Life in a Small Lithuanian City as a Foreigner

We have been living in the small Lithuanian city of Utena for just about 6 weeks now. Here's what my impressions are, how we're liking it, a few things that perhaps aren't so ideal.
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[@davidklein4980]

I moved to lithuania 🇱🇹 from London 4 years ago. I love it. ❤ now we are buying a farm 🚜 😀 I went from being a city boy to a farmer in such a short space of time haha 😄

[@onelungg]

Brace Yourselves, Winter is Coming

[@medastulpinaite9281]

Well shes from New York, i dont think our winter will be that drastically different :D

[@templecreations2351]

The ice crystalline trees and streets are a sight to see. When the snow falls slowly and reflects street lights. It can be amazing if you have warm clothes.

[@justina3695]

Winter with no snow and 4°

[@lauraseibokaite212]

Winter in lithuania is shit in2023

[@austejajurkynaite9719]

What's interesting, is that we, Lithuanians, don't see ourselves as that friendly 😄 we are more modest and yeah, we are welcoming, but I wouldn't say that we are as friendly as people in the south 😅 but it's nice to hear a gentle praise from a foreigner 😊

[@frozenberry123]

Totally agree with Austėja. Although, not all Lithuanians are the same, it really depends on situation and on person. As for the beauty of other towns, you should definitely check Anykščiai and Druskininkai also. Those are very impressive, green and relaxing places to visit as well.

[@keepcreationprocess]

@@frozenberry123 I totally agree with both of you. I don t think Lithuanians are that friendly either....yes as Austeja commented - that is true...modest and sometimes polite - but not always , not all of you....not like Canadians- they are friendly and polite people....

[@kristinajackson5862]

@@keepcreationprocess yes, but alot of Western politeness is fake. I live in UK and I know people will smile in your face and slag you off behind your back. With Lithuanians is going to be in your face and if they don't know you, they will be reserved, but if they like you, it's from the heart.

[@feelingsekene493]

Would like to move to Lithuania

[@abdulkadirylmaz8132]

Totally right , I hope she doesn’t meet them when they are drunk 😅

[@user-ow6vv3pn3v]

Man I can't believe so many foreigners come to live in Lithuania. There's also one nigerian girl blogger on YT. That makes me proud being half lithuanian. You guys are so very welcome in Lithuania.

[@mgb0869]

I truly have always enjoyed the comments section of Laura’s vlogs. Very kind people in her “community” of subscribers….a “safe” space. Laura should be very proud of this, as it is a reflection of her and her efforts on the channel. A refreshing difference from many. It is a pleasure to read comments from people that either live in, or have moved to Lithuania. All/most are very proud of where they live. Rightly so. An incredibly beautiful journey so far….and the ARCHITECTURE and FOOD…..wow! What I knew of Lithuania was very little. Shame on me. Learning lots and eager for more! Much love from Ottawa 🇨🇦

[@jayt658]

This video was great... I'm from niagara falls NY and I'm moving to Lithuania next year. I visited there for a week,I got back 2 days ago. I adore it...my girlfriend lives there but even if I wasn't with her I'd still move there. It's gorgeous,everyone was VERY nice.

[@simonatum]

Was really not expecting to see my hometown in your video! I really hope you feel welcome here and that the winter doesn't scare you away. I tell everyone who visits Lithuania that they must go visit the Lithuanian Museum of Ethnocosmology in Moletai - it's one of my favourite places in Lithuania and it's not at all far from Utena - they have a very interesting and modern exposition right now. You can even book a night stargazing tour using their telescopes. Please feel free to get in touch if you have any questions about the country/town and I hope you enjoy your time here!

[@laura-bronner]

Thank you so much!

[@ArubindoSorkar]

❤ good post

[@ProduceART]

Fellow Lithuanian here. Utena is one of the better choses to live from all smaller towns in Lithuania. I'm not from Utena, I live in Vilnius, but I do have old summer house near Utena and I love this town. Also there is one more restaurant called Liūtas Ir Avelė , which is really decent.

[@Bad_Artist_]

Your photography and narration do bring me back to my 3-month stay in Lithuania back in 1993. Even though it was beautiful, It's remarkable how much more vibrant, pristine, and friendly the country has become. I do hope that you will acquire some Lithuanian friends soon!

[@souldoc123]

you need visit again,and see,how all changed..

[@vaida.san94]

The country has changed drastically. Lithuania in 90s and Lithuania now are two completely different worlds. Please do visit again!

