Despite having grown up in Seattle where ppl are more introverted nothing really prepared me for visiting Lithuania or Finland, people are SUPER introverted BUT they are also the most friendliest people I have met. So small talk definitely isn't a thing in Lithuania.
Totally agree. I grew up in Spokane and I've been in the Baltics for a month and it's like super introvert but very kind and friendly if you just put a little effort into talking to them about something a little deeper than the weather.
I am from lithuania i was born hear and still live hear and we may look introverted bc we are kind of weirdly raised that way idk or it just lithuanian geens to not smile in the streets or not start random smal talk (like you said) out of nowhere bc we will just look at you weirdly and just walk away. But if you get to know us we have a lot of iteresting people here to talk to or just hang out. Just dont be scared to aproche a person with a bitch resting face in lithuania and you will be fine (sry for the bad grammar)
@@azazinate I had learned Lithuanian so for me the language barrier was not a problem but yeah folks in WA are not that introverted compared to Baltics or Scandinavia
@@kokomiko6370 tai nieko, viską supratau :) aš studijavau lietuvių kalbos universitete. Bet jo tai tiesa, lietuviai labai draugiški ir man labai patiko susipažinti su Lietuva ir Vilniumi. Aš dar tikiuosi, kad dar karta galėčiau keliauti į Baltiją. Skrendau iš Sietlo į Helsinkį ir iš ten į Vilnių.
It's so nice that you did a video on Lithuania! I agree on almost everything, but especially on calling Lithuania part of Russia or thinking that Lithuania's national language is Russian is a huge NO NO. We HATE and I tell you HATE when people assume that.
@@povylas o tu tikriausiai nepastebėjai, kad tai yra okupacijos padarinys ir kad oficiali kalba Lietuvoje yra lietuvių :) Ir dar greičiausiai mažai keliauji, nes kitaip žinotum, kad lietuviai yra rusai pagalvoja didžioji dalis užsieniečių ir kartais net sveikinasi ar dėkoja ruzziškai :)
@@miss.icetea del to, kad lietuviai uz kapeikas vazineja i tuos pacius kurortus, kur rusai leidzia savo atostogas, tai ir vietiniai jau rusiskai kalba. Vazinejant ne i kurortus, rusiskai net zodzio neistaria. O skirtumas koks padarinys lietuvoje tos rusu kalbos, pilna zmoniu, kurie visa gyvenima cia gyvena ir net nesiruosia lietuviskai kalbet. Paziurek kas visur daros, vatos pilna. Tai apie ka kalbet.
Amazing country lmao I tell you one thing if you have money every country is amazing, but try to travel on same little budget and compare countries in that case this toilet gonna be your least favorite .
@@cokedoutmarkhamill8179 okay bud, chill. Actually “this toilet” doesint require much money. To visit our forests, beaches and architecture you don’t need money, all museums are free in the last weekend of the month, and the only expensive thing here is food in tourist traps. Local coffe shops, restaurants are not expensive. Stop shit talking about my home.
damn I'm Lithuanian and been following this channel for like 8 years not regurlarly like once a year but it's really inspiring what you say we appreciate your hard work can't wait for the 1 million subscriber
My husband is Lithuanian from Pavenčai near Kuršėnai, this video really made me laugh. It's so accurate. Also really nice visuals, I absolutely love this country so much and it's so nice to see an American understanding the culture too. As a European person I don't see that often. Especially with eye contact part, į sveikatą tau!
About the tea thing. You are correct about everything you said if your friend asks you for some tea. However, if somebody you don't know asks you for tea in the streets, they are asking you to spare them some change. Same goes for delivery people or waiters, although it's almost impossible for them to just outright ask you for a tip, on the super rare occasion that they do ask, they will probably ask for "tea", meaning they want a tip.
@@natalia18233 Don't speak Russian, but in Lithuanian tips are called "arbatpinigiai" which is a portmanteau of the word "arbata"(tea) and "pinigai"(money), so it literally means "tea money", but in slang people shorten it to simply "tea" - arbata
@@benas_st thank you, Benas. I speak Lithuanian , but so many years out of practice. I don’t know if arbata was a word for tip when I lived in Kaunas. But thank you so much for taking time to explain.
@@natalia18233 Currently don't live in Lithuania myself, so it's always funny coming back and hearing people I know (mostly my BIL tbh xD) using slang I've never heard before feel slightly dumb for explaining all that tea talk, but I guess other people may find it useful:)
2:52 we were part of Soviet Union against our will. Soviets came and occupied us saying that we “joined the Soviet Union” while acctually we were an occupied country.
Very insightful and accurate points. Although, as a Lithuanian, I truly hate the "shots" one. Of course, when you want to drink, it is cool and somewhat enhances the feeling of closeness between friends. But when you don't want to drink and others think they can make you do it in this way... it's just nasty. There were times when I spiled out "my" vodka, if a simple "no" did not suffice.
Yup, I think it is fine to refuse the drink or for example drink some other drink and skip your queue if you don't want to. You won't lose friendships over this.
My wife and bonus kids are Lithuanian and we travel there alot. You are right with your points, but also just use common sense and be nice and polite. Gets you far wherever you are :)
Wow that was on point! You really know what you are talking about, everything you said was 101% correct. Also if tourists go to the Hill of Crosses, please don't light any candles! Some chinese tourist did that and a lot of those wooden crosses were burned down. Anyway, nice video!
