london – Miseongii

Hey beautiful friends & enemies~

This post is—once again—a little late… but hey, as I always say: better late than never, right? 😄

Back in April, I had the chance to go on a truly special work trip. Along with colleagues from our ASC (Centre for Asian Studies) and many others from our Vytautas Magnus University, we traveled to England to take part in the 16th Conference on Baltic Studies in Europe (CBSE), titled “Converging Paths: The Baltic Between East and West.” The conference took place from April 24–26, 2025, at the University of Cambridge (yes, that Cambridge—still feels surreal!). I was honored to present my work on “Historic Trauma in Collective Memory: Soviet Sentiment in Lithuanian History Education”—which is actually should have been a chapter in my PhD thesis. Sharing this research in such a prestigious setting, and hearing from so many brilliant minds, was an unforgettable experience.

During this trip, I definitely became a bit of a burden to my PhD supervisor. We flew together from Kaunas airport, and since our hostels happened to be on the same street, I ended up tagging along with him most of the time. Eventually, we arrived… And I fell so hard in love with oat milk iced chai ❤

As my presentation was scheduled for the very last day of the conference—which turned out to be a blessing in disguise. It gave me plenty of time to explore other panels and talks, and also to wander through the charming streets of this old university town. And honestly? I low-key fell in love with Cambridge. From the historic architecture to the peaceful college courtyards, the whole place has an atmosphere that feels almost magical. But what really stole my heart were the cozy little bookstores and the irresistible ice cream shops (I may or may not have become a regular at both).

Random TMI > Funny enough, back in middle school, I dreamed of studying astronomy in Switzerland—don’t ask me why Switzerland, I have no idea! Maybe it just sounded beautifully distant and full of stars. But reality hit when my physics grades turned out to be… well, tragic. Chemistry made a bit more sense to me, so when I had to choose a science subject in high school, I went with that instead. And just like that, my dream of becoming an astronomer drifted off into the cosmos. Still, my fascination with the universe never really faded. My heart still beats faster when I look up at the night sky or pick up a book by Stephen Hawking. In fact, even though I barely understood half of what he wrote at the time, I read all his books in middle school. So being in Cambridge—where Hawking once lived, worked, and reshaped our understanding of the cosmos—felt incredibly special. Like walking in the footsteps of a childhood hero. So we explored couple of the science traces as well! While exploring we even got lost and stuck in some secret garden with lots of viol practice sounds….

My love for beer might get out of hand one day haha just kidding. But I had more than a great time with my fellow colleagues just chilling exploring and eating tons of delli food.

What more (my supervisor’s favorite phrase, lol), we added an extra day to explore London, and after my presentation, the whole group set off on an adventure—starting with the train from Cambridge to King’s Cross After arriving, we first checked out the Harry Potter attractions and then split up for a while before meeting again in the evening.

I used that time to finally cross something off my bucket list: having a cocktail alone at a bar. Okay, technically it was a bit of a cheat, since my best friend’s amazing boyfriend works at the bar—but still, I went in by myself. At first, it felt so awkward just sitting there alone with my thoughts. I definitely felt a little out of place. But Maison Assouline (the bar’s name) turned out to be so welcoming that I quickly relaxed. No one judged me, the atmosphere was stunning, and by the end, I actually enjoyed the experience so much. It really felt like a little success for me. After one or two drinks, I left my things at the bar and went for a walk. That’s when I stumbled upon something special: a Polène boutique. My grandpa had given me money instead of a birthday gift this year, telling me to pick something I’d truly love and remember him by. And there it was—this shop appearing almost by chance in front of me. I knew right away that this would be the perfect gift from him. So in one day, I not only had a presentation at Cambridge univ, checked off a bucket list item but also found a treasure I’ll cherish forever. In the eventing we met up with our ASC for another quick chat and beer and called it a day.

The next day was for more exploration of London. Btw, it was marathon time and I saw how someone fainted and was carried away.. I hope this person is ok…

And that wrapped up my little conference getaway in England with my lovely ASC friends—it couldn’t have been better!

P.s. During this trip I once again realizes that I am an introvert. It’s kind of funny — people often assume I’m super outgoing and love constant interaction (which, to be fair, I do enjoy)… but the truth is, my social battery is surprisingly small. I’m an INFP for a reason. Once that battery runs low, I shift from chatty and engaged to full-on introvert mode. I’ll just sit quietly, still enjoying the atmosphere around me, but not really saying much. And that’s usually when people who don’t know me well yet start to worry — asking if I’m okay, if something’s wrong, or if I’m upset. But nope, nothing dramatic is going on. I’ve just used up all my “outgoing, talkative self” for the day and settled back into being the calm, quiet observer I naturally am with the wish of just hiding under a blanket reading or inch watching some show. And actually I have lived together with quite of my friends together and they will know the best how I will eventually not come out of my room for days (with the exeption of toilet breaks) but that is the true beauty of being close with someone more than polite chit chat being able to enjoy silence which is far from awkward is something that is especially important for me in friendship I guess.

In the end I feel so thankful to be working in such lovely environment sending much love for my colleguess ❤

And for now…

…stay tuned

Au revoir

– M

Hey beautiful friends & enemies~

London left an indelible mark on me. While it might be a bit of a stretch to call it one of the top five days of my life, it was, without a doubt, an experience that will stay with me forever.

The main reason for my visit was to attend Chanel Joan Elkayam’s AW19 collection showcase during London Fashion Week. But it was also the perfect opportunity to finally reconnect with one of my best friends, Ruga, who lives there. I had been dreaming of this trip for years, and, for one reason or another, it kept eluding me.

The first night was wonderfully laid-back. Ruga picked me up from Golders Green, and we hopped on the tube to her place, catching up along the way. But it was the second day that truly captured my heart. I dove headfirst into all the quintessential tourist experiences, wandering through Soho and getting lost in the historical charm of London’s old city.

