I got used to the rules and would be difficult without them

– Tell us what roads have taken you to Berlin?

– I grew up in Jonava, at the Lithuanian Sports University, I defended my bachelor’s bachelor of sports recreation and tourism, studied one semester in Valencia, Spain, and after winning a competition, another semester in exotic Mexico. During my studies, I also defended my diploma of guide and travel guide.

After my undergraduate studies, I decided to get more knowledge in business management, so I entered Vilnius University and after two years I had a Master’s degree in International Business Management in my hands.

While studying at Vilnius University, I started working as a representative of one of the most popular tour operators in Lithuania abroad-tour guide. This is how I gained invaluable experience in tourism and experienced the benefits of living in Bulgarian, Turkish and Egyptian resorts.

After two years of work, I decided that I wanted new challenges in my life and started looking for a job in Germany. I have wanted to learn German and live in Germany for a while since school. This was the case that I got a job offer to work as the head of one of the famous international companies in Berlin, which I could not give up.

I came to Berlin in the spring of 2019. I knew it was one of the historically richest cities in Europe. Although Berlin was not a city of my dreams – I’ve never liked millions of cities, it was already happening that I stayed here for a longer period of time.

– How did you adapt to Berlin? How quickly do you feel your own, or do you not feel like that so far?

– I adapted very quickly in Berlin. As soon as I arrived, I started learning German, deepened my knowledge of German and Berlin’s history, made my friends quite quickly and felt my own.

The inhabitants of Berlin welcome newcomers from both EU countries and from all over the world, if the rules are followed, German culture is respected and German learns.

I haven’t fully decided whether I will stay in Berlin permanently. I never reject the opportunity to return to Lithuania. Be that as it may, I feel at home in Berlin and I no longer feel its size or any discomfort.

Now I work as a manager of the company and conduct tours in Lithuanian, English and Spanish. Berlin has many different job offers, in German for employment, because many companies are in the international and basic language of work – English.

Cozy: Germany’s largest city is amazed by its green spaces and recreational areas. / Photo by T. Šileika Personal Archive

– Is the Germans very different from Lithuanians or do we have more in common?

– We are somewhat similar. Both we and the Germans do not speak loudly in public transport and public spaces, adore potato dishes, we are punctual, and a formal working relationship prevails at work.

The inhabitants of Berlin welcome newcomers in a very friendly manner, if the rules are followed, German culture is respected and German learns.

As the main difference, I would highlight the flexibility and the fact that the Germans are obsessed with the rules. The rules here are everywhere. For example, dormancy hours – from 22 to 6 p.m. At that time, it is forbidden to make noise that will interfere with night rest, and violation of this rule can be very quickly received by a police visit. We Lithuanians are a bit more flexible, but after spending five years in Berlin, I got used to the rules and even to live without them.

Mostly in Berlin I was surprised by the cultural diversity of the population. Berlin is a huge mixture of different cultures and this was a bit unexpected for me at first. Despite everything, I adapted very quickly.

– Is Berlin – it is worth the direction of focus for Europe to get to know Lithuania better?

– Both Berlin and Germany are a great choice for travelers. I would recommend Berlin for history lovers, and the rest of Germany can discover both spectacular mountain landscapes with fabulous castles and enjoy the beautiful Baltic Sea beaches and feel the German spirit in a small traditional village or football match.

Photo by T. Šileika Personal Archive

– What advice would you give to those traveling to Berlin? How many days do you need to get to know it at least? What to see in this city, where to go, what to taste?

– How much communication with compatriots has come, most of them arrive for two to three days. When the list of travel and visited objects, I think it is possible to feel the historical spirit and culture of Berlin.

Berlin is not a very expensive city compared to other EU capitals. One of the biggest advantages of the city is the public transport system. Regional, city, underground trains, buses and trams, connection and schedules are great in Berlin! One ticket applies to all types of public transport. My advice to all travelers is to leave the car and use public transport to save time to find a parking lot and money, because in the central Berlin, the parking lot is cheap.

Brandenburg gates, Reichstag, Monument to the Holocaust, Hitler Bunker, Berlin Cathedral, Berlin Wall should be visited. I would recommend a taste of street food Curry Wurst (sausages with a warrior), visit at least one of the traditional German restaurants.

For those who want to see more, I will be consulted, I will make the most of the Berlin objects plan and will be happy to join myself. Until the meeting in Berlin!