Live in Estonia and I have to say Vilnius is the second best city I have visited in the Baltics. Sorry, I love Tallinn too much... But I really loved Vilnius!
That's normal, we all love a country we were born in. Like my late grandmother told once "a good bird does not shit in it's own nest" :DD Be proud of your home :) Also, love Tallinn city ❤ from Lt
I’m in Kaunas Lithuania as I type. Been here for 4 days. Lovely place nice people. Good dumplings. Good beer. Beautiful architecture. What’s not to like. I’m from England. Will definitely be back.
Im Lithuanian You Got Everything Correct! The reason everyone speaks Russian is because we were forced to learn it when the soviets invaded the baltics
😂 I'd like to correct you on that . As you used a word " everyone " im sure if you aproach people with russian language who born after around 1993 they would ask you " sorry english ? " So old generation most of them they do yes ,but not in whole Republic.
Forced to learn it? What else you been forced to learn? Math? History? Physics? Most our neighbour countries can speak Russian so it is handy to know this language. Are people forced to learn English now??? It's handy language too as many people speak English. I sick of people like yourself complaining about Russians and Lithuania occupation but forget that everything what we had all infrastructure, all old beated down soviet house blocks where you probably live yourself, oil refinery, power stations, roads and bridges...... build during soviet union and now in 30 years "independence" we lost nearly everything. No nuclear power, no oil refinery, telecom, no Lithuanian airlines, no Lithuania banks.... even forest, which we are so proud about own by Ikea and worst no young people as everyone soon as they can leave this corrupt independent country. But maybe that is the plan of our corrupt government?? 🤔 force everyone out and sell what is left.
Invaded or liberated from nazis? Big difference. Durring communism people had to learn Russian cuz it was the main language and the way to communicate with other member states, english is no different either you want it or not you have to know it to be able to communicate and use tech nowadays. I speak 4 languages and i dont see anything bad about that only plus. I was born in LTSR. I learned Russian in free Lithuania and it was purely my choise 🙂 the more langueges you know the wider view of the world you have
@@akaFullest yeah defenetly liberated they invaded before barbarossa. And they sent many baltic people to siberia for slavery including my innocent 5 year old grandfather
On the other side of this topic, lithuanians (as a lithuanian) love when people try and speak our language! Don't know what is it, but it always cheers us up
A great video, a few of the don'ts are supperstitions and may vary from person to person. 1. The number one that gets us upset is calling us russians. you must understand the contex, the country was occupied by the russian empire and the ussr, and its been only 30 years since Lithuania became a free county, so the wounds left by those times are still quite fresh. 2. Lituanians generaly do not like loud people, be it in the cafe or public transport. This is common in all more northern counties. 3. Small talk - lituanians are know to be colder, and less chaty, witch is again comon in northern countries. But also lithuanian lack of trust to strangers comes back to history. When the country was ocupied there were goverment spies, and people could go to jail or get exiled to siberia for saying something that could be antigovernment, so talking to people that you don't know was not a good idea. Lithuania is and it's people are becoming more open to the world, but for a country that has been hurt a lot trust takes some time.
Nes nelabai ir pagalvodavai, kad kažkur kitur kitaip daro. Na bent kas liečia visus į sveikatą dalykus. Maistą irgi mažai kur mėgsta jau paruoštą, o kalbėt blogai apie tos šalies rinktinę nesvarbu futbolo, krepšinio ar kokio tinklinio - niekad nebus geras ženklas
Yeah, so the most upseting thing is when everyone from somwhere else than Baltic countries (those who never been under occupation) calls us russians... this is not only sad, but it is like you alomst just don't want to continue to talk with them anymore. when you are traveling or not, make sure you know just a little about that country. this is the one that always flips me. the other stuff is just pure truth. Į sveikatą and looking in the eyes is just unwriten law here :) nice video, have safe travels in future. wishes from other parto of Lithuania - Samogitia ;)
True, I mean it's one thing if you ask that in the US or something, but if you are visiting the country and ask that. That's like asking a black person if they prefer chicken for dinner.
I came back to live here after 15 years of living abroad. This damn thing that people are expecting (or even insisting) you to have a drink at the party or gatherings is still persisting... Annoying me to bits, as some people are fighting hard with themselves to reduce or give up alcohol. Maybe I should change my surroundings :D
Yeah, but drink yourself even to death if you like. However, don’t make another person have alc only because they are sat at the same table with you 🙄 This inconsiderate trait is still amongst many Lithuanians… Really happy to come back to live here anyways 🙂
Similar to the thing about the eye contact, would be not taking your gloves off when shaking hands. Some people could find it very strange/infuriating there.
nah man you good , you're plenty polite don't take it too seriously now , im lithuanian and i practically don't much care about those stuff u mentioned , but the car thing was quite spot on i do like my car :D
5:44 I am not an adult so I don’t drink BUT: drinking and getting drunk in Lithuania are two different things. It is rare to see a drunk person. Lithuanians know how to drink and how much, they have the limit to how much drinking is socially acceptable.
Pretty neat! I haven't given thought what I dislike, but you made me thinking "yeah, that's what we do" lol. Thanks for talking about our little country!
