Sveiki!
Now i have been 3 months as a volunteer in Klubs "Māja" and in Latvia. That time has been one of the most intense one in my life, this i can say for sure! Right now i am teaching estonian (greetings to all of the students - you are great!), giving photo lessons in Rigas Estonian school (for Latvian kids who speak perfect estonian! Amazing!), visiting schools to talk about EU, EVS and Estonia. At the same time we (Tobi and I) have some side tasks, like organizing different events and projects.
Well and then of course is exploring Latvia as a country in general. So far i have spent my weekends in different towns like Cēsis, Kuldīga, Sigulda, Daugavpils and visited also Tukums, Kolka (and the surrounding Līvi areas) and Talsi. As you see, i have been quite busy, so please forgive me for not updating my blog too often.
Some highlights of impressions and emotions related to Latvia and Latvians i have right now:
- Latvian kids in schools are really sweet, they are shy but after a while they start to be curious about the topic we talk about and about us of course as well. And they are kind - kids from Jugla Gymnasium (8C and 4 people from 8A to be accurate) said that my latvian has no accent what so ever, although everyone else says I do. They just wanted me to feel happy. Thats very very cool of them!
- Latvians who have recently visited Tallinn come to me and say "Oh, you know, estonians are not slow at all!" and they look all shocked and suprised! That makes me do "Hihihiii" and smile.
- Latvians are probably the most vegetarian nation in Europe, every second person is all about falafel and carrots instead of meat.
- Many Latvians do not see and underestand HOW beautiful is their country and the towns where they live in. I can assure you - your nature and towns are just amazing!
- I have never seen so intensive ticket checking as there is in Rigas public transportation. Every day i am checked at least once...if not twice.
- Latvian language is not so hard for me to pronounce as it was in the beginning. It shows i have hope to speak it one day!
- Latvians have very soft and nice sense of humor, their jokes are a bit sarcastic time to time, but always polite. If someone makes a vulgar joke most latvians just raise their eyebrows and keep calm. Very sophisticated and dignified!
- Latvia is hot south! Now, where there is +4 degrees outside in Riga, there is -4 in Estonia. I enjoy it!
And here are few pictures: first one is a picture of the photo class i was telling you about. We had a "field trip" to capture Rigas darkness and lights just before Christmas. The other picture is made in Sigulda just few days after new year. For that photo i thank Ulyanas mother, greetings to Ukraine!
So, happy new year to you all and my best wishes!
Dina
Dina photoclass kids
Photo class at work
Volunteers in Sigulda, welcoming 2012
