Into the Forests I Go

AMERICAN HEART ON LITHUANIAN SOIL

Home: Welcome

Hey y'all! Today's blog post has me looking back at one of my favorite moments of the summer: the Visagino Country Festival. Yes, you read that correctly: a country music festival in Lithuania. I have had allllll manner of musings about this whole situation, so grab your boots and let's get dancing at the link - you know where 😉🤠

#heyyall #visaginocountry #visaginascountryfestival #visitvisaginas #visitlithuania #whatintarnation

Y'all know I love experiencing and learning more about Lithuanian culture. And as I come into my third anniversary living in this beautiful country, I wanted to share my experience at the Song Festival. Yes, Song Festival! I know - I moved to the right country! 🇱🇹 So let's get into it at the link in my b⬇️ooooo

📸 N. Jankauskas

#dainusvente #songfestival #lithuanianculture #sutartines #visitvilnius #visitlithuania #intotheforestsigo

Croatia has been sitting its pretty little self near the top of my bucket list for a few years now, and I finally got to make that dream a reality recently. 💦

Crystal blue waters, ancient palaces and cemeteries, grilled sardines... My latest blog post is gonna give you an insight into, well, why you should book your own trip to Croatia! 🇭🇷

#adriaticsea #croatia #americanineurope #intotheforestsigo #visitsplit #visitdubrovnik #visitcroatia #summeriscoming

An ode to spring in Lithuania? Yes pleeeeease ✨🤍 Step into my world for a moment - it smells like lilacs here. 💜 You know where to go to read! #pavasaris #lilacs #intotheforestsigo #americanineurope #americaninlithuania #springtime

Um, what just happened?

A couple weeks ago, The Scientist and I took a weekend trip to a place called Harmony Park Countryside Villas, and I can't even say we put a lot of forethought into choosing the place. A new adventure? Sign me up. 🙈

But once we got there, we noticed some unusual and repetitive symbology, so now I have to ask... What's the back story with this place? Did I side-step into a cult space? You know where to go to read on... 🐌

#888 #harmonija #harmonypark #lithuania #girlgoneinternational #hiddeninplainsight #intotheforestsigo

Ah, Springtime - cherry blossoms, camping, motorcycle rides. After a long winter (and I do mean a *long* winter), I love it.

But to my mind, it's important to mark this new season with celebration and ceremony. Luckily, beyond my own personal ceremonies, I've got the amazing Romuva people here doing just that.

So today, we'll go a bit more into my recent Pavasario lygiadienis (Spring Equinox) celebration and why I think they're so meaningful. 🌸 You know where to go to read it 😉

#pavasaris #girlgoneinternational #romuva #balticpaganism #paganism #lithuanianculture #balticculture #pavasariolygiadienis #springtime #renewal #rebirth #intotheforestsigo

Greece! I feel like Americans have this thing about Greek Islands - they seem so exotic, harmonizing this ideal of going back to roots with relaxation. And then there's me: an American already living in Europe with a strong penchant for art history and feta cheese. It was basically written in the stars.

Crete was an easy yes, at the end of the day. So that's where my girl's trip party of two headed. Curious about Heraklion, Crete in the off-season - or just my experience in Greece? Let's go 💙🇬🇷

#girlgoneinternational #americanineurope #greekislands #heraklion #crete #snakegoddess #intotheforestsigo #worldtraveler #girlstrip
#ifollowthesun

Back from the United States and... y'all already know I've got some thoughts on the journey 🥲🙃 Check it out on today's blog - you know where to go! #reversecultureshock #america #thirdtimesacharm #intotheforestsigo #unitedstates #expatliving #thesebootsaremadeforwalking

Tallinn, you already know you're gorgeous, don't you? Today's blog post is about my recent trip there - an honest opinion on my third and final Baltic capital 🇪🇪

And by the way, this ain't my first rodeo, but I'm heading home to the States soon (for a visit!), so if you're a fellow expat and you've got tips for reverse culture shock, send them my way! ✨🫠 Check out my feed or stories to read! #tallinnestonia #reversecultureshock #americanineurope #adventures #steventheseagull #ikipasimatymo #balticculture #estonia #🇪🇪

Maybe you've noticed I've been gone a while from my blog, letting a month's time stretch in between us.

