It was a hot and humid evening in Kuala Lumpur. Our friend Darren is a good driver and I am glad because the traffic here gets bad. I don't mind sitting in a passenger seat though when it gives more time for good conversations. And in Malaysia there is lots to talk about. People, the…Read more Sons and daughters… kings and queens of love
Community
Looking at our compass to guide through the EU crisis
For sure I am no expert on the EU but I do know a thing or two. Firstly, most people, including myself, recognize that we are in a serious crisis. You hear it described as 'existential'. The question of 'to be or not to be'. Also, I know that any crisis and pressure - personal…Read more Looking at our compass to guide through the EU crisis
Searching for my Latvian antidote to our EU ignorance
I expect next few months our European headlines will be dominated by 'Brexit'. On June 23 the British voters will decide whether to stay in or leave the European Union. Even though the Brits are known for their stoicism and reserve, I imagine it will get quite emotive. Well, it is emotional for everyone else…Read more Searching for my Latvian antidote to our EU ignorance
Cambodia and its complicated beauty
Have you ever unintentionally eavesdropped on someone's conversation? I could not help it since this guys was talking on Skype very loudly. He was calling random people in China and always introduced himself as someone traveling in Asia. "I am in Cambodia right now", he said. "It is a country between Thailand and Vietnam." I…Read more Cambodia and its complicated beauty
Don’t talk in maybe’s… Sing it like it should be
There is this one guy I would like to meet. He is very tall, very skinny, very bald and very cool. Well, he is kind of intimidating, too, but in a good way. His name is Peter Garrett and he is an Aussie. He also happens to be the lead singer of my favorite Australian…Read more Don’t talk in maybe’s… Sing it like it should be
The barricades and my experience of nonviolent resistance
It is January and it is another cold one in Latvia I am not in Riga but I do know what a cold winter day or night feels like. And in 1991 it was a cold January. Still, most people in Latvia (including me) remember it with special warmth because it was also a time…Read more The barricades and my experience of nonviolent resistance
Tale as old as time: My tribe against yours
So, I was thinking about our tribalism in Europe and elsewhere and suddenly remembered one of my favorite children's stories, "Ronia the Robber's Daughter" by Astrid Lindgren. It is truly one of my favorite books and I have read it many times. I can still experience the same emotions I had when I read it…Read more Tale as old as time: My tribe against yours
Define ‘happy’ and ‘new year’
A Rwandan friend of mine posted a question on Facebook: "what does 'happy new year' mean?" He inspired me to write my own response. It is January 1, 2016... the first day of a new year. We measure time by counting years but I like to think more in terms of 'seasons'. There is no…Read more Define ‘happy’ and ‘new year’
Living between ‘Now’ and ‘Not Yet’
Today is Christmas Eve and I am looking forward to celebrating it with the family in Minnesota. At the same time missing my family in Latvia. Many of us have favorite Christmas memories, so let me share mine. Growing up in Latvia while still part of the Soviet Union, we celebrated Christmas behind closed curtains.…Read more Living between ‘Now’ and ‘Not Yet’
Enough of Supersize Fear
If there is universal word and emotion in 2015, it is Fear. Phobia. Anxiety. Paranoia. This is nothing new for humankind even if we somehow think that the challenges are unique to our times and situation. Just study history, autobiographies, ancient literature like the Bible and see that people and nations have always struggled with…Read more Enough of Supersize Fear
peaceroads 