City of kings

So... since i had to use two days of holidays and therefore had whole week free i decided to travel a bit. Right before Christmas eve i went to Olomouc for day trip. I intended to stay the night, but in the end finding accommodation didn't work out, so it was day trip. I read that Olomouc is considered most beautiful city in whole Czech republic by i think Lonely planet, but somehow i didn't agree with that. When i travel, my liking of the city depends if i would like to live in it. I could live in Olomouc if circumstances force me to but actually it's way too small for my liking even if i'm not fan of big cities. It just feel that everything worth seeing is in one place, so when you leave old tow, it's just gray and boring. I think i had that feeling only in Slavkov u Brna before when i had to think how to use my time before the bus back home.
After surving holiday craziness (surviving, because no shops were working for three days, so forced diet) i got myself ticket to Krakow, Poland. Before that i went to hike around Brno artificial lake one guy organised in facebook group, but left early as guys (we were two guys two girls) got wasted and i needed to prepare for my trip.
Journey was almost uneventful. I had to change train two times - in Bohumin and then Katowice. That looked kinda strange as in Bohumin, which is total village with not much going on and everything closed (looked like after zombie attack) on second Christmas day i had almost hour and half and only half an hour in Katowice which is city with something going on (well, not on second day of Christmas, it's very religious country after all). I found really nice host (more likely he found me, as it was emergency because of christmas stuff) and since he had to leave flat for a while i spent almost five hours on my own, just walking around Krakow and taking pictures. It's truly beautiful town and most of historical buildings looks pretty massive.
Second day was more eventful. I went out in the town with another surfer of my host from USA. I didn't really wanted to, but that guy was very clingy so to avoid discomfort i agreed. He's freeloader (lives in Krakow for few months already but does not rent a place) and self-absorbed (wanted to go only where he wanted). Later we joined church-trip organised by local CS. That girl was really great at her job and new so many interesting facts it was interesting even for me, not religious-crazy person. The only unpleasant experience was meeting local CS 'ambassador', Tony. That guy is so self-obsessed it's crazy. For few hours he kept talking non stop without even acknowledging other people or even introducing himself and asking their names and most of the time he was blabbing about his ex wife like some obsessed ex. Funny thing, on his profile he writes that he don't like disrespectful people with bad manners and he's exactly like that - disrespectful person with zero manners. I know sometimes i'm not supposed to say truth so all the time he was blabbing i just thought that his girlfriend must be with him because of money because as person he's almost repulsive. But i guess when somebody is so self absorbed he just wouldn't notice that orgasm is faked.

i managed to escape him and that clingy guy when they went to pub where it was not possible to pay with card and went to local McDonalds in one of mains streets to have burger with cola and just sit without having to listen blabbing about ex wife. Later i went back to my host and clingy guy retreated to his computer and in the evening i changed host. In the evening we went to meet one girl i met in Vilnius over summer and her friends. It was really nice to talk with her and after some confusion where to meet i was glad that my host enjoyed it well. I did not feel comfortable only after she left for a while as her friends spoke only in french or polish (although they all speaks english).
My third day was kind uneventful as i slept well, woke up kinda late and just took some long walks around old jewish district. I also went to Schindlers factory - museum. It was not expensive, so it was o.k. but i feel i didn't get anything from that museum. Don't know why, maybe i saw way too many nazi/genicide/occupation themed exhibitions so i felt totally indifferent about that one. I just saw Schindlers' room, took photo, put mental plus on my to-do list and that was it. Also i went to lacal House of beer - only lithuanian beer they had was 'Svyturys', probably worst one, consumed mostly by tourists as locals refuses to drink it unless there's no other beer around. Overall selection was nice and i was convinced that saying that in Poland beer sucks is just stereotype.
I spent last day in Krakow with surfer of my emergency host Jakub. We joined free tour of Krakow which was really nice except that our guide kept calling Lithuanian - Polish commonwealth 'Poland' and probably some people, most probably americans, believed it. It was really nice and sunny day, but fellow surfer from Itally got cold, so we went to some georgian restaurant which was simply great - food very tasty and portions quite big. Later we parted out ways ans she and her polish friend went to walk around jewish quarter and i went to meet my new hosts. We went to some local small pub "Embassy of herring" (totally recommend - very tasty, good beer and shots and good prices :) ). Later we spent evening just talkinga nd enjoying each others company. I felt a bit uneasy as i had to leave quite arly (around 7 a.m. - i had to climb over the fence as gate was frozen) but seems they were okay with that. I cought my train to Katowice and there on the train to Bohumin i met my collegue so it was not so boring anymore :)  Bohumin was dead to the world because of weekend so we had some small meet and drinks and train station's bistro and then got on train to Brno. So good to finally be home :)

Holiday spirit

Been a while since i wrote something, because my mind was really occupied. I love my new job and try to be good at it, so i study a lot and res a lot as well.
I'm very happy to live in location where i can reach lots of cities kinda easily. So i went to Bratislava last week. Ridiculously expensive (well, in my eyes) although nice city. 11 euros for lunch in cheap looking bistro Sbarro. I think i paid for plate weight as well, but still, was nice to come back in Brno with normal prices. Christmas market is in full swing (here's night post with list of activities) still and city is getting more and more empty as people are leaving for holidays. I'm staying though as i see no pint going home as i would be able to spend only one day there due to stupid bus shedules and see no point on wasting money on a plane.

I only miss my guinea pigs. There i have only cat at home but he's way too active for my liking so i don't enjoy having him in my room as he likes to destroy things. But not wanted guest is even worse. Now there's some mentally disabled girl in my flat who keeps coming late and then shouting in the kitchen. I just wish she will go way as i was awaked by her shouting three nights this week. And of course my flatmate didn't inform about her.
Also i just had one of weirdest CS experiences. Since i'm stuck in Brno in this holiday period, i decided to go to one meeting in tow. There's one dutch guy visiting and from profile he looked okay but it was huge dissapointment. We went to one pub and he and other guy started smoking without asking if other mind that and making stupid remarks about non smokers. Later everytime i was trying to say something they just cut me off and kept making quite not smart comments about russians. I was kinda relieved to get home after that. So much for trying to be less realistic and more positive...It seems that i'm simply allergic to stupid people.

