Behind the scenes here at In Search Of, we've been toiling away with the really difficult decision of choosing to stay in Lithuania for another year, or moving elsewhere. Since about October, J and I have been going back and forth about where we most want to live and what our personal and professional goals are for the upcoming years. We've been trying (and failing) to make future plans, decide whether to stay expats or re-pat, all while attempting to consider what's best for Baby ISO and for our parents. And let me tell you, with that many factors in play, it has been a very stressful several months.

Our big decision was made in November/December when J chose not to re-sign his contract to stay in Vilnius. Really, saying it like that sounds like I had no vote in the matter, but it was a unanimous decision. Though we love living in Vilnius, there are some things that we need right now that it doesn't readily offer. I'm rather torn about leaving because I do love it here and have made such wonderful friends, but it is time; I don't want to overstay.

So that means we are moving at the end of the school year! For months after choosing to leave our expat home in Vilnius, we both have been filling out job applications like mad people and worrying that neither of us will get a job and we'll have to move back in with our parents (with a kid and a cat at the age of ~30). Talk about stress and worry. Talk about a lot of late nights and working weekends. That limbo period is really not a fun time.

But about a month ago, we got good news. J was offered a fabulous job in a location where I'll be able to pursue ample freelance opportunities. But I'm totally going to be that blogger and share the good news with you next time (please don't hate me!).

In the meantime, do you have any guesses where we are moving to? Are we staying abroad or moving back to the US? I'd love to know what you think.

With the new school year starting soon, and us settling into our fourth year in Vilnius, I've been thinking a lot about being an expat. I thought that you may also be embarking on your first experience abroad, or maybe you're moving to a new city. So, I decided that I'd share a few ideas to make your adopted city feel more like home.

Settling in as a new expat can be difficult and tiring but if you employ even a few of the ideas on the list below, I bet that you'll start feeling more comfortable very quickly. I even think this list would help if you are moving to a new city or moving back home! For me, Vilnius didn't start feeling like home until sometime in year two, and thinking about it, by that time, I could have checked off 6 items on the below list. By the start of year 4, I can happily check off 10 (number 11 doesn't apply to me at this stage of my life -- but we do have a cat!).

1) Hang art on your walls

I know, I know, you are likely in a rental, but hanging at least a few photographs or pieces of art will help you to feel more at home. To avoid making holes in the wall (and to not have to purchase tools!), buy wall tacky. It will come off easily and won't leave any marks when you move out.

2) Decorate

Accumulating stuff is exactly what an expat avoids, but being able to add a little of yourself into your apartment really helps to make it feel like home. We've just added a table cloth and a couple of cloth toy bins to our apartment and it has really increased its coziness.

3) Get discount or member cards at favorite grocery stores

We didn't do this for the longest time! No idea why as it is free. Now we finally get discounts and points.

4) Make local friends

Ok, this one is easier said than done, but meeting someone local can open up a whole new view of your expat home. I've found that you can meet people through blogging, local Facebook groups, classes (like pottery), at cafes, and more. 

5) Get a library card

Getting a library card was the first thing on this list that I did. Now I have three library cards: one for the public library, one for a private art library, and one for the university library. This is really essential if you want to save money on purchasing books or if you are a freelancer looking for a quiet space to work.

6) Become involved

Many cities have expat clubs and international women's groups, which you can find online. Other events can generally be found on social media or tourism board websites. For example, here in Vilnius, there is a community clean up that takes place each year around Earth Day. I'm going to make sure I participate in 2017.

This is really the point that I'm really going to work on this year. 

7) Learn the language

 

I've really failed on this one this time around, but learning the language can be very rewarding and open up other avenues for meeting people and becoming involved. When I lived in China, it was essential for me to speak Chinese. My time there would have been extraordinarily different had I not learned the language.

8) Shop and cook local

 

It is a bit of a pet peeve of mine when I speak with other expats or travelers who ONLY eat food from their home country. Sure, I sometimes miss my favorite dishes from home, and I've been known to hit the import store on occasion, but I've met people who won't even try the famous local dish (it's fine if you don't like it, but you've got to try it at least once). So much about a place is in its food.

