Traveling to Kaliningrad (Russia's Exclave in the Heart of Europe)

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Traveling to Kaliningrad, Russia, the Russian 'island' in the heart of Europe, surrounded by NATO and European Union (EU) countries. After flying to Gdansk, Poland, we crossed in to Russia on a direct bus and set off to explore the city, its history, the food and find out how people here in Kaliningrad, Russia's most European city live. The border crossing in to Russia was an incredibly nerve-wracking one, but after arriving in Kaliningrad eveything was fine.
Kaliningrad joined the Soviet Union in 1945, becoming its most western province. Before becoming part of the USSR, Kaliningrad (formerly known as Konneigsburg) was part of Germany (and Prussia prior to that). Since the fall of the Soviet Union, it has been part of the Russian Federation.
We wanted to see how much of the German / European architecture was left in the city and how much of it was Russian / Soviet. Is the mentality of the Russians in Kaliningrad different to that of 'mainland' Russia? What major differences are there between Kaliningrad and neighbouring European Baltic countries, like Poland and Lithuania? We set off to find out. Welcome back to Russia.
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#russia #travel #travelvlog #ussr #kaliningrad #poland #gdansk #mattandjulia
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CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Gdansk, Poland
04:29 - The journey to Russia (crossing the land border)
07:38 - Exploring Kaliningrad, Russia
18:32 - Kaliningrad evenings...

[@MattandJulia]

Skip the waitlist and invest in blue-chip art for the very first time by signing up for Masterworks 🖼: masterworks.art/mattandjulia What do you think of Kaliningrad? ❤️ Similar to the rest of Russia or more European? 😘

[@meryuk]

The churches look great, and they're european I think. There are cultural differences between you two. We'd hear a nasty word otherwise. But I love you both.

[@ray-qd4ye]

I love Kaliningrad because I live in here. So it's quite different to the rest of Russia with it's own much more European culture and mentality. Also the accent is quite different too because in common we use St.Petersburg Russian

[@FUUUUU1111]

Great scam ads link you got there.

[@sleepyjoe7843]

@@ray-qd4ye Not sure about mentality, you will change your mind once you start paying EU 65% taxes... Not counting vat in EU. As for Russia can't compare, every regions is different there, it's a multicultural country.

[@Northerner-NotADoctor]

13:23 Hard to find fact: at the Postdam conference Kaliningrad/Koeningsberg was given to Poland. Only few weeks later Russian generals (Zhukov and Konev) convinced the Georgian prime minister of the USSR (Dzhugashvili) to give it to Russia since Poland has recieved a lot of new lands (Silesia and Pommerania) and has no abilities to colonize Kaliningrad and also because it was still unsure if Lithuania and Latvia will stay within USSR and if Poland will accept Soviet Army for longer time, so Russia needed this outpost which is (since 1945) still promised to be given to Poland "as soon as threat of Lithuanian-German cooperation will be mitigated".

[@regsypher9168]

Matt and Julia, thank you so much for sharing your journey, I'm severely disabled and sometimes don't leave my house for 12 months or more. I find watching your show, it's like I'm there with you. The only thing I'd like to be different is if both of you could have a separate microphone because sometimes it's hard to hear Julia. Love you both and thanks again from an old Aussie.

[@martygeorgescu4159]

Gdansk looks like a great city, full of marvelous architecture, culture, food, welcoming people, has it all.

[@funmilolaogunsola2989]

German city occupied by the Polish

[@paul9151]

My grandmother lived in Königsberg and she always talked about how beautiful it was back in the days

[@AndriyValdensius-wi8gw]

Before it was flattened by the RAF ?

[@freeplace5243]

A beautiful city worth a visit and that whole Baltic region is a great destination also . Matt and Julia all the best!

[@polska451]

I have been Kaliningrad many time when the visa was abolished Kalingrad citizens could enter Poland before 24 February without visa and vice versa ! In summer is much better so much greener you can seat outside the same in Gdańsk summer is unbelievable n the city so beautiful ! I have few good friends in Kaliningrad and did not see them for long time only by phone ! So close but same time so far ! Hopefully this will change soon

[@MattandJulia]

Us too, sounds lovely! We have everything crossed 🤞🏻❤️

[@nelchnelch]

Kaliningrad citizens could enter Poland without visa from 1992 till 2002. Then from 2003 to 2006 there were Poland visas (for a year, free), and from 2006 - Schengen visas + a short period from 2012 to 2016 MRG regime. From 15.03.2020 I can’t enter Poland with Schengen visa due to Covid restrictions:-(

[@vitaliyscherbakov6399]

🤞

[@phillipproussier3723]

@@nelchnelch Why can´t you enter Poland with Schengen visa? Poland is in the Schengen area.

