Man, what a day! Seriously, I’m still reeling from it. So, I’m in Karoliniskes, right? This chill little suburb of Vilnius, Lithuania. I thought I’d just pop in, do my visiting professor thing, and bounce. Nope. Not even close.
First off, I wake up late. Classic me. I’m supposed to meet some students at the Karoliniškės Park. It’s this beautiful green space, but I’m sprinting down Kalvarijų Street like I’m in a marathon. I’m dodging pigeons and old ladies with shopping carts. Like, come on, lady, I’m late here!
Finally, I get to the park, and it’s stunning. Trees everywhere, people jogging, kids playing. I’m feeling good. But then, I realize I forgot my notes. Ugh! I’m standing there, trying to remember what I was gonna say. Talk about a brain freeze.
So, I wing it. I start talking about the importance of community in education. I’m all passionate, and then this kid in the back sneezes. Like, a full-on, “I’m about to blow my brains out” sneeze. Everyone laughs, and I’m like, “Great, now I’m the sneeze professor.”
After the talk, I’m feeling pretty good. I head over to the local café on Žemaitijos Street. I order a coffee, and the barista is super nice. She’s like, “You’re not from around here, are you?” I’m like, “Nope, just visiting.” She gives me this look like, “You poor soul.”
I sit down, and I’m scrolling through my phone. Suddenly, I hear this loud crash outside. I look up, and a guy on a bike just wiped out on the sidewalk. I’m talking full-on cartoon fall. I can’t help but laugh. He gets up, brushes himself off, and yells, “I’m fine!” Classic.
Then, I decide to explore a bit. I wander down to the Karoliniškės Market. It’s bustling! Fresh veggies, flowers, and all these cool local snacks. I grab some šakotis (this crazy tree cake thing) and it’s like heaven in my mouth. I’m munching away, feeling like a king.
But then, I see this old dude trying to haggle for a cabbage. I mean, come on, it’s a cabbage! He’s going back and forth with the vendor like it’s a life-or-death situation. I’m just standing there, shaking my head. “Dude, just buy the cabbage!”
After that, I decide to hit up the local library. It’s on the corner of Maironio and Pavilnys Street. I walk in, and it’s super quiet. I love libraries. I’m browsing the shelves, and I find this book about Lithuanian history. I’m flipping through it, and I get so into it that I lose track of time.
Next thing I know, the librarian is giving me the stink eye. I’m like, “Sorry, I didn’t mean to disturb your peace!” I grab the book and head out, feeling like a total nerd.
As I’m walking back, I pass by this little park with a fountain. It’s so peaceful. I sit down for a sec, just soaking it all in. Then, out of nowhere, a bunch of kids run by, splashing water everywhere. I’m laughing again. It’s like a scene from a movie.
But then, my phone buzzes. It’s my boss. “Where are you? You’re late for dinner!” I’m like, “Crap!” I sprint back to my hotel on Pavilnys Street, and I’m a hot mess.
Dinner is at this fancy place, and I’m still in my park clothes. I walk in, and everyone’s in suits. I feel like a total scrub. But whatever, I’m here for the food.
The meal is amazing. I’m trying all these Lithuanian dishes. I even attempt to pronounce some of them, and everyone laughs. I’m like, “Hey, at least I’m trying!”
Finally, I get back to my hotel, and I’m exhausted. I flop onto the bed, thinking about the day. Karoliniskes, man. It’s wild. I’ve laughed, I’ve been embarrassed, and I’ve eaten way too much.
What a rollercoaster! I can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings.