Let's start from the end! The direct bus ride from Kyiv, Ukraine to Riga, Latvia takes almost 29 hours, crossing western Ukraine, Poland, and Lithuania. After I bought the return ticket, the thought of this long trip would make me tired. Afterward, I realized that it depends on the traveler and the reason for the…Read more Homebound from Ukraine
Neighbor
Think of the Ukrainians first
(Image credit: AP photo/Andriy Andriyenko) Pope Francis had called for Wednesday, January 26, to be a day of prayer for peace over Ukraine situation. (As always, "situation" means that something bad can turn into something much worse.) He said: "I make a heartfelt appeal to all people of goodwill to raise prayers to Almighty God…Read more Think of the Ukrainians first
(un)learning lessons from the 20th century
A beautiful, well-dressed older woman and her good-looking adult son came to the front entrance just as I was about to close the main gate of the museum. Asking to see the exhibition, they quickly added that they were from Belarus and that their time in Rīga was limited. Belarus - it was the keyword…Read more (un)learning lessons from the 20th century
There and back : #FreedomWay for Belarus
Last Sunday, August 23, I went on a very special pilgrimage to Lithuania. Quite different from what some may expect when hearing this word, but the kind I find the most meaningful spiritually - for a special cause and on behalf of others. This time to show support for the ordinary people of Belarus who…Read more There and back : #FreedomWay for Belarus
Courage to be available
Courage is something I think about often and have fantasized about it a lot. Whether simply speaking my mind, taking a risky decision, confronting a challenging situation or dealing with a peer pressure. I have noticed that I am always drawn to the real life people or fictitious characters who display the unexpected and practical…Read more Courage to be available
Why bother crossing this particular bridge on May 9
The usual parade of special dates. May 1, May 4, May 8, May 9... The weather exceptionally beautiful and 'woe is me' for having to study and sit in lectures. Not that I care much about official events but glad to participate in smaller grassroots initiatives to give these days a personal meaning. Every year…Read more Why bother crossing this particular bridge on May 9
Borders check more than our passports: Story about fault lines
On May 1, I woke up and felt like going to the cinema. Latvian cinema. This year we have many new movies - fiction, documentary, animation, TV, etc. - since 2018 celebrates 100 years of national statehood. Since these movies are also a gift to me as a Latvian citizen, I better go and support…Read more Borders check more than our passports: Story about fault lines
Portland and London united in grief and love
A skateboard. Something that is simply fun even though I cannot find my balance. A bakery. Somewhere to go if you have a sweet tooth like me. A bridge. Something that connects and helps you to get from one side to another. Borough Market. I get hungry just thinking about all the delicious food in…Read more Portland and London united in grief and love
An inspiring day at the cemetery
Some may consider it morbid but Latvians like their cemeteries. Of course, not all Latvians and there is an ongoing debate why we pay so much attention to our grave sites and what does it say about our psyche and values and so forth. Even though things are changing, most people still choose to be…Read more An inspiring day at the cemetery
Dear Latvia, I love you
This is my dear grandmother Margaret who is only 5 years younger than the Republic of Latvia. Born in 1923, she has seen and experienced many things, lost much but also gained much. She teaches me how not to take things for granted. She also teaches me about courage, sacrifice, creativity, gratitude and hope. Today…Read more Dear Latvia, I love you
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