NSLI-Y 2022 Latvia – Week 6
Dear friends,
It is hard to believe that six weeks have passed since we arrived in Riga, ready to embark on the experience of a lifetime. As our program comes to end, I would like to share photos submitted by the students in response to my request for images that best represent their experiences in Latvia this summer.
“My host dad showing me how to trim and take care of the garden. My family would often use vegetables grown from their garden such as cucumbers and tomatoes to use to cook. They also had bees where they got honey. I think our shared love for getting fresh ingredients and appreciating nature allowed us to form a deep bond.” -Gavin
“Here I am, buried in the Latvian culture and Russian language.” -Laurin
“My host brother, Samuel, and I.” -Zoey
“Playing a board game with my host family.” -David
“Dancing on a beach in Jūrmala near the Baltic sea.” -Andrea
“This is the Brīvības piemineklis, or the Freedom Monument. Throughout this trip, I learned all about the Latvian struggle for freedom and independence, and the idea that this monument stayed in place through three separate occupations is perfectly representative of the struggles for independence that Latvia went through.” -Zachary
“This is my favorite picture of the trip. It was taken on the last day of our peer language sessions. We worked with each other every week on our Russian while also having a lot of fun (for example, we taught them how to play American football). We developed close friendships and did stuff outside of school as well. It was great getting to know my peer language partners (Fedor and Artem) and we will remain in touch.” -Alex
“Making scallion pancakes with my host mother.” -Helen