[@ligametis]

Just in the capital changes were like a double edged sword. We got modern skyscrapers, but also lost a lot of nature in the city, trees, green spaces as density just keeps increasing (in soviet times nobody cared about profits from this). Due to new constructions we are also loosing a lot of smaller historical buildings, especially wooden heritage is being lost quickly.

[@ligametis]

@@vaida.san94 Not is all ways. I miss some authentic historical charm of Vilnius old town. Nowadays some of it has been lost, while in many other cases all nice courtyards have become locked without public access.

[@_Marius_Strolys]

Good! I am Lithuanian, I am over 40 years old, but I have not been to Utena yet. After watching your video, I think I need to visit Utena. Just today I returned from a two-day trip around Šiauliai and Kelmė region and I was convinced once again how many beautiful places there are around. I really liked Kurtuvėnai, Tytuvėnai, Šiluva. Thank you very much for allowing to see Lithuania through the eyes of a guest. Good luck to you. Give LIKE and SUSCRIBE.

[@pauladosch7062]

Hi Marius, I am currently applying for a Lithuanian citizenship by descent. Hoping to be able to visit soon.

[@laura-bronner]

Thanks so much, Marius! I'm glad you are enjoying the videos and I appreciate the tips on other places to visit around the country. There are so many places, my list just keeps getting longer! haha

[@darkac1]

@@laura-bronner As you are near, you should definitely visit "Šavašos pažintinis takas". Great place to feel the greenery of forests and creeks. If you'll ever need any help, tips or just to meet, you can write me ;)

[@zilvinasgruodis3434]

You should try out Anyksciai, it's near by Utena and it's one of the greenest places here in Lithuania ;)

[@m.jauniuskapkan9852]

Exactly, it also has lots of restaurants.

[@Pievineju1993]

aaaand they have a pretty great variety of SPAs in Anykščiai :)

[@durnastelikas5314]

It's Corona thats why the buses aren't very often. Movement between municipalities in Lithuania was prohibited just few months ago

[@laura-bronner]

ahh that makes sense, I didn't realize. Thanks for letting me know!

[@averageenjoyer1930]

You must rush to see Klaipėda, Palanga and Nida while the weather is still decent here.

[@laura-bronner]

I don't think I'll get up there before the cool weather arrives unfortunately. Without a car it's been difficult to get around, but we don't want to get a car (don't even think we can?) until our residency permits come through. Still a few more weeks to wait unfortunately.

[@Gyvenotjas]

@@laura-bronner It's super easy to get there via train from Vilnius! It will take around 6 hours, but I think you won't regret it, especially Klaipeda - Nida, as soon Nida will start closing down due to the end of the tourist season (which is a good thing as most of the tourists there are Lithuanians and the place is more lively). In all honesty, if you were looking for a city with a sense of town but an international community as well, then Klaipėda is the best spot as there are some awesome people from the US & Canada and all over the world living there. Not to mention the sea, beautiful park and overall amount of green spaces you have a few minutes away from the city center. It's the best city for nature lovers in Lithuania.

[@vaida.san94]

Dear, very glad to hear that you’re enjoying living in Lithuania so far☺️♥️

[@laura-bronner]

Thank you, I'm loving it :)

[@travelvideos]

Silence is one of the best exports of this area of Europe. Silence already starts when you step in and sit in the airplane on the tarmac in the foreign country readying for take off - people are speaking so quietly. It was hard to get used to, but then one can.

[@broniuksantanuks6605]

We have returned to Lithuania after 15 years living abroad. Instead of our native Kaunas, we bought a homestead near Alytus and river Nemunas. It'so quiet and peaceful - and a large city is only 8 kilometers away!

[@kristinakasmauskiene8847]

It’s my native city, and I lived by the lake Dauniškis. Great to see people from other countries enjoying this place! I would love to make new friends, but now I am living in Ukmerge. I hope you will meet new friends there. It just takes a little bit time to get to know locals. Good luck!

[@edsong7824]

Will it be too cold in winter for someone from coutry which never has temperature as low as 10°C?

[@mantau5178]

@@edsong7824 You would need decent winter clothing. With that winters are really not that cold.