[@nelchnelch]

@@phillipproussier3723 Covid restrictions since 15.03.2020

[@evedauer-wong769]

I appreciated the maps and history behind the areas visited. I am grateful for your videos and all that you put into them, while sharing the world with us. Merry Christmas and have a safe and Happy New Year! From Ohio, United States

[@leilagomulka5690]

Wonderful journeys. Thank you for taking us with you.

[@keekirdav]

Matt and Julia, another fantastic video, looked very cold there, I just wanted to wish you both a very Merry Christmas, hope you are spending it with family, and you have a wonderful time, and also to thank you both for taking us on this journey of yours , showing us places, communities, people, food that most of us will never get the chance to go to and experience ourselves, you make the blogs about wherever you are, with facts, history and humour, but always with respect for the country, town or city, and the people of where you are, watching these vlogs has helped many people to escape from daily life to see the world with you, so once again thank you, thank you, thank you, may you continue to enlighten us all, anyway as always, enjoy your travels and have fun x

[@user-qh6dh2br8t]

It was cold about a month ago, now the temperature in the European part of Russia ranges from about - 6 to +3. It's 0 degrees in Moscow today.

[@stuartwright1587]

Loved the video, and thanks for taking us along a great journey. The gabled buildings in Gdańsk reminded me a lot of those in Amsterdam. Lovely city! Cheers!

[@Jensie50]

Chilly, but soo beautiful!! Thanks guys, lots of love ❤❤

[@Sukhumvit1]

Just found your video after planning a trip Kaliningrad. Can’t wait to get over. Love your vlog 👍🏻

[@jakeo1209]

You, guys, are great. You travel to a lot of places that most people would not bother visiting. That's what makes your trips different and also interesting. I left the Soviet Union in the late 70s so my memory of the good old country faded significantly. Your videos bring it all back. You are doing a great job. Thank you.

[@louisedurrant1804]

Best wishes for a happy Christmas to you both and looking forward to 2023 vlogs..take care and stay safe on your travels..Louise xxx

[@MattandJulia]

Thank you so much Louise! Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year to you too! 🙌🏼🥰 Lots of love to you and your family! 🎄❤️

[@Marilyn12346]

Thank you for another adventure! Wishing you both a very Merry Christmas 🎄 Blessing’s for a Happy New Year 🎉

[@Ultra-Violet]

Nice video guys, always look forward to them 👍🏻💜

[@MattandJulia]

Thank you so much! ❤️🥰

[@emilkabielka2213]

Your video made me miss my city, Gdansk... living in Argentina makes you home sick sometimes...

[@MattandJulia]

Sorry you feel homesick 😞 such a big distance in Argentina! Glad we could share it with you through our eyes! ❤️❤️❤️

[@costasworldofmusicmemories5792]

Matt and Julia, you take us to places that we only dream about. I think Kaliningrad has a mixture of The European and Russia Architectual influences. One day we would like to visit. The video captures the essence of what the city is all about. Thank You for all your hard work in bringing it to us on video. Harriet and I would like to take this time out in tell you that we have reached a mile stone with you guys. It's been exactly three years to this day that we discovered you . Since then, we have never missed a video and continue to support your wonderful efforts. P.S. We sent you a special e-mail as appreciation. Let us know if you got it. Happy Holidays!🌲🌲🌲 to you both and your Families. Much Love❤❤❤ Harriet, Jim and Yuki

[@edubogota1]

Its a completely Russified city by force, the german influence is not there anymore. And to be honest, russian arquitecture is disgusting.

[@lihwak9181]

@@edubogota14. You probably mean soviet brutalism, because russian architecture beats your country architecture's ass

[@edubogota1]

@@lihwak9181 keep dreaming russian arquitecture is soviet arquitecture and it is ugly as fuck. My country arquitecture just blows it away. Deal with it.

[@jonathanstein5049]

It was the capital of East Prussia. It is now an isolated military outpost designed to threaten and bully nearby countries with a faux facade of prosperity.

[@josecano9210]

@@edubogota1 agreed but the German Influence is still present just by very little.

[@christophermcrobb4975]

Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year! Looking forward to seeing your adventures next year.