Never trust the one who does not trust you

Just had probably one of most stressful experiences there in Brno, which proves that people on Couchsurfing are not exactly hospitable. Especially when it involves money.

To start with, when i arrived there, i was looking for place to rent. I found one via couchsurfing group. I didn't like guy at instant, as he was paranoid and hysteric, but decided to go with it after concultation with lawyer. At first that guy wanted us to sign contract which involved only obligations for me, but no rights and i would have been considered responsible even for force majeure. Thankfully later he decided to use brain and our final contract was o.k. I paid deposid and finally he took off. He was acting extremely weid and clingy - invited me as a friend on facebook and constantly asked annoying questions. Even asked to take some stuff from his not very tidy friend who just dropped stuff on the floor after coming in.

The guy finally decided he wanted to come three days earlier. I wrote o.k. if you want to return me money paid for these days as i have no reason to trust you (because of him being clingy and not providing copy of his i.d. document while insisting for mine). Then he got hysterical and demanded me to drop my plans to wait for him. Also he decided he helped me and did favor by renting me a flat and wanted to keep my money because of that stupid idea. In the end i agreed to come over the flat if he paid me my money first and he said o.k. Seem he's also a lier as he tried to take off with my money after taking keys, but came back after i told him i would call police as our contract was still valid and he had no right to be there.

Moral of the story - don't trust  clingy people who decides they are doing you a favor by taking your money.

On more positive note - my current flatmates are just great, even bit loud at times. And we have a not very smart cat. I even can use post box as my grandmother does not know a thing about email.

Now i finally can realax and be happy that i don't have to deal with that creepy guy any longer and can just enjoy life there and wait till i will be able to actually start working. For that i need awful lots of acesses and since it was end of month people were very busy and not exactly able to answer my questions so i did lots of self education. Hopefully my manager won't be angry that i was not exactly useful.

I would like to meet some more people there and maybe learn czech language so i started looking for tandem partner. I plan to go to English pub night to maybe meet somebody willing to help with my czech. It seems that people, even young, are not very good with english there so even some not very smart ones keeps insulting me telling that i speak with english with russian accent, my english is still much better that theirs.

Going to post is always adventure there as they don’t speak much English so it’s hard to explain what I want. Today I went with note prepared with Google translate. Luckily today the only English speaker in my post office was working, so I got my letter from grandma (all my mail went to post office and I had to go and ask for it as I had no post box). Also I bought box for parcel as I’m still not sure if I will be able to go home for Christmas and probably will send something home.

Being thankful

On satuday aside from becoming one year older i experienced my first american thanksgiving party there in Brno. I was invited by lovely american lady whom i met there in Brno over my third day there. Now i understand craziness about that celebration as traditional dinner was simply delicious - turkey, sweet potatos, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie and other stuff i never tried before. Even after goodling i don't fully understand roots of that tradition, especially why in USA and Canada it has different dates.

I also started working. I love that in my job we are not allowed to gossip and to talk about company stuff, so people actually go to work at work, not to disturb others by gossiping. My team is really nice and helpful, so i expecially enjoy learning a lot. I just didn't ever thought that i will find my dream work enviroment there, in Czech republic. Guess people's character and mentality adds a lot to that. Maybe in Lithuania works is always a finght as most people are negative most of the time and just lashes out at collegues. I remember how stressful it was for me to work in female company (there was one guy, but he left for the same reason as me) while all of them was fighting and gossiping all the time, as well as drinking at work and not respecting anyone, even themselves. I think i escaped just in time before becoming negative angry woman myself.

Since i'm new at job, my first holiday will be in half a year. That means Christmas will be celebrated there. While i'm not religious person myself, i will definitely miss my grandmother, mom and my guinea pigs (they should have babies around december according to my mom). I think i will find something via Couchsurfing events as there will be many foreigners stuck there.

I'm not really disappointed by that as i learned more living on my own and had more positive experiences than while living at parent's place in Vilnius. Also now i have much better opinion about myself as well as do my relatives. Just my mom is still woried how i'm doing and constantly sending my money and asking if i eat properly. 

Couchsurfing

I decided to write one post purely about couchsurfing mostly as result of discussions in forums and my most negative experience. 

I joined this website two and half years ago when i was doing my erasmus in Tartu, Estonia. I was introduced to couchsurfing by one very stereotypical american girl, who talked about surfing and hosting with such enthusiasm that i decided to give it a try. But first time i actually used was few months later when i went to Czech republic for a week (i had money left after my erasmus and wanted to spend it travelling somewhere more far than neighbouring countries). Well second time surfing was extremely weird. I was in Prague and stayed with guy who answered emergency request. I know it was stupid not to send normal requests beforehead but in my defense i can say that i was very new and didn't get concept of cs back then.  Good talked too much for my liking (basically all the time), kept asking questions and simply stuck like wet leaf to naked ass. I like interacting with host, but i'm unable to speak constantly for few hours, especially about topics i have no interest in. When it was time to rest, i had to watch movie 'Devil wears Prada" with him in his room. he inssited that i would sit on his bed but i pretended to give myself foot massage after long day walking. When i was finally set free, he asked if i want to sleep in his bed, on floor or on sofa. I chose sofa. After i asked him to use his laptop to check some stuff, i discovered he had fake profile with photos and name of some vietnamese girl. When i woke up, i saw him watching me. Damn, that was somne crazy stuff. I was happy to get rid of him in the morning but had to return as i left some clothes in his apartment. If i wouln't have been so new, he probably would have one negative reference more (he has two already).

Another weird experience was when i hosted myself. I did it two times and both were not so pleasurable. First guests, couple from Latvia, acted like i was free hotel - no interest in hanging out together, came only for one night, kept talking in latvian. I left posite reference only because they did it first. Second was polish girl who sucked at basically everything she did. I left no reference for her and she left none for me. I feel that i had too much patience with her. First, i had to walk for half and hour home as she got wrong trolley, although i wrote correct one, and we missed last trolley. Then nex day i had to skip concert as she insisted she would come back from city to take phone charger. And managed to get wrong trolley to wrong direction again. She was unable to plan her time and wasted mine. Never said 'thanks' and well, i guess i was wrong accepting her.

