What To Expect From A Latvian Hospital Stay
Some people would love a piece on “someone losing all their money and legs in a hospital”, wrote one reader when I asked followers for stories of their time at public hospitals in Latvia. I agreed it would drive clicks. Fortunately, I’m not here to write that story. Those who got back to me had […]
The Dreamy Experience of Getting Married in Latvia
Never one to dream of a traditional wedding, I found myself crying happy tears in the middle of an improvised dance floor during the spontaneous first dance my husband and I didn’t even think we wanted. Our wedding day was all about going with the flow and that’s among the best decisions I ever made. […]
Is There A Latvian Equivalent Of Hygge?
The Danes and Norwegians are known for hygge, but somehow Latvians too pull through the tough times, overcome the winter blues and find joy. So, what’s our secret and does it differ from what the Nordic nations do to achieve a cosy state of contentedness? I set about establishing whether there is a common understanding […]
Boost Your Immune System The Latvian Way
I believe in Western medicine! I also believe that what we eat and how we live has a direct effect on our health and wellbeing. When we start to see less of the Sun I, like many Latvians, resort to eating copious amounts of garlic, honey and ginger, and engaging in several health-enhancing activities to […]
Moving To Latvia From France Via India: Victor’s Story
Have you heard the saying mazā Latvija (Little Latvia)? Well, it’s no myth. Everyone is within reach of each other. Paths cross. Bubbles collide. Victor messaged me after reading “Things of Riga I’ll miss when they’re gone”. He recognised himself in one of the photos. We’d just passed each other on the street one day. […]
Things Of Riga I’ll Miss When They’re Gone
I’m hypersensitive on a good day, so this past year of the unknown has spiralled me into a porcelain doll state of fragility. Fortunately, that also translates into a heightened awareness of my immediate surroundings, the beauty in the small stuff and imperfection. Having criss-crossed Riga on foot, by bike and car, I paid more […]
My One Year, No New Clothes Experiment
2020 was the year I finally spent 365 days without spending a cent on new clothes. Unless you count fabric face coverings. Admittedly, I couldn’t have picked an easier year but it was actually my third attempt. Why did I decide to do it and what do I feel like I gained? Why I Decided […]
Volunteering In Riga: Why And Where Do People Do It?
In a world so focused on earning, buying and consuming, I find solace in one particular transaction that doesn’t involve money. An exchange in which the currency is time and effort. Voluntary work. I reached out to volunteers on Facebook to find out what drives people to help others and certain causes. In short – […]
How To Embrace Life In Latvia And Reframe The Negative Thoughts
It struck me just a few months ago that I finally felt really settled in Riga. When I say finally, I mean seven years after moving back from my stint abroad to study and get my first work experience. This sense of calm and contentedness took me by surprise just like the pangs of homesickness […]
Readers’ Choice: 13 Best Places To Buy Fresh Bread In Riga
As more and more of us begin to pay attention to what we put into our bodies, smart-thinking entrepreneurs have been quick to respond. A new wave of bakeries is promoting healthy, natural bread made from the heart using hand-picked ingredients. Their loaves come packed with seeds, brimming with beetroot or wheat-free and are more […]