I want to talk about Ukraine in a very personal way and this story starts in Thailand... of all places. My former home in Chiang Mai was in a small and quiet neighborhood close to Chiang Mai University. There were not many foreigners living there. So, when a foreign family moved in, everyone took notice.…Read more It could be me, it could be you…
Sons and daughters… kings and queens of love
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
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
Why is Angelina Jolie causing a traffic jam in Battambang?
It turns out I have a few things in common with Angelina Jolie. She is in Cambodia and I am, too. She was in Battambang and I was there, too. She was shopping at the Night Market in Siem Reap and I was, too. She is researching the Khmer Rouge regime and the genocide of…Read more Why is Angelina Jolie causing a traffic jam in Battambang?
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
Thinker, believer and one of Latvia’s best kept secrets
Few days ago I heard some sad, bitter and sweet news. Sad because I found out that a very special person has passed away. Bitter because I was hoping to meet him again this year. Sweet because I am happy for him... at 88 years old, he has gone to the Big World as he…Read more Thinker, believer and one of Latvia’s best kept secrets
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
peaceroads 