But hey, I've been busy filling my brain with melodies - so here's a little insight into what's making me feel alive right now. Check out my link to read on! 😏🎧

#followingthemuse #creativity #singersongwriter #wellness #intotheforestsigo #itsbeenawhile #creativeprocess

Have you ever planned an exciting trip and, for whatever reason, watched your plans change right in front of your eyes? When would you cancel, or would you just plow through and make it happen?

That's been my week, so I'm here today sharing about it - and my unique lens as an expat that brought me to an interesting conclusion. 🧡🔥 Check out the link in my stories! Xo

#suckingitup #tallinnestonia #winteriscoming #seasonschange #americanineurope #intotheforestsigo #baltics #lifeinthebaltics #canceled

It had been *over two years* since The Scientist had the opportunity to get out on the water and sail, so I was pleased to see it happen this weekend so organically - finally. And it turns out: I had some lessons to learn from the experience, too. (Are you surprised? 😉)

Come sail away, come sail away, come sail away with me below ✨👇⛵ #sailorsofinstagram #trakailithuania #trakaisailing #intotheforestsigo #americanineurope

What do you do when you're on the back of a 48-year-old motorcycle, schlepping its way up high-altitude Swiss mountain passes you'd originally said you didn't want to go up?

You take a deep breath and you sing - if you're me, that is. Today, we're talking about my recent time in Switzerland... and how it changed me for the better. 💙 #swissalps #comfortzone #motorcyclesofinstagram #motoguzzi #eurotrip #americanineurope #intotheforestsigo #thesoundofmusic #anotherinthefire

Remember that early 2000s movie Eurotrip? I bet it inspired countless travellers to this continent, and I'm not gonna say it didn't cross my mind during my many hours on the back of an Italian motorcycle throughout Europe.

Today we're gonna talk about my short time in Italia 🤌, learning how to stay in the present moment as I moved from place to place, up long and winding (steep!) Lake Como roads, and eating some of the best bolognese of my life. You know, just Italy stuff. First in the series, let's gooooo 🍝 #eurotrip #lakecomoitaly #italia #bolognese #intotheforestsigo #americanineurope #jasmineflowers #motoguzzi #hillofdeath #thisisfine

Is there anything in your life you'd consider Type 2 fun? That is, it may feel uncomfortable in the moment, but it offers healthy growth and amazing fun in retrospect. You could say I've been doing a lot of that lately. 🫠🙈

Floating down the river is Type 2 fun for me - so I've decided to share my most recent experience with you, at the cost of being vulnerable. 🥲 Read on to see how I did! Link in biooooo 💦 #floatingdowntheriver #aqueoustransmission #nerisriver #comfortzone #type2fun #healthychallenge #lazyriverfloating #americanineurope #intotheforestsigo #visitvilnius #vilniusgspot

Have you ever been to a Lithuanian wedding? I hadn't - well, until this past weekend - and I'd heard allllllll about how they can go well into the night.

Color me intrigued. 🌈

To make things even more interesting, my first wedding also took place in the home place of my ancestors, so you could say I was going back to my roots... Read on for more - link in bio! #anyksciai #lithuanianwedding #vyrasirzmona #intotheforestsigo #backtomyroots #allnightlong #visitlithuania #🇱🇹

My time in Warsaw wasn't long, but it sure was long enough for me to get a good sense of the city - especially as it relates to my own personal history.

Pierogies, Jewish history, a concert, traveling near the town of my ancestors... This trip had a lot in a short amount of time. Read on for more at the link in my bio! 🥹💙🌹 #ancestors #warsawpoland #intotheforestsigo #ancestralwork #generationaltrauma #warsawghetto #warsawuprising #mordechaianielwicz #pierogi

Well, well, well, if it isn't me right up against the edges of my own comfort zone. 😜

Today's blog post is about a recent experience I had that transformed me and got me out of my comfort zone in a healthy way - nude modeling for a life drawing class. Was it a challenge? Yes and no. Would I do it again? Read on to find out 😉✨ Link in bio!

#growthzone #comfortzone #personalgrowth #wellness #americanineurope #bettertogether #community #intotheforestsigo #artist #easterneuropeblog

Ah, it's finally springtime here in Lithuania - and you could say I'm having a really good year, weather-wise. We've been squeezing as much juice as we can out of this warm weather, so today, I've put together a little guide so you can do the same - and get inspiration for wherever you live in the world.