Next bad experience was one i already wrote about - liar host with lack of social skills. Otherewise i just try to learn something from expriences i don't entirely like. Sometimes there's clash of opinions in forums. Sometimes people just are too stupid to read whhat's written - one time i asked question in forum - what reference one would write if experience is very negative - negative or neutral one. One guy (i agree with negative reference in his profile) just gave me few diagnoses and analysed me and my experience instead of anwering. When i pointed out he didn't answer my question, he just wrote an essay. I deleted topic when i saw it's not going anywhere. Nex time i was called egocentric and freeloader because i answered that don't think about money when i surf/host (question was if it's necessary to pay money for host) and i believe that if host thinks how much surfer cost him, he should not host at all or use AirBnB. Because of that guy analysed me and my profile. I think that person does that when he has zero arguments to prove his opinion and looks for opponent's personal faults. I just didn't answer. I like lithuanian saying "duok durniui kelią" (give idiot free way) so i liesten to it quite often. Then it gives me satisfaction as i feel smart and as a winner of argument.

I still think that couchsurfing should be about cultural exange, not money or travelling for free. And i don't feel as worse couchsurfer just because i am unable to host right now and in close future. Partly my expriences are like that because of my sarcastic 'no bullshit' personality and saying what i'm thinking, partly because some people just has different idea of it or are too stupid to read what's written. Some has mostly positive experinces. One amazing guy i met just before hitchgathering in Lithuania learns from any exprience. I think it depends on person. and country one is from. I noticed that in expensive cities and tourist destinantions, for example Copenhagen, Norway, Australia people think about money all the time but instead of using air BnB contantly brags in forums about 'freeloaders' surfers. Also there are some cultural differences. For example, i would never give copy of my document to anybody i don't know. For me it's the sign that somebody don't trust me. For others - perfectly normal procedure. I learned a lot from mine and i'm happy i joined page as i during two years i met so many great people in Vilnius couchsurfing comunity, travelled, met some great people during my trips and simply shared expriences. And human interaction, good or bad, always gives something to stay.

Enjoy

So, last days of enjoying non worker regime...
First weekend when i didn't leave the city - saturday enjoyed photo walk near my home. Weather is getting colder, but wekend was sunny and quite warm. I don't know if i'm being unreasonable but i really hate when others try to take picture of me as i know it will be uploaded somewhere but most probably i won't get original one. I made some beautiful pictures of nature and buildings (i never liked taking photos of people as i find nature and architecture much more fascinating). Later we had lunch and drinks at Pegas. I found that place quite diverse - food and beer is really good but service is plain strange. It was my second time there, different waiter but still - quite fast, but rude, it seems as if they hate their work. You don't even tell your order and he cuts in saying fake 'thank you' and just runs. Nobody left him any tip.
On saturday i went to table ggame evening organised by local CSer. It was second time and although i had great time one thing i didn't like that people arrive starving and instead of starting on time, others has to wait for one hour while hungry people prepares food. I felt like i'm wasting my time as i like to be punctual and plan my time. There's great restaurant called 'Lloyd's' near my place so if i'm hungry but too lazy to prepare my own food i just go there. Fantastic service, great food and good prices. I tried goose led for first time and was real fest for my taste buds. Have to repeat some time...
It seems that Brno never sleeps. There's always something to do. Local community is very active and organises various events - language meetings, game nights, dinners, coffee meet ups and so one. One event i really like for sunday evening is Cinema italiano/ceco. Well, i went there two times and only for czech movies but it was really great. "Loners" espcially. Also it's free event and in really great cafe, so you can just sit in comfortable chair with your kofola (or something else) and just enjoy great movie.
Before starting work i had to register to local doctor. Medicover who does medical check ups sent me to some very posh looking clinic to english speaking doctor Tomas Kobos. So i have my doctor now. He has same name as my doctor at home, so i kinda like him. Had to do medical check up for medicover today with peeing in bottle and other stuff, but i hope i did well. Well, i don't see much without glasses if i look far away (it's called shortsight i think) but i have to wear glasses only if i drive so i hope it won't be a problem. I saw some people with glasses at work. Also i had to answer some other questions and now thinking if it would have been better if i lied or just kept my mouth shut? I just hope i did well.
I like to go to couchsurfing meetings sometimes, other events as well and consider myself as pretty active member but some days ago i was accused of showing signs of freeloader because i believe that couchsurfing is not about money and if i would want to pay, i would go to hostel. Well, i still think so. I believe that if person thinks taht having guest cost a lot and they should be grateful to be allowed to surf only, such host should open hostel or use AirBnB.

Brno toastmasters

So... yesterday i decided to give Brno Toastmasters second shot as i was hugely disappointed by my frist experience there but it turned to be even worse. At first event i was told that topic for short speeches means nothing so you can waste others time and talk about whatever you want. I also was told that you have to lie to speaker - if (s)he sucks you have to tell 'bravo! was wonderful" (they call it 'encouragement'). This time one guy talked about Žalgiris battle. He kept calling Lithuania Ukraine and made huge historical mistakes. I corrected him and was told i interrupted speaker. Come on, if you don't know anything about history, just shut up instead of keeping making such mistakes. There are people who are uneducated about history so they might believe about 'Ukraine' and other nonsense. I keep hearing from idiots that in Lithuania we speak russian so i just could not understand if that guy made mistakes just to insult me or he was simply uneducated at school.
Overall, i like idea of Toastmasters but i hated route this local club is following. If you don't accept correction of your mistakesa and accept only lies even if you suck at you speech - you won't learn anything.

And there's for idiots who think we speak russian or have anything to do with slavic language group. And we are not even close to Ukraine.

Self absorbtion and politics

I managed to almost score a job I really wanted and know that I will be good at so I’m really happy nowadays.  Now I’m not thinking about stuff which always stressed me out at home and just enjoying life there. And moving on. So far most of the people I met was really nice and helpful, aside liar without social skills Klara (since she attacked me with messages, I tried to get her off me telling that I found her interesting as person and wish positive experiences). Thing is I think she’s quite boring and maybe due to her age lack social skills. One thing is when you lie in some reference, another – when you keep telling person that (s) didn’t do something (s)he knows was done. That was really weird. And I wish she will get as negative experience as mine just to know how it is. She was so afraid to tell something in the eye that she lied only in reference, maybe to defend her actions. When I asked in forum how people would write reference in such situation I got few essays about me and that experience but nobody answered how they would react in case of negative experience – be truthful or careful. So I dropped it off. Now I’m being discussed in one of forums by some Norbert as not able to take answer I don’t like when there were no answers. Some nationalities never cease to surprise with their self absorbance…

I keep read news’ blogs from Lithuania from time to time just to know how it is. Now, few days after elections everybody talks about it. And I’m happy I left just on time as some people never learns. Main winners were social democrats, labor party and conservatives. Main coalition will be first two plus ‘law and order’ party. Hmmm… where to start… Social democrats are not bad per se. it’s just they talk a lot but do very little. They were ruling party before and pffff… Nothing. Labour party is party of criminals. Quite a few there are charged of some crimes, mostly financial. I actually like their leader Viktor Uspaskich as talker and business person, but as politician he's extremely bad. He is extremely layered person and actually it would be really interesting to talk with him a bit. He reminds me Artūras Zuokas a bit - talks a lot, has some nice ideas but in the end - pffff... And Rolandas Paksas party, well, i don't even know what to say about that. At least positive. I'm not really into politics but i believ that conservatives was best choice - they did some non popular decisions but it gave positive results during financial crisis.

Our Mushroom is also interesting. She expressed her opinion loud and clear, like she always does and it's actually first time i agree with her. Usually Mushroom appears as dictator, not president, and quite self absorbed one - thinking that her opinion is one and only and everybody has to agree. So many such persons in one small country gives big mess and lots of unhappy people. And highly sceptical me.

Bits

I’m still getting to know city which I now consider as mine. When I was coming with bus from Prague I thought ‘finally home’. Guess that’s it.

I still don’t feel stable though. Looking for a job and meeting new people. Most of them there are quite party persons, so it’s difficult to find somebody interesting to talk with.  I won hour of bowling in one of ‘social’ events so maybe i will meet somebody interesting before i'll be able to use it.

On tuesday i was at singing by campfire event. Weather was just perfect and company was nice. I wanted to hear some czech folk songs and it was a chance. They have quite few about America which was quite surprising for me. 

On saturday i went to small town called Jedovnice not far from Brno to see fishing market. I went with few latvians, one czech and one slovak. And it seems i was only girld not afraid of such bad weather (it was raining all day long). Hike plans didn't work though as everybody got frozen.

In the evening there was Halloween party at Brno, but i didn't went there as i was just cold and wanted to rest hugging a radiator.

Americans

On Friday I met one American guy, named Landon Bevier doing research about what people thinks about United stades. What a disaster and stereotypical American he was. I wrote when I’m coming to meeting point and saw that he read my message. I waited almost half and hour and came home. Later got his message that he’s up for meeting. I wrote which station he should come to and that I will wait for him. Again – half and hour later and quite bad later. He even didn’t paid for my drink, thought he invited me and said he’s in hurry to talk with girlfriend. I sincerely doubt that anyone would date such a disaster. I just got cold and wasted my time on him. But probably he just lack social skills or didn’t like my answers.

But somehow I never met American with whom it would be interesting to talk with and I met a lot. Most of them were just plain dumb and self absorber – speaking only one language and thinking about themselves as most important persons in the world. Or electing Barrack Obama just because he’s black. Or giving Michael Jackson lifetime achievement award just because he died that year while he stopped being big years ago before that. They also gave award for John Cash because he died although he sucked big time.

I actually try to be very politically correct and sometimes lie instead of saying what i'm thinking and don't believe in stereotypes, but somehow it's the only nationality about which all stereotypes proved to be truth in my experience. I'm not saying i didn't met any cool americans ( i did, all of them are living abroad, few i call friends). But cultural differences are way to much for me to handle and i usually feel uneasy around self absorbed people.

Lack of social skills + fear = lies

So apparently Klara is not only quite rude, but also a liar. I was accused of not saying 'thank you' for her after repeating it several times. One type of people i can's stand are liars and she is quite bad one. Also she told that her friends didn't hear that whis is natural as i don't know them so i dind't thank them separately. And was really relieved when i left her place. Maybe i just should forget that.

I was in Palava hills today with few people from Brno. It was truly beautiful and relaxing day, especially when i was able to give in into climbing.
I'm in very unstable right now, without job or stable living place so i'm scared at times and don't feel very safe. That's why i enjoy spending time with people in nature as it helps me forget at least some part of my stressful existance.

Lasting

Sometimes even I get lucky – life in new country, new city and new surroundings is going really well. Few weeks were quite stressful as I was desperately looking for a room to rent and moving every few days with big luggage.  Now I got place to rent in good location, quite cheap compared to Brno prices, but in kinda scary conditions – it’s terminated contract, I’m responsible for everything what might happen. 

I went to Prague to vote and meet some old friends from Erasmus in Estonia and just explore city. I stayed with two really great Croatian girls who are doing exchange in Prague. They told that culture there is quite similar to their home country, language too and it’s quite cheap for them. Also only eight hours away from home. Same like for me when I was in Tartu, though I can’t say culturally it was close. Prague is really beautiful as city but so crowded I was hardly able to breath and was always scared that something would be stolen from me. Also I was in city two years ago so it was rather strange when memories flooded and also walking and remembering that ‘I was there’.  Also it seems I already got used to Brno prices as everything seemed quite expensive for me.  I just once more felt that I made good decision coming not there.

Also I needed some rest from very disturbing experience with my previous host. On my last night there I was awaken by her roommate having drunken sex in the room I was sleeping in. that was even more awkward that my host making making sexual offers when I was in Prague two years ago.

It seems that I’m not as ready to independent life as I thought I am. I suck as expenses planning. I feel like I’m spending much more that I can and probably just making up for lost time when I was saving money to come there. Also my phone died. They said it’s probably not repairable as it got wet. Well, it can be true, but it was working just fine for two years after accident and died just one week in Brno. Seems like technical stuff is simply not for me. I’m just hoping that my old computer will live for a while till I save enough to get new one or at least change broken plastic cover. I like my old one though, it has many stickers on it, reminding me various moments.