[@MattandJulia]

Merry Christmas and a happy new year Christopher! Take care ❤️🙏🏼

[@priestessthea]

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Thank you so much for your excellent content. Bravo!

[@sesshemaro]

welcome to Russia

[@suzanned7472]

So glad you will spend the New Year with your family! I love your content from Russia and cannot wait to see more. Polish content is brilliant too! Stay well and safe. 🤗

[@MattandJulia]

Thank you so much Suzanne! Really appreciate your support! 🥰 Take care 🎄🥰❤️

[@trevorhebert5297]

I would love to see more of Poland

[@mostlikely...]

🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦

[@johnvsymons]

I totally enjoy your channel especially because you both maintain such an upbeat and positive attitude wherever you are visiting. I know it must be difficult at times but I appreciate the effort and time that you put into producing these fascinating, informative and much appreciated videos. Wishing both of you and your families a very Happy, healthy and peaceful New Year in 2023. 🫂❤️🙏🌎🕊

[@D3PTA]

Thank you for calling the city Gdansk. Many people from the west like to call it Danzig.

[@vitaliyscherbakov6399]

Thanks you Matt and Julia that you showed two of my favorites cities, i wish the time when finally all the bad things ends and we can travel freely without any restrictions! I hope the year of 2023 is the year of good changes

[@JosetteThompson]

Thanks for the great video in Gdańsk and Kaliningrad. So interesting to visit this Russia enclave. I am cold here in Phoenix Az at 65 Fahrenheit !! So I felt for you ! Just wanted to wish you both a great Christmas and a Happy New Year with Julia’s family in Siberia. Best wishes for your new baking course venture ! 💕 Jos

[@thomasjsanford4369]

Why would you be cold at 65 degrees? That's t-shirt weather !!

[@JosetteThompson]

@@thomasjsanford4369 When you live over 8 months of the year in 100 degrees and much over, then you feel cold at 65 !! Here in Phoenix it is not T-shirt weather !

[@alejandroheld9527]

Merry Christmas to both! How lovely Gdansk! This year I visited Poland for the first time. Warsaw, Krakow and my favorite Wrocklav with its dozen of dwarves scattered around the city. I envy the cold! Yesterday I left the World Cup Crazy Buenos Aires to my summer house in Uruguay... I would prefer to be in Kalingrad! Waiting to see again Julia s family and when will have the cooking course? By love from Uruguay for this month

[@MattandJulia]

Thank you so much Alejandro! 🥰 Merry Xmas, to you too! 🎄❤️ Congratulations to Argentina on the World Cup 🎉 Must have been incredible to be in Buenos Aires during this period of time! 😲 The course will be ready right after New Years 😊 Lots of love to Uruguay! ❤️😍

[@derekpetrie6707]

Really enjoying your channel keep up the great work 👍

[@MattandJulia]

Thank you so much Derek! Really appreciate it! 🥰 Merry Christmas! ❤️🙏🏼

[@oscarosullivan4513]

@@MattandJulia The sausage looks lovely

[@Deathwing2001]

Merry Christmas and Happy New Years Matt and Julia

[@MattandJulia]

Thank you so much, really appreciate it! Happy holidays to you too! 🥰❤️

[@user-ir2oo4wo3g]

It's funny that you found yourself in such weather in Kaliningrad. It's usually much warmer there

[@Larrymarx]

*Merry Christmas* to my Favorite KZbin couple... I Hope *2023* is a Best Year ever...😊

[@MattandJulia]

Thank you so much Larry! Merry Xmas to you too and a happy new year! 🥰🎄❤️

[@NigelOrmsvik]

That Polish sausage looked really good, just the thing on a freezing day. Thanks for another lovely video ❤️❤️

[@MattandJulia]

100%!!! ❤️ it was sooo good! 🙌🏼

[@LITRLG0D]

Really beautiful shots!

[@daveweststand3508]

Hi Matt and Julia. I love following your journey to new destinations. I'm from Kent in England and I knew Julia would just love the Lanes in Brighton. Also just watched you and Julia have a great Xmas dinner at your mum and dad's. That was some spread she laid out,and Julia,s jorkshire pudds looked epic.!! You both make a wonderful couple and it's great that you both are travelling many different countries while you both are young, as these trips will give you both fantastic memories in the future. Good luck and Happy Days !!

[@MattandJulia]

Thank you so much Dave! Really appreciate your amazing support! 🥰❤️🙌🏼 Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year to you and your family! 🎄❤️

[@jennh7040]

What an interesting video. I love all the information you share with us. What a gorgeous place. Thanks for sharing with us. So glad you are back in Russia to see family. Take care you two.