You're welcome. 🙃😉 Link in bio and in my stories!
#intotheforestsigo #pavasaris #springtime #camping #balsysezeras #zaliasisezeras #beachbabe #americanineurope #easterneurope #wellness #rosehipvegan #saltibarsciai #lithuaniaisforlovers #lietuva #šaltibarščiai #žaliasežeras #ežeras

Ever since I moved to Lithuania, Estonia has been something of a curiosity to me - especially since it seems like the odd-one-out, language-wise. (Lithuanian and Latvian are both Indo-European Baltic languages!) 💙

But, my friends, that curiosity has been satiated - for now - because I just took a long weekend motorcycle trip through Latvia's sea coast into the heart of Estonia: Tartu.

How did I feel about being on the back of a motorcycle for hours? Did I love Estonia? Come find out at my link in bio 😉🇪🇪 #balticstates #intotheforestsigo #motorcycletrip #americanineurope #tartuestonia #visitlithuania #visitlatvia #visitestonia #babyletthegamesbegin

While I'm not a huge fan of setting up tents, I do love waking up to a surround-sound of singing birds and lush green moss - or putting my feet in the sand and running down to the ocean. 💙

So it's really no surprise that I camped in one of Lithuania's many beautiful forests this past weekend - although it *is* surprising that it took me this long to do it. And considering it's a magical experience, I wanted to make sure you knew the ins and outs - what to do, what not to do, and more. Into the forests we go, amirite? 😜 Link in bio! #disconnectinordertoconnect #intotheforestsigo #wildcamping #primitivecamping #campinginlithuania #greenmoss #blueskies #americanineurope #lietuva #backtotheearth

If there's one thing Lithuanians love to ask me, it's if I *actually* like cepelinai, the national dish. And why, you must be wondering, would they be so curious? 😏

Well, it's got a spongy, gelatinous texture and it isn't exactly the lightest food on the menu, but I've got to say: I do *actually* really like cepelinai - with one caveat. I've dedicated all of today's blog to this unusual dish, including the story of my first attempt in making them. How did it go? Well, it, uh, went. 😂 Read on for more - got the link in bi🧡! #cepelinai #lithuaniancuisine #americanineurope #frienddating #teamworkmakesthedreamwork #intotheforestsigo #varske #easterneurope #easterneuropeblog

Photo by: Andrius Aleksandravicius

If you've known me for a while, you know I love to create weekly menus for my little family, to play around in the kitchen and listen to music, and to invite friends over for dinner. Call it a love language. ❤️

But there are some days I just don't want to cook, and that's where brunch in Vilnius comes in. I've got a few favorite spots to share with y'all today - and feel free to share your own favorites in the comments. 😉 Let's go, link in bi🥯! #brunch #vilniusgspot #letsbrunch #balebostevilnius #lolavilnius #sandiegovilnius #visitlithuania #visitvilnius #expatliving #litvak #litvakfood #ashkenazi

Looking out at the last vestiges of winter/early spring (gorgeous snow!), my brain is playing double duty right now: seriously present to the beauty outside - even though it's April - and feeling myself back on the warm beaches of Portugal.

Taip, Portugalija! I recently took a week-long trip there for no reason other than that I CAN because I live in Europe now. 🙃 And while I've taken my time getting back to this blog (showing a friend around Lithuania!), I do have some stories and tips to share about Lisbon and its surrounding areas. A *huge* obrigado to the Portugal travelers and dwellers before me who set me up with the foundation for an amazing time. 🧡✨

Curious about Lisbon - or just my experience in Portugal? Let's go, link in bi💙! #lisboa #portugal #girlgoneinternational #americanineurope #ginjinha #cascais #sintra #intotheforestsigo #worldtraveler #girlstrip #fallingsnow #sunnybeaches #itsallbeautiful #europetravel #praiasaopedrodoestoril #portugalija

Here it is: this blog post encompasses the full story (so far!) of my journey with my Lithuanian ancestry. How does it just keep unfolding!? 🖤

At this point, I'm pretty sure my ancestors are enjoying watching me piece together this puzzle with my limited human brain. 😂

So join me - I've got some new discoveries to share! Meet: my Lithuanian ancestors. Link in bioooooo #ancestralwork #ancestors #ancestorhealing #americanineurope #jewish #litvak #lithuanianjew #anyksciai #panevezys #aniksht #ponevezh #girlgoneinternational #intotheforestsigo

Ah, Poland. Ever since knowing my (apparently very feisty) namesake was from Poland, this country has been on my Europe Bingo card. But like most of my friends and family, I never actually thought I'd have the opportunity to visit. Until now.

