Comments on: At the crossroads

By: aleks bandrevics

aleks bandrevics — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 01:21:09 +0000

My Grandfather was fluent in Russian which he did speak quite often, also in polish, german, and english, as are many Europeans.

By: aleks bandrevics

aleks bandrevics — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 01:19:30 +0000

This is responding to Rigamax’s comment. I am 50% latvian and am extremely proud of my heritage! The russians took over Latvia in the 1940′s putting all people of influence, (bankers, teachers, politicians) and anyone of importance that might try to stop the take over, into horrible prison camps in Siberia, either that or they were killed. My Grandfather and Grandmother barely escaped with my 3 year old father, they were able to escape into Germany and stayed in displaced persons camps for almost 6 years. They then were somehow able to get to the U.S. and with the help of a church, got on their feet. It was a long hard struggle, but through hard work they were able to provide my father with basic means to give him a good life and send him to school. He is now retired, but was one of the best radiologists in the country and also served in Vietnam for two tours. I take great offense when you say Latvians are Russina wannabe’s and that we have no respect, it is you that has none! In actuality we hate Russians and what they did to many of our family and friends over there. I have been to Latvia with my Grandfather and after 50 years of no contact because of the iron curtain (no mail, books or phone calls), many of his friends showed up at 3am to meet him in Riga. Latvians are among some of the strongest and proudest, and loyal people you will come across. My sisters and I all have Latvian names and celebrate latvian traditions on birthdays and namesdays. There are many groups of Latvians across the country(usa) that have banded together after escaping from the Russian occupation, and hold strongly, their values and culture. Every person I have met that has been to Latvia and actually invested time in the culture sees Latvia as an incredible place and highly respects the people and culture. Take a deeper look

By: Aleks

Aleks — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 02:35:44 +0000

Don’t be frightened. This post is devoted to Latvia’s politics, not life in Latvia in generally. Politically, we’re stuck between the rock and the hard place and it looks like we’re going to stay there for a while.

On a day-to-day level though it’s hardly noticed unless the conversation veers into topics of Russian-speaking population here and the results of World War II and even then, you can build relationships with people even though you may disagree with what they say.

One can survive on 640 lats (before or after taxes?) plus accommodation.

By: Chris

Chris — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 02:29:12 +0000

I am about to come to Riga to teach and your comments frigthen me! I was under the impression Lativa was a welcoming and friendly nation, not one, as appears from you comments, whose main preoccupation is thinking about how to define its identity and somehow spearate itself from its neighbours. Surely there is more to daily life in Latvia than some notion of life being a throwback to Soviet days, and an ensuing identity crisis because of it??

PS can one survive on 640 lats plus free accommodation??