Today we have a nice start of the day: the sun is shining, air is fresh, but we have to say good bye to Kaunas - a peaceful city on the banks of the river Neris. Our Harmony Torch is to continue its way south-east toward the capital of Lithuania, Vilnius. It is one of those rare days when our schedule is not so tight and we might also fit swimming into our routine. There are many lakes in Lithuania, especially in this region. It looks quite bluish on the map.

Our first stop is at a gas station where everyone enjoys Lithuanian ice cream. They have at least four local ice cream factories here, with many different brands and flavours: very, very tasty. All of us like those little sweet treats and today it is just a perfect option for it is a nice sunny day when it is difficult to stay indoors and those who work in the office probably can’t wait for the day to end.

Our itinerary flows through a town called Elektrenai. Just before the meeting, some of us have a chance to jump into a nice lake. There is no need to say how much refreshment and revival one can get from just a few minutes of swimming. It is the second day we have had such a luxury. Water not only washes away the dust from the road but also fills us with a new energy and freshness.

3km before Elektrenai a team of teenagers from a local sports school joins us for a 5km run. Cheerfully they run forward with the torch, and the flag of Lithuania, the World Harmony Run flag happily dancing in the wind. There is a girl in the team who is a junior country champion in 1000-metre running - she is always in front. Their dark blue T-shirts perfectly match our white and blue Harmony Run outfits; soon our cheerful and enthusiastic flock enters the town. We are very well received in this picturesque area near the lake, surrounded by forests and meadows. We have a nice lunch and the Principal of the School says how grateful and happy he is that his town has also become part of this worldwide initiative for friendship and harmony between nations and peoples. After lunch the same young athletes full of strength and eagerness run with us to the border of the town, where we have to part and continue our route.

There are many surprises that happen on the Run. For instance today: could anyone expect to run into a small shop deep in the countryside with a shopkeeper who is Polish, just like our runner Jaroslav. Surprise, surprise! She was very understanding and supportive of the Run; moreover she generously offered the runners ice cream - the best treatment on a hot and sunny day.

We are approaching the capital of Lithuania, Vilnius - a charming small city with a population of just half a million.

Rushing through the city, torch in front, we are aiming at the important meeting in the heart of Vilnius. Cars honking, locals waving hands, we are approaching the Cathedral of Vilnius.

This is where we are honoured to meet a very nice man - the Priest of the Cathedral. He is accompanied by a Sports Department representative from the Municipality of Vilnius. He holds the Torch and wishes us to carry this message of harmony forward so that everyone would feel the importance of his or her individual role in working for the betterment of the society.

Another pleasant surprise: at the end of the day the organiser of the Lithuanian run, our friend Mr. Ramos Bernutas, President of the Lithuanian Amateur Runners Association, presents us with special medals and nice T-shirts picturing our Lithuanian itinerary.

The day is over and we can now enjoy the dinner. Then some of us are off to catch a glimpse of the city. Vilnius indeed has much to offer, as it is a resplendent mix of East and West, new and old. By the way, it was a gatekeeper of the amber route to Rome and was first recorded in history around 1323 AD.

Till tomorrow!

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Distance: 105km

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