9) Join local Facebook groups or mailing lists to learn what's going on

 

Social media, particularly Facebook, is a great way to see if anything cool is happening near you. For example, in Vilnius, I've joined Vilnius Expats, Vilnius Area Online Yard Sale, and Play Group in Vilnius (just search them on Facebook if you'd like to join). Additionally, I follow my favorite restaurants and cafes as they frequently post events. I also send out a monthly newsletter where I share events happening in Vilnius, so feel free to subscribe!

10) Start a garden or grow a plant

 

I've been wanting to have a small herb garden for a while now, but every time we travel, our plants die. I've now resorted to planting a few Crassula (a genus of succulents) that will hopefully survive our travels.
 

11) Get a roommate

 

This isn't a practical option for me at this point in my life, but when I lived in China, I had up to four local roommates. And it was awesome. They showed me the best restaurants for noodles and Thai food, as well as woke me up at the crack of dawn for karaoke birthday parties.

In Vilnius, instead of a roommate, we have a cat!



What do you do to feel at home in your adopted country? What point are you focusing on this year?

A lot of full-time travelers, expats, and digital nomads tout selling everything and quitting their jobs to travel the world. J and I did nothing of the sort and in many cases, I don't think it is necessary to do so (unless you really want to, then go for it). In fact, moving abroad has probably only acted to increase our "adulting." Though we don't have an apartment or own property in the States, we do own a car, pay taxes/insurance/bills, and receive mail. It also happens that all of these tedious adult tasks happen to fall over the summer while we are back State-side. In between frolicking at the beach, visiting family and friends, freelance work, and the general mayhem that comes with summer (is that only us?), we've got months of mail to sort and emissions tests.

Unfortunately, we don't escape these things -- especially the spam mail we receive -- but I've actually learned not to mind it. Well, that is unless I need to go to the DMV... What do you think?

What form of adulting remains for you when you visit home? If you've managed to avoid all of these tasks, how did you do it?

Today I'm excited to be bringing together a bunch of expat bloggers to share their feelings on their adopted homes. Below you'll find quick answers from six bloggers living in cool destinations all over the world.

I asked bloggers two different questions to get a feel for what's great and what's challenging about where they currently live. It was really interesting to read everyone's responses and was actually quite difficult for me to think of responses for my own contribution.

What is the best thing about your expat home?

NaNa (Foreign Geek) Living in Australia, from Indonesia; connect on Twitter

Okay, this might sound a little cheesy but I love almost everything about Melbourne, but if have to pick the best thing about being an expat here, it’s to experience diverse lifestyles with its own quirkiness that bound everyone together. Another thing is that there is always something interesting going on here in Melbourne all the time which richen my life experience. Like in the past two months living here, I have run a marathon, attended tea leaf reading party, watched footie game, and went to tea, beer and chocolate festivals.

Amanda (Rhyme and Ribbons) Living in London, from the US; connect on Twitter

The best thing about my expat home is all the rich history that England has that I'm lucky enough to get to explore.

Bailie (Brightly Bailie) Living in Sweden, from the US; connect on Twitter

The best part of living in Sweden for me is how it has made me love nature and get more healthy! In our previous apartment we were so lucky to have a almost panoramic view of forest from our living room and kitchen which I could watch throughout the seasons. It was so peaceful and also the great views encouraged me to get out and go hiking!

Cynthia (Adventurings) Living in the Czech Republic, from the US; connect on Twitter

Living in the heart of beautiful and historical Central Europe, a stone's throw away from several places of interest, life is good in a city that is large enough to have opportunities and fun things going on but small enough to feel incredibly laid-back and relaxed. A good combination!

Anna (Absolutely Anna) Living in Germany, from the US; connect on Twitter

It's so nice to experience a totally different lifestyle and culture. I find it so interesting to learn about the history, food and way of life in Germany. Where I live in Bonn has such a rich history dating back to the Roman times.