Indeed, all tips you provided are great! And so true :) However, people can also invite you not only for tea but coffee as well :) So if someone says Gal arbatos/ kavos? (What about tea/ coffee?) literally means the same: hey let's go/sit for a friendly chat while enjoying tea/coffee ;) It's a personal preference. I would not say that Lithuanians are just tea drinkers :D I know more coffee lovers (like myself) to be honest ;)
Lithuania was actually part of Russia for a while in the 19th century. They were only annexed into the Soviet Union in 1939. But Lithuania was also one of the biggest countries in Europe as part of the Lithuanian-Polish empire.
Great video! The "not taking a shot" one, though, really upsets me, in my case not in Lithuania, because I've never been, but China, where I have family. I can't drink a lot of alcohol, especially 50-60% baijiu, but there's always an annoying uncle who takes offense when I refuse to drink myself to death. I wish drinking when you're comfortable was a thing there.
The first time I visited Lithuania - Vilnius and Trakai Castle as a tourist with 3 thai freinds (from Babgkok ) during 13-15 June, 2023. I have to say that I really love this beautiful samll country a lot. 👍💓💓💓People is nice to us, very helpful - an old lady who could not speak English but she has tried to explain to us how we should find POST OFFICE in Vilnius..💝 Thank you for video clip. I will visit and explore more of Lithuania next summer, alright 🥰 Best Wishes from STOCKHOLM - SWEDEN 🎁🎁🎁🎁🎁🎁 🌼🌺🥀🌲🍀
Lithuania used to be part of the Russian Empire after the partition of the Lithuanian-Polish commonwealth from 1795 until 1918. There was even a ban on Latin script during the 19th century. Many people speak Russian in Lithuania because it was a mandatory language taught at schools and used in public administration. You can still use Russian in all Baltic State capitals, Vilnius, Riga, and Tallinn, and most people will understand you. I believe today it is very backward to refer to the three Baltic States as "Russia" or "Eastern Europe." It wouldn't be a surprise 30 years ago, but now the Baltic States are completely different than they used to be back then.
It mostly depends on the generation of person you are talking to. Most of the young people speak English instead of Russian as a second language. I'm 30, originally from Vilnius and I don't know a word of Russian, most of my friends and colleagues too. Almost all people over 40 can understand Russian, as it was forced on the populace during the occupation.
I want to say As Lithuanian from Vilnius... As Long as you gonna act as Human... You ain't gonna have a Problem here... It doesn't matter where r You from... Peace n stay Safe n Prosperous!!! Į Sveikatą n look at my eyes Please ✌️!
As a lithuanian i'd like to say that you pronounced the words quite well. Allso would like to add that we were a part of Soviet Union because they ocupated us. Really good vid. Props to you.
I don’t do drinking games and I’m Lithuanian. But I never drink by myself since for me it is social thing. Overall, I think it is accurate. You won’t make friends calling anybody Russian especially these days. We have recent history that just still too painful. Somebody’s family member was in Siberia or jail as well as “rescued “ from being wealthy independent country. So, please, don’t.
I visited on work travel in 2002 way before tourists. No 1 most amazing learning experience of all of my travels. Oh, I made some mistakes. The biggest was when I went to the Jewish Ghetto which at that time looked like they had just left yesterday.There was a weaving shop that my guide took me to in the Ghetto area that sold linen decorative scarves for weddings. I bought one. But I said, being here alone, don't you feel like the ghosts of the Jews are still here? Let me tell you. The shop owner turned white.
I loved how U and Your experience was or are in Lithuania, just one thing or tip , We where never part of cccr or ruZZia,where where occupied, it's big different. All other things just explore:) Good Luck
I've been wanting to get a Baltic inspired tribal tattoo on my right arm but I'm wondering due to cultural appropriation reasons if Lithuanians would have a problem with it or not.
In Europe nobody has problem with the cultural appropiation thing... as long as it's respectful, you like it, you do it... However, do your research, we do have problems with poorly understood things. Like, oh, Spanish inspired, and then it's Mexican or Californian 😅I mean, what is «Baltic»? I mean actually Baltic...
We also take off out shoes indoors, so when youre at a hotel, or someones house it would be nice if you took off your shoes, also drinking alchohol in public places or infront of children is illegal :)
They believe the pole splitting myth too??! 😵 I believed that for a long time, I mean many many years but it had nothing to do with Europe or Lithuania though. I just believed that pole splitting would somehow peeve the universe off and bring some kind of small misfortune . It was never a phobia or irrational fear but I safe than sorry
One of my classmates said that when she had her family relative who lives in America come to Lithuania that they always smiled (with teeth) in public. And every one of my class mates said that if they saw a person just smiling while walking they'd think the person escaped a psych ward. So if Americans actually do this, don't do it in Lithuania
4:18 Yeah.. for me, a Lithuanian, a red velvet cake or glazed donuts sound repulsing. Cake with beetroot juice, however,- intriguing. However, by no means are we so goody goody, holier than most. We do eat fast food, instant noodles, fruits that are drenched in chemicals, etc.
I like that they don’t like over colorized food and this was mentioned moments after showing neon pink soup. Lol I did find this video very interesting and informative.
That soup is super natural btw, that colour comes from beetroots. It might look scary for foreigners, but believe me that cold soup is natural and really refreshing especially on hot summer days
2:00 Interesting .... nobody told me that, but I've done it naturally , it is like instinct ( I am from Ukraine BTW). Not sure why, if someone told me that I don't remember.