[@paulioska7194]

@@edsong7824 well last winter I think there were few weeks with like -15 if I'm not wrong, maybe more

[@vilneleart2649]

@@paulioska7194 a bit more 😊 last winter we had cold as low as minus 20-26 for quite a while (mostly it doesnt last longer than 2-3 weeks) but thats when the lakes freeze properly and you can go walk on if there is snow its heaven

[@zuikutis27]

I am English speaking Lithuanian and I can help you if needed. In Utena is a nice place to eat called Liūtas ir avelė 🤤

[@laura-bronner]

Thank you! I will check out that restaurant!

[@povilasvisinskas7559]

I think Utena should become a bit more lively once they fix that horrible road from Vilnius. I travel a lot in Lithuania by car, but usually try to avoid that direction :)

[@SisterSherryDoingStuff]

Must be a huge change from constantly moving around. And it looks like you enjoy that. Relaxing and not having to pack up in a few days. I'm really enjoying these videos from small town Lithuania. I've already said that you've sold me on the country. I'd love to come visit.

[@northenplace8003]

You’re always welcome here! Lithuania is an incredibly safe and peaceful place. And the capital is super cozy and lovely. You’d enjoy for sure☺️

[@nojusmeskauskas7622]

Greetings from lithuania 🇱🇹🇱🇹😎

[@agnetata8661]

I love Your videos❤i feel so nostalgic!!! I am from Lithuania, but i live in Usa right now...

[@laura-bronner]

Thank you so much, glad I could give you a taste of home!

[@jprs433]

If you like quiet and natural places, you should definitely rent a cabin near some lake for couple days. Usually there are sauna and/or hot tub to relax, fire place to sit or cook and some water activities (even though weather is not that good anymore). ..and there are plenty beautiful places not that far from Utena for such purpose 🙂

[@organic-artistic]

Your videos make me want to move to Lithuania 🇱🇹 the friendly people and peace sound so appealing ❤️

[@crazydragy4233]

Lovely to hear you're enjoying your stay. Hopefully the autumn and winter won't be too much for you two :d Bus times can be tricky, I suppose they might be more 'stable' in a bigger town like Utena but they do change depending on what day it is (weekends vs weekdays at the very least) to be as efficient as possible because there's just not that many people most of the time, especially with the small towns. (If you two are staying a while I recommend getting bikes. They're quite handy (and you can take them on busses!), especially if you live in a town "cluster", there's even been a lot of roadwork to ease up such travel these years) And well not that many places have that many 'regular' attractions like a lot of restaurants, bars, cinema's and else, aside big cities, especially if they aren't cultural hubs. (We actually have quite a few dwindling towns because they used to be manufacturing hubs before but have lost that. Some are trying to breathe new life by incentivising other sectors (mostly (local) tourism) nowadays.) And I won't lie, I think you might not have concluded that people are as warm if you looked more different from locals. Some seem to have difficulties (you might have heard of an immigrant and the border with Belarus issues on the news lately) with outsiders. Of course not everyone is like that but it's not that hard to find, especially in older generations in smaller towns. Anyway, hopefully my 'essay' here isn't bothersome haha, best of luck with everything and may the search for friends go well and the heating prices not hit you hard in the following months ;d (Also gotta add you've got a beautiful accent!)

[@makeablewebsolutions]

Hey - british ex-pat here - in a village just outside Utena for 3 years.

[@armandasgucaitis1921]

Labas! Not sure what you plan next, but Marijampolė (the 7th largest city) is the beautiful and clean small city I live in. Renovations have been constant here for the past few years, making it clean and still green, like the Pašešupio park which is pleasant to be in. You'll find quite more restaraunts and cafés (which also serve proper Lithuanian meals) here and public areas with many poeple, yet remaining calm...!

[@raimundasmickevicius3279]

I have to agree! I live not too far from Marijampolė and visit this town every week. I like that everything is so close in the center and you can find everything you need. And really it's one of the most renovated towns in Lithuania. Also very clean and close to Poland and Kaunas. Really worth a visit ☺️

[@mk9531]

Welcome to Lithuania! I love your point of noise - we do have some pockets of silence and beautiful life in this country :)

[@miglekapliukaite9103]

Hey! It's so nice that you chose to live in Utena, while lots of people are leaving rural areas. I'm so happy that you are shareing experience, maybe it would broaden others' horizons to explore Lithuania, especially its nature, including forests and rivers around Utena, Molėtai, Ignalina (truly recommend) and calmness. Uniqueness is still not losted, it's one of the biggest values of lithuanians :) Best wishes!