Van (Snow in Tromso) Living in Norway, from Germany; connect on Twitter

The best thing about my expat home in Northern Norway is definitely the stunning landscape around. From fjords, the ocean and beaches to mountains and forests - we have everything! I love that everything is close by too. I can see the ocean and mountains from my flat and am in the middle of the forest after a 2 minute and at the beach after a 10 minute walk. I don't think there's a place in my native Germany that is as awesome as Northern Norway!  

What is the most challenging thing about your expat home

Me (In Search Of) Living in Lithuania, from the US; connect on Twitter

The best parts of living in Lithuania are the friends I've made here, the affordability of life, and the child (and mother) friendliness.

What's the most challenging thing about your expat home?

14 hou

 NaNa (Foreign Geek) Living in Australia, from Indonesia; connect on Twitter

And the most challenging thing about being a new expat in Melbourne is the wet windy winter. It’s my first time living in a subtropical country and let me tell you, I wasn’t prepared for the weather. Every time people say “winter is coming” I am like isn’t this freaking winter already?!!


 Cynthia (Adventurings) Living in the Czech Republic, from the US; connect on Twitter

The language barrier in this region, even though it's slowly breaking down for me, is still strong as it stands in the way of doing some things: pursuing hobbies, meeting certain people, and generally getting involved in the real cultural life here.

Amanda (Rhyme and Ribbons) Living in London, from the US; connect on Twitter

The most challenging thing is just physically being away from my family and friends. Thank goodness for Skype but it's not the same thing.

Bailie (Brightly Bailie) Living in Sweden, from the US; connect on Twitter

The most challenging part of living in Sweden for me has been the more closed off nature that Swedes have. When in a store I am used to small talk and the wish of a good day or a nod and smile with your neighbors. However in Sweden you do not interact with neighbors unless absolutely necessary and if you smile at a stranger they will turn their head or give you a big side eye! I have adapted for the most part but I am known to get quite garrulous after a few drinks and startling a bartender!

 Anna (Absolutely Anna) Living in Germany, from the US; connect on Twitter

I think the most challenging thing is the language barrier. Even though I can speak enough German to get by here, I still feel like I struggle getting my thoughts out! There are days when ordering a coffee seems like climbing a mountain!

Van (Snow in Tromso) Living in Norway, from Germany; connect on Twitter

The most challenging thing about living in Tromso is its remoteness. You can't just go on a weekend or shopping trip like you can in the rest of Europe. Wherever you want to go, you have to go to Oslo, Stockholm or London Gatewick first, which makes travelling internationally a bit more difficult and expensive.

Me (In Search Of) Living in Lithuania, from the US; connect on Twitter

The most difficult things about living in Lithuania are the limited options for academic/research jobs for myself. When moving here, I had envisioned collaborating on research with academics and perhaps even taking on my own Master's students. This was just a lot more difficult than I imagined.

Thank you all for participating!

Please let me know in the comments if you like collaborative posts and would like to see these featured regularly on the blog. 

Are you an expat? How do you feel about your adopted home? Share in the comments below!

As part of my self-imposed book-buying ban, I've had to seek out libraries to borrow books from. With a bit of investigations, I've found several options, but I'll share my three favorites here. The following three libraries are open to the public and books can be checked out with a valid library card or membership.

A. Mickeviciaus Children's Library

I've been visiting this children's library nearly weekly with Baby ISO. They have a small selection of children's and young adult books in English (and Russian). In the children's section there is also a carpet, comfortable pillows, and several activity tables. This is a great library for children.

Visiting the library and using the facilities is free and open to the public. Checking out books requires a library card, which can be used at all public libraries throughout the country. To register for a library card, you need a passport or residence card and you'll be required to pay a small fee (when I registered it was around 10 Litas, I don't know what it is now that the prices are in Euros).

Find out more on their website. Visit the library at Traku g. 10 and enter through the courtyard behind the building. If you are visiting with a stroller the librarians will help you to bring the stroller inside.

Menu Spaustuve

For a great selection of English novels and books focused on art and dance, head to the library in Menu Spaustuve. Menu Spaustuve is a dance theatre with both children's and adult's performances -- we took Baby ISO to an interactive performance and it was great. Menu Spaustuve's library has a few small tables and shelves upon shelves of English books. It is my favorite library of the bunch.