Its honestly my first time hearing such thing, so it might be a regional thing. The only superstition I can honestly remember (that is actually being followed) is never shaking your hand through a door step, either both of you are inside or outside when shaking the hand
@@InternetExplorerer Yes , I also remember something like that. There is a lot of little things like that in Ukraine and probably in some neighboring countries.
@@lyudmilaaksan2232 I think its a part of slavic culture (+ countries that are greatly influenced by slavic culture, such as Lithuania). I don't think those superstitions are really followed in urban areas, but they may be greatly followed in rural areas
Two more tips: 1) Dont bring anyone even number of flowers. Even number of flowers are just for funerals. 2) Be careful if you decide to criticize Latvia on any point. We looooove Latvia. Its our family.
While it's pretty solid advice and true in most cases, you shouldn't really take it that seriously. The drinking rules in particular mostly apply to the 45-70 y.o. generation and you wouldn't find 20-somethings doing the whole "pressuring you into drinking" thing and putting non-drinkers on the spot like that. Perhaps the one thing worth taking away from this is the eye contact in social situations, such as when greeting someone and shaking their hand. You're not gonna believe me, but Lithuanians are otherwise a completely introverted people who don't smile, don't make small talk, keep their distance and don't say hi to strangers. Don't even know how the importance of eye contact came to exist in such a setting but indeed it's there now. Oh, and needless to say, the heyday of Lithuanian basketball is now behind us. It's not that important to speak highly of it anymore. We're all about that swimming and discus throwing now.
native here 1 about he basketball-if you say something wrong to a avarage person he wont care but if you say something wrong to a real an then he might get upset 2 the look in the eye is not always the case its more of a rusian thing most ppl dont do that it depends on the person 3-The third one is very important,how tf lithuania is russia,we are not we were always an independent country since the 13 century while russia havent ocupied us some times.with today's war with Ukraine we need to stay away from Russia 4-the rest i kinda agree with
Despite having grown up in Seattle where ppl are more introverted nothing really prepared me for visiting Lithuania or Finland, people are SUPER introverted BUT they are also the most friendliest people I have met. So small talk definitely isn't a thing in Lithuania.
Lithuania is Europes toilet let's be honest most people commit suicide in this country per capita also very little salary and raining all the time.
Totally agree. I grew up in Spokane and I've been in the Baltics for a month and it's like super introvert but very kind and friendly if you just put a little effort into talking to them about something a little deeper than the weather.
I am from lithuania i was born hear and still live hear and we may look introverted bc we are kind of weirdly raised that way idk or it just lithuanian geens to not smile in the streets or not start random smal talk (like you said) out of nowhere bc we will just look at you weirdly and just walk away. But if you get to know us we have a lot of iteresting people here to talk to or just hang out. Just dont be scared to aproche a person with a bitch resting face in lithuania and you will be fine (sry for the bad grammar)
@@azazinate I had learned Lithuanian so for me the language barrier was not a problem but yeah folks in WA are not that introverted compared to Baltics or Scandinavia
@@kokomiko6370 tai nieko, viską supratau :) aš studijavau lietuvių kalbos universitete. Bet jo tai tiesa, lietuviai labai draugiški ir man labai patiko susipažinti su Lietuva ir Vilniumi. Aš dar tikiuosi, kad dar karta galėčiau keliauti į Baltiją. Skrendau iš Sietlo į Helsinkį ir iš ten į Vilnių.
It's so nice that you did a video on Lithuania! I agree on almost everything, but especially on calling Lithuania part of Russia or thinking that Lithuania's national language is Russian is a huge NO NO. We HATE and I tell you HATE when people assume that.
Tik tikriausiai nepastebejai, kad Lietuvoje, ypac Vilniuje, rusiskai kalba 70%.
@@povylas o tu tikriausiai nepastebėjai, kad tai yra okupacijos padarinys ir kad oficiali kalba Lietuvoje yra lietuvių :) Ir dar greičiausiai mažai keliauji, nes kitaip žinotum, kad lietuviai yra rusai pagalvoja didžioji dalis užsieniečių ir kartais net sveikinasi ar dėkoja ruzziškai :)
@@miss.icetea del to, kad lietuviai uz kapeikas vazineja i tuos pacius kurortus, kur rusai leidzia savo atostogas, tai ir vietiniai jau rusiskai kalba. Vazinejant ne i kurortus, rusiskai net zodzio neistaria. O skirtumas koks padarinys lietuvoje tos rusu kalbos, pilna zmoniu, kurie visa gyvenima cia gyvena ir net nesiruosia lietuviskai kalbet. Paziurek kas visur daros, vatos pilna. Tai apie ka kalbet.
@@povylas o ten ne lenkiskai parduotuvese kalba? :DDD
@@povylas no they don't
Was just in Lithuania and loved it, what an amazing Country
Amazing country lmao I tell you one thing if you have money every country is amazing, but try to travel on same little budget and compare countries in that case this toilet gonna be your least favorite .
@@cokedoutmarkhamill8179 what happened to you in Lithuania that you feel the need to call my country a toilet??
@@cokedoutmarkhamill8179 okay bud, chill. Actually “this toilet” doesint require much money. To visit our forests, beaches and architecture you don’t need money, all museums are free in the last weekend of the month, and the only expensive thing here is food in tourist traps. Local coffe shops, restaurants are not expensive. Stop shit talking about my home.
I was there for the first time during summer.