And the truth is: it all happened so seamlessly! After considering our favorite spot, Druskininkai, to warm up, our neighbors mentioned they'd just returned from a family spa trip to northeastern Poland. 🖤

And that was it - the lightbulb in my head went off, and a decision was made right then and there. I was on my way to Poland. My experience there surprised me, but since I was with my little friend pack, we made it work. Will I return? Guess you'll have to read to find out 😜 Ačiū, Lenkija! Link in biooooo #whenineasterneurope #whynot #takeacrazychance #sparesort #augustowpoland #americanineurope #americaninpoland #intotheforestsigo #easterneuropeblogger

Today's blog post tells me I've entered a new level of Lithuania living: meeting and connecting with my neighbors. (Hallelujah!) If you remember from my 'Are Lithuanians Rude?' post, they tend to keep to themselves unless spoken to - and even then, they're not going, "Hey, how're y'all doin'!? Need anything?"

That's just not in their culture.

But I've made a bit of quantum jump recently, meeting - incredibly nice! - neighbors. So today, we're gonna share some back story on one specific interaction, and how it feels to this American. Link in bi🥧 #frienddating #lovethyneighbor #balticculture #nextlevel #intotheforestsigo #americaninlithuania #quantumleap #slowburn #languageexchange

I know what you're thinking: why the *hell* is Eva writing about an event that took place almost a year ago!? 😉 Well, y'all, because it's February and the Spring Equinox - or Pavasario lygiadienis - is cycling back around again soon. 🔥

And with only FIVE hours of sunlight in Vilnius during the month of January, I'm just gonna go ahead and grab every ounce of light I can, okay? Today's post is dedicated to one of my favorite spots in Lithuania, Kernavė, a beautiful town filled with ceremony and ritual - at least that's how I view it as a foreigner. So let's get warm together - follow me at the link in bio! ❤️‍🔥 #kernave #pavasariolygiadienis #springequinox #lithuanianculture #americanineurope #ritual #tubshevat #easterneurope #kernavelithuania #balticculture #romuva #paganism #herecomesthesun #sunsunsun #albertcamus #kabbalah #litvak #kernavė #intotheforestsigo #easterneuropeblogger

Doing something a little different AGAIN today with the second part of my interview series on friends + acquaintances in Lithuania - expat and otherwise! This time, we're sitting down with my new Czech friend, Alžběta. 🇨🇿

Alžběta moved here just two months ago from the Czech Republic (!), and while we sat across from one other at Saigon Kava (one of my favorite restaurants in Lithuania!), I realized she'd be a great interview candidate. She's got even fresher eyes in Lithuania than myself, so I was *dying* to hear more about her first impressions, as well as how she's navigating this new culture. If you are, too, read on for more at the link in bio. Thanks, Alžběta, and welcome to Lithuania! 😍🇱🇹 #czechinlithuania #americanineurope #americaninlithuania #movingabroad #frienddating #heyyall #intotheforestsigo #girlgoneinternational #cultureshock #vilniusgspot #govilnius #interviewseries

It's crazy what you'll come across if you keep your eyes open to new experiences - and that, my friends, is exactly what happened a couple days ago. While on our way back from a small town near Molėtai, we decided to visit a beautiful observatory we'd heard whisperings about. 💚

But it wasn't the observatory that caught my attention when I got there. Nope - instead, I was led to some other masterpieces truly out of this world. 👽 I have a feeling I'll be going back soon... Link in bio for more of the story! 🌌 #ufosighting #stonehenge #lithuaniantravel #visitlithuania #moletai #ethnocosmology #romuva #paganism #cosmos #carlsagan #billionsandbillons #palebluedot #aukstaitija #moletaiastronomicalsociety #easterneuropeblog #americanineurope #intotheforestsigo

Doing something a little different today, y'all - and that "y'all" is reeeeal intentional. I'm starting a new series where I interview friends + acquaintances in Lithuania - expats and otherwise! - and we're kicking it off with my sweet friend from Texas, Adelaide. 🤠