Visiting the library and using the facilities is free. Checking out books, movies, or music requires a membership. Membership costs 6 Euros and is open to everyone. For more information, check their website. Menu Spasustuve is located on Siltadarzio g. 6.

Vilnius University's Libraries

Vilnius University has two libraries that are open for public use (with purchase of a short-term or long-term user card. Non-Vilnius University visitors with a user-card can borrow non-fiction books, use the Wi-Fi, computers, and workspaces. The workspaces in the Central Library (Universiteto g. 3) are stunning, so despite the high registration fee, it may be worth it if you plan to work here often. I'll share more photos from inside the library soon.

Vilnius University's Central Library and Scholarly Communication and Information Center are both open to the public with a valid user card. You can find more information about registering for a user card here. For a long-term (12-month) user card, you must pay 17 Euro and register at the Information Desk.

Do you take advantage of public libraries where you live? What facilities are your favorite?

I've written about local shopping in Vilnius previously, but had the chance to re-visit favorite stores and check out new shops while my parents were here (my sister and I always have fun window shopping together). Here are some of my sister's and my favorites!

Small Businesses

Aukso Avis (Golden Sheep) - Probably one of my favorite stores in Vilnius. Aukso Avis sells beautiful jewelry and great gifts, all from Lithuanian designers. Pilies g. 38

Officina in Uzupis - This tiny store sells gorgeous handmade shoes from small Portugese designers. Uzupio g. ~15 (I think that is the number)

Uzupis Designer Store - This store sells a selection of women's, men's, and children's clothes and accessories from local designers. Uzupio g. ~27 (sorry I don't know the name!) (March 2017 update: closed)

Moustache Boutique - This pricier shop that carries Lithuanian designers that are typically quite difficult to find. L. Stuokos-Guceviciaus g. 3 (March 2017 update: closed)

Linen Tales - Linen Tales has gorgeous linen items with beautifully unique patterns. Stikliu g. 4-1

Ethno Store - As you'd suspect by the name, the Ethno Store sells more traditional handicrafts including black pottery, music, and gorgeous pillow cases with Lithuanian designs. S. Skapo g. 3

Kitokie daiktai - This awesome clothing store is run by the designer. Here you will find unique dresses perfectly tailored dresses in a variety of sizes. FYI the store only takes cash so come prepared! The clothing items average between 50 to 100 Euro. Sv. Stepono 7

Decolte - This shop typically sells clothes designed by small designers including Lithuanian designers. Stikliu g. 6

Tiulio feja - Everytime I walk past this store I can't help but slow down and take a long look in the window. They have dresses that look like they were made for the most whimsical of dressers. Before we move away from Vilnius I will certainly be trying on at least one of their dresses. (I think that is the name of the store, but the font is tricky to read). Vokieciu g. 4 (March 2017 update: closed)

Second Hand and Vintage

Expect woolen sweaters and unique pieces amongt cheaper trendy clothes. Overall, you'll find pieces for men, women, and children for inexpensive prices.

Sakra - sells second hand homeware, clothes, and accessories for men and women. They also have a rack in the front of the store thayt sells more expensive clothes from small lithuanian designers. This is my favorite place to look for vintage clothing in Vilnius as it isn't as overwhelming as the stores below. Sv. Mykolo g. 4

Humana - Humana is a very common second hand store that is common all around Vilnius.

50 - I'm not sure of the exact name of this second hand store because of their difficult to read font, but you'll see it all arou d Vilnius. The shop on Mindaugo across the street from Maxima has a large section for babies and children. I was able to pick up a stroller blanket sack for 9 euros.

Is there anywhere else in Vilnius that you like to shop?

Forget kid-friendly, Vilnius is mom-friendly. In addition to the incredibly generous maternity leave, women aren't ostracized when they take time off from work, OR when they decide to go back to work. Now that I'm currently on a self-appointed maternity leave from lecturing at university, one of my biggest struggles when talking to Americans (either at home or here in Vilnius) is that people assume I've already gone back to work. Currently, I'm working from home as a freelance editor / proofreader but I've not started lecturing again. But, here in Vilnius, it is common to see other mothers (or sometimes fathers) spending time with their children at the park or in the library. And I think this is great! I feel so fortunate that I'm able to spend time with Baby ISO and I'm extra happy to be able to do so in Vilnius.

Another reason why Vilnius is mom-friendly is that there is never a shortage of things to do here. Bored of staying at home? Nope, not a chance as there really is a ton to do. It is also expected and accepted to visit restaurants or cafes with children in tow.

1) Safety. My number one reason for loving Vilnius as a parent is the safety of the city. Though Vilnius is the capital of Lithuania, you will frequently see young children walking home from school or playing in parks alone, sleeping babies in carriages left outside of shops, and children riding the bus alone. I’ve never once seen anyone bother any children.

2) Playground and Parks. Outdoor spaces are scattered throughout the city and almost always have a playground or two. Taking children to the park to play or for a walk is a daily activity here.

3) Child Cafes. Yes! Kuku Muku Cafe was specifically created for children. The staff are dressed up (often as princesses or ballerinas), they have baby food on the menu, and there are toys and activities specifically for young children. For the adults, they serve coffee, tea, and snacks.

4) Kid-oriented theater. I know of three theaters in Vilnius that have special showtimes and performances for children. The Lithuanian National Opera and Ballet Theater has earlier start times for kid-friendly performances, such a Snow White and Cinderella, and children under 5 who sit on your lap are free of charge. The Arts Printing House (Menu Spaustuve) has shows that are created specifically for children 0-3 years old. We are going to a show at the Arts Printing House later this month, so I"ll let you know how it is. They also have puppet shows and other performances for older children. The Lele Theater (Vilniaus Teatras Lele) shows puppet shows of famous fairy tales such as Little Red Riding Hood and Thumbelina. They also have puppet performances of Lithuanian-specific fairy tales.

5) Mom-friendly. A happy mom = a happy baby? Not only is the maternity leave in Lithuanian appropriately long (up to 3 years paid), you’ll find mothers frequently walking their babies through the parks or taking advantage of the activities listed above (particularly 3 and 4). For nursing moms, nursing in public is not a problem here – I’ve nursed in public many times here and never had an issue. Nursing moms can also find beautiful nursing clothes from the Etsy shop, MiLKsense  (also sometimes sold at Pop Up shops in Vilnius).

6) Children's library. Vilnius has several public libraries, but the one on Traku g. focuses on children's books (and has books in English).

7) Children's events. Every so often, there are kid-focused sports events that take place on Gedimino Ave. Check this website for dates.

If you are visiting Vilnius with children please feel free to email me at luyoutravel@gmail.com or connect with me via social media @insearchofs if you have questions!

*A similar article appeared on Kid-Friendly Europe 101

When planning your visit to Lithuania you may want to consider having your trip coincide with one of the awesome festivals, holidays, or annual events that takes place here. To make it easier for your trip planning (or for those of you who live here - planning for local wanders) I've made a month by month guide of as many yearly events and holidays that I could think of. Also, if you are looking for information on events that may not be recurring, sign up for my newsletter and get a monthly currated guide to Vilnius events. Basically, I search the web and posters on the streets for fun things to do around the city and send it to your inboxes each month!

Below is a monthly guide of recurring events that you'll find in Vilnius each year. Note that some events are based on the date for Easter each year, so the months may vary.

January: January 1st is National Flag Day. In Vilnius you'll see a sea of red, green, and yellow.

February: Shrovetide (Depending on the date of Easter) or Uzgavenes is a merry celebration with sweets, pranks, and masks. Celebrations culminate with the burning of an effigy that is meant to burn away winter. Restoration of State Day (February 16), which is a celebration of Lithuania's independence from Germany in 1918.

March: Vilnius hosts many street festivals throughout the year, but the Kaziukas Festival (Usually on the week nearest to March 4th) is easily the best festival of the year.

April: Uzupis Independence Day is on April 1st and is celebrated with music and a fountain of beer. Cross the river into the republic and get a passport stamp on this day only.