New week I’m planning to force myself into actually doing something to change my life as till now I was just being relieved I’m there and enjoying time. I have to find job there or there will be zero money for me. And probably zero health insurance. And I feel I need that.

Somehow after meeting Ileana and Stepan I felt as if I made step backwards. They both doing their PhD, Ileana already has two masters. And I never made it to master's diploma being oldest of them. I just remembered feeling very awkward in Estonia, being 24 and doing masters why everybody around was doing PhD. In my country where education system sucks only bravest make it to PhD as it means very little money and lots of time. And students actually gets knowledge if they try hard as most lecturers don’t care about it.

When I got into university, I was excited at first. But it turned into shock as I came into the class full of dumb blondes with short skirts, long nails, fake hair and fake everything. Administration saw our program as third stupid brother where most of students pay to get paper and even supported cheating as dumb students financially supported university. I never got over shock that cheating was supported and I was told I will be kicked out of university if I report cheating again. I still kick myself that I started master in the same university. That was extremely stupid decision. And waste of family savings. I could have used it much better, for example coming there earlier. Few good things I got out of it was my Erasmus exchange time (most of it) and knowledge I got myself. I kept my mouth shut about cheating though. Biggest slut from my bachelor course, Regina, was in the same course with me. She bullied me all the tame, but I never got over fact she got away with it.

On the moments when I just was not able to brush it off, I missed my grandfather. He was only one from my relatives who always supported me no matter what. And was smart, loved and sociable. I wish that I would be able to became to be at least partially like him. I wish I will find love, stability and satisfaction with my life. And overcome my greed.

Brno

So i'm in Brno now. Things are not going as well as i planned ( i have hard time looking for a flat) but i simply enjoy my time there. I'm staying with wonderful girl who gone great lenghts making my comfortable and travelling around as much as i can. I already went to wine week (wine is surprisingly cheap there, as well as really good beer) and also checked one event of coffee week which is going right now.

City is really beautiful and i like people there as they are polite and helpful. What surprised me is everything is very clean there. In Vilnius if there's new bench build, it's broken within few days (it never stopped to amaze me).

I simply adore architecture there as every house is totally diferent and almost all houses have a lot of decorations. I feel that even if city is relatively small, it will take quite alot of time to see all beautiful sights.

I like being far away from home as it gives some feel of independence, although i'm still relying on financial support from various sources.

Excitement

Now, when there's only a little time left before my farewell, i try to see, experience and try as many things as i can. I even went to dahlia's fest with my mother and grandmother.

It was beautiful, really. Sunny day, relatives in good mood and lots of color. Sometimes i wish i would live in a house surrounded by nature like lady growing these dahlias. Of course it would be nice to have interner, car and live not too far away from city to socialize sometimes. Now sometimes i feel i spend not enough time with myself as stress of city life really gets me.
We later had some dinner in Kernavė and i'm happy my grandmother enjoyed a day as she's usually kinda sad because of life as it is. There's little cafe in a place of old watermill and since it was very sunny and nice day only one not so nice thing was guy there constantly talking on his phone. I simply don't understand people talking on phones in cafes, restaurants, public transport or other places where others hear it. It makes me want to tell them 'We are not interested!'.
I started going to italian lectures on tuesday and thursday. Well, today i obviously forgot. I believe it's always useful to speak more than one language and italian has been very easy so far. Lectures is quite good and patient, lectures are also not boring, so i'm enjoying it so far. After every lesson we go to some bar for drinnk and talk. One time we went to my favourite, Plum bum, so i took some pictures of walls, just to remember how it was. Iw ill miss that place and good estonian cided, nice atmosphere and always fun crowd.

Last weekend there were various events in the city - fair of cultures, European heritage days, excursions for students ("Know the city you study in") and so on. Fair of cultures seemed quite boring for my liking. There's always same people selling their stuff and there were not many cultures - lithuanian, latvian, belarussian and few others. Mostly they were noticeable by selling their food. However it was really nice to see city so lively. My mom enjoyed herself in some excursions organised for heritage days as well. Those were mostly educational but as she loves nature and history like me, she came very happy. And even brought book from book fair which was happening that weekend as well.

Maybe i'm becoming quite picky, but i found excursion for students in old town quite boring. We visited only some sights around old town and guide became angry or more likely annoyed every time while asked something, especially of person who asked something knew more than her. I actually expected to see more than just cathedral, Snt. Anne's church, Literatų street and some other streets. I guided some acquitances around old town and i believe even i was better than our guide Aldona Mikulionienė. At least i like people asking questions. Actually she really reminded me one acquitance from Estonia who gets angry every time when somebody tries to ask him something or express their opinion. He's nice guy though and that guide didn't appear as nice person at all. But maybe it's fault of menopause.

On saturday there were burning of hue statues. Quite nice actually. I realised i would miss such events when i will be far away. There were four signs to be burned and event was quite well organised. Later i went to meet some friends i will miss but maybe they would visit me.

Something good

Now when summer is over it easier to look ahead. I made a plan to emigrateto Czech republic, Brno and started looking for a job. I always liked Czech republic even if i was there only fo a week two years ago as nature is beautiful there, people are very helpful and friendly, so i believve i will feel good there. And also earn some money.
I'm so excited about leaving, although i still have some worries. What about health insurance? Water (is it clean fro the tap)? Transport? And many more. One thing i'm not worried about is people there. I believe i would feel good there.
After i posted some messages, first answer came after few hours. People were offering help searching for job, looking for flat share and other help.
On monday when it was first day of school in most of educational institutions i met great girl who came to Vilnius to work. And she's willing to learn our language, which is really nice as most of 'it's socheap there' foreigners working or just getting wasted in Vilnius don't even try to learn language no matter how long they stay as 'english always works'. And being disrespectful they even wonder why locals don't really like foreigners :D Once i heard about english guy who came to Vilnius and spoke russian and later was surprised why people were not super friendly as 'i spoke their language' (yes, some people are THAT stupid).
So before leaving i'm doing some research and trying to learn at least basics. Language does not seem hard, actually quite similar to russian and polish. I'm able to understand russian so some phrases looked familiar, just with lithuanin letters (š,č and so).