[@zorro-fq1zq]

Meteorological records in Lithuania: The lowest air temperature -42,9 °C Utena 😁

[@laura-bronner]

🙉🙈🙈 oh dear.

[@misiaw.]

i'd love to see it

[@misiaw.]

yt reccomendations brought me here. take care, love Lietuva from Poland.

[@markust7709]

Thank you very much for the positivety in your video. I am from Lithuania (not from Utena though). Well you were apologizing to Lithuanian watchers for calling Untena and small city but there is nothing really insulting in calling it this way - it is small even by Lithuanian standards. I agree there are lots of tiny places in a country that are much smaller than Utena. The good thing is that from recent times the country of Lith is undergoing maasive renovations and remodelling making public spaces look better than they were, lets say, 20 years ago. Lithiania is really green and with less people into your face, together with that with all the goodies of civilization. I hope you will continue enjoying your calm living away from a big city🙂

[@hannahshipman]

Enjoy Utena. Greetings from Vilnius. I am happy I've discovered your channel.

[@americaofthenorth655]

Keep on keeping on. It's not the destination It's the journey. With an open heart and soul you are the village.

[@michaelpalmer3250]

I passed through Utena on my way for a stay at Barono Vila which is near Butėnai, and sadly my only stop in Utena was at Charlie Pizza, but I will make a point of exploring Utena next time I am in Lithuania.....to further explore the Lithuanian dream.....

[@pckChannel]

You actually described Utena really well! Glad you like being here.

[@judit1783]

Great new intro!!

[@akmuobate]

So nice to see you enjoying things we are used to and take for granted. All the best wishes!

[@deimantenorkute6762]

I'm glad you love living here!

[@eleanorbertuch135]

A wonderful visit👏👏👏

[@nikaa7511]

Hey 👋 a lovely video, very positive! Never been to Utena but definitely will visit it when I am around. Thumbs up 👍

[@guste1578]

I’m originally from there, delighted you guys are liking it and it’s just mental people choosing there to live. I’d recommend rent a car and driving around, there are so many insanely beautiful spots, an insane amount of lakes to explore in that region, windmills, don’t be afraid to go foraging for awhile strawberries and blueberries in the forests and soon it will be mushroom season. Just such a shame I’m only seeing your challenge now when I’ve just returned to Ireland

[@geraldb9706]

Thoroughly enjoy your videos Laura. These last ones on moving to and living in a new country are really good. Especially as I’m thinking Lithuania would not be high up there on peoples lists to travel or move to. So this makes them very enjoyable and interesting. Thanks so much for sharing and taking us along for your experiences. Peace and Calm. 👍🏻😎🇨🇦

[@laura-bronner]

Thanks so much, Gerald. I'm really glad you are enjoying the recent videos! I appreciate you taking the time to watch and comment :)

[@TotallyDC]

Nice video, as always :) Highly recommend you to go and explore hiking trails while weather is somewhat nice. There is a lot of nice places to explore :)

[@laura-bronner]

Thank you! We have been really enjoying the different trails that we've found so far! I would love to do some of the 100km loop trail around Vilnius while the weather is still nice :)

[@donatasviso2725]

Forgot to mention basketball star Jonas Valanciunas is from there who plays in the NBA now :)

[@lithuanianlessonswithugnet651]

Such a beautiful video ♥️

[@raimundasmickevicius3279]

This summer was really chaotic and different from what it used to be when I was a child. Usually july used to be more rainy and august - pleasantly warm and dry. I am lithuanian and have never been to Utena and in general northeastern part of Lithuania. Loved your video and wish you a great time here!

[@laura-bronner]

Thank you so much! It was certainly some strange weather! I'm looking forward to the autumn :)

[@earthling6430]

You look so healthy Laura! That home cooking is treating you well. So much healthier than eating out!

[@laura-bronner]

Thanks, I'm feeling happy and healthy :)

[@jurganooooos5579]

@@laura-bronner Welcome to Lithuania :D And yes, we lithuanians love our fresh produce, and we cock at home very often :) we also do visit shops for those "vegies" almost every second or third day :D That's why there aren't really any restaurants in smaller city. It simply will not have enough customers. Best of luck and dress up. It will get rainy and cold soon ;)

[@spiritualsigita]

Hello Laura! I am glad to see that you are enjoying living in Utena! The country is great with all that greenery! I come from the coastal part of Lithuania - Palanga. Big recommendation to visit that part! You will enjoy Nida, Juodkrante Neringa, Klaipeda:) Like yourself , I have been living in London for 16 years and now living in Germany. I know the feeling! I am Visiting Lithuania in October! Let me know if you fancy a drink in Vilnius!:) All the best, Sigita

[@laura-bronner]

Would be lovely to have a drink when you come back to Lithuania!