[@MattandJulia]

So glad you enjoyed it Jenn! Looking forward to sharing more from Russia 🥰❤️

[@GOINGCRAZYINTHEKITCHEN]

Lovely! Merry Christmas 🥰

[@paulinetresham3044]

I really enjoyed it 😊Thank you guys

[@MattandJulia]

Thank you so much! ❤️🙏🏼🥰

[@paulinetresham3044]

@@MattandJulia I wish you a Merry Christmas and very happy New Year , Best Wishes…..

[@IgorFlyskyhigh]

Next time if you are there, visit Amalienau historical district, it didnt suffer much during the war and is full of old beautiful German villas. Besides, towns of Zelenogradsk and Svetlogorsk on the Baltic Sea that are full of historical buildings are worth visit too.

[@mikeporecki9946]

Wow, you were so unlucky with weather. Gdansk (and Kaliningrad) are almost never that cold and snowy. This year it was like a week of unusually low temperatures, and most of the time (like now) unusually high ones. But that did make it a once in a life time experience.

[@ayoorchethan]

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

[@gretchensmith3981]

Really enjoyed this video!

[@MattandJulia]

So glad you enjoyed it! 🙏🏼❤️

[@HaruYohioka]

Привет всем из Калининграда)

[@MattandJulia]

Привет Калининград 🥰❤️

[@KQdailyvideo]

Hello. New friend here =) I am a travel vlogger. Right now travelling in Russia. I am happy to watch your video. Best wishes for you.

[@fredbaritell3336]

Great video. Very interesting trip. Merry Christmas.

[@MattandJulia]

Thank you so much Fred! ❤️ Merry Xmas to you too! ❤️🎄

[@Kim-ri1hg]

Absolutely stunning !! Lying in my warm bed watching this makes me feel so cozy. The donuts looked delicious as well! What an adventure to a place most people only hear about. Just lovely and thank you for the historic commentary :)

[@RichieLarpa]

1:15 Your Polish is not the best...BUT in general, I admire your effort and care to learn a foreign language and not automatically assuming that you can speak English everywhere. Because it's not about speaking flawlessly, it's also about to show those people that you care about their culture and that you want to give them a chance to behave more comfortably and naturally, by speaking a language they know the best. More people should behave like you do, hats off more or less!

[@AyyyBAyBay]

What if the people who speak English can’t speak any other language? Do they just, not get to travel? Do you speak Brazilian? If no, does that mean you can never travel to Brazil? Not everyone has time to learn a entire new language before a trip. Just trying to say, maybe they aren’t being rude, but that’s all the were taught growing up. They have every right to travel as much as anyone else. What a boring world to live in if you can only travel to lands that you speak their language. I hope you don’t travel anywhere that you can’t speak. Polish is a difficult language.

[@fatalmokrane]

@@AyyyBAyBay Do the effort to learn at least some basic phrases. People are tired of english domination, and people showing no interests in others languages. Especially americans that barely knows anything else outside of English. Is that too much to ask ?

[@Den_SPb]

Nice video btw! When you’ve ordered борщ and шубу I thought: Do guys eat only those two from now on 😂. I’m really looking forward to your upcoming video from our poor/lovely/ugly/snowy/cosy city of Kemerovo. Have a nice trip, amigos! Send my best to the mother-Siberia!

[@joannmcgowan9394]

It was absolutely beautiful! Looked more like Europe I think but even so it is just gorgeous ! Thank you

[@yvonnebirch6026]

Merry Christmas guys ! 💕🌷

[@MattandJulia]

Thank you so much Yvonne! 🙌🏼❤️

[@angeladias2938]

Watching with the AC on .. went brrrrr,...such a beautiful winter wonderland. I know its not so comfortable but it sure does look pretty! Gdansk looks amazing.

[@MattandJulia]

So glad you enjoyed it! 🥰 Where in the world are you? ❤️

[@hedgehog_md]

Ребята! Вы крутые! Всего-то подписался на вас несколько дней назад, а такое ощущение, будто несколько лет.😉 С уважением из Молдавии! С огромным удовольствием буду за вами наблюдать! P.s. Читая комментарии напоролся на парочку хейтеров. Не поддавайтесь на провокации. 🤗

[@MattandJulia]

Спасибо вам огромное! Нам очень приятно! ❤️ Добро пожаловать на наш канал! 🙌🏼 Стараемся 😊 Юля последние две недели даже не заходит в комментарии из-за количества ужасных комментариев. Я ей показал ваше сообщение, и она аж прослезилась, спасибо вам большое ещё раз, ваши слова правда очень многое для нас значат ! ❤️🙏🏼

[@mostlikely...]

🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦

[@oldandgrumpy6284]

Thank you for your nice video. I enjoyed watching it. Thank you

[@MattandJulia]

Glad you enjoyed it🥰❤️

[@tricsike]

You guys are the best! 😊❤️

[@MattandJulia]

Thank you so much! Lots of love to you and your family ❤️❤️❤️

[@gordonjackson1864]

Hi Matt and Julia, watching from New Zealand with my Russian wife. We have been following you for about 18 months. So interesting to see your videos.keep safe and enjoy the time with your family.

[@emilygeartransformativeene1486]

Love your channel! I hope someone came quickly and let those two hound doggies inside!

[@MattandJulia]

Thank you so much Emily 🥰 Yes they did, thankfully ❤️

[@charlespatterson6037]

lovely couple. Keep going and have a lovely Christmas

[@MattandJulia]

Thank you so much Charles! Merry Xmas to you too! 🎄❤️🥰

[@johnburke5384]

Im watching another soooooo good Matt and Julia video on Christmas Day..... I expect you are on home ground now you two, I just want to say Merry Christmas to you both and your families take care God Bless and Happy New Year, and good fortune in all that you do Xx

[@kevanhubbard9673]

I've been to Kaliningrad on a bus from Nida, Lithuania and out on a train to Berlin and I didn't find it scary.Although I don't know about going there now assuming that they will let you in(and more importantly out!).

[@Jaden331]

did they check your passports in the bus?

[@shanegermany5803]

Hi Guys, found your channel recently and proving great choice, content is always fresh, exciting, interesting and wanting more. Kaliningrad and Gdansk looked beautiful cities to visit. Thought Matt might have an issue getting into Russia what with conflict in Ukraine, him being a westerner and all that, but glad it all went well. bet your Sister and Mum cant wait to meet and catch up.

[@MattandJulia]

Thank you so much Shane! Really appreciate it 🥰❤️🙌🏼

[@user-qh6dh2br8t]

Russia has not imposed entry restrictions for Europeans. The Foreign Minister said a few months ago that, on the contrary, Russia is introducing electronic visas in order to simplify entry into the country.

[@NuttiGoat]

@@user-qh6dh2br8t I do not see any news about e-visas for UK citizens, is the UK not included in these plans?

[@user-qh6dh2br8t]

@@NuttiGoat To obtain an electronic visa, you need to fill out a form, it is on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia. An electronic visa is issued free of charge, you do not have to pay a consular fee.

[@user-qh6dh2br8t]

I have just checked the list of countries whose citizens can get an electronic visa . This is surprising, but for some reason the UK is not there, although many European countries are present in the list.

[@filanbabe]

Merry Christmas☃️☃️

[@edytan.932]

Thank you, I just find your channel. It is very good.

[@realhawaii5o]

I crossed the Vilnius - Lida crossing and I imagine this was more tense.

[@MattandJulia]

Ohh how was that? Was it difficult? 😊

[@realhawaii5o]

@@MattandJulia Same thing you described - but I was the one being held back because of my "weird" passport (Portuguese) Eventually, however, they let me through and I apologized to everyone on the bus for the 45 Min delay just for me

[@MattandJulia]

Ohhh, how frustrating, glad you got through okay though in the end! ❤️

[@shadowz7356]

I went threw the kaunus border. Same thing happened to me. I went on the bus they told me to stand at the side and wait while they checked all the russians passports and then did mine when they figured out how to do it. I'm English. Very respectful people. The boarder officer even said hello my English friend haha.

[@foxx9555]

What I love about crossing borders from Poland to Belarus or Kaliningrad is this contrast shock. It''s like two different worlds in many ways. Poland has this calm very European vibe, when it comes to architecture,very beautiful country, and when you cross a border you starting to see those huge Lenin monuments, red stars everywhere, pretty creppy train stations, this vibe like big brother is watching you... it's even hard to describe.

