Much can be discovered about a place by researching it on the Internet. But much remains hidden unless you breathe the air or read the works of the artists - both I have not done. So please, can any of my friends here tell me something about Lithuania that I don’t know? The most earnest and artfully coherent responses win.
Um how can we tell you what you don’t know unless we know what you know? So what do you know?
Forgive my cynicism Gamer, but every time you ask questions like this, I can’t help but feel we’re being used for some kind of (unpaid) market research.
Are you working on an advertising campaign that has something to do with Lithuania? . 
.
Yes or a kind of social sciences paper! 
I was there briefly a few years ago on a trip to Poland.
It’s basically a country that’s a mixture of lowland fields with small cities all over the land. The country in very attractive with lots of stone buildings that appear to be something out of a fantasy, but of course there are lots of regular homes that you see around. These, and apartment buildings, are a result of communism, and were created for average people.
The cities are fairly low, as the old, I suppose 17th century, French/Italian buildings have been left for all to enjoy. For someone that has never been to this part of Europe they might think that they’ve stepped into a time machine.
From what I understand, the weather near the Baltic is somewhat nicer than the more eastern side of the country, but not sure. Also, I understand that the country is less cold than Poland, for instance.
The people are much like the folks in all parts of eastern Europe. They are quiet and fairly polite, and easy to get along with. Many people speak a variety of languages. Russian is a common second language. I would avoid mentioning your religion/ethnic variety if it does not have to do with being Catholic. It’s not that you will be on the receiving end of hatred, but you will be seen as a puzzling alien. Also, people from this region appreciate politeness. Think about how gentlemen act in a Hollywood period piece.
Try and enjoy the local food, because it’s good.
I hope that helped.
By the way, there’s plenty of Amber in the country, which is my family’s business in Poland. It is a very attractive stone and can be very interesting if it has matter trapped in it.
The problem is that it’s easy to fake. So, if you buy some make sure that it doesn’t have bubbles in it, as that means glass or plastic. Also, amber can be heated and not melt, but I doubt the seller is going to let you do that.
Do some research about it online if interested.
Thank Mr. P. That doesn’ sound so bad.
I will be needing to woo a new client with lith background, that’s why I ask. i can do polite.
If you live in a town with a Lithuanian restaurant, then try that out. One idea might be for you to eat there first, then you can say that I like so and so and that will make you seem genuinely interested.
I’m a sucker for the potato pancake, “Plotski†in Polish, so try those and of course the dumplings.
Thanks, great idea.
I’d love any recommendations of writers/poets. Some of my favorite writers come from the “Russia” area. Just as Kazantsakis is Greek and Nabokov Russian, is there any one writer of grace who captures Lithuanian ethos/pathos on the page?
I’ll have to think about that for a bit.
So, is this person from there, or did they grow up in another country?
Gamer - I happen to know a few things about Lithuania, as I had a friend of that ethnicity as a lad.
Lithuania was founded in 1629 by Petrus the Plump, the first King. He actually wanted to name it after his mom, Lisa Marie, but as he had a lisp, and some other speech problems owing to excessive inbreeding, the name got a bit bolixed.
He actually owned Poland for a while, but traded it for a vacation home on the Black Sea, and certain considerations bestowed upon him by the Queen of Rutha, which he thought, at the time, was Russia.
Lithuania remained a pagan country for much longer than many European states, worshippng certain pine trees, ice bergs, and a small rodent peculiar to that land, the Gwumpkin, which can be seen on many family crests to this day. The worship of icebergs began in ancient times, when a rogue berg that bore an uncanny resemblence to a reclining pregnant woman with a bear and a wolf on her stomach performing the little-known Celtic all-male song and dance revue ritual floated into Thwumpskft Cove, a sacred place to the Lithuanians.
Christianity came to them only in 1853, when the populace of Rumpz survived the Great Turnip Famine of that year, only to, upon recieving food supplies via the Great Famine-Ending Human Chain from Planksztc, find a copy of “If I Save Your Life, Will You Become a Christian?” by the renowned missionary, Gregor the Briber, among the stores.
The Gwumpkin is a protected species now, see only in zoos, the Lithuanian Wildlife, Rock and Slush National Preserve, and in the circus, where they are known as accomplished acrobats, aerialists, and carnival barkers. I forgot to mention that Gwumpkins are the only known barking rodents.
Hope this helps.
Are you sure you didn’t get that from Wikipedia?
No way, Hozay. I emailed my friend Brmzl, who I have kept in touch with since the old school days. He’s now living in suburban Chicago, exporting powdered leeks and basalt figurines (mostly of Gwumkins) from his ancestral homeland.
Faust, I always find it fascinating, the various ways people attempt humor. My feeling watching you must be like the melancholy of Michael Jordan, watching the new crop of hopefuls. Michael knows he’s fat, old, lazy, can’t really dunk anymore, doesn’t really even try. Dunking has lost its rush. But he can sure spot the old moves. Of course, all the moves look old to him. That’s the problem. Barking rodents, indeed.
Gamer - That is cause for pause, coming from a laugh-riot like you.
This kind of humor is too high concept for Lithuania.
Faust, your sarcasm is wasted on both of us. And Mr. P., Dunamis at one point traced the meaning of nomos in Diotima’s speech to mean that nothing is too high concept for Lithuanians. Faust and Mr. P., my meritorious new acquaintances. And where are all my old friends hiding? Peeping Tom’s. Scoundrels all. Three more days and I’m outtie for another stretch. Speak that I may caress you with my penetrating insults.
Gamer, who is it that you miss the most?
Perhaps your mood has been triggered by an angry sadness instead of Faust’s tender bits of humor.
Tell your friends about your troubles.
I think he’s jonesing for a little TLC from The Big ‘D’. 
lol
We’re not hiding, we’re just standing here not having too much intimate knowledge about the arbitrary nation of Lithuania.
Hey a penny…