May: Open Kitchen is a weekly outdoor food festival that usually begins in May (though it depends on the weather and may begin in June).

June: On the 24th of June, celebrate the longest day of the year - St. John's Day.

July: July 6th celebrates coronation of first king of Lithuania (King Mindaugas).

August: In August you can check out the yearly Street Art Festival, or attend the Bernardine Festival, which is an outdoor festival that highlights handicrafts and music. On the 23rd of August remember the Baltic Way, which was a human chain through the Baltics in protest of occupation by the Soviet Union (read more here).

September: Celebrate the Autumn Equinox with a festival of lights on the Neris River in Vilnius.

October: Does the fall weather make you feeling thirsty for some beer? Are you new to Vilnius and interested in seeing the city and finding some cool bars? Then the Beer Marathon is what you must attend this month. Also this month is the Coffee Conference, held by Crooked Nose and Coffee Stories, is an informative conference that draws speakers from all over the world.

November: One of the best cultural experiences I've had in Vilnius was going to a cemetery on November 1st for All Saints Day. Visit any cemetery on the evening of November 1st to see candles light up the night. Also this month is the Vilnius Gastronomic Festival, which was an excellent event in 2015 and I'm looking forward to trying different participating restaurants in November 2016.

December: All of December has excellent Christmas events in Vilnius.

You can find more information on holidays and events here and here.

What events are you most interested in experiencing? What holidays and events does your country celebrate?

In case you haven't guessed yet, I figured I'll announce it here - we are spending another academic year in living in Vilnius! To celebrate this, I thought that I'd write some posts that focus on Lithuania to help anyone moving to or visiting this beautiful country. This month the majority of my posts are going to focus on Lithuania, so if you are planning on visiting or moving here check back frequently! I'll be writing about a range of topics that highlight information about moving to, living in, and visiting Vilnius and an overview of several other major cities in the country.

If you're moving to Vilnius I've previously written the following posts that may help you while planning your move or settling in: Practical Information for Living in Vilnius, Getting a Residency Permit, Facts About Lithuania, Lithuanian Food to Try, and Where to Find a Taste of Home in Vilnius. I've updated all of these posts to include 3 years worth on Vilnius knowledge.

Stay tuned for articles about:

• Where to eat in Vilnius

• Where to shop locally in Vilnius

• Shrovetide

• Month by month events

• The best museums to visit in Vilnius

• And more ...

If you want to know anything specific about Lithuania leave a comment below or send me a Tweet!

One of my favorite ways to spend a day outdoors is in a botanical garden - especially when 'winter is coming.' On a particularly beautiful fall Saturday I finally made it out to the main section of the Vilnius University Botanical Garden! It was just what this botany nerd needed on a sunny, fall Saturday. After visiting the Vingis Park section of the Botanical Garden years ago I was a bit skeptical about how well maintained this main section of the botanical garden would be. Luckily, I was pleasantly surprised - just look at the photos below to see how beautiful it is!

When we visited, the dahlia gardens were in full bloom and I was impressed with the varieties included. Just look at those yellow beauties! Most people probably wouldn't expect it, but visiting botanical gardens in the fall is a great time to see late flowering plants while beating the crowds (and the heat). Now I just need to visit the Botanical Garden in mid-spring to see rhododendron flowering season and smell the lilac flowers in the gorgeous hill of lilac varieties. Baby ISO will likely be much more mobile come spring, so perhaps we'll be chasing him through the flowers!

*All of the photos in today's post are by my lovely other half, J. Thanks!

What do you like to do on sunny, fall afternoons?

I generally don't talk about my personal life on here; however, I thought that sharing a bit of my experience giving birth abroad would perhaps help to prepare other mothers-to-be and perhaps take away some nerves. 

I was a bit nervous with the prospect of having a baby abroad, yet I really liked my gynecologist and had faith that she'd be great throughout. Also, there are tons of babies in Vilnius, so I figured that doctors had plenty of practice with delivery. (Obviously the amount of babies here clearly has to do with the skill level of the doctors...?)

