Lithuania is my home country… Even though I have lived in Ireland for more than ten years now, it will always stay in my heart as home… With its fields (flat as the back of my hand), its green forests (full of wild mushrooms, delicious blueberries and raspberries, and hazelnuts), also many sky-blue lakes and rivers…

Lithuania has very distinctive four seasons.. and the 99km of sandy beach at the Baltic Sea (which heats up during the summer time 🙂 ❤ )…

Everytime I comeback to visit, I always find something new about it and it’s always heartwarming. Be it people, food, or places…

Here’s a photo from a top floor of the hotel I was staying at in my hometown Siauliai. You can see the cathedral on the left, and on the right there’s a part of a huge lake Talksa, which freezes during winter time.

The capital city Vilnius was in full swing of partying when I landed from Dublin that day. Kaziuko Muge, or a Kaziukas Market is a few days event which attracts all sorts of craftsmen from Lithuania, Poland, Ukraine, Belarussia, Latvia, and more. And everyone shows off their skills of making wicker baskets or wood carvings, or handmade jewellery, and clothing. Food plays a big part in this market too. You can find even a smokehouse for fish, or a pig roast. And I’m not even mentioning honey, different kinds of breads and meats and sweets! You have to be there to experience the whole Kaziukas spirit! 🙂

When I’m in Vilnius, I always tend to stop at my favourite perfume store Kristiana. It is located on the Gediminas Avenue, just a quick three-minute walk from the Vilnius Cathedral Square. They always have something new to sniff, and also display very many niche brands.

For Siauliai is located in the north part of Lithuania, I usually take a train ride (it only takes 2 and a half hours and the cost is very decent – from around 10 euros one way).

I spent a couple of days in Siauliai this time. My favourite coffee shop became Caffeine Roasters 🙂 (they have many stores around the country). The one located just in the city centre on Vilniaus st (or the boulevard) is fab! The staff is pleasant and they always make the coffee I ask for 🙂 and their croissants and focaccia sandwiches are always fresh 🙂 ❤

Another two photos are just for fun 🙂 I stopped by a cosmetic store in one of the shopping centers in Siauliai and couldn’t stop giggling as I found some very catchy perfume bottles 🙂 I hope you enjoy them too 🙂

On a more serious note, I was very happily surprised to discover Creme de la Creme store at Akropolis shopping center in Siauliai! This is a luxury perfume boutique, mainly stocking niche and exclusive fragrances. They have opened up just two weeks ago. The staff were lovely and chatty, and very helpful. I really enjoyed my visit there and will definitely comeback soon 🙂 This spot is a must visit for any perfume collector! 🙂

And finally, I had a few minutes to spare before my bus to the Riga Airport today, so I popped into my other favourite place – Saules Miestas (Sun City shopping center). It is located together with the main bus station. Shops like Douglas, Eurokos, and Rituals are my first choices, always! 🙂

And now, as I am typing this while taking a bus ride to the airport, I cannot help but smile… This has been a wonderful trip to Lithuania, a place where my heart resides…. 🙂 ❤