It was an awesome experience with delicious food and wonderful people.
Totally recommend visiting. 👍🏽
Hi, I'm Lithuanian. We do not like people misbehaving and littering. We like respect in our own country.
Just come back from Kaunas and agree with you,very clean,no litter and calm people.
damn I'm Lithuanian and been following this channel for like 8 years not regurlarly like once a year but it's really inspiring what you say we appreciate your hard work can't wait for the 1 million subscriber
My husband is Lithuanian from Pavenčai near Kuršėnai, this video really made me laugh. It's so accurate. Also really nice visuals, I absolutely love this country so much and it's so nice to see an American understanding the culture too. As a European person I don't see that often. Especially with eye contact part, į sveikatą tau!
I come from very close by too, best wishes to your husband your family!
About the tea thing. You are correct about everything you said if your friend asks you for some tea. However, if somebody you don't know asks you for tea in the streets, they are asking you to spare them some change. Same goes for delivery people or waiters, although it's almost impossible for them to just outright ask you for a tip, on the super rare occasion that they do ask, they will probably ask for "tea", meaning they want a tip.
Is it translation from Russian, чаевые?
@@natalia18233 Could very well be
@@natalia18233 Don't speak Russian, but in Lithuanian tips are called "arbatpinigiai" which is a portmanteau of the word "arbata"(tea) and "pinigai"(money), so it literally means "tea money", but in slang people shorten it to simply "tea" - arbata
@@benas_st thank you, Benas. I speak Lithuanian , but so many years out of practice. I don’t know if arbata was a word for tip when I lived in Kaunas. But thank you so much for taking time to explain.
@@natalia18233 Currently don't live in Lithuania myself, so it's always funny coming back and hearing people I know (mostly my BIL tbh xD) using slang I've never heard before
feel slightly dumb for explaining all that tea talk, but I guess other people may find it useful:)
2:52 we were part of Soviet Union against our will. Soviets came and occupied us saying that we “joined the Soviet Union” while acctually we were an occupied country.
Very insightful and accurate points.
Although, as a Lithuanian, I truly hate the "shots" one. Of course, when you want to drink, it is cool and somewhat enhances the feeling of closeness between friends. But when you don't want to drink and others think they can make you do it in this way... it's just nasty. There were times when I spiled out "my" vodka, if a simple "no" did not suffice.
Yup, I think it is fine to refuse the drink or for example drink some other drink and skip your queue if you don't want to. You won't lose friendships over this.
I had a Polish colleague correct me about doing a “cheers” without making eye contact. I now ensure that I give people that respect when toasting.
Same here. Always eye contact
@@woltersworld Hi Wolter, glad to see my hometown drama theatre in background. Yes, we do have that eye contact when we say cheers in here :)
I found this channel when I was preparing for a trip to Portugal and I'm sooo happy you're doing videos on my homeland. Thaaanks ❤️❤️❤️
My wife and bonus kids are Lithuanian and we travel there alot. You are right with your points, but also just use common sense and be nice and polite. Gets you far wherever you are :)
Correction, Russian population in Lithuania is only 4%
Yes, there is also like 7% poles and also there are some belorussians.
I took my 5 year old to Vilnius for the winter markets just before Christmas. What a lovely place and with all that snow we had so much fun sledging
3:16 we speak Russian because the earlier generation (from 40 years old up) grew up in soviet Lithuania and they were forced to learn Russian
Wow that was on point! You really know what you are talking about, everything you said was 101% correct. Also if tourists go to the Hill of Crosses, please don't light any candles! Some chinese tourist did that and a lot of those wooden crosses were burned down. Anyway, nice video!
As perskaičiau apie penkis straipsnius ir nieko neradau apie kiniečius, gal gali duoti savo šaltini?
@@Gloverfield nelabai galiu, tik pats girdėjau iš pažįstamų. Labiau čia panaudojau kaip įspėjimą turistams, nes visko būna.
@@xarmi6308 aišku.
Great video! Me being Lithuanian myself I haven't really noticed these things being different from other cultures but its so true!
Live in Estonia and I have to say Vilnius is the second best city I have visited in the Baltics. Sorry, I love Tallinn too much... But I really loved Vilnius!
That's normal, we all love a country we were born in. Like my late grandmother told once "a good bird does not shit in it's own nest" :DD Be proud of your home :) Also, love Tallinn city ❤ from Lt
@@jurganooooos5579 well i don't like Poland. Not like i hate it, but i prefered to be born in other countries.
Maybe even in Lithuania.
@@MarcinOsadowskiNiePrawdziwy possible u have lithuanian blood
@@vytautassulcas6494 perhaps yes, my family comes from kresy wschodnie, might do some digging and possible!
I’m in Kaunas Lithuania as I type. Been here for 4 days. Lovely place nice people. Good dumplings. Good beer. Beautiful architecture. What’s not to like. I’m from England. Will definitely be back.
Shaking hands over the door plinth.
Big no no.
By plinth I mean slenksčiai...
(I also lived there for 12 years 95-07)
Not really a big no no that you ruin someones friendship, but person will drag you over the plinth to shake your hand.
Even shaking hands was a bit strange when I first arrived. I'm Scpttish. We just nod at each other😂
Keep saying nice things about Lithuania and maybe you will have 2.9 million new subscribers soon 😉. Thanks for another fun video!
Thank you for this useful video!