Intense

In these last days i had so much stress and stuff to do, i'm kinda glad that september is almost there.
Well, first of all, bureaucracy there gives me big big headache. Since me universty (MRU) forbids me to finish my studies, i try to sort it out. First, i got mark which was lower than my work was worth. Lecturer couldn't explain why. I appealed when is saw my exam sheat, but they told me it's too late, although university statute and appeal provisions state whet student has right to see their exam sheat before appealing. No luck. I tried to reach dead, but got paper stating that there were no violations. Now i don't know why i dot this mark and how to finish my studies as it was stated there's no point to do it in my university as i won't get my diploma there as i want to know too much.
I wrote to education ministry. No luck. To cut long story short, i got impression that state service makes person extremely stupind and not able to read in state's official language.
Now after two years of trying, i finally got almost all answers.
Another thing - electronic ticket system in Vilnius. Not working. I can't buy monthly ticket as student as it's miscomunication between city council, public transport company and ISIC Lithuania. As i can't buy fill my monthly ticket without my own fault, i will have to use public transport for free all semtember. Genial.

Crossing days

Well, it seems that summer started only few days ago, but it's already finishing. Sice i had so much to do and did so little, tried to rest a bit and experience as much as i can.
On 8th of august i participated in greetng of Rūta Meilutytė, first gold medal winner for Lithuania in these Olympics.

Concert was rather boring but since this win was escalated so much, it didn't surprise me. Now her first trainer wants money and basically all tabloids and newspapers wrote about Rūta's childhood and family.
Somebody it still suprises me how much fuss tabloids makes if some lithuanian achieves something or if some world wide known person is lithuanian. Like Hannibal. Or Anthony Kiedis. Laura Asadauskaitė won last medal in olympics and it was gold but nobody made such big fuss as about Rūta. But i believe it was also because Laura's medal was expected and her main competitor was eliminated by Lithuanian olympic commitee.
Last weekend i decided to go to ecofestival "Valley of winds".

It was nice and also intense experience as there were so many people and things to do. Directly after arrival i participated in workshop 'renew your clothes' and decorated white dress with ribbons, buttons and other stuff. Workshop was run by latvians and one of them took photo of every movement. Food was super awesome, although it was one of those events for vegans/vegetarians. What i really liked is that program was till midnight and people were respectful so it was possible to sleep during the night.
I even managed to win board game 'Citadel' even playing it for first time and with french cards. I believe i was underestimated as 'fist timer' and noone tried to kill me of steal from me during the game. Ha!

Lake nearby was very nice, situated in the forest so not overused, although in Trakai region, very popular among tourists and local wanting to go near water, but in most cases ending up getting drunk and leaving trash after themselves. Thank whoever that this lake and area was not like that...
Water was worm, there were basically no mosquitos so weeked was close to perfect. I didn't pay for food as one of organisers behaved like having PMS - being rude, snaping at people for asking questions and so on and so on. I have principle on not leaving donations for free events if organiser behave that way. The same with not leaving tips if waitress/waiter is rude/slow.

Thursday was one of these rare ocasions when i decided to check something new and found out new bar called Pietų parkas when i went to check raggae concert with fellow traveller from Russia. It was really nice evening, because concert was really good and later we went to another one in Šauni vietelė. Singer there was   quite impressive. Later that evening we went to check if there's still meeting going on in my disapproved Pianoman and since there were none, i had to excuse myself for last trolleybus home. I'm still waiting for out "genius" mayor's answer about public transport timetables.
Now when there big mess because of electronic system and Vilnius cards i actually highly doubt that anyone will answer me soon.

This weekend was dedicated to Weeday . Last year it was mixed impression as in sunday morning i was awaked by very very loud music starting at six in the morning so i left about seven. I decided to give this eveng another go and it was good decision. I met some nice people, had great time and even was too lazy and relaxed to go sauna (that's extremely rare for me, sauna addict :) ).

Travellers

Last week few days wre spent in picnics preparing for hichgathering which this year happened in Ambraziškiai, Lthuania.

Both days there were ballons going up in the sky. While going to festival i had few fellow travellers one of whose was kinda freeloder and didn't want to share gas price as if it is for free but later gave some money. I would say friday was much more fun as there were not so many people and we were able to have nice time. Bad thing was that i was with car so upon arival i was told 'let's go to the shop' and arrived to the place only around ten and went to sleep around one in the morning.
On saturday we went to ecohause being built.

Some people went to help while others enjoyed surroundings. Building is surrounded by swamp but owners are planning to have pound later.

Near original place there are several pounds so i spent big part of a day in one of them. Later we had several activities like making bread, discussing various topics and just chilling,

What i liked about the place that there were basically no mosquitos, although we were told that there would be many. Some people spent night in the barn so they told that there were some, i slept in the tent, so it was just perfect. First night was raining a lot, more like storm, but otherwise it was nice. Second night when there were mas of people it was harder, but i had earplugs and used them as some people were talking all night or snoring.

Stereotypes

So last thursday was spent in Kaunas due to some paperwork needed to do. Well, again experience was negative. All the time i go to Kaunas i manage to attract agressive people who usually gets angry because i'm from Vilnius. This time first i was shlouted at in kiosk because i tried to buy public transport tickets. Later when i tried to buy ticket in trolley, driver shouted at me because i had only 20 litas note. She gave me change in 1 litas coins. When later i asked in another kiosk what's going on with tickets, she explained that since july it's possible to get them only at drivers.

Later on saturday me and my cousin went to free university (LUNI) camp. That was interesting. While most interesting lectutres happened in friday, saturday was dedicated to lectures about bisexuals, anarchy, sex workers and so on. We also spent some time near the pound where i tried surfing and jumping. People in LUNI lectures are always expressive, strict and sometimes seems agressive that's why it's better to listen than to try interrupt.

What i liked the most was actually pound. Since day was very hot, over 30 degrees i think it was perfect. I came back with sunburn on my shoulders and back, but very satisfied with whole trip.