I met @adelaide_ross a few months ago and we hit it off for a number of reasons (she's so kind!), but most of all, y'all know I'm always happy to make a new American friend here. Americans come and go in Lithuania, and the ones I do meet seem to self-select as adventurers and good-hearted people. This girl is no exception, so today I'm interviewing her on her own experience as an American in Lithuania. Interesting to see the similarities and differences, but one thing's for sure: we both want a Trader Joe's here pronto. 😜 Thanks, Adelaide! Link in bio xo 🤍💛🧡 #americanineurope #texanineurope #americaninlithuania #movingabroad #frienddating #heyyall #intotheforestsigo #girlgoneinternational #cultureshock #vilniusgspot #govilnius

Here's the long and short of it. America may do some things right, but the codependent relationship between employment status and healthcare isn't one of them. Moving to Lithuania offered me a different model with which to live my life, pursue my goals, and be of service to my greater community. 🌹

So today's post focuses on this cultural paradigm shift I'm now very much of a part of, and we're also going to get into why I think "finding your life purpose" is - pardon my French - a load of shit. 💩 Link, as always, is in my bio! #expatliving #wellness #cultureshock #paradigmshift #healthcareisahumanright #soulswork #seva #beofservice #purposeanxiety #americanineurope #easterneurope #visitlithuania #vilniusgspot #reversecultureshock

Image: Saulius Stankevičius 🇱🇹

Listen, I've been in Lithuania for almost 1.5 years, and there's this one question I keep getting asked - over and over again. Honestly, it didn't hit me over the head until a few days ago, but there's a reason for that. You'll see. 😉

The question: "do you find Lithuanians do be rude?" Curious Lithuanians are asking me about this from both an international perspective and an American perspective, and it turns out I've got some thoughts and stories on this - and an answer. 😜 Link in bio to see what we're working with, Lithuania. 🇱🇹 #expatliving #cultureshock #balticculture #lithuanianculture #aita #americanabroad #americanineurope #lithuania #visitvilnius #vilniusgspot #sorude

Here's what I know: I made a concerted effort to be in Lithuania for the holidays this year, and it ain't disappointing.

We're starting this week's blog with a trip down memory lane to last year, before shooting back to the present moment of - honestly - a really wild December. ✨

And you're gonna have to read on for the rest. 😉 Beware: it gets a little trippy and it features a whoooole lot of snow. Let's gooooo 🌈 Link in bi🐘! #pinkelephants #whitechristmas #whitedecember #whiteeverything #christmasinvilnius #americanineurope #pakruojisdvaras #dvaras #lithuanianmanors #vilniusgspot #happysolstice

Ever since moving to Lithuania, you can probably sense that I've had a bit of a fascination with Baltic mythology - gods, goddesses, folklore, dainos (songs), etc.

I especially love seeing these mythologies rub up against my own Lithuanian ancestral identity, although the only crossover between the two just may be me and my curiosity. 💗

Regardless, this culture has such a potent history, from the Baltic Way to venerated garden snakes to ever-burning fires. Today, I'm going to deep dive into just a few of my favorite gods and goddesses, knowing full well my curiosity led me here. ✨

Isn't that why we're all on this journey together? Read on to learn more, and feel free to share any mythologies from Lithuania or your own culture. Signed, an Anthropology Nerd. Link in bio 🔥 #balticmythology #gabija #zemyna #medeine #balticmythology #lithuanianmythology #godsandgoddesses #balticgoddess #lithuaniangoddess #balticpaganism #romuva #lithuanianfolklore #balticculture #wellness #laima #žaltys #intotheforestsigo #classisinsession #americanineurope #easterneuropeblog

Back home in America, I sure did spend a lot of time talking about my friends here in Lithuania, sharing photos and videos with my closest friends in the States. So many of them mentioned that it seems like I've found a great community in Lietuva, and they wouldn't be wrong. But beyond that recognition, I also received a lot of questions on *how* I've managed to pick up in a new country and create lasting friendships. 🌀

