I just got back from spending two months in Kaunas, and I absolutely loved it there.
The food is… alright. Traditional Lithuanian food can be very greasy and everything seems to have sour cream and potatos in it. However, you have to try some of the favorites (koldunai, cepelinai, etcetera). If Lithuanian food is not your thing, don’t worry; there are plenty of other options.

I would reccomend picking up a Kaunas in Your Pocket guide book. I’m a bit biased because one of my friends edited it, but it really is an informative and up-to-date, basic guide (and at 5 litai, there’s no real loss).

I hope you have a fantastic time there.

Sekmes!

Lithuania is a beautiful country – the pocket guide that was recommended in a previous post – is a good one. As far as food is concerned – there is everything there (although the Chinese is not that good!). Kaunas has a McDonalds – so you are never too far from basic eats. Most of the traditional food is rather heavy – lots of potato (starches) and fat (butter & bacon) – but you have to remember this was once under the thumb of Communism and they had to make due with what was available. Personally – I love going to Viva Kuldunai! – a chain that you can find in most Maxima stores and in downtown Kaunas. It is standard serve yourself Lithuanian food – but not as greasy. Make sure you take a trip to the Ninth Fort – just on the outskirts of Kaunas – if you have never been there – it will leave a mark on your heart! Luckily for you – they have stalled the conversion to the Euro – so if you bring plenty of US dollars – you should be OK. Once you start working through- wages are not keeping up with inflation. There is more work to be found in Vilnius than in Kaunas these days – so be aware. Tech jobs are the best right now as Lithuania is turning into something of an outsourcer of technical expertise – much like India. We have family in Kaunas and Vilnius – I can pass along their information if you like, they may be able to help you make some contacts – drop me a line if you like.

I haven’t actually lived in Kaunas, but we did live in Vilnius and spent a little time in Kaunas. Lithuanians seem to be big fans of pizza, so there are no shortage of pizza restaurants. Also (at least in Vilnius) stores such as Maxima and Rimi were starting to carry more and more international foods, so if you can cook there are some non-lithuanian options. There is a lot to do – clubs, sports clubs, travel in the country is really nice and cheap, cinema… some advice – be prepared by the time winter comes. And be mentally prepared for the darkness. If you are someone who loves sunshine and bright light the winter may be hard for you. I don’t know where you are currently, but the Lithuanian winter can be below 25 F for about three months with only 7 hours of daylight at the shortest days. Summers are pretty mild, but humid – fall is beautiful, lots of deciduous trees changing colors. I definitely recommend Kaunas In Your Pocket – I think you’ll find it really helpful.