[@karolis155]

I come from the same place as Sigita, the surrounding areas around Palanga are just amazing!

[@linea369]

I was so surprised to see someone talking about Utena! It's my hometown. Lived there untill college 😀

[@astakon4815]

That's wonderful, that you like Utena and that people treat you well and I'm so glad you enjoy living there 😊. If I remember it well, some of organizations from Utena had international volunteers (not sure if they still have ) and they were always very nice and helpfull 😊. I live in Kaunas, but have a friend from Utena (just sent her your video). I hope you'll find good, nice people to hang out with 😊.

[@laura-bronner]

Thanks so much for sharing the video :)

[@kipras4699]

awesome video!

[@laura-bronner]

Thanks!

[@nilspetterhellvik5519]

My girl is from Utena, and we thinking about moving there. We live in Norway now, but it is just to expensive

[@laura-bronner]

I've never been to Norway, but I imagine it's much cheaper to live in Utena haha, especially if you are still able to earn what you are earning in Norway.

[@blablasijus]

You should come visit Anykščiai. It is not very far away from Utena and has some really nice places to see also there are some great restaurants in Anykščiai, like Vilnius SPA Anykščiai (I know it sounds confusing...)

[@RidingWithGerdas]

Greetings from Kaunas, awesome to have foreigners coming to us and staying a bit longer :)

[@emadabrilkaite]

Thank you🌞

[@ABUKHALED2]

I love lithuania from egypt 🇪🇬 I hope to visit egypt

[@kazkasKitoBaisaus]

Also, if you travel nearby visit Anyksciai town. And there you should not miss: Kalita hill, barefoot path and Voruta castle

[@laura-bronner]

Thank you so much!

[@phobes9011]

Hello! I've just now seen this video and i'm super excited cause i live in Utena too! Very good video, I feel like it explains the town very well, if you have any questions about it please ask, i'll be very happy to help :D Btw you should definantly check out Utenis square if you haven't been there yet, it's just to the right of the 'Senukai' shopping centre, it's a nice park area with fountains (although they stop working around winter for obvious reasons, we get a lott of snow most of the time so you should prepare lol) there's also a very nice bakery there that you should absolutly try

[@laura-bronner]

Thanks so much! I will check out the square and the bakery. What is the name of the bakery?

[@phobes9011]

You're welcome :D, and it's called 'Aikštės Kepyklėlė' Edit: More things to see if you're interested: There's a museum of the Utena area (Utenos kraštotyros muziejus) really close to the bakery Another bakery is even closer to 'Senukai' called '101 Kepyklėlė' and it is also really good and opened up pretty recently The Utena culture centre (Utenos kultūros centras) which you should really go to this week because the annual city fair is happening right now, where a market opens up and they sell esentially everything you can think of, it should be a great way for you guys to meet some locals and have a great time (it's located on the other side of the road from the church you showed in the video, the one next to the store called 'Maxima', in winter time they also put up a christmas tree and decorate it there too, that's something that is done in almost every single Lithuanian city as a form of friendly competition Speaking of churches, there is another one just down the road from Utenis square called 'Utenos kristaus žengimo į dangų bažnyčia (which roughly translates to 'The church of the christ's ascending to heaven of Utena) Another museum is on the road to Vilnius, it's called 'Utenos laisvės kovų muziejus' (Museum of the fight for freedom of Utena) and it has a lot of historic things related to the Soviet occupation of Lithuania and the exile of Lithuanians to siberia, pretty cool And also, when you can, definantly see some of the villages not far from Utena (like Užpaliai and Svėdasai) as they have interesting historic locations that give insight into old Lithuanian history and tales, see some of the mounds in the countryside, which are old hills that often had a castle or fort on them, the one in Narkūnai, a village really close to Utena was actually the place where the history of the city began Really sorry if i ended up typing too much i'm just really excited to help as we don't usually get a lot of foreigners in our country, and especially in small provincial places like Utena, hope both of you guys have a great stay here! :D

[@laura-bronner]

Thank you so much for all of the tips! I've added them all to the map on my phone so I can check them out. The Museum for Freedom of Utena sounds especially interesting!

