to the Bahnhof went smoothly. The trip required four stops. Always math-challenged, I made it in three. Okay, I needed the steps. Massive Hauptbahnhof, but thankfully Germans believe in signage.
Quick transfer to the airport train. Fast ride and arrival. Then came the Olympic event known as Walking to Terminal 2. I believe I crossed at least one time zone getting there.
Security was fast, though apparently my stomach looked dangerous. Full pat-down. Bag opened for chemical testing. I stood there wondering if mushroom risotto had finally become an international threat. Thankfully the police decided the risotto could remain.
Rewarded myself with a banana and beer in the Tegel Lounge. A balanced traveler’s diet.
Ryanair flight left on time, which may qualify as a minor European miracle. Some turbulence, dark skies, dramatic clouds. The usual reminder that humans really should not be flying inside aluminum tubes. And yes, they charged for everything.
Arrived Vilnius Čiurlionis International Airport to wonderfully cooler temperatures. Then began the long airport escape march through endless stores designed to tempt me to buy perfume and giant Toblerones before granting freedom. I zoomed past.
Made it outside correctly. Important first step.
Immediately found Bus 1 into town. Used my credit card to buy a ticket like a modern international traveler. Except there was no proof of ticket and apparently no actual charge either. So now, I’m pretty sure I illegally rode the bus.
Then my blue bubble on Goggle Maps informed me the bus was not going where I needed. At this point it became clear the bus driver was lost. Got off. Crossed the street. Re-boarded another Bus 53. Bought another mysterious invisible ticket. The M Ticket app is entirely in Lithuanian, which means every button feels like I’m agreeing to military service or organ donation. I ride illegally. Again!
Eventually I reach the main train station, all while praying no ticket inspector would appear and ask questions requiring evidence, logic, or language skills.
But the entire day improved dramatically when I crossed the street toward my hotel. Cars actually stopped for me at the crosswalk. Stopped. For me. Berlin drivers would sooner accelerate and use the horn as a historical reenactment.
Checked into my hotel. Eyed the refrigerator behind desk. I believe the young man thought this bedraggled woman misspoke. “This is beer.” Perfect, give me two!
Then came the highlight of the day at the Lithuanian National Museum of Art. A kind woman asked if I qualified for reduced admission. I proudly gave my age.
“You are 81?” she asked in complete disbelief.
I got in free.
Airport security may search me. Bus systems may confuse me. But a museum cashier in Lithuania seems shocked I claim 81 years.
I think I’m going to like Vilnius a lot!