My experience giving birth at the Baltic American Clinic was excellent. Now, I can't directly compare it with giving birth in the States, but here is what I experienced. At each doctor visit prior to giving birth I had an ultrasound. When I went into labor (well, when I was sure I was in labor) I headed straight to the clinic. In contrast to the US, the doctors here in Lithuania would rather you come right when you start contractions. While I was in labor my gynecologist was with me the whole time. With her was also the obstetrician, another gynecologist who happened to be on duty (and who I had previously met), an anesthesiologist, and towards the end, a pediatrician. After giving birth, my husband and I were allowed to stay in the clinic for ~72 hours, though we could have left earlier if we wanted. The food they served was delicious and wholesome. None of that nasty jello crap. Our last night they brought us a mini bottle of cava and two chocolates. Throughout our three days in the clinic after giving birth we had a midwife available 24 hours to help us in any way we needed, though I don't think we had the option for the baby to stay in a nursery had we wanted that. Everyone was incredibly helpful and kind throughout.

Get to know your doctor(s). If I didn't have confidence in my doctor I would have tried to find a new doctor. If I didn't like any of the doctors I would have wanted to give birth in the US. Luckily, my doctor was thorough.

Ask for a tour of the facilities. I didn't do this until pretty later on, but touring the facilities gave me a better picture of what was available. 

Don't feel silly about asking simple questions or for clarification. I asked a TON of questions. Though my doctor spoke English we occasionally had some miscommunications, so if I was unclear about something she said I'd rephrase my question and ask again. I felt a bit stupid asking my hoards of questions, but hey, it was my first time giving birth, so I figured that I was allowed to ask a million questions. (A question you may want to ask is if your husband/partner is allowed to be in the room when you give birth and if your husband/partner can stay in the hospital with you after giving birth. In China my friend's husband wasn't allowed in the room during the birth of his son.)

Don't expect to have the same care as your expecting friends at home. My friends in the US seem to have only had one or two ultrasounds throughout their pregnancy. As I said above, I had an ultrasound each time. I was also expected to head to the clinic when my contractions began.

Go with the flow. Things are going to be different than you expect sometimes. My doctor went on vacation pretty close to my due date. I should have taken my own advice here, but was pretty stressed out when I found out. Luckily she was back in time, but I should have not fretted so much over it. Go with it, but if you are concerned don't be afraid to ask and ask again! Your health and your baby's health is important!

Know what's available. Here in Lithuania working women who pay into social security are allowed three years of paid maternity leave (the amount paid decreases each year). Anytime during that three year span women are allowed to return to their company/institution, but may not have exactly the same job title, as they may have hired a replacement (even if the replacement is temporary). Pregnant women who have terrible morning sickness or a difficult pregnancy are also allowed to have doctors write them a note and to stay home from work. 

Please excuse the crappy photo quality. They were taken quickly with my phone, because... newborn. Also, if you have any questions or are a nervous mom-to-be feel free to send me an email.

My parents and sister (K) visited J, baby ISO, and I this past week and it was great! Of course the new grandparents and auntie were thrilled to meet our new baby. It was SO great having my family here for a handful of days. It was also fun to play tour guide, which allowed me to revisit the city with new eyes. I always love to play tourist and visit new places around Vilnius, but showing my family around really gave me a new appreciation for the city. My family and I took advantage of the beautiful fall weather (we were lucky!) and spent our afternoons wandering around the old town so I could show them my favorite places. We visited the beautiful St. Anne and Bernardine Church Complex, Uzupis, some of my favorite shops (for my shopping-loving sister), the KGB Museum, and the St. Peter and Paul's Church that has been on my Lithuanian Bucket List for quite some time. 

I wanted to remember and share our visit, so below I've shared some highs and lows from the week-long trip.

A Rough Start:

Unfortunately, my family missed out on 1.5 days because of a canceled flight with Finnair out of JFK. Just FYI the customer service at Finnair was absolutely terrible. After a nightmare of about 6 hours waiting in line after the canceled flight they were sent to a hotel for the night without a new booking. The next morning Finnair still was no help. Luckily they had booked through Travelocity who has great customer service and they were able to hop on a new flight that very evening.

