Walking 1,500 km for the Capital of Culture

VILNIUS- n a show of solidarity with the other European Capital of Culture 2009, twoAustrian pensioners are walking from Linz to Vilnius, 1,500kilometers.

Cultural ambassadors Herbert Hirnum and Wolfgang Mayrhofer are making thesymbolic journey since both cities have the status of European CulturalCapitals this year according to the Austrian Times.

The pensioners have planned eight weeks for their long journey by foot, spendingthe nights with local churches and clergy.

 "Pastors have often calledcolleagues to inform them of our arrival," Hirnum and Mayrhofer said.

Vilnius Mayor Gintautas Babravicius will welcome the two when they arrive inthe Lithuanian capital.

Going the opposite direction, from Vilnius to Linz, are another pair ofAustrians. Ernst Janko and Ernst Schwarzlmuller, are walking from Vilnius to Linzand are expected reach their destination at the beginning of July. The duo leftVilnius on May 6, and are currently just southof Warsaw.