I'm going to have a trip to the Eastern Europe, and this video helped me a lot ❤
Im Lithuanian You Got Everything Correct! The reason everyone speaks Russian is because we were forced to learn it when the soviets invaded the baltics
😂 I'd like to correct you on that . As you used a word " everyone " im sure if you aproach people with russian language who born after around 1993 they would ask you " sorry english ? " So old generation most of them they do yes ,but not in whole Republic.
Forced to learn it? What else you been forced to learn? Math? History? Physics? Most our neighbour countries can speak Russian so it is handy to know this language. Are people forced to learn English now??? It's handy language too as many people speak English. I sick of people like yourself complaining about Russians and Lithuania occupation but forget that everything what we had all infrastructure, all old beated down soviet house blocks where you probably live yourself, oil refinery, power stations, roads and bridges...... build during soviet union and now in 30 years "independence" we lost nearly everything. No nuclear power, no oil refinery, telecom, no Lithuanian airlines, no Lithuania banks.... even forest, which we are so proud about own by Ikea and worst no young people as everyone soon as they can leave this corrupt independent country. But maybe that is the plan of our corrupt government?? 🤔 force everyone out and sell what is left.
Invaded or liberated from nazis? Big difference. Durring communism people had to learn Russian cuz it was the main language and the way to communicate with other member states, english is no different either you want it or not you have to know it to be able to communicate and use tech nowadays. I speak 4 languages and i dont see anything bad about that only plus. I was born in LTSR. I learned Russian in free Lithuania and it was purely my choise 🙂 the more langueges you know the wider view of the world you have
@@karybai well i know that. thats why i used the word “forced”
@@akaFullest yeah defenetly liberated they invaded before barbarossa. And they sent many baltic people to siberia for slavery including my innocent 5 year old grandfather
On the other side of this topic, lithuanians (as a lithuanian) love when people try and speak our language! Don't know what is it, but it always cheers us up
This is great! 😂😄I am sending it to my friend Kestutis.
A great video, a few of the don'ts are supperstitions and may vary from person to person. 1. The number one that gets us upset is calling us russians. you must understand the contex, the country was occupied by the russian empire and the ussr, and its been only 30 years since Lithuania became a free county, so the wounds left by those times are still quite fresh. 2. Lituanians generaly do not like loud people, be it in the cafe or public transport. This is common in all more northern counties. 3. Small talk - lituanians are know to be colder, and less chaty, witch is again comon in northern countries. But also lithuanian lack of trust to strangers comes back to history. When the country was ocupied there were goverment spies, and people could go to jail or get exiled to siberia for saying something that could be antigovernment, so talking to people that you don't know was not a good idea. Lithuania is and it's people are becoming more open to the world, but for a country that has been hurt a lot trust takes some time.
The moment you realise you've been doing all these things subconsciously as a Lithuanian.
Nes nelabai ir pagalvodavai, kad kažkur kitur kitaip daro. Na bent kas liečia visus į sveikatą dalykus. Maistą irgi mažai kur mėgsta jau paruoštą, o kalbėt blogai apie tos šalies rinktinę nesvarbu futbolo, krepšinio ar kokio tinklinio - niekad nebus geras ženklas
First time seeing your video. Now a subscriber. ;) I agree, that the worst thing is to say that Lithuania is a part of russia. That is an insult. :)
Happy New Year from Q City!
Yeah, so the most upseting thing is when everyone from somwhere else than Baltic countries (those who never been under occupation) calls us russians... this is not only sad, but it is like you alomst just don't want to continue to talk with them anymore. when you are traveling or not, make sure you know just a little about that country. this is the one that always flips me. the other stuff is just pure truth. Į sveikatą and looking in the eyes is just unwriten law here :) nice video, have safe travels in future. wishes from other parto of Lithuania - Samogitia ;)
True, I mean it's one thing if you ask that in the US or something, but if you are visiting the country and ask that. That's like asking a black person if they prefer chicken for dinner.
I came back to live here after 15 years of living abroad. This damn thing that people are expecting (or even insisting) you to have a drink at the party or gatherings is still persisting... Annoying me to bits, as some people are fighting hard with themselves to reduce or give up alcohol. Maybe I should change my surroundings :D
The drinking culture in Lithuania is still very strong compared to the UK where I've been living. Anglai taip pat gali gerti savo svorį alkoholyje 🤣👍
Yeah, but drink yourself even to death if you like. However, don’t make another person have alc only because they are sat at the same table with you 🙄 This inconsiderate trait is still amongst many Lithuanians… Really happy to come back to live here anyways 🙂
Rad, Wolter! I want to do all those good things, starting with tea and ending with toasts! Cheers ! 🥂 ! 👀 !! Love it thanks
Similar to the thing about the eye contact, would be not taking your gloves off when shaking hands. Some people could find it very strange/infuriating there.
I'm a lithuanian and this is so true
Wolter your tips is 10 out of 10 :) Well done .Overall you seem a nice chap too
nah man you good , you're plenty polite don't take it too seriously now , im lithuanian and i practically don't much care about those stuff u mentioned , but the car thing was quite spot on i do like my car :D
Thank you very much you warm up my heart!
5:44 I am not an adult so I don’t drink BUT: drinking and getting drunk in Lithuania are two different things. It is rare to see a drunk person. Lithuanians know how to drink and how much, they have the limit to how much drinking is socially acceptable.