Snippets from the Visit:

Walking to Peter and Paul Church (post to come soon). Our last night together, which spent at Alaus Biblioteka. Eating out at Keule Ruke. Their first meeting with the little one in their awesome hotel room in the Europos Royal Hotel. Finding a store with gorgeous dresses from a local designer near the Egg Statue.

St Peter and Paul's Church

Back alleys in Vilnius Old Town

More Time...

If you are looking for your own inspiration for a visit in Vilnius you may want more ideas of what to check out - we did start our wanders rather late each day. Had we had more time I would have sent them to the Vytautas Kausilis Art Museum, on a free walking tour of the city, and we would have visited Trakai. If you'd like to receive a free travel guide on Vilnius be sure to sign up for my monthly newsletter!



When you have visitors come to your expat home what do you show them? Doesn't it always feel like there isn't enough time?

Happy Friday! I'm certainly looking forward to the weekend - a little rest will be nice and my parents and sister (K) arrive on Sunday for a week of fun. I'm also looking forward to celebrating my birthday as well, though a bit belated. As of yesterday I'm another year older and the day passed calmly and uneventfully. Celebrations were quiet this year with a newborn and all, but the three of us did manage a little evening trip to Alaus Biblioteka for a delicious beer and some snacks.

Alaus Bibklioteka and Bamb Alyne are two of my favorite bars to relax, have a beer, and even get some work done (yup, I occasionally swap my beloved cafes for a bar). Both bars serve a huge array of beers - give me a beer over any other type of liquor (except for ouzo) - and have great character.



Alaus Biblioteka (Beer Library) is a beer bar that serves  different beers from all over the world (look at that selection!). They have an excellent imported beers that can't be found elsewhere in Vilnius and many different choices on tap. If you plan on visiting Alaus Biblioteka regularly, sign up for a "beer passport" and aim to get stamps from all of the different beer types. If you fill your beer passport you get a free beer book! Now that I've had the baby and am no longer pregnant I can start to fill my own beer passport (more likely I'll share with J as I'm not a fan of IPAs or bitter beers)!

Similarly to Alaus Biblioteka, Bamb Alyne serves a selection of 80 beers from local brewers and a reasonably tasty local wine. Bamb Alyne has such a cool interior, as it is situated underground and the walls are made from brick and stone.  You can also purchase beers to bring home. Bamb Alyne also serves small beer snacks including Lithuanian fried bread and a selection of meats and cheeses. Because of their convenient location - in a courtyard where we can safely leave our empty stroller - this was the first bar we visited with baby in search of in tow!

What are your favorite bars? What do you like in a bar?

Ok, ok, I know I write about cafes way too much on here, but I just can't help myself - especially with all of the cool new cafes popping up in Vilnius. I'll do my best to resist another cafe post in the near future...but first I have to chat about these two awesome spots to get your caffeine fix.

J and I discovered the newly opened Strange Love cafe shortly after returning to Vilnius from the US. Strange Love is located very conveniently close to where we live, which made it a perfect excursion during the last month of my pregnancy, when all I wanted to do was sit on the couch (or fill our freezer with home cooked meals). Its close location and outdoor seating also made it the second cafe for baby ISO (in search of) to visit. Because Strange Love has an awesome interior and great coffee it wasn't too hard for J to coax me out with the promise of a cappuccino and some blogging time. I also recently checked out their new menu and now really want to try them out for dinner! I'll let you know when I do :)

Crooked Nose and Coffee Stories opened a new space (and closed their old space) in Vilnius and now they serve coffee and have space to work. I've raved about Crooked Nose coffee before and am so happy that they now have a storefront that I can regularly visit. If that isn't enough, they also currently offer a cheese, bread, and fruit plate that is meant to pair well with the coffee. Another added bonus: the owner is incredibly friendly. I do believe that they are closed on weekends though, which can make it difficult to visit, so check their hours on Facebook before heading there.

Strange Love: Barboros Radviliates g. 6B website

Crooked Nose and Coffee Stories: Saltiniu g. 20-17 website

Which cafes have you been loving lately?