[@labaskrabasbaobabas]

Welcome to Lithuania and Utena!:) You certainly chose unconventional place to live for expats :) I do hope that after winter you won’t change your mind about it :) If you are craving for eating out, other options are heading to Anyksciai (they’ve got a place or two there, I hear Vilnius SPA has a nice restaurant) or Ignalina (check out restaurant Zuvedra). Generally, if you get a chance to visit Ignalina - do so! It’s surrounded by Aukštaitija National Park and hundreds of lakes. Autumn colours would be absolutely mesmerising. But as you highlighted, public transport is disappointing, so either you need jump on a bicycle or rent a car to be able to get to places. Back in the days before covid, I would have suggested also hitchhiking, but not sure if that’s still seen as OK. Disclaimer: My wife is from Utena, but both of us don’t live in Lithuania for the past 14 years.

[@alfredbattenberg2626]

Nice to see you back. You got the perfect place hahaha. You hated noise in Mexico. Too quiet too silent would stress me and get me anxious. Hahaha. What a masochist guy I am.

[@jag5798]

As a fellow American, you sure make me miss my little foreign expat country. In Australia now, but in a few months heading to India for a small work stint. I am hoping to run into you/both when I return to LT! Next Spring?? :) Keep up the great videos. I look forward to them!

[@laura-bronner]

Would be lovely to meet when you're back! I'm glad you are enjoying the videos and they can bring you a little bit of Lithuania while you're away.

[@zauliuz]

I live here since i was born, and i can't live in bigger cities like Vilnius or Kaunas. it's quiet place where you can basically have everything, except concerts.. But this weekend will be our town birthday, so i hope you will enjoy it.

[@laura-bronner]

I'm excited to see some of the live music and the other events that are happening here this weekend :)

[@aurimaslabanauskas]

100 km for concerts isn't a big deal 😎🔥

[@zauliuz]

@@aurimaslabanauskas with our public transport system it's a big deal. unless you have a place where to sleep there or have a car, otherwise last bus from Vilnius to Utena 18.50

[@keithsims5109]

I am American living here in Vilnius 6 months out of the year, I notice that probably 90% of the people have the same color eyes, check it out when your people looking. Wait until winter arrives, we will see how happy you are

[@giedre2608]

Oh unfortunately you need a car if you wanna travel around comfortabily. You can rent a Citybee from bigger cities. Also, consider visiting seaside while it is still warm - I'm sure you would love it🥰

[@laura-bronner]

We are waiting for our residency permits to come through before considering getting a car, but I think long term we will probably get a car. I have heard so many lovely things about the coast, I can't wait to get up there!

[@nyankosensey1531]

oposite it is better visit sea in late autum. you can get hot vine and go see huge waves. in summer it is boring

[@jonaswunderkind4580]

Utena area is so beautiful, but you need a car there ;) Go to Molėtai it is super cute and try looking for restaurants on the outskirts of small towns. For example in SPA Hotel BELVILIS or something like that :) but.. yeah you need a car, i live in small village in that area and moving around with buses is almost impossible :D

[@viktorijakalinauskaite9711]

Wonderful to see how you love my beautiful country :) You have to visit other cities like Druskiningai, Kretinga and others :)

[@grete1176]

If you ever needed some suggestions about the events/gatherings, what to visit in Utena or around it, don't hesitate to ask me:) I live here and me and my friends would love to help!:)

[@laura-bronner]

Thank you so much :)

[@feelingsekene493]

I would love to move here but don't know how to go about it I love the country

[@ASAS-dn4ve]

While in Utena it might be reasonable to make encephalitis vaccination and make some local friends who could take you fishing, mushroom picking and other attractions of nature here. You're not far from Aukstaitija National park.

[@pranashp3817]

Try Gastro Pub "Aš būsiu čia" (I will be here) in another small city Ukmergė ! It's not far away from Utena. Also Anykščiai is very beutiful city not far away from Utena.

[@laura-bronner]

I would really love to go to Anykščiai, it looks so nice, but I don't have a car, so getting there by bus is very difficult at the moment. I would love to visit Ukmergė, maybe see you there!

[@pranashp3817]

@@laura-bronner yes, public transport is very uncomfortable in Lithuania. Check carpool groups like " Vilnius- Utena, Utena - Vilnius", also "Utena - Kaunas - Utena". Its kind of sharing a seat in a car for few €. I tried several times and such system works :) especially when students going to study or going back to visit parents...