On sunday we went to Žeimena river to enjoy. While i'm fire zodiac sign, somehow i always prefer water and colder weather, so due to hot day i spent almost whole day in the river.
Near the place we went swimming there's the lake called Pravalas. While lake itself is very nice for swimming, name kinda makes itself. There so much trash around and people actully leaves behind themselves instead of throwing to garbage bins. What also annoyed me is that cars go near by water while there are sign prohibiting it and rule saying that it's illegal to park closer than 50 metres to water.

On monday lithuanian Rūta Meilutytė won gold for 100 metres breaststroke swimming. I'm so proud! Brits are jealous and germans also accused of using doping. Some people just can't live with other's vistories.

What music thinks

So, this saturday was spent in festival "Ką galvoja muzika" (What music thinks) in Kazliškiai. Since in this blog i can avoid lying, organizing (more specific - communication and providing information) sucks big time. Or maybe organisers are just incapable understand lithuanian. While asked if there will be drinkable water they answered about beer. While asked about if there will be water (lake, river) nearby and how to get there without car they didn't answer at all.

Organisers also lied about several activities. It was written that there will be workshops with possibility to make something from clay, wool and wood, natural herbal tea and natural handmade cosmetics - nothing of it didn't happen. There were only smalll cafe, few shops (pottery, bijouterie, wooden stuff, silver accesories) and that's it.

I actually wouldn't really mind all of that, but thing is i really hate being lied to. Later on the table where we were sitting small green worm appeared.

I'm actually afraid of worms and if i go fishing i always scream throwing rod (after somebody puts worm on the hook for me), but this one was fun to watch. Moving fast, climbing on hair like acrobat and othe stuff. Later he was let go on the grass.

Concert was really great - participants all good, just some very boring - only gitar and singing quite simple lyrics. Music not too loud, which i really liked. Crowd really supportve. Seemed like everybody really enjoyed themselves.
Nature around was also really beautiful, i managed to find some raspberries in the forest, although i wanted to find some mushrooms. And it seems we were lucky - weather was good all day long and we heard that friday was rainy. One of the guys thought it may be the reason why there were not so many participants as he told that previous there were much more.
Coming back were stopped at cafe Skardis.

It's restaurant/bar/cafe in the way Kaunas-Vilnius whis has not only really beautiful surroundings and mini golf in preparations but also awesome collection of old american cars. I found one i would love to have - blue Chevrolet. I love blue and green cars (exept Opel Astra) and this one was really nice - long and wide so nobody would dare to beep (exept maybe if jealous), although i think it might be a problem to park it.

Growing

My baby guinea pig, now named Sigutis (after this guy, my Sigutis is as loud). He learned a lot in this two weeks - eating from food box while standing, drinking woter from special flask, eating vegetables, doing 'iron wolf' pose (is when you scratch his chin and he raises head) and making various noises from squeeing to happy noises.

He is so pretty that it would be very sad to give Sigutis away. And i would only give him to very very good and trustable person. Such beautiful and smart baby deserves only the best of ownrs.
And me myself decited to check this festival for weeked as it sounds nice and is for free. Transport sucks though - no busses and no trains (well, only from Kaunas and international, so expensive one).  It seems only way to get there without car is going to Marijampolė, then train to Jūrė and then walk.

Slight update : Sigutis is now called Pupis and lives with Median Tiba. he's boyfriend of my couchsurfing friend Giedrė and i believe takes really good care of my former baby. Pupis is as beautiful as i predicted straight after his birth.

Bureaucracy sucks

Week was quite stressfull as i had to deal with parliament and other freeloaders. I sent one request about month ago and gave them few simple questions. Instead of getting aswers, my request was redirected to one committee which gave my opinion, not answers so i had to write again. And again got answer that my request is redirected to committee again. Ugh....

On thursday evening i went kayaking in Neris. While during daytime is pretty much boring, in the evening and later at night view is really stunning, especially while sun is setting down.

Later me and my companion went to have some beers at Route 66 which is really amiable place with tasty and cheap beer, nice interior and without "Švyturio extra" made from powder. While it's most popular beer, it's certainly one off less tasty. In Route 66 they have on thing which sounds almost creepy for me - beer with tomato juice. 

On saturday i decided to check "Live camp" event.Description said "Camp principle is simple - guitar, friends, and Fire. Everything else - details, but everybody who has been there  - knows that it is most cozy and mysterious guitar camp in Lithuania."

Thought about going to stay overnight, but came back after five hours as event was really boring. Maybe my opinion would have been different if i arrived in the evening but since i arrived around noon there were nothing really going on. Some people playing, some singing and thats it.

Eveing was much better though - i went to listen some music in Vienuolyno kiemas and later some acquitances joined. That place always leaves mixed impression for me - it's expensive and they don't have local beer, just Švyturio extra from powder and even if there are two persons inside they always have three face control guys whose main task is taking people's water. But they always have really nice concerts.

Some days in nature

Last week I spent some time in godparents place in some small town (Marijampolė) in nature. Weather was really nice, exept from some rain and quite strong wind before arrival.  Week was very relaxed as i didn‘t have to bother about all the stress i‘m having tiese last days.
I wish i would be able to visit them more often as the area is extremely beautiful. Last year when i went there for car repairs i used time and went around to visit some small villages and hills around as city itself is small enough to see everything in few hours. As a big city girl i always manage to get lost there even with only few "main" streets.

I thought about going to swim in the river but it sems that footbridge was drifted away in the last flood so i was kinda afraid to step in the water when i can‘t clearly see the bottom and there‘s lots of grass there.

When i arrived home, i separated my female guinea pig from male and next day i found out she had a baby. Only one, but very beautiful one. It‘s a boy. He‘s now constanly growing.In picture he's two hours long. They are born with fur, can open eyes instantly and has very small teeth.

Weekend was spendė in nature. Saturday in Molėtai with some acquitances and ugly annoying liar English guy. Everybody was such crybabies, complaining that there are no showers, mosquitos and bat bottom of the lake in nature. I barely survived it. Saturday – by the river Širvinta with family and friends. It was raining thought, but water was just awesome. Cant’ wait for this weekend.