So, today's post is going to hit on this topic, less suggestion and more musing with a bit of an expat touch. As we get older, it can feel harder and harder to cultivate new friendships, but... I might be hacking the system. 😉 Read on for more, bestie! Link in bio! #girlgoneinternational #vilniusgspot #frienddating #update #americanineurope #intotheforestsigo #expatliving #movingabroad #redtent #cultivatingconnection #womenscircle #authenticity #ivegotfriendsinlowplaces #adaptability #americanineuropeblog #easterneurope

Whew, y'all. This post has been a LONG time coming. What do you do when you love traveling and visiting new places, but you also have a fear of flying? ✈️

Prior to mid-2019, I didn't have a single care about stepping on a plane. I didn't care about turbulence; I just recognized it as part of the experience. But I was going through my own turbulence at that time, and as you'll read in today's post, it jumpstarted debilitating panic and anxiety attacks that I've been working my way through ever since. So, since I'm hopping on multiple planes tomorrow, it seems like a good time to share some of my tips and tricks with you if you've experienced the same... and also just to share it more broadly as a way to keep myself honest.

I don't know about you, but I'm feeling good about this one, so let's jump in. Just remember to fasten your seatbelts and place your seats and tray tables in an upright position. Feel free to share your own tips, xo! 🙌💜 #fearofflying #movingthroughfear #adventurer #flightanxiety #tipsandtricks #wellness #facingfears #mindfulness #headinghome #americanineurope #efttapping #gratitude #vulnerability #intotheforestsigo #iamloved

You know, I'll be honest: there are just some things I *really* wasn't expecting to see here in Lithuania - like KFC, for one. I mean, I brought my suitcases to this country sight unseen, walking far away from my corn tortillas and Yellow Bird hot sauce to a new life of cepelinai and šaltibarščiai. Laughably, KFC was NOT on my list of things to recognize from back home. 😂

So today, I've decided to share some of the ways Lithuania has surprised me as an American - the doughnuts and desserts at fast food spots and beyond. You ready? Let's get into it! Link in bi🍗 Photographer unknown 🙃 #expatliving #americanineurope #spurgas #kfc #kfclt #kentuckyfriedchicken #kaunaslithuania #yokoonokaunas #europeanculturecapital #adventures #cultureshock #lithuanianculture #balticculture #intotheforestsigo #spicysauces #astriaiastru

And now, for the NUMBER ONE question I get asked by my Lithuanian friends these days: "so, how's your Lithuanian going!?" They'll be the first to tell you - and me! and everyone! - how hard the Lithuanian language is to learn. 😜

But I've been taking a Lithuanian language course through Vilnius University for the past couple months, and I gotta say, I feel like I'm getting my money's worth - especially if I ever hope to successfully eavesdrop on unsuspecting Lithuanians at Rimi. 😉 Wanna learn a few Lithuanian words? Figure out the best places to take a course or two? Laugh at my botched Lithuanian? Alright, fine, let's go. Ačiūkaaaaas! Link in bio! 🧡🤣 #lithuanianlanguage #labukas #vilniusuniversity #movingabroad #lithuanianculture #integration #balticculture #protoindoeuropean #languagenerd #easterneurope #expatliving #americaninlithuania #americanineurope #intotheforestsigo #sėkmės

So, what do you do when you're in the capital of Austria for a concert and you happen to be 50 miles from the nearest capital of another country? If you're a curious American and you're connected to Girl Gone International, you visit them both - because why not?! ✨

Exploring Vienna was a trip throughout history - world history, art history, music history, schnitzel history - but Bratislava had its own vibe entirely. It was truly a respite from the rush of city life, with a surprising amount of Jewish history and some of the best matcha I've had yet. It stood completely on its own - and today, I'm going to share some stories and give some tips on both cities - including the best way to do a day trip. You in? Let's go! Link in bi🌍 #worldtraveler #viennaaustria #bratislavaslovakia #girlgoneinternational #venndiagram #opentoopportunity #intotheforestsigo #easterneuropeanblog #sisi #theempress #jewishhistory #viennese #schnitzel #universaltraveler #adventure #americanabroad #expatliving

If there's one thing you should know about my husband, it's that one of his stipulations for moving around the world was that his motorcycle be able to join us for the adventure. So, you know, motorcycles are a big thing in my household. 🖤

