I arrived in Lithuania and feel like I'm in another world. Keep reading for more about my first days in the Baltics.
My first time traveling alone was a success. I flew directly from Seattle to Frankfurt and then landed in Copenhagen before the last leg of travel. It was a breeze as I had amply prepared by reading blogs and watching YouTube videos about navigating these airports (typical). Copenhagen's airport is fantastic. Complete with a luxury shopping mall, amazing food and easy to navigate halls, it was here that I met up with several girls from my study abroad cohort. We took the remaining flight to Palanga, Lithuania and then a short bus ride to KlaipÄ—da, arriving at our new home.
No time was wasted and we were quickly briefed on our orientation and then headed to dinner with the rest of the cohort at Bisquivitas, a cafe/bar/restaurant, and my current fave place to dine and chat.
Throughout January 4th-7th, we toured the school and explored the city.
KlaipÄ—da is a very long, narrow city with most restaurants and shopping located on the main road that runs parallel to the sea. Old town is the best place to walk around and sight see after stopping into a kavinÄ— (coffee shop).
As a barista and local of the city that built Starbucks , I was overjoyed to find coffee shops on most blocks. I'm a fan of Musangas and Kavos Arkitekai, both serve quality juodos kavos (drip) and cappuccinos.
Following orientation was the first week of classes. Although I walked at graduation in December, I am technically a Spring 2018 grad, and have a full course load for this remaining semester.
I felt like a freshman in college all over again, frequently walking into the wrong classrooms, showing up for a class on the wrong day and repeating the exact same phrases every few minutes, "Hi, I'm Dalis I'm from the U.S. and no, I'm not from Texas." Everyone has been helpful and welcoming in my classes and I am grateful.
I am missing bathrooms on every floor of the academic buildings and waterbottle filler stations. Europeans don't drink much H2O (from my observation) and there is no place to get water (tap water is so/so) unless it is bought. Other than that, all is well.
I have one Lithuania and two Albanian roommates who are awesome. Our room is suite-style with two open bedrooms connected by small hallway with a showerroom, bathroom and sink area. Although 3/4 of us are seniors in my room, it is a mostly freshman floor. After living out of the dorms since freshman year at Fox, it's a nice change to be surrounded by friends any time of the day/night.
So far, 9 out of 10 Lithuania.