[@laura-bronner]

Thanks so much, that's really helpful!

[@gabrielesimonyte9617]

you should definitely come visit Kupsikis, its called museum under the sky for a reason 😉

[@kipras4699]

Kupiškis you mean?

[@gabrielesimonyte9617]

@@kipras4699 yup 😅 didn't realize there's a mistake

[@kipras4699]

@@gabrielesimonyte9617 Nieko tokio

[@yevgeniyvalstion7467]

I took my driving test back in a day in Utena.

[@mso7357]

Laura, hope you have time to also explore Utena’s dark 1941 secret. According to Wikipedia it’s in the Rase Forest just 2km north of the city. Every Lithuanian city, town and village has the same 1941 dark history., so Utena is certainly not alone.

[@rayvogensen2983]

I find it surprising that there are so few restaurants and yet there are a lot of supermarkets, including a LIDL, as you pointed out. We live a town in Portugal with a similar population, perhaps even smaller, and according to Trip Advisor there are between 75 and 100 restaurants, depending on how you define a restaurant. I am sure we have about 50 cafes too, almost one on every corner.

[@northenplace8003]

I guess it’s a cultural thing. People in South Europe tend to spend more time outdoors and to meet in restaurants, cafes more than Eastern Europeans. Here it’s way more common to cook at home or to invite guests to come over. Of course in the capital is different.

[@goresk8869]

Lithuania is a beautiful country love to live there

[@theMantas4444]

Great. You should to make move to Klaipeda. I think it’s a most liberal and beautiful town in Lithuanian. You have Nida and Planga on sides of Klaipeda. Is best experience in LT. At least it is for me.

[@robertaslaatsch6575]

Do whatever you can to see Nida. Must do it!

[@laura-bronner]

Headed there in a few days!

[@violoncele]

It's so cool to see my country with foreigner's eyes. Thank you for sharing your experience. :) One advice get encephalitis shot. Those f*cking ticks live in those green spaces. 🙈

[@Vytaszx]

Oh yeah, encephalitis vaccine is strongly recommended here. 2 ticks got me in July...

[@crazydragy4233]

Indeed, I've been getting at least 2 of those little shits every summer lately. Last one from sitting on grass that wasn't even a centimetre tall. They're truly everywhere. At the very least educate yourself about tick diseases and go to a doctor right away if you spot the signs.

[@edsong7824]

Let's know about life in winter.

[@andriusgreenfly6948]

O nice I live in Utena also.

[@BeckyInCa]

I like the peace and quiet.

[@laura-bronner]

Me too, it has been so lovely.

[@laurynas6729]

Come to live in Raudondvaris, best place to live in right now 😃

[@pingvinai_irgi_zmones]

I wanna see ehat you say when November comes and it's dark by 4pm xD

[@joecapesius2887]

Looks like a lovely place Laura. I’m curious how you spend ypur time since there is only so much touring you can do in a small town.

[@laura-bronner]

When I'm not working, I catch the bus to Vilnius or go for a walk around Utena. Vilnius is the closest big city, so it's easy to head there for the day and get my city fix. But I work Monday to Friday from home and tend to travel elsewhere on the weekends :)

[@domeswall]

What brought you to Lithuania? The recent history of this place is very exciting.

[@laura-bronner]

The same thing that brought me to Mexico, my boyfriend took a job here :)

[@krameris1000]

Greatings from Biržai 🤝.

[@laura-bronner]

It's somewhere I'd really like to visit! I heard you have the best beer there :)

[@krameris1000]

@@laura-bronner The best 🍺

[@mjfan19950510]

great video!!! nice review gotta tell you that! Also if you ever visit Kaunas again - hit me up for a meet could show you around some places too :)

[@PauliusEpas]

Hey! Nice video, I do agree about community problem. But I think more and more people are moving from big cities (like Kaunas and Vilnius) to cities like Utena, Molėtai, so they could be closer to lakes and green stuff, so community should be less and less be a problem.

[@sinchrofazatronas]

When winter comes and all the greenery is gone you will be bored out of your mind, i can guarantee you this.

[@Ner141]

People are nice because you're a novelty to them.

[@tiktokslavversion8022]

As lithuanian i understand your pain while traveling our lovely road from Utena to Vilnius. If i was in your case i would rather walk to the capital.

[@thfarrell]

Welcome to small town life, from a New Mexico town that's actually just a village.

[@laura-bronner]

I understand the draw now :) I used to swear that I was a city girl, but I am really enjoying the serenity and kindness that just doesn't exist in a city.

[@porkchopspapi5757]

I'm in Las Cruces. Its growing on me.

[@dariusdauderys6218]

New york is hell, no wonder you like it here :)

[@rayvogensen2983]

Summer is a great season when eveyone is out walking and the landscape is green. But, what about when winter sets in and you are stuck in your apartment and it is too cold to walk. Winters can be very cold, with temperatures rarely reaching above freezing - temperatures below −25 °C (−13 °F) are not unheard-of in January and February. Those lakes surrounding the city are almost always permanently frozen during this time of year. I hope you like ice-fishing.

[@laura-bronner]

I’m actually looking forward to the coziness of winter. I haven’t had one in five years. Warm pubs and cafes, museums to explore, wind that reminds you your alive. That feeling of coming back in after being outside and shedding all of the layers, having that first warm drink. I grew to hate the overly hot weather in my time in Mexico. Over 30 degrees C is much the same as weather that’s “too cold.” You can’t be outside because the sun is too strong, there’s not much to do and most people are at home in front of their air conditioners, especially in Mexico where most cafes and restaurants are mostly outside.

[@rayvogensen2983]

@@laura-bronnerEach one to his own. I do agree that the hot weather in Mexico can get you down after a while. Here we have a moderately cold winter and a hot summer. Temperatures have been in the mid thirties every day in August. Mornings are nice though. I am from Marin County in the SF Bay Area so I have never really lived in a seriously cold place. The best climate for us was in Brasilia where almost every day saw highs of 27º and nights of 15º. We never had heating or AC. But, as you might know, Brasil is a very violent country with a lot of political instability too. Portugal, in comparison, is extremely safe. One of my granddaughters is going to be in Tallin, in Estonia, next year, doing Erasmus, so we will get more information about that part of Europe.

[@batuotaskatinas8414]

Nice to hear from you about Utena :) NBA basketball player Jonas Valanciunas is from Utena. Utena has also basketaball club ''Juventus''. I recommend you Alausas see , trip around a lot beautiful places , also there a lot of oligarch houses :)

[@feelingsekene493]

Would love to move there but don't know how to go about it

[@FlatMountains]

My wife is Spanish and I am Lithuanian, we live in the outskirts of Kaunas, and she having a hard time as well to find local friends. So if you anytime in kaunas let us know :)

[@laura-bronner]

Thanks so much for your message! I would love to meet up next time I am near Kaunas - and especially to speak Spanish again :)

[@FlatMountains]

@@laura-bronner any time!!

[@Levasc]

Hey are you still here? come to Zarasai! Its 45 km

[@Levasc]

This is how it looks. kzbin.info/www/bejne/j6anhKqph6d7n6s

[@jonasprunskus8590]

Not sure if you've answered this in another video, but why did you chose to move to Utena, and not Vilnius, Kaunas or even Klaipėda? When the winter comes, and outside isn't as nice anymore, you'd certainly want some more places to explore/hang out. Maybe you plan to move to a bigger city?

[@laura-bronner]

I'll answer this in the Q&A video I'm filming - will be up Wednesday :)

[@ligametis]

Why everyone should move to big cities? Smaller regions already lack people and you suggest even stronger centralization. Also it seems she searched for relaxing, quiet, green environment with a lot of space and nature. Kaunas and especially Vilnius have just too much action, movement so many changes, green spaces are disappearing in front of our eyes just for the sake of skyscrapers, shops and restaurants. I wouldn't be surprised if Vilnius becomes similar dense concrete jungle to other European large cities due to new constructions. At least it used to be unique with its spaces, nature, old town and historical architecture. Don't get me wrong, some love that, but not everyone.

[@ligametis]

Well I live in Vilnius and quite passionate about its history so I think I am a bit familiar with changes that are happening there. Here you go, you agree that Vilnius is unique compared to other larger European cities. But that is what I am talking about, those differentiating values are slowly disappearing and it becomes similarly globalised and homogeneous. Of course I am not comparing it to pure concrete jungles like Paris or Barcelona. But Vilnius was uniquely green and didn't have "big city" feeling compared to even Riga.

[@MrDickharder]

I iused to get fresh beer in Utena brewery and almost became alhogolic during one summer over there.)