DO NOT DEFEAT
DO NOT FIGHT BACK
DO NOT SURRENDER
So ends the constitution of Republic of Užupis.
Užupis is a self-proclaimed republic in the city of Vilnius, Lithuania and HOB are willing citizens, at least for a couple of days.
The neighborhood-sized republic is presided over by an angel, the mascot of Užupis.
Užupis has it’s own currency, president and even a theme song. The constitution is posted in many languages in the main square on silver panels.
(In case you’re wondering about the length between each panel, that would be 69 cm).
Yesterday we had our copy of the constitution stamped with a passport stamp. I’m a huge fan of this constitution, which includes the right to love and take care of a cat, which in return “is not obliged to love its owner.”
Užupis, of course, has a famous cat, who I was privileged to pat on the head in the local bookshop where we had our constitution stamped.
Užupis was created in the late 1990’s by a group of artists. After the oppressions of the soviets, this delightful independent republic of chance operation, acceptance and silliness, must have seemed like sweet relief indeed.
DO NOT DEFEAT
DO NOT FIGHT BACK
DO NOT SURRENDER
How we got to Uzupis: train from Siauliai to Vilnius, on foot to Uzupis.
Where we slept: Sofijos Studio Old Town Apartment. Price: €45 for a double. Recommended: yes.
Picnic at the Cathedral 
Long live artists of all stripes! We should put them in charge.
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I’m pretty sure the Fluxus movement is in charge in Uzupis.
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Including tabby cat stripes!
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Can’t wait to tell my own tabby cat he’s now the mayor of the independent republic of my one bedroom apartment.
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How amazing, never heard of it, but now I have 🙂
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I never heard of it either, until I stayed in an apartment next door. 🙂
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Any republic which dumps cars into the water, and has the Mona Lisa on road signs gets my vote. I hope they have food and beer.
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Oh yes, both in great quantities.
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What a charming republic!
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I vote for more republics with a sense of humor!
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