About smferguson

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Some Forum Posts:

Lithuania: beware of honey traps:

This is a load of old tosh, as we Brits say. There are dodgy characters in every country; as a middle-aged (so perhaps seemingly vulnerable) businesswoman I moved freely around Vilnius, and 'outposts' such as Svencionys, Utena, and Visaginas for four years, including late at night, I ate in budget cafes and went to places such as the station late at night, I took taxis and local busses .... never a single incident of harassment or threat. I can't say that about the UK!

Lithuania: Lithuanian Citizenship claims:

I think you are probably right. The Lithuanian government does not see this as a priority - and why should they? And are you prepared to relinquish your US citizenship? I have a friend with an extremely good claim to citizenship through her maternal line; she lived in the country for over a year and spent a good deal of time and money on her application, only to find that it had been refused. You need to approach this from a different perspective; why do you want citizenship, and what can you bring to Lithuania?

Lithuania: life in Lithuania:

Hi, I would say 'take the chance while you can' but be warned that life in Lithuania is not always easy for western europeans, it's very different. Depending on where you settle, you may find that very few people speak English especially further away from Vilnius, and they are naturally reserved and shy - in fact if you're out in the country you can be viewed with suspicion when you smile at strangers! But try to learn a few key phrases, your efforst will be appreciated. Where I live the main language is Russian, but if you speak Russian in the west, especially around Kaunas, you won't be popular! Be aware of the difficult history of this country and respect the culture. The climate can be challenging - something like 45 degrees difference between mid summer and mid winter, and spring/autumn are very short seasons. If you suffer from bug bites, beware, they have some huge mossies out here. The countryside is very rural, beautiful and unspoiled, and it's very accessible. If you haven't been to an Eastern European country before you may find the housing very off-putting, some of it is like a run-down council estate in the UK BUT inside the apartments are usually warm and cosy, beautifully furnished, there is relatively little vandalism and nothing like the rubbish on the streets which we get in the UK. I have never felt less than safe here, and there's no Saturday night drunken parade like in British cities - unless they are Brits over here on a stag do. Health services are basic unless you go semi-private, there are good clinics and these are not expensive compared with British private health care. Schools and pre-school care are good but the days are longer than in the UK and the kids are expected to work harder. It will be very difficult for you to find a job and unless your husband works for a company employing lots of Brits you're probably going to have to work hard to get to know other people. In Vilnius the international community is small and tends to centre around diplomats and business people, not ordinary folk. The cost of living is lower than in the UK, but Lithuanian salaries are also a lot lower. Apart from Marmite, there was practically nothing I wanted to buy which wasn't available, the fresh fruit and veg are amazing, and there is even a Marks & Spencer in Vilnius! If you want UK TV you will have to get some software called an IP blocker (cheap from expat network) as there is some sort of licensing problem stopping you getting Sky, BBC etc over the internet. IT services are great, internet speed, Skype etc is good, mobiles are cheap. Enjoy!!

Lithuania: Halloween Events for Expats in Lithuania:

Don't forget that for people in Europe, Halloween isn't really a 'holiday', it's only the US commercial interests which have made it so. It's the evening before a sombre religious event, All Souls Day, which is very meaningful for people who have lost loved ones. Lights are placed in cemeteries all over the country, and vigils are held. Even if you have no religious beliefs this can be a deeply spiritual occasion and looking for cheap 'fun' with trick or treat can be very offensive to many.

Germany: Moving to Alzenau in 4 weeks:

Help! We are being relocated from Lithuania to Alzenau at the end of May - is there an expat community in this area? How do I find an apartment? What are the rents in this part of Germany?

Latvia: average wage:

taxation - see http://www.vid.gov.lv/default.aspx?tabid=8&id=2982&hl=2 average wage depends on what you do for a living; it's around 300 euros per month. You can do the maths.

Lithuania: Home Fitness Equipment - weights:

Ermitazas store in the Akropolis mall - on the second floor there is a small selection; a few weights, balance balls, mats etc.

Lithuania: Avoiding Lithuanian bureaucracy:

9. Make sure you live in Kaunas or Vilnius. It 'aint the same everywhere. 10. Don't be surprised if the reaction is different if you are NOT married to a Lithuanian, or if you are gay or black or not married but 'living together'.

Lithuania: Teaching English in Lithuania:

Steve, do you speak Lithuanian?

Lithuania: UK TV in Lithuania:

Plenty of services offering this 'IP blocker' software but of course, you need a UK TV licence to view live TV legally, and if you want to view Sky, you still need a Sky subscription, on top of the monthly payment to the IP blocker.

Date Joined:

10/7/2011

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17

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