NSLI-Y Latvia 2022 – Week 2
Hello, everyone! Week two of the NSLI-Y program was filled with new experiences. In addition to their classes, students enjoyed several cultural enhancement activities. On Wednesday, students learned about the history of Latvia during a lecture presented by an expert Latvian historian and professor. On Saturday, the same professor led a short walking tour of a central neighborhood on the way to a visit to the KGB museum. Here are some highlights from the week.
Peer language activities:
On their way to the KGB museum on Saturday, students learned about the historic St. Gertrude Old Church (Vecā Svētās Ģertrūdes Evaņģēliski luteriskā baznīca), a parish church of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Latvia. Students learned about an interesting tradition in Riga: when people purchase a new car, they drive it around this church three times to for good luck and many miles of safe driving.
At the KGB museum, students learned valuable information about Soviet Latvia. This photo was taken in the courtyard were prisoners were allowed to walk in a circle, hands tied behind their backs, for twenty minutes a day. It was their only opportunity to leave their prison cells.
Out and about in Latvia!
Enjoying Latvian food at a café: Jillian, Helen, Ally, Zoey and David.
Toasting to their time in Latvia: Zachary, Katie, Andrea and Chloe.
Katie with her host mom and brother.
Chloe and her host family watching the sun set over the Daugava river at the Daugavgrīva Lighthouse.
Neva and her host sister and brother at the Jurmala fishing museum.
Katie and Andrea enjoying an early-morning kayaking expedition with their host families through the bogs of the Kemeri National Park.
Alex enjoying a visit to the banya with his host family.
Beckett teaches his host sister the finger game “Sticks” before lunch.