This week's blog is a fun one, y'all, cause it touches on the myriad of activities and opportunities this motorcycle has afforded us in this new country. (The roads are a bit different from the Twisted Sisters in Texas!) Some of these stories have led us closer to home than others, but they always involve a huge smile on his face... Read on for a pretty epic right place, right time moment - the kind that seem to happen to us regularly. (We'll get into that, too!) Alright, let's go! 🏍️ #motorcyclesofinstagram #motoguzzi #1975motoguzzi #motoguzzi #expatliving #intotheforestsigo #easterneuropeanblog #frienddating #buildingbridges #synchronicity #twistedsisters #visitlithuania #girlgoneinternational #motorcyclerebuild #motorcyclelife

Well! After two and a half years of eluding COVID, she's finally got me in her loving arms. Don't worry, I'm mostly doing okay, if you discount the incessant coughing and insane fatigue - hence being a day late on this post - but I feel like my tea cabinet has been ready for this assignment since, well, forever. That, plus some incredibly kind and empathetic friends, are making this a relatively smooth journey, thank goodness.

But this past Friday night, before this mishegas, I attended a really sweet event put on by Kūlgrinda for their newest album, "Giesmės Didžiajai Deivei," or, "Hymn to the Great Goddess." Especially since I wasn't in town for Rudens lygiadienis (Autumn Equinox), I was grateful to participate in this event with one of my fellow Texas friends. You ready to learn more? Let's get into it! Link in bi🎃#romuva #covidpositive #balticpaganism #balticmythology #lithuanianmythology #rudenslygiadienis #autumnequinox #yomkippur #daysofawe #americanineurope #intotheforestsigo #didziajaideivei #kulgrinda #visitvilnius #visitlithuania #mishegas #romuva

*Taps mic* Is this thing on?

Well, well, WELL - turns out Germany IS beautiful. I crossed another European country off my list last week, thanks to science and my lust for adventure - and this time, it brought me to Heidelberg, Germany. I experienced a lot in my short time there: a gorgeous castle with modern day connections, an overwhelmingly large wine festival, an impressive monastery, maultaschen, schorle, some old friends - it was a good time.

Between my trip, the Autumn equinox, and the Jewish New Year, we've got some talking to do, so grab a cozy drink and let's settle in! Link in bio 🧡 #heidelberg #heidelberggermany #heidelbergschloss #maulbronnmonastery #expatliving #travelblog #roshhashanah #shanahtovah #jewishnewyear #autumnequinox #rudenslygiadienis #zwiebelkuchen #schorle #maultaschen #adventurer #fellowadventurer #easterneuropeblog #durkheimerwurstmarkt #americanineurope

I really couldn't care less about sports, y'all. Like, sign me up for the chips and queso at the Superbowl, but you won't find *me* yelling at a screen like a Viking.

Um, until this weekend when I watched Lithuania play against Spain at the EuroBasket tournament. 🙃 Beyond being an all-around nail-biter, I was coming to this game with a bit of history on my side and a strong desire to really understand Lithuanians' love for basketball. And you know what? I think I got it. I finally got it. And it just might involve a tie-dye shirt and the Grateful Dead. Confused? Let's goooo 💛💚❤️ Link in bi🏀 #lithuania #eurobasket2022 #gratefuldead #lithuanianbasketball #zalgiris #starstruck #theotherdreamteam #jonasvalanciunas #arvydassabonis #domantasaabonis #ifinallygetit #lithuanianblog #easterneuropeblog #1992olympics #lithuanianindependence #balticcountries #easterneurope #ilovelithuania #🇱🇹

I'm going to be real with y'all: it's taken me three whole weeks to peel myself off the floor and write this blog post about Latvia. As a whole, I really enjoyed Latvia - especially its beaches! - but something happened towards the end of my time there that was, well, brutally insensitive and upsetting to me. 🤎

And I'll be perfectly clear here: I'll be back to Latvia as soon as I have the opportunity, but this incredulous experience left me stunned, actually to the point of laughter. Unfortunately for you, I really don't want to explain more here so you'll have to read this one with the same open mind it took me to write it. To the people of Liepāja, thank you for being so welcoming! To the rest of it, thank you for being a teacher. Alright, off we go... Link in bio 🙏💗 #latvia #latvianbeaches #liepaja #balticseacoast #crunchy #uncomfortable #balticcountries #insensitivity #expat #asanamericanjew #holistichealing #brokenbonesheal #easterneurope #easterneuropeanjew #litvak #rigalatvia #liepāja #whatthefuckjusthappened

Much like Joninės (Rasos), Lithuania's summer solstice, I'd been waiting for Mėnuo Juodaragis for a good year, ever since some now close friends told me I'd love this huge Baltic festival. (Clearly I give off "naturalist" pheromones, cause they're right!)

