The Hill of Crosses

Before our journey to Riga, Latvia, we decided to take a two hour train ride via Siauliai to the Hill of Crosses. The train left at 6:40 am! So, u could imagine that we were not bright eyed and bushy tailed. We arrived to Siauliai and attempted to ask the information counter how to get to the Hill of Crosses. It's amazing how hand signals become so useful. A bus took us 8km and dropped us off at some road. Kacee was feeling uneasy about this situation, because it looked as if there was no way to get back. We walked the 2 km to the Mecca of Crosses. As you walk up to the hillside, you see thousands upon thousands of crosses-large, tiny, expensive and cheap, wood, and metal. This view was unbelievable. You are able to purchase a cross at the bottom of the hill, but we decided to make our own out of tree branches and twine. This cross was dedicated to Kacee's Aunt that died last year of cancer. An alternative view of the crosses is from inside the chapel of the monastery. This is home to 10 Franciscan monks. Behind the altar of the church, the striking backdrop of the ceiling to floor window of the Hill of Crosses. How stunning! We were also able to take part in the Catholic mass. The words spoken by the monks were absolutely beautiful. There singing voices were moving.