Pretty neat! I haven't given thought what I dislike, but you made me thinking "yeah, that's what we do" lol. Thanks for talking about our little country!
And it is good to have Lithuanian friends to give you the heads up before visiting the country.
Indeed, all tips you provided are great! And so true :) However, people can also invite you not only for tea but coffee as well :) So if someone says Gal arbatos/ kavos? (What about tea/ coffee?) literally means the same: hey let's go/sit for a friendly chat while enjoying tea/coffee ;) It's a personal preference. I would not say that Lithuanians are just tea drinkers :D I know more coffee lovers (like myself) to be honest ;)
Lithuania was actually part of Russia for a while in the 19th century. They were only annexed into the Soviet Union in 1939. But Lithuania was also one of the biggest countries in Europe as part of the Lithuanian-Polish empire.
Very interesting, did not know any of this.
Awesome video
Great video! The "not taking a shot" one, though, really upsets me, in my case not in Lithuania, because I've never been, but China, where I have family. I can't drink a lot of alcohol, especially 50-60% baijiu, but there's always an annoying uncle who takes offense when I refuse to drink myself to death. I wish drinking when you're comfortable was a thing there.
And remember no shoes in the house! so make sure that your socks don't have holes and feet doesn't smell to bad :D
Love Lithuania
From Poland
Happy New Year✨🎄🎁
Thanks Wolter! Can't wait to go to Lithuania and annoy everyone with these tips :)
The first time I visited Lithuania - Vilnius and Trakai Castle as a tourist with 3 thai freinds (from Babgkok ) during 13-15 June, 2023. I have to say that I really love this beautiful samll country a lot. 👍💓💓💓People is nice to us, very helpful - an old lady who could not speak English but she has tried to explain to us how we should find POST OFFICE in Vilnius..💝 Thank you for video clip.
I will visit and explore more of Lithuania next summer, alright 🥰 Best Wishes from STOCKHOLM - SWEDEN 🎁🎁🎁🎁🎁🎁 🌼🌺🥀🌲🍀
You know the man spent quite some time in Lithuania, when he suggests not to mess with our cars 😂😂😂
nice to see several videos on your channel about lithuanian culture. Caught by surprise
Lithuania used to be part of the Russian Empire after the partition of the Lithuanian-Polish commonwealth from 1795 until 1918. There was even a ban on Latin script during the 19th century. Many people speak Russian in Lithuania because it was a mandatory language taught at schools and used in public administration. You can still use Russian in all Baltic State capitals, Vilnius, Riga, and Tallinn, and most people will understand you. I believe today it is very backward to refer to the three Baltic States as "Russia" or "Eastern Europe." It wouldn't be a surprise 30 years ago, but now the Baltic States are completely different than they used to be back then.
It mostly depends on the generation of person you are talking to. Most of the young people speak English instead of Russian as a second language. I'm 30, originally from Vilnius and I don't know a word of Russian, most of my friends and colleagues too. Almost all people over 40 can understand Russian, as it was forced on the populace during the occupation.
I want to say As Lithuanian from Vilnius... As Long as you gonna act as Human... You ain't gonna have a Problem here... It doesn't matter where r You from... Peace n stay Safe n Prosperous!!! Į Sveikatą n look at my eyes Please ✌️!
He didn't mention the goofy šeimų maršas protests
Thank god
As a lithuanian i'd like to say that you pronounced the words quite well. Allso would like to add that we were a part of Soviet Union because they ocupated us. Really good vid. Props to you.
Thanks for Lithuanian video, very good, but you forgot to say: don't shake hands above the doorstep :)
5:45 me and my mates we say "Būk" when we drink and next person has to drink after. "Būk" would basically mean "Be" as in "Be healthy".
Wolter do you have videos about Hawaii ?
I am lituanian, and all this true!! ☺️☺️☺️🇱🇹❤️🇱🇹
Hi, I am Egyptian. Can I communicate with you and be your friend?
@@ahmadsami2927 stop
@@ahmadsami2927 you comment this to literally everyone
I don’t do drinking games and I’m Lithuanian. But I never drink by myself since for me it is social thing. Overall, I think it is accurate. You won’t make friends calling anybody Russian especially these days. We have recent history that just still too painful. Somebody’s family member was in Siberia or jail as well as “rescued “ from being wealthy independent country. So, please, don’t.
Im from Lithuania
I am a single young man. My name is Ahmed from Egypt. I hope to be your friend because I want to travel to Lithuania
I visited on work travel in 2002 way before tourists. No 1 most amazing learning experience of all of my travels. Oh, I made some mistakes. The biggest was when I went to the Jewish Ghetto which at that time looked like they had just left yesterday.There was a weaving shop that my guide took me to in the Ghetto area that sold linen decorative scarves for weddings. I bought one. But I said, being here alone, don't you feel like the ghosts of the Jews are still here? Let me tell you. The shop owner turned white.
I loved how U and Your experience was or are in Lithuania, just one thing or tip , We where never part of cccr or ruZZia,where where occupied, it's big different. All other things just explore:) Good Luck
I am lithuanian and I can confirm that more or less its true of what was stated in this video.
Whose car did you mess with?
I've been wanting to get a Baltic inspired tribal tattoo on my right arm but I'm wondering due to cultural appropriation reasons if Lithuanians would have a problem with it or not.