But in all honesty, I had no idea what to expect here, although ever since I'd had tea with the (very sweet) head of Romuva a few months ago, I knew it'd at least cater to my spirit. And cater it did - so read on for my in depth take on Mėnuo Juodaragis, a wild ride at the center of numerous Baltic countercultures. And don't forget to check out the photos, as well as my stories on Instagram! 💛🙏💛 Link in bio! 🔥 #menuojuodaragis #mjr #mjrxxii #counterculture #romuva #paganculture #lithuanianculture #balticmythology #kankles #community #sacredoak #altar #vilniusblogger #easterneuropeblogger

Let's get right to it: I belong near water. Maybe it's because I grew up right near the water, maybe it's Maybelline - either way, water feeds a line directly back to my soul.

So today, we're gonna talk about some of my favorite waterways in Lithuania and share a few personal stories about these lakes and rivers. (Knowing me, it maaay involve a stop at a Jewish cemetery 😉🙃) Honestly, I started with five, but we may need to do a part 2 because LIETUVA. If you're Lithuanian or have visited this beautiful country, share your favorites below! (You can message me privately if you don't want to give it away 😜)

Alright, the water is finally warm enough for this mermaid to swim. Let's jump in! Link is in bio 💦🥶 #mermaidvibes #movingabroad #ashkenazijew #oldjewishcemetery #oldjewishcemeteries #zaliujuezeru #papludimys #intotheforestsigo #tapeliu #utena #saslik #waterisgoodforthesoul #lithuaniablogger #vilniusblogger #americanabroad #americanineurope #easterneurope #zydu #žydu

"You doing okay?" I've had a lot of people here ask me this over the last two weeks, and it's not even out of concern. They're all curious to know how I'm liking Lithuania after a year, and especially if it's met or exceeded my expectations.

That's cute and all, but now I'm really sitting here thinking about it. Am I doing okay?

Let's find out 😉💦 Link in bi🫐! #lietus #uzupiskombuchafestival #oneyear #movingabroad #makingmoves #wildstrawberries #bebbies #community

Just a few weeks shy of being considered a pandemic puppy, Steve and I got Audrey, our derpy, quirky greyhound, before we knew we'd be making a move around the world. (It was never out of the question, but not even close to a fully formed thought!) And here we are now! 💖

So today, on Audrey's FIFTH BIRTHDAY (YES I'M SHOUTING), I wanted to share a few memories from this past year, and why I just can't see living here in Lithuania without her. To the dog who will eat anything you put in front of her, who runs circles around the forest, who smokes out a whole room with her flatulence, who's staring at me right now in hopes of her dinner: happy birthday! Link in bi🐾 #audreysparkles #internationalgreyhoundofmystery #theinstagreyhound #movingoverseas #movingyourpetoverseas #greyhound #derpydog #intotheforestsigo

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Lithuania's Song Festival: A Celebration of Culture

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Into the Forests I Go

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Lithuania's Song Festival: A Celebration of Culture

Springtime in the Baltics: Rebirth, Renewal, and Ceremony

Kernavė: A Spring Equinox Stop in an Ancient Medieval City

My Favorite Lithuanian Gods and Goddesses: Part One

Things I Didn't Expect to See in Lithuania - as an American!

Hello, COVID Positivity!: Plus, Hymns to the Great Goddess

A Very Baltic Weekend at Mėnuo Juodaragis

Welcome to Lithuania's 'A Midsummer Night's Dream:' Joninės!

The Redemption Story of Užgavėnės: The Kids Are Alright

The Dark Side of Užgavėnės: Where Do We Go from Here?

Romuva: Lithuania’s Ancient and Alive Pagan Culture

Six Month Reflections - Plus, A Vilnius Cookbook Returns Home

What is Forest Bathing, and How Does It Connect to Lithuanian Culture?

Does Lithuania Celebrate Halloween? Well, Kind Of.

Singing the Sweet Songs of the Goddess

Warmth and Wellness in Dark Times: Autumn Equinox Edition

Flowers for the Mother

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