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Donatas Gricius

Donatas Gricius

Donatas Gricius is a seasoned traveler and photographer, known for blending global cultural insights with personal growth stories from a life of adventure and exploration.

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About the author

Donatas Gricius, born in Lithuania and raised in the vibrant culture of Spain, embodies the spirit of a true world traveler. Having lived in six countries and journeyed through over 45 nations across Europe, the Middle East, South Asia, and South America, his life is a rich tapestry of diverse cultural experiences. This extensive global exposure has profoundly shaped his worldview and deeply influenced his writing and photographic endeavors.

With a keen interest in local traditions and ways of living, he delves into the heart of each culture he encounters, offering readers an intimate glimpse into the diverse lifestyles around the globe. His narratives are not just about places but about the people and their unique lifestyles. As an amateur photographer, he captures the rich details of every place he visits, telling stories through his lens that complement his written narratives.

As a travel writer, he invites his audience to explore unbeaten paths, seek adventures beyond the comfort zone, and discover unusual places. His writing is an open invitation to experience the world in its raw and authentic form. His experiences as an expat in India and Malaysia, working for companies around the world, add a unique depth to his work, blending personal exploration with cultural immersion and professional insights. His work transcends the boundaries of traditional travel literature, offering a blend of adventure, cultural understanding, and insightful reflections on the global human experience.
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NOVA -Welcome to a better world

Nova is a small, diverse charity founded in 1983 that offers grassroots support and learning programmes to its local community, aiming to create social change. They challenge structural inequality with a vision for the UK to become the most socially cohesive and inclusive society. Reflecting this vision, their inclusive and dynamic team includes leadership, staff, volunteers, and participants who mirror the communities they serve. Nova’s funders engage as equals, fostering mutual learning and growth. Through dialogue events, Nova highlights systemic injustices and collaborates with people of all backgrounds to work towards a brighter future.

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Success! Unpacking has already sold 24 pre-orders , was pitched to 10 publishers , and is in discussions with publishers .

$12 9 € EPUB / Kindle version

7 readers

- Unpack on the go with your Kindle or iPad
- The “Unpacking” story with maps and photographs
- Download link will be provided in 24h

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$25 20 € Travel Companion - Paperback Edition

7 readers

Paperback, standard colour
- Include maps and photographs
- Delivery starts from End July

1 copy + ebook included

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$45 39 € Hardcover - First Edition (Only 50 available)

10 readers

- Hardcover, premium colour
- Author personal dedicated edition
- Include maps and photographs
- Delivery starts from the end of July

1 copy

$5 shipping / €5 shipping

$50 46 € Make a gift - 2x Paperback copies

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2x Paperback, standard colour
- Include maps and photographs
- Delivery starts from End July

1 copy + ebook included

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$250 230 € Sponsor Unpacking -10x Paperback copies

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- Become my sponsor with a special section dedicated about you
- Special thank you video produced with you name and a bit about you
- 10x Paperback copies
- 1 Online workshop

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$1600 1560 € Business Sponsorship - 40x Hardcover copies

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- Bring Unpacking into your workplace, available for all your members and clients
- Special thank you video produced with you name and a bit about you
- 1 In-Person event in one of your offices
- 40x Hardcover copies

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Unpacking

A Global Journey

Unpacking is more than a travel book. It's the story of two friends who meet by chance in Berlin and decide to take on the world with nothing but their thirst for adventure. Venturing through the Middle East and South Asia, they throw plans and maps to the wind, relying instead on the kindness of strangers.

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Travel
48,000 words
100% complete
4 publishers interested

Synopsis

Unpacking - A Nomadic Journey 

In a world where travel often means quick getaways or meticulously planned trips, an untold story lingers: the nomadic journey with no return ticket.

“Unpacking” is an uplifting travel memoir that takes readers on a path of self-discovery and reveals the transformative power of exploring new places. The author faces unexpected challenges that push his limits and experiences deep connections that shift his worldview.

For anyone who’s ever dreamt of embracing uncertainty and setting off on a journey of discovery, “Unpacking” is your go-to inspiration. It’s a simple yet profound tale about the courage to explore, the joy of new experiences, and the unforgettable stories that emerge when you dare to step beyond your comfort zone.

Sales arguments

  • Harnessing personal identity through travel
  • Learning from the experience of traveling on a small budget and relying purely on people's kindness
  • Building resilience and social skills
  • Rethinking travel free of fear and preconceptions, opening up to opportunities, creating memories, and learning from them
  • Embracing uncertainty with no timeline or plan, following the flow of connections

Similar titles

  • The Alchemist: by Paulo Coelho
  • The Way of the World: by Nicolas Bouvier
  • Arabia: A Journey Through The Heart of the Middle East" by Levison Wood

Audience

Unpacking - A Global Journey is primarily written for globally-minded individuals who are either contemplating an expatriate lifestyle or have experienced living abroad, and seek deeper insights into the emotional and cultural complexities of such a life.

