more mundane observations

Going to the gym: It isn't enough to bring the amenities needed to shower after a sweaty jaunt, but one must be supplied in full to completely redo hair and makeup, regardless if you finish a workout at 10:00 am or 8:00 pm. Blow dryers and eyelash curlers are on 24/7 duty. Why? Just to go home and get into bed.

Going to the movies: It isn't enough just to stuff your pockets with candy, but it is completely normal and understood that you bring in your own 2-liter bottle of soda and a family size bag of chips. Each.

Going to the store: It isn't enough just to bag your own groceries, but one must pay to use a cart and pay for the bags in which one puts the purchased items. No more leaving carts out by the cars, if you want your coin back you must return it to its proper place.

Going down the street: It isn't enough that the drivers here are crazy and the roads are incredibly narrow, but add a Lithuanian pedestrian and pfff! There may be a sidewalk three feet wide on either side of the street, but it doesn't surprise anyone that a woman is walking her stroller down a two way avenue that is barely big enough for one vehicle, while these vehicles are lined up in wait for her to mozy on by. People don't look out for cars here, which leaves the cars to look out for the people, which they don't really do, which is a little scary for anyone involved.