From March, I am in Latvia...

Transcription

1 From March, I am in Latvia... Some facts about Latvia Geography of Latvia The Republic of Latvia sits between Estonia and Lithuania on the Baltic Sea, sharing a border with Belarus and Russia. It has 2 million citizens. With nearly half its land covered by forest, Latvia is a low, green country. A survey of environmental performance ranked Latvia the world s second best country in Europe s widest rapids, Ventas Rumba, stretch 249 meters with a 100 meter wide waterfall, but is only two meters high. Capital City, Riga Riga, the capital, is the Baltics biggest city and the European Capital of Culture in Famed for its 800 art nouveau buildings, it is a World Heritage site. Riga is very cosmopolitan, with a large Russian speaking minority. German and English are widely spoken. The huge Central Market is one of Europe s largest. Locals like to buy fish, pickles and sausages here. Interesting Facts about Latvia Historic Rundale Palace has 138 rooms and looks like Versailles. It was built by the Empress of Russia in 1736 for the Duke of Courland. The architect of the Winter Palace in St Petersberg imported 1,500 craftsman from Russia! The first Christmas tree is said to have been erected in Town Hall Square in Riga over 500 years ago. Traditionally Latvian Christmas trees are decorated with straw figures. Yellow amber gemstones, known as 'dzintar' in Latvian, were formed by fossilized pine tree resin. Sometimes you can see prehistoric insects in the stones, which are used for jewelry. Sigulda has the only Bobsleigh track from the former USSR, with Latvians such as the Sics brothers winning Olympic silver medals in Vancouver The winter sports, cross country skiing and ice hockey, are also popular.

2 It is cold nordic country with often rain and wind. I am a little bit cold, but for me all seems interesting and new after sunny and warm Turkey. I want to catch a rain drops on the Christmas tree! After some days children show me very interesting museum - Motor museum with very old and very nice cars... I like cars! I hope, it is only beginning! in Latvia I have possibility to see Easter holidays. In Latvia almost all celebrations involve both Christian and pagan traditions. Easter is not only a Christian celebration of Christ s resurrection but also a spring solstice celebrated with ancient rituals for the sun and the revival of the earth, providing for its fertility and asking for its blessing. For the most part, in Latvia Easter celebrations take place in the central squares of the biggest cities, as well as in culture institutions and museums. Traditional Easter activities include painting eggs with natural colours, egg rolling and egg battles, swinging in the highest place in the surroundings, predicting the weather and performing traditional ceremonies for promoting fertility and strengthening health. During Easter, people can also attend concerts by folklore ensembles and other artists, go to church, visit special exhibitions, traditional fairs or attend cultural events.

3 I can see Easter decoration in Carnikava - old fishing village on the Vidzeme seashore, considered the capital of lampreys. Happy Easter, Latvia! Advertising at Garkalne school. One day I decided visit school... I go to 1st class, because I am little girl and never been at school. It was very interesting! I have now new friends - Marta, Daniels, Mark, Tomash, Raimond, Ivan... And manymany others! We had lessons - mathematic, English, environmental studies... But the best was walk in the school yard. We ran, jumped and climbed! Really good time for children...

4 Students from 2 nd class play with me and teach me to read books. Girls trying on my hat and laugh Turkish girls hat seems them very funny! But really they looks great One day I had a tour of the Old Riga It is amazing city. Children show me most important places; tell me medieval stories and Fairy Tales, which hides this beautiful city.

5 At the end of April children visit Ligatne Paper Fabric, with me, of course It was one of the oldest and richest paper producers in traditions not only in the Baltic States, but also in Europe. PAPĪRFABRIKA LĪGATNE was the only paper producer in Latvia and the most important waste paper recycler. The company produced paper for schools and young artists, cardboard and paper cartridges, special purpose technical and packaging paper. We had possibility to create our own paper from recycled materials. With my kindergarten friends I visit Energoeffectivity Center Latvenergo in Jurmala. We hear specialist s consultations about effective use of the electricity. It was really interesting and useful At last, I saw the pearl of Latvia city on the Baltic sea cost Jurmala - the largest resort city in the Baltic States, is well known for its long (almost 33 km) white sand beach, wooden architecture, pine trees, curative mud, mineral waters and mild climate. My Latvia travel was wonderful!