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Tragic Blow for Vytautas Mikaitis in Sydney: Counting the Losses
๐Ÿ‡ฑ๐Ÿ‡น Lithuania /Culture & Society

Tragic Blow for Vytautas Mikaitis in Sydney: Counting the Losses

From Delfi · () Lithuanian

Translated from Lithuanian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Sources not specified Context piece
  • Lithuanian personality Vytautas Mikaitis lost his expensive glasses to the sea near the Sydney Opera House due to strong winds.
  • Mikaitis is on a trip to Australia, partly inspired by host Edvardas ลฝiฤkus, who shared travel tips.
  • Despite the loss, Mikaitis remains in good spirits, noting surprisingly affordable central hotel prices and positive interactions with locals and the Lithuanian diaspora.

Lithuanian personality Vytautas Mikaitis experienced an unfortunate incident near the iconic Sydney Opera House when strong gusts of wind swept his glasses into the sea, rendering them irretrievable. Mikaitis described them as his "most expensive glasses ever purchased," acquired during his television career when he could afford them.

These are the most expensive glasses I've ever owned.

โ€” Vytautas MikaitisDescribing the glasses lost to the sea near the Sydney Opera House.

Mikaitis is currently spending a few days in Sydney, a city known for its impressive harbor, beaches, and large metropolitan area. His spontaneous trip was indirectly facilitated by television host Edvardas ลฝiฤkus, who was already traveling in Australia and provided Mikaitis with advice on visas and flights. ลฝiฤkus expressed amusement at how quickly Mikaitis and his mother decided to visit Australia after their initial inquiry.

I bought them while I was working in television, then I could afford them, now I don't work in television...

โ€” Vytautas MikaitisReflecting on the cost of his lost glasses.

Despite the initial setback with his glasses, Mikaitis's mood remained undampened. He noted that hotel prices in the city center were surprisingly affordable, costing around 150 euros per night. He also shared positive experiences, including a complimentary tour of the Blue Mountains offered by Lithuanians living in Australia and an invitation to explore Sydney's nightlife.

I was already traveling around Australia when I received Vytas's message asking if it was difficult to get a visa, where it was best to fly, and so on. I shared the information friendly, but I really didn't expect to receive a message a week later that my friend and his mother had already arrived and we could meet.

โ€” Edvardas ลฝiฤkusRecounting how he helped Vytautas Mikaitis plan his trip to Australia.

This marks Mikaitis's third visit to Australia, allowing him to compare the country's changes over the years. He observed Australians engaging in outdoor exercise in popular tourist spots from early morning until late evening, questioning why they choose busy city streets over the numerous available parks. Mikaitis's experiences and observations in Sydney, including what surprised him and what he liked most, are part of a special series of stories being prepared by ลฝiฤkus.

But that's how people live, born with a traveler's gene โ€“ they don't miss any opportunity to travel the world.

โ€” Edvardas ลฝiฤkusCommenting on Vytautas Mikaitis's spontaneous travel decisions.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Delfi in Lithuanian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.