Dear Sir;

First of all, I’d like to say how much I enjoy VilNews.  Thank you for your effort.

I am a Lithuanian, although I have lived in the U.S.A. since the times when Lithuania was still in the depth of the Soviet occupation.

Just a little aside regarding smiling/ not smiling.

True, the Lithuanians are not in the habit of smiling easily to strangers, but I rather think it is more cultural than anything else.   I am writing this because of my own encounter with some other cultures, in this case, Mexican. When my husband and I were getting ready to visit Mexico for the first time, we read much about the country, its  history, culture, customs, etc.  I remember being surprised  at reading that it was not customary to smile in Mexico at strangers, in shops, restaurants, museums, etc. and it was suggested to try not to smile because the Mexicans find it strange and puzzling to see a total stranger smiling at them.  Somebody said that people who do not like kids are not all that bad. The Lithuanians who do not smile are, in general, just fun, outgoing, friendly people. You simply have to get to know them. Then, they are all smiles.

Cheers and a big smile!

Irena Cade
Amherst, MA
U.S.A.