In Europe nobody has problem with the cultural appropiation thing... as long as it's respectful, you like it, you do it... However, do your research, we do have problems with poorly understood things. Like, oh, Spanish inspired, and then it's Mexican or Californian 😅I mean, what is «Baltic»? I mean actually Baltic...
when someone sneezes "bless you" is " į sveikatą "
Ačiu!
We also take off out shoes indoors, so when youre at a hotel, or someones house it would be nice if you took off your shoes, also drinking alchohol in public places or infront of children is illegal :)
as an lithuanian i dont care about half of these things i mean im not grown up yet so i dont drink alcohol so ye
these are some good tips for when i travel there
They believe the pole splitting myth too??! 😵 I believed that for a long time, I mean many many years but it had nothing to do with Europe or Lithuania though. I just believed that pole splitting would somehow peeve the universe off and bring some kind of small misfortune .
It was never a phobia or irrational fear but I safe than sorry
Thank you for a nice video. You are a nice guy. Thank you for nice words about Lithuania.
How do they deal with people who don’t drink alcohol?
Im using this to prepare for latvians. I wonder if that would upset latvians
spot on 😂
Perfect :)
Lithuania 🇱🇹 Baltic 👍
What if someone cheers´ me from across the room but I don´t drink 😭
As a Lithuanian, I've yet to meet these people who unironically give a shit about these norms
Que rico buena comida saludos 🎉
One of my classmates said that when she had her family relative who lives in America come to Lithuania that they always smiled (with teeth) in public. And every one of my class mates said that if they saw a person just smiling while walking they'd think the person escaped a psych ward. So if Americans actually do this, don't do it in Lithuania
Quite funny how all of this is natural nature for me as Lithuanian.
we don't have whisky in lithuania
4:18 Yeah.. for me, a Lithuanian, a red velvet cake or glazed donuts sound repulsing. Cake with beetroot juice, however,- intriguing. However, by no means are we so goody goody, holier than most. We do eat fast food, instant noodles, fruits that are drenched in chemicals, etc.
Lithuania 👍👍👍
Žinoma!
I like that they don’t like over colorized food and this was mentioned moments after showing neon pink soup. Lol
I did find this video very interesting and informative.
That soup is super natural btw, that colour comes from beetroots. It might look scary for foreigners, but believe me that cold soup is natural and really refreshing especially on hot summer days
@@tomasbosas7539 I know. I was jk. It was funny at the timing of him saying that right after showing a super colorful food.
💖💖💖💖👌👌💖💖💖💖
i sveikata 👀
2:00 Interesting .... nobody told me that, but I've done it naturally , it is like instinct ( I am from Ukraine BTW). Not sure why, if someone told me that I don't remember.
Its honestly my first time hearing such thing, so it might be a regional thing. The only superstition I can honestly remember (that is actually being followed) is never shaking your hand through a door step, either both of you are inside or outside when shaking the hand
@@InternetExplorerer Yes , I also remember something like that. There is a lot of little things like that in Ukraine and probably in some neighboring countries.
@@lyudmilaaksan2232 I think its a part of slavic culture (+ countries that are greatly influenced by slavic culture, such as Lithuania).
I don't think those superstitions are really followed in urban areas, but they may be greatly followed in rural areas
Two more tips:
1) Dont bring anyone even number of flowers. Even number of flowers are just for funerals.
2) Be careful if you decide to criticize Latvia on any point. We looooove Latvia. Its our family.
Oh lord I would have a tough time in Lithuania: it's almost impossible for me to look ppl in the eye and I don't drink 😫
Same
While it's pretty solid advice and true in most cases, you shouldn't really take it that seriously. The drinking rules in particular mostly apply to the 45-70 y.o. generation and you wouldn't find 20-somethings doing the whole "pressuring you into drinking" thing and putting non-drinkers on the spot like that. Perhaps the one thing worth taking away from this is the eye contact in social situations, such as when greeting someone and shaking their hand. You're not gonna believe me, but Lithuanians are otherwise a completely introverted people who don't smile, don't make small talk, keep their distance and don't say hi to strangers. Don't even know how the importance of eye contact came to exist in such a setting but indeed it's there now.
Oh, and needless to say, the heyday of Lithuanian basketball is now behind us. It's not that important to speak highly of it anymore. We're all about that swimming and discus throwing now.
You don’t have to drink if you don’t want, but when you have a conversation with people you have to look at the eyes! It’s just an European culture.
look in to eyes a moment is about respect,we cheer to your health and its like if you dont look to the eyes same thing as talking to a wall :D
What if I you don’t drink and get called out
I had a love affair with a luthianan women. I had 12 trips to vilinus then she dumped me.i loved her very much it broke my heart
Nice looking 👌 similar to Polish areas
native here
1 about he basketball-if you say something wrong to a avarage person he wont care but if you say something wrong to a real an then he might get upset
2 the look in the eye is not always the case its more of a rusian thing most ppl dont do that it depends on the person
3-The third one is very important,how tf lithuania is russia,we are not we were always an independent country since the 13 century while russia havent ocupied us some times.with today's war with Ukraine we need to stay away from Russia
4-the rest i kinda agree with
Couldn’t agree more with “you’re Russia & ok ok all in Lithuanian speak russian” 🤦♂️.
Funny how you talk :))) Thank you for your video. Lighuania best after America :)Peace to all and i sveikata :)