4 publishers interested Express interest
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Baghdad, Iraq. May 2022


Baghdad. 5 am. From the narrow aeroplane windows, I was amazed at the distinct landscape. It is dry and flat, with some date palm trees along kilometres of dusty roads. As we exited the aeroplane, the humid Arabic morning wind mixed with the noise of passengers and nerve-wracking anticipation was accelerating my pulse. I was still trying to understand where I was and what came next.
Arrivals. A long line of passengers waiting to cross the passport control. I could see from far away several officers in brown uniforms, thick moustaches, and suspicious looks. They looked at me unexpectedly to see a European tourist accompanied by an Iraqi wife. I found it slightly relief to see another tourist waiting in line to get a visa upon arrival. He looked as scared and nervous as I was.
Suha, my wife, spoke in Arabic with the officer, explaining the reason for my visit while he was flickering through the pages of my passport. I thought my stamps from India, Malaysia, Turkey, and many other countries would make him understand that I was just a tourist eager to visit this place. I had a full-page sticker on my passport with an Iraqi visa, obtained months ago and approved by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iraq. While the visa on arrival is available for British or European tourists, I wanted to ensure this journey went smoothly, as it was the first time I was entering the country I always dreamed of exploring. The officer took a last look at me, smiled, put a stamp on my passport, and gestured with his hand to get in.  
From now on, I was in the hands of Suha, who was swiftly navigating the airport. We sat in a minibus packed with six other passengers. It was the only way to get out of the airport for a small fee. The alternative was a private taxi, but it was not worth the money as the journey was less than 10 minutes to the main entrance, where my wife's friends Noor and Ammar were impatiently waiting for us. Packed tight the minibus, people speaking in Iraqi dialect. Cash was passed from one hand to another to pay the driver. Just ten minutes and we'll be outside the airport. 
She explained that it is a routine procedure to enter the airport; there is parking for visitors, and then, people take a taxi or this type of shared bus to pass all the checkpoints. There are not many checks on the exit, but we'll see more on our way back in seven days. 
Finally, we reached the parking lot where all the passengers had exited the airport. Suha's friends were waiting for us; I could see their smiles from far away. Suha ran to hug them. I shacked the hand to Ammar. He welcomed us with a friendly smile. Like many other men I saw this early morning in the airport, he had a thick moustache. Noor had a lovely, warm smile and was thrilled to meet us finally. I was unsure how to greet, hug, give her a handshake, or just stand and smile, but she led the way with the hug. 
Sitting on the passenger's seat, listening to Arabic talk and laughter in the car, my eyes glimpsed the landscape as we drove to Baghdad. I could understand one or two words in Arabic, but it was clear that the conversation was about the long wait at the airport, passport checks, and our arrival. Ammar spoke a little in English, asked small questions, and was eager to converse. Noor or Suha translated some of the things they had been talking. While my eyes were all on the landscape, catching a quick glimpse of giant sword statues along the road. A world that I had only imagined is now turning into a reality. 
We were heading to Al-Rusafa, one of the nine districts of Baghdad on the east side of the legendary river Tigris. As Noor explained, the river divides Baghdad into two main parts; on the east side is Al-Rusafa and on the west side is Karkh. My friends live in Karada, the oldest district on the east side. 
And there it was, the river Tigris. All the stories I read about this ancient river, a natural connection with Mesopotamian history, a heartbeat of the past Sumerian civilisation. Today, its light brown colour running through Bagdad is dividing the city's two distinct areas. Crossing the bridge, we entered the oldest part of Al-Rusafa. Dusty roads, electric wires above two or tree-floor aged houses, with some palm trees on the side, in between a view of Tigris. Bronze sculptures along the road on the bank side represent popular Arabic Thousand One Nights stories.
Military checkpoints and heavily armed soldiers patrolling the streets are reminders of the city's tumultuous situation. Because Iraq had several years without significant conflict, so it was a safe place to visit, but it was still better to keep the guard; the situation could change as quickly as the wind. 
The conversation in the car shifted from Arabic to English, mixed with loud laughter and infectious energy. They mentioned every important house or monument we crossed to me, proudly showing the city down while still calm, awakening for our first day in Iraq's capital. 


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  • Tom JEANES
    on May 29, 2024, 7:03 p.m.

    Cant wait to read it mate. Looks brilliant 👏

  • Laurence Mottram
    on May 30, 2024, 4:13 p.m.

    Hey - after hearing the stories first hand looking forward to seeing it all the book.

  • Spencer Njoya
    on May 31, 2024, 6:40 a.m.

    Excited for you buddy! Can’t wait to get a copy!

  • yapincak erkan
    on May 31, 2024, 2:09 p.m.

    Congratulations for pursuing this dream of yours! Well done Donatas....

  • Tamara Zwain
    on June 11, 2024, 5:53 p.m.

    Can't wait to read it 💗.
    So excited😊.
    Tamara

  • Darius Jonauskas
    on June 14, 2024, 1:23 p.m.

    Wishing you lots of joy in sharing your art and talents through this book! Looking forward to get it once it's published ;)

  • Mayte Bologna
    on July 5, 2024, 1:49 p.m.

    Hi Donatas,

    Looking forward to leafing through the pages and soaking in the details of your adventures and learnings.

    Congrats on launching your book!

    All the best,
    Mayte

  • Les Cornwell
    on July 8, 2024, 10:29 p.m.

    Enjoyed your talk at the RPS North London meeting on Monday 8th July ... looking forward to the book!

    Les