The architecture, the history, the life—it all left me breathless. It quickly became one of my favorite cities, second only to Dresden (for sentimental reasons, of course). I couldn’t resist snapping photos at every turn, and Ruga, bless her, became my personal photographer, dutifully capturing me in front of every iconic landmark we came across. I’m sure my friends were secretly cursing me for making them pause for every shot!

On day three, Ruga and I ventured to Camden. While I enjoyed the area, it had a certain familiarity to Berlin that made it less distinct in my mind. After a few hours, I set my sights on the Tate Modern, but I miscalculated the time and arrived just as they were locking the doors. It turned out to be a blessing in disguise. I spent the rest of the evening walking along the Thames, the soft glow of the lights along the riverside casting a magical ambiance. It felt like I was in a dream. Later, I met up with another friend who was also in town for Fashion Week, and we ended the night with my very first fish and chips, paired perfectly with a pint of Guinness—a quintessential British experience that I had somehow missed all these years. We also took some time to enjoy London’s night views and wandered down Baker Street—which was especially exciting for me, since I’ve always been a big Sherlock Holmes fan.

But the real magic happened on the 19th, the day of the Fashion Show. My friend and I met for an early lunch at a quaint spot, where I tried a vegan burger that exceeded all my expectations, especially the vegan cheese—it was absolutely delicious. After a leisurely stroll, we found ourselves in a charming little bakery, a pastel-colored wonderland filled with whimsical decorations and cheeky illustrations that made both children and adults laugh. We indulged in tea and cupcakes, savoring the sweet simplicity of the moment.

Finally, we made our way to the venue for Chanel Joan Elkayam’s show. True to the tradition of fashion shows, it started fashionably late, heightening the anticipation. But the wait was well worth it. The show was absolutely mesmerizing, with the addition of live music creating an electric atmosphere that elevated the entire experience. It was my first-ever fashion show, and I couldn’t have asked for a more exhilarating introduction to the world of fashion.

During my trip, I had the chance to visit Tate Modern, and I must admit, it became my absolute favorite part of London. In fact, I returned twice during my short stay—it was that captivating. While the art collection inside was undoubtedly magnificent, it was the building itself that truly took my breath away. The Tate Modern is a masterpiece of architecture, and I found myself drawn to it in ways I hadn’t anticipated. Housed in the former Bankside Power Station, the building’s industrial, almost brutalist aesthetic immediately stood out. The transformation from a functional power plant to a world-renowned museum is nothing short of extraordinary. Designed by Swiss architects Herzog & de Meuron, the conversion was completed in 2000, turning the once imposing structure into an open and inviting space for contemporary art. What struck me the most was the way the architects preserved the original industrial elements while integrating modern design features. The high ceilings and massive Turbine Hall gave the space an awe-inspiring grandeur, and the light that streamed through the tall windows in just the right moments created a magical ambiance. The building’s unique design is a perfect blend of raw, rustic charm and contemporary sophistication. The exposed brick walls and steel beams were juxtaposed with sleek glass panels, and I found myself completely immersed in the architectural beauty of the space. There was something so calming and inspiring about how the light interacted with the structure—it felt like a celebration of both the industrial past and the innovative future. I could have easily spent hours wandering through the galleries, but it was the very structure of Tate Modern that I found myself continually drawn to. It’s one of my favorite buildings now, and I’m already planning my next visit. If there’s one thing that I know for sure about London, it’s that Tate Modern will be a must-see destination every time I return.

During my time in London, I also had the chance to visit Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, which turned out to be another unexpected highlight of my trip. I was exploring the city on my own for a while, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere, when I stumbled upon this iconic venue. Little did I know, I was in for a truly immersive experience. I joined a tour group led by a guide who was not only knowledgeable but incredibly witty, making the whole experience engaging and entertaining. As we made our way through the recreated Elizabethan playhouse, I was transported back in time. The Globe, originally built in 1599, is a faithful reconstruction of the theatre where Shakespeare’s plays were first performed. The current building, opened in 1997, sits just a stone’s throw from the original site, and its authenticity is breathtaking. The open roof, the wooden galleries, and the standing “pit” where the groundlings would have watched the plays all contributed to a real sense of how audiences would have experienced theatre in Shakespeare’s day. As the guide shared fascinating anecdotes about Shakespeare’s life, his works, and the Elizabethan theatre culture, I felt like I was gaining a deeper understanding of the playwright’s genius. Shakespeare’s works, so deeply tied to the Globe, have transcended time and continue to shape modern theatre. Learning about his influence, not just as a playwright but also as a cultural figure, was fascinating. The fact that the theatre itself remains a living part of his legacy made it all the more special. The experience also gave me a deeper appreciation for the plays and how they were originally performed—without the modern lighting and elaborate sets that we often see today. The guide’s wit and humor made it even more enjoyable, as we learned about the mischievousness of Shakespeare’s characters, the bawdy humor of the time, and the lively atmosphere of performances in the 16th century. I left the Globe Theatre feeling enriched, with a new respect for Shakespeare’s impact on literature and the arts. It was a perfect blend of history, culture, and humor, and I’m so glad I took the time to visit. It’s an experience I will definitely cherish and recommend to anyone visiting London.

Afterwards, I met up with some friends for a bit of pub hopping and ended the night with a couple of surprisingly fancy cocktails in a mysterious bar with no name on the door. The sandwich, though, really surprised me—not in a good way. It was pricey, but the quality was pretty underwhelming.

Looking back on my time in London, that day stands out as the pinnacle of my journey. Especially all the flirty bartenders haha It felt like a breath of fresh air, a moment of pure excitement and wonder that I’ll always carry with me.