[@user-bd8gb2jp3t]

Where are the squalid train stations in Russia, Zelensky's troll?.....Russian railway stations are a work of architectural art! Are you talking about Belarus?...What does Russia have to do with it?....You obviously don't know modern Russia! I hate Lenin, he is Judas, he gave Ukraine Russian lands, most of Ukraine, and that is why the ukro fascists are killing people there every hour! But we tolerate his monuments because we don't want a civil war with 10% of Communists and besides, this is history. yes, not the longest, before Lenin it was longer, I hope someday Lenin monuments will be removed from the central squares, especially where they were built on the site of historical chapels and churches! For most, Lenin is just a monument, no one prays for him....on the contrary.

[@public_wild3118]

Welcome to Moscow or St Petersburg, it’s much nicer here ☺️

[@user-jt2xg4mt2b]

Жертва западной пропаганды, хватит читать Оруэлла, читай русских классиков

[@erteshertine2837]

lol It's hard to take your comment seriously tbh It sounds like it's coming from a very biased or even brainwashed person, sorry)

[@jonathanstein5049]

@@erteshertine2837 Some of the comments may be Russian botts. While they play and have fun, the Russian army bombs Dnipro.

[@SeniorLyf]

Hi matt and julia...happy holidays

[@MattandJulia]

Happy holidays to you to Eleanor!! 🎄🙌🏼❤️

[@gamalielcollazo2770]

Thumbs up 👍from New Jersey, USA🇺🇸. The two of you have a Merry Christmas🎄

[@MattandJulia]

Thank you so much! Merry Christmas to you and your family 🎄❤️❄️🥰

[@ednammansfield8553]

Really enjoyed watching this video in Gdansk in Poland. I visited it back in 2016 while on a Baltic cruise. It truly is a beautiful city and the people were very friendly. We only had a day there so didn't get to see everything in that time as we left early in the evening to sail to St Petersburgh in Russia where we spent two days there. Unfortunately we had to remain on board the ship on the first day due to restrictions while in port as we were only allowed ashore on escorted organised trips and we were not even allowed to visit another British cruise ship berthed just in front of the ship we were on. The passport control there was not very friendly either towards us either to be honest when they checked our passports to provide us with a 24 hour visa. The escorted trip was very good though but there again we were advised to stay with the escort and not go into the city due to muggings that have happened to visitors so we could only go to a state run shop which they said was safer to go to because they all spoke English and other languages there. Apart from that what we did see of the city was very good and we had really lovely warm weather being summer. Hope you both have a wonderful Christmas with your family in Siberia and I look forward to watching your next video from there.

[@igorzaicew2295]

St. Petersburg is the safest city, have you messed up something or are you not lying a lot

[@user-sl3ds1dq3f]

Господин Соврамши.

[@keyup2626]

Wonderful video and a beautiful city. I wish you a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year. You’re a lovely couple and my favorite KZbinrs. Can’t wait to see all the new videos you will be creating.

[@fireflyrobert]

Great video thanks. A couple of weeks ago I looked into going to Moscow for Christmas and looked at all sorts of travel options but never thought of flying to Gdansk and then getting a bus to Kaliningrad and from there getting a flight to Moscow which I presume is treated as a domestic flight? Then there is the issue of getting a visa - how easy or complicated is this for a Brit in the current climate?

[@fireflyrobert]

@@c.edgerton thanks

[@rgribbonqueen]

Wow it looks gorgeous & so clean 😍

[@MattandJulia]

Glad you enjoyed it ❤️🙌🏼

[@DanielFrankHoffman]

Great video!

[@MattandJulia]

Thanks! 🥰❤️

[@rhonies9229]

Beautiful. But the cold would be painful for me. Hope the travel to Siberia went well.

[@MattandJulia]

Thank you so much Rhonie! ❤️🙌🏼🥰

[@Wild-Siberia]

I’m an American war veteran who moved to Russias Siberian territory… crossing into Russia can be “scary” but only because it’s normal to cross into new lands. Russian officials are fair and respectful for anyone wanting to visit Russia do it don’t let the media hold you back from visiting this beautiful country!

[@Smert_Vorogam12]

Russia isnt scary, rather a depressing shit* with demograpic problems. Half of the villages are abandoned or in deplorabele state. Almost no roads out of moscow. But beautyfull nature though...

[@Wild-Siberia]

@@Smert_Vorogam12 I mean that’s the same anywhere

[@Smert_Vorogam12]

@WildSiberian Not really, Check out villages for example in Norway, Swiss, Austria, Denmark, Netherlands 😀 I had a russian gf once and visited her in Kalliningrad. I was shocked about the infrastructure... housing.... really there are slumps there in the middle of Europe. And I don't mean some refugee camp or gibsy town.... bit just native citizens living as in USA like Detroit... and even worse. Grannies who need to beg or sell vegetables to raise their pension. It was heathbreaking to see the former soviet liberators of Europe selling some canned tomatoes because nobody cares about them. Proudly wearing their medals. While in germany pensioners they riding cabriolets and drinking wine in restaurants. For short time russia is nice and interesting. But it has a challenging future and difficult life ahead for its citizens. In fact it has no future at all as maybe for some rich guys who own commodities as oil or other natural resources. Russia was always rulled by an elite while the normal people need to suffer.

[@Wild-Siberia]

@@Smert_Vorogam12 I’ve seen some bad places in Europe 😂 bro every country has its bad places. I’m from Southern California .. go visit skid row in middle of Los Angeles. Culturally Russia is different than the Nordic countries idk what you’re trying to prove but all I said is… every country has its bad places

[@Smert_Vorogam12]

@WildSiberian I try to say that russia is a shitty place to live. Maybe to have a few years of survival it's fine as some ex vetran. But if you wanna habe a family its impossible. That's why all smart girls wanna leave russia to make a life. Because in russia its impossible or at least very difficult to make a life.

[@racebanning6390]

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND SAFE TRAVELS ALWAYS!!!

[@MattandJulia]

Happy holidays! And thank you so much! 🥰❤️

[@vailcondo1531]

I do admire the two of you and your travel adventure spirit. I saw your Transnistria video also.

[@tripwithdears]

Гданьск, прикольный городок. Мы от туда летали в Исландию за 21€))

[@MattandJulia]

Очень красивый город 😍 Классно! 😮))

[@stevethepom]

You can take the girl out of Russia but not the Russian out of the girl ! Merry Christmas and a safe and happy new year to you both as you continue your travels Можно вывезти девушку из России, но не русского из девушки! Счастливого Рождества и безопасного и счастливого Нового года вам обоим, пока вы продолжаете свои путешествия.

[@MattandJulia]

Thank you so much Steve! ❤️🙌🏼

[@sugarbomb26]

First time watching you and really ended up liking you both so very much!

[@kolesplace]

Thank you for taking me out of Texas for a while.... what a beautiful place you are in!

[@MattandJulia]

So glad you enjoyed it!! ❤️

[@garethcrothers7989]

I really want to visit here

[@MattandJulia]

Hope you get to at some point! 🙌🏼❤️

[@arnika61]

Gdańsk 😁 Welcome in my city 🤗💖

[@MattandJulia]

Thank you so much! 🙏🏼❤️

[@AmanMeena-nk2bc]

Merry Christmas 🎄⛄

[@iandunwoodie5584]

good work with the drone too . . .

[@genes.3285]

This has the potential of being really exciting. I, btw, have been to Russia in the winter, both for pleasure and for work. You can replace Benjamin Rich since he can no longer enter the country. My only advice is to steer clear of any restricted areas, which he unfortunately did not do.

[@MattandJulia]

Looking forward to sharing more ❤️🙏🏼

[@veirant5004]

How did you like the trip? Could you compare it with Europe or maybe your own homeland?

[@alenegonebad1259]

Merry Christmas both of you. I recently discovered your channel and I am hooked. All of my ancestors are from the Russian Empire in what is now Ukraine, I hope someday for peace and to be able to travel there. Thank you for bringing your adventures to us. ❤

[@murielkerr-bell8007]

Slava Ukraine

[@Vladimir-ui3ij]

@@murielkerr-bell8007 Hitler kaputt

[@imanuilkazimirovich8327]

@@murielkerr-bell8007 сало усраине

[@user-sm2du6tm4q]

@@murielkerr-bell8007 вас самих не подза....ло везде пихать политические лозунги,тем более там где они вообще ни к месту?я хорошо отношусь и к вам и вашей стране,считаю вас смелыми и отчаянными людьми,но ваш Слава порядком зае...л...

[@mohammadakramali1466]

The beauty of internet is that even 1000s of kms away I can see so much of the other world Thanks for the video.

[@MattandJulia]

This is so true!!! 🥰 So glad we can share it with you ❤️

[@mbrylewski]

Lovely images of Gdansk

[@davidcunningham2074]

Wow what a beautiful city Kaliningrad is!

[@tnickknight]

Its not , really

[@Kkkkkkkkkkkkkk934]

Yeah, nope.

[@paulnight1595]

когда уже обратно в Сибирь, тут как раз погодка огонь

[@MattandJulia]

Очеееень скоро! ❤️🥰

[@Putler_kaputler]

Да уж , мы ждём тут, мёрзнем...

[@Parawingdelta2]

Another great video. Reminds me of a visit to my home town in Wales in a few years ag when it was -15°C.

[@Lookup2Wakeup]

I visited my fridge this evening. It was -2 ......😁

[@MattandJulia]

Oh wow! The thing is, in the UK, it’s a wet cold, so always feels even more freezing! 😲🥶❤️

[@esterherschkovich6499]

Happy Christmas 🎄 💓 to you both.Safe travels.Ahh yes I wanted to see this city influenced by Europe...of course Germany 🙂I believe...Beautiful Synagogue.

[@Larrymarx]

Thanks!

[@MattandJulia]

Wow!!! 😲😲😲 Larry thank you so much! Honestly so kind of you! 🥰 Your support means the world to us ❤️❤️❤️ Merry Xmas 🎄❄️❤️

[@Larrymarx]

@@MattandJulia You are very welcome. 🎄❄❤ 🎅

[@MattandJulia]

🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼❤️❤️❤️

[@vikavolkova6161]

Я из Калининграда, помню, как раньше можно было в Польшу поехать погулять, за продуктами) Сейчас уже так не получится😢

[@hankmurphy8209]

помню как ты стояла на тверской. сейчас такого не получится. ибо ты стала старой шалавой

[@NullTypeError]

удивительно, как так 🤣

[@user-us1oh1yl1j]

@@NullTypeError в Калининграде всё хорошо, спасибо

[@NullTypeError]

@@user-us1oh1yl1j как там оккупированный Кёнигсберг, скоро в родную немецкую гавань?:)))

[@johnwayne6112]

Orcs should stay away from Poland 😎

[@nancycatania7763]

I LOVE your videos!

[@kymthep]

🤗I dont travel as much but when I do, I like the journey getting there. I love living viciously through your eyes. Thanks for all the infos and history on each places you visit. It's like getting my own personal guide tour😀 Stay healthy and warm (maybe gloves)..🤣🥰❤

[@threecatsandalady64]

Poland is magical

[@user-it9gb7eq6p]

Очень интересное видео, с удовольствием смотрела! Мэтт и Юлия вы очень милые, приятно вас видеть! Приветствие из Владивостока!

[@iandunwoodie5584]

getting better

[@susiemcd3941]

I miss the Christmas markets when we lived in Nuremberg Germany, in the 1970s. They had a delicious gluhwein (hot mulled spicy wine) that keeps you warmed up while walking in the cold and snow.❤️

[@alexmcwhirter6611]

Hello Matt and Julia, thanks for being such intrepid travellers to this Russian outpost. I hadn't realised how beautiful the city was. I had always imagined Kaliningrad as, away from the Naval Base, nothing but rows of Soviet-style appartments and shops such as one would find in the former DDR. It's certainly a city I hope to visit when the Ukraine conflict ends.

[@henrikmanitski1061]

The beauty is from the time when it was part of Prussia.

[@alexmcwhirter6611]

@@henrikmanitski1061 Thanks for clarifying. Yes i thought the city had been largely destroyed during WW2 and rebuilt in Soviet style.

[@user-sm2du6tm4q]

@@henrikmanitski1061 есстественно,россияне только портят и разрушают,и ничего путного создать не способны,а,да,и насилуют все что движется,без виагры никуда-орки короче

[@MarkMark]

Gdansk looks so lovely, I would love to spend some time there! Kaliningrad / Königsberg looks very pretty and peaceful, I would love to visit (and have some of those donuts;), but maybe after Russia breaks free of its fascist lawless regime.

[@ruspatriot6787]

With such brainwashed mindset you`d better not come here for your own safety...

[@MarkMark]

lol the "vatnik" here is offended at the idea that russia may someday be free. ; ) it's like the word "free" turns them into -the hulk- orcs.

[@ruspatriot6787]

@@MarkMark Do you even know the true meaning of the word "vatnik" or just repeating what BBC and CNN poured in your wooden head?))

[@VALaker100]

@@MarkMark you mean as free as the US with people taking drugs and living in tents. Come and visit Washington, DC and see for yourself how free we are here! I agree Russia needs some of that democracy, too. Their population looks too clean and healthy. LOL!

[@dranonymous3027]

our border is closed for amerim/tts

[@GAbriarman]

Hey Matt and Julia! My wife and I love watching your videos. Do you every travel to the US? If so, hit us up. Keep the videos coming. They are great!