5 years later | Vilnius — G-Spot of Europe
I grew up in Vilnius.
I made my first steps.
I read the first book.
I graduated.
And how life had it, I emigrated.
My home is in Vancouver now, but Vilnius will always have a very special “spot” in my heart.
It’s like first love, that you were not mature enough to have, but will always adore and draw inspiration from.
Vilnius has history, attitude and sense of style. Vilnius has character.




Many nations tried to claim it — polish, german and russians, but it always remained independent and free spirited.
I was born in Soviet Union. I remember living in an apartment with a communal kitchen. I remember waiting at home on the first of the month for ration tickets to get sugar, soap and toilet paper. I remember stores closing at 6pm, and standing in line ups for milk and bread to learn that all they have left is a box of matches. I remember when hot water would disconnect mid November for two weeks and you would need to boil water for the morning shower.
I also remember it all changing. I remember the first store being open Saturday’s till 2pm, and us running down to get a dessert for grandma’s visit. I remember when the independent TV station was launched and we no longer had to choose between watching state owned television or not. I remember bus tours abroad for summer vacations. And the abundance of all.
The turmoil of 1989–1993 was historically significant to Lithuania and other Baltic countries, but as a young adult focused on taking one day at a time and dreaming of becoming “successful” none of that seemed to bother me.
https://www.youtube.com/embed/PiBPmsPIL3I
However thinking back, it’s beyond me how one could dare to start businesses in the country with no government, corrupted legal system and criminals running the country.
That’s what makes it so incredible to walk the streets today. Where the old town has been breathed in with new life. Old cobbled streets hide little nooks for a good beer, delicious coffee and people from all walks of life.
Where art takes precedent over perfection. Where public space are created for families to enjoy. Where people respect the environment and each other.
I only spent a week in Vilnius, but here’s a few stories that captured my heart.
Nanook
A team of Lithuanians who gathered together to tell unconventional, genuine and empathetic stories. The projects they undertake encourages you to look at the issues from a different point of view, and teaches to understand another human better.
Virginijus Siksnys
A Lithuanian biochemist, Vilnius University professor that in June won the Norwegian Academy of Science prestigious award, the Kavli Prize, for his “seminal advances” in developing the revolutionary genome editor CRISPR-Cas9 — basically a tool that allows humanity to modify DNA.
Liberty TV
The first independent and viewer-supported online television in Lithuania. That’s journalism at it’s best, they expose corruption, bullying and also bring attention to small wins that makes us proud to be Lithuanians.
Martynas Mažvydas National Library of Lithuania
is a national cultural institution open to all users, active in the areas of dissemination of information, culture, science and education, performing library activities and ensuring implementation of the national information policy falling within its competence.
I was blown away by the renovations done. Once cold and impersonal rooms have been replaced with well designed quiet and comfortable spaces to learn and study, meeting rooms to accommodate collaborative work, recording studios, art exhibition, and coffee shop. All that I wish was there when I was living there.
Not to mention the G-Spot commercial to bring worlds attention to Vilnius.
Vilnius is to host the first ever Marathon that rewards it’s runners with crypto tokens to encourage active lifestyle.
I only spent a week in Lithuania, but I was reminded of the importance of striving to create a positive and inspiring environment, surround yourself with people that are interested in learning and creating, and commit to doing little things that makes a difference in a long term.
Lithuania has changed for the better since I visited 5 years ago and I look forward to returning and spending more time traveling the country.
