Author Archives: Englishman in Latvia

Latvian middle classes – do they exist?

Posted on January 16, 2015 by Englishman in Latvia

For better or for worse the UK is a very class conscious society. I’m not commenting on the degree of social mobility that exists or whether class consciousness is a good or bad thing. I’m merely stating that everyone appears to be aware of … Continue reading →

Posted in Latvia | Tagged | 33 Comments

Celebrity – Moi, Non non non !!!

Posted on January 15, 2015 by Englishman in Latvia

Sorry about the title being in French, but had to be ready for my French students tomorrow. Just trying to get in to the mood. If any one needed convincing about the power of the internet to spread information then just … Continue reading →

Posted in Latvia | 17 Comments

Hurry Up Spring

Posted on January 10, 2015 by Englishman in Latvia

I leave for work, in Pinki, every morning about 6.30 am, the journey takes about 90 minutes. I arrive home between 5.30 and 6.00. I don’t particularly mind the travelling, I have a nice car, I listen to some classic … Continue reading →

Posted in Latvia | Tagged , , | 34 Comments

Dinaaaaaamo, Dinaaaaaaamo

Posted on December 1, 2014 by Englishman in Latvia

This was the chant that might have caused a sore throat, but thankfully it didn’t. On Friday I attended my first ever ice hockey match, and I’m so glad I went. Apart from Dynamo Riga winning 3 – 1 it … Continue reading →

Posted in Latvia | Tagged , | 5 Comments

Latvia knows how to party

Posted on December 1, 2014 by Englishman in Latvia

We were recently lucky to be invited to the Independence Day celebrations at our local village school. For my non Latvian readers that is independence from Soviet occupation not aliens. A hugely important day, one in which Latvians celebrate their … Continue reading →

Posted in Latvia | 4 Comments

Ok Latvia, you win

Posted on November 9, 2014 by Englishman in Latvia

I’ve decided to throw in the towel, ditch my west European values and attitudes in the bin and adopt Latvian values particularly when it comes to measuring time. The alternative was to have a nervous breakdown or go grey overnight … Continue reading →

Posted in Latvia | 16 Comments

Finally, time for an update.

Posted on October 20, 2014 by Englishman in Latvia

Thank god for some bad weather. Over the past two months all I seem to have done is move piles of something. It has either been spreading piles of cow crap around the fruit bushes and trees, moving a large … Continue reading →

Posted in Latvia | 4 Comments

Things you might see lots of in Latvia

Posted on August 25, 2014 by Englishman in Latvia

This list is a comparison with the UK. So please don’t have a go at me if you have lots in your country of residence. The list is in no particular order, just as they enter my mind. STORKS – … Continue reading →

Posted in Latvia | 15 Comments

Winterizing under way at last

Posted on August 24, 2014 by Englishman in Latvia

The house is like a building site. Do I care? No. At least we will be warm this winter, as I am assured it is going to be a cold one because Latvia never has two consecutive mild winters. So … Continue reading →

Posted in Latvia | 4 Comments

A month of country living

Posted on August 2, 2014 by Englishman in Latvia

I’ve been trying to write this blog for the last 6 days but country living combined with a job is putting a significant pressure on time. Should finish it tonight hopefully. Despite being the new diet of Latvian flies, despite … Continue reading →

Posted in Latvia | 34 Comments

Latvian driving: the worst?

Posted on July 19, 2014 by Englishman in Latvia

On Wednesday after work, I drove home as usual up the Tallinn motorway, as it is known. It was another lovely summer day and I was thinking about all the jobs I had to in the garden. The traffic hadn’t … Continue reading →

Posted in driving, transport | Tagged , , | 24 Comments

Now the hard work begins

Posted on July 13, 2014 by Englishman in Latvia

Yes, I am still alive, but exhausted at trying to get our house sorted. No time to write a blog. A Latvian lady we met recently said now that you have bought a house in the country you won’t have … Continue reading →

Posted in Latvia | 10 Comments

The Worst Road in Latvia

Posted on July 3, 2014 by Englishman in Latvia

Now I know much has been said about the poor condition of Latvian roads, but the road between Limbazi and Steine must be the worst. There is a section of it, approximately 7 kilometres, which ranks as the worst I … Continue reading →

Posted in Latvia | 10 Comments

My first Ligo/Jani Celebration

Posted on July 1, 2014 by Englishman in Latvia

After a days rest, we headed off in to the countryside in search of an authentic celebration. In response an earlier blog somebody recommended that we go to a farm called Gulbi which is about 2.5 hrs from Riga in the general … Continue reading →

Posted in Latvia | 12 Comments

Riga 2014 Saulgriezi – Mezaparka

Posted on June 27, 2014 by Englishman in Latvia

Decided to spend mid summer solstice immersing my self in some Latvian cultural entertainment. Again, as at all Latvian events, lots and food, beer, singing and dancing. Now before anyone takes offence I’m actually paying some compliments here. Despite copious amounts of alcohol … Continue reading →

Posted in Latvia, Latvian music, Riga | Tagged , , , , , , | 12 Comments