Flea festival

This weekend was spend in cozy and nice gathering near Varėna – Flea festival . The event was destined to be flea market under the sky with some workshops, music and various stuff to do. Weather was simply amazing, so huge part was also spent in the like which is 28 meters deep in highest point (later I was told by guy who gave lift to train station that somebody drowned in the lake and divers got exact deep measured).  I was driving to festival as owner of the car was tired after preparing to workshop. I was going with friend from Scotland and felt not really comfortable as others were speaking Lithuanian all the time but she seemed fine with it. While in festival, I was surprised that everything is so cheap and got three handbags, shirt, two pairs of earrings and also facial with amber.

I made rubber band with flower made from plastic bottom of bottle myself with some help of owner of a car who is advocate of recycling and making new things from old ones. She runs some small shop/workshop called Absurdo idėjos. It was really interesting to see how much can be recycled and what can be made from old stuff. Since i was with a friend who didn't speak lithuanian i didn't went to any of lectures as they were only in lithuanian. We  checked some sellers, listyened to music (all singers and bands were really good) and just enjoyed ourselves in nature.

I thought about going to sauna too, but saw no point after realizing it is quite far away from lake. It was nice that people gathered there were not alcoholics party partiers, so biggest part was without drunk heads, shouting and littering. Only at tree a.m. some really bad (and later I was told he was also high) saxophonist decided to show that elephant stepped on his ears. So I lack of sleep now, but festival was definitely worth it. 

Flea market is going every sunday 12-16 Vilniaus s. 39

Midsummer

Last weekend and preweekend (06.21-06.24) was spent in alternative midsummer celebration.

Weather was plus minus good, aside some rain on Thursday night and Friday evening. Company was also okay, but i liked Thursday evening more because there were no drunk heads and loud music (festival started on Friday evening). Music was very loud and playing till six in the morning and also quite bad on Saturday night so almost no sleep made me very tired and grumpy. I fail to understand why some people consider shouting, drinking to the ground and not letting others to rest as 'fun'. 

There we so much to do and only after coming back home and reading program i realised how less i saw. There were one camp 'Forever christmas' with hot wine, soup and gifts for people who said some rhymes to Santa claus. There were camp of eco-crazed, joga obsessed people. Fest organizers declared 'leave no trace' politics but there were some much trace left it was disgusting. 

On saturday day we went to look for Šventoji river. Description said 'twenty minutes, two kilometers', but we got lost a bit, so it took around one hour one way. There were no (pseudo) beach so people who wanted to swim had to jump straight into river and go. I didn't have courage to do so as river is very fast and i'm not very good swimmer yet.

The sculptures were very nice and took quite long time to make them (i heard weeks) and lots of attention to details and burning them was quite sad at times but it was the point of fest. On first (Friday) night gates were burned down. It was made mostly by stew and planks. There were some cable holding them together and we put some fabric around them so nobody would get hurt, but one dog still did. That dog was a bit funny for me. It's seven months old German shepherd name Tiklis and for me he seemed plain stupid. He wanted to play but didn't give stick to throw. He hurt himself. He didn't know how to swim (really!) - when jumping in the water he started whining and instead of swimming to the shore he tried to get on small bridge so in the end three guys had to get him out.

Buning statue looked as great as before burning. There were some drummers, fakirs, dancers, singers and fires going on. Before that i persuaded other to make flower crowns as it is one of traditions of Midsummer to later throw them into water or burn. I slept in my car that night as i really wanted to get some rest and woke up with sun hitting my eyes, stiff knees and wanting to take almost all clothes, what i did. But at least i rested. Music was horrible on sunday night but most of people didn't care about it. So, all in all, weekend was very good.

Dumb people and plans

Yesterday i was at the farewell of two great guys who walked to Vilnius on foot and made mistake to write one finnish guy that nobody would mind him coming. Biiig mistake. He took it as inwite ans started sending sms and calling 'to meet'. I wrote him that i gave him adress already and he arrived with bag of cheap booze only bomžai are drinking and telling that he thought it was  houseparty. Later he followed us to actual houseparty and non stop talked mosty pure nonse. Then even started tread about Schengen. Dan, i really hate when people talk about legislation while only guessing what is written there. He told that he's planning buy bomžai booze and sell to finnish drunkheads and after i told that there are limits to things you can transport he started reapeating 'shengen shengen shengen' basically non stop. It was first time in long period when i felt as if explaining to person who believes that earth is flat that it's actually turning. And is so convinced that he's right that calls opinion 'shengen'. Ufff... I was glad when it was over and that person is gone. i siply hate criminals who thinks that they are doing nothing bad and are borderline alcoholics.
That day i managed to leave one of my favourite places without paying and thankfully i'm not in black list for forgetting it :) It seems that midsummer plans are also made - most probably going to Degantis Jonas fest. Wrote email to organisers to be sure - i plan to sleep for some time not to be annoyingly frustrated and don't want to survive another weeday when music was playing from 6 in the morning. Seems it would be great weekend :)

Also i was thinking about term "political correct". It's very important in country of close minded people who thinks it's center of the world and english is the only language they speak, but for me it was kinda funny sometimes. Once i got in the discussion about svastika and was called 'nazi' because it's simbol of the sun who was used and still being used in traditional handicrafts for ages, event before USA was founded. So respect to my background wasn't 'politically corect'. There in Lithuania most closed minded and agressive people are usually lithuanian-polish and lithuanian-russians. Polish is worst actually as they live in small communitys, don't really interact with locals, use their language, go to their churces, have their shools, marry amongst them and calls Vilnius 'nashe Wilno'. Some of them even don't speak lithuanian. I never saw reason why to live in another country if you just hide in yours own shell and don't even try to know country and integrate there, Lithuanin russians mostly are okay, just older people don;t even plan to learn language as it's assumed lithuanians should speak russian (most of foreigners are stupid enough to make that assumption till now, insulting locals that they speak with russian accent or so). I was suprisde when i learned that russian russians and polish polish are totally opposite - friendly and nice people. In coucnsurfing there's one lithianian polish who has no self respect and zero social skills so still lives with his mother. he hates locals, contantly insults them and identifies himself as polish, not even lithuanian polish. And is supported by CS staff. Even when he insulted homosexuals he was supported to go on. That's not politically correct and was called 'expressing himself'. So double standars in term of being politically correct.