2010

Christmas

Christmas is time to believe,
a time to rejoice and a time to love.

It is a time when every ornament we hang on the tree
becomes a memory and a part of this magical season.

May the magic that is Christmas
be yours now and always.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO EVERYONE!!!

First day in Krakow

Thank you, Poland!

That was just one week, but it has left deep footprints in many hearts, full of new experience, new knowledge about Polish culture, traditions, customs and people.

It was a great opportunity to see major sights of Krakow; to visit Poland's winter capital- Zakopane located at the foot of Tatra Mountains, to get a taste of the highlander's smoked cheese- oscypek; to visit Auschwitz- Birkenau and the Kingdom of Salt- Wieliczka Salt Mine.

We can never thank you enough... but we'll try!
Thank you so much!

We are going to Krakow (October 12-16)!!! :))

Our town Preili and school

September 1st

Have a great School Year ahead!!!

Learning Latvian

Baltica 2009

When:
8- 12 Jul 2009
Where:
Riga
Since 1988 the three Baltic nations have joined together each year to celebrate their folk heritage with the International Folklore Festival Baltica. Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia take it in turns to host the festival. In 2009 it returns to Latvia.
The three Baltic communities welcome folk groups from around the world for a week of food, film, dance and music, complete with workshops in regional dancing.

Latvian Applied Art Exibition

Please, click on the title.

Ligo day pictures

Midsummer's Eve

23 Jun 2009- Ligo day (diena)

This day is celebrated throughout Latvia. Ligo Diena is the annual celebration of the Summer Solstice which marks the longest day of the year and is celebrated on Midsummer's Eve. It is an ancient practice which dates back to pre-Christian times and has many rituals that are closely associated with nature and the hope for a good harvest in the autumn. It is a time to be with friends, family and loved ones and is usually celebrated with a big meal during the day before heading out to one of the many public parties which involve traditional dances and more eating, drinking and singing. Bonfires are also lit which is a ritual that links back to the old tradition of cleansing and warding off evil spirits. The day is a national holiday in Latvia, as is Midsummer's Day which is known as Jani too.

Hooray! School's out!

Summer is almost here...time to have fun'n enjoy the long vacation!
Wish you a cheerful'n fun filled Summertime

Slovenia

Thank you very much for the unforgettable time in Slovenia.It was just fantastic! One day we hope to return!

Stereotypes and cultural biases

Questionnaire

Easter countdown at FlashBannerNow.com

Easter in Riga.

Here you can read about Easter celebrating experience in Riga

Lieldienas- Easter

Happy Easter everyone!
Easter is a festival of spring and the beginning of new life. Easter symbols are coloured eggs and willow branches.
The Easter Egg predates the Christian holiday of Easter. The exchange of eggs in the springtime is a custom that was centuries old when Easter was first celebrated by Christians.
From the earliest times, the egg was a symbol of rebirth in most cultures. Eggs were often wrapped in gold leaf or, if you were a peasant, colored brightly by boiling them with the leaves or petals of certain flowers.
Today, children hunt colored eggs and place them in Easter baskets along with the modern version of real Easter eggs -- those made of plastic or chocolate candy.
In Latvia, Easter holidays usually last three days: Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday. Latvians go to church, but also observe Latvian festive traditions, which differ from the rituals introduced by the Christian Church. Easter is usually celebrated in the family or among close friends.
People celebrate beginning of spring the way their ancestors did- with special meal, swinging, egg rolling, telling their children about rabbits bringing eggs etc.

HISTORY OF LATVIA

STARTING A CONVERSATION IN LATVIAN

STARTING A CONVERSATION
Hello. My name is (David)- Sveiks, mani sauc (Dāvids)
What’s your name?- Kā tevi sauc?
Where are you from?- No kurienes tu esi?
Pleased to meet you.- Patīkami tevi satikt.
How are you?- Kā tev iet?
I’m fine, thanks.- Man iet labi, paldies.
How are things?- Kā veicas?
What are your hobbies?- Kādi ir tavi hobiji?
Do you do any sports?- Vai tu nodarbojies ar kādu sporta veidu?
Have you got any sisters or brothers?- Vai tev ir brāļi vai māsas?
Where do you live?- Kur tu dzīvo?
Which school do you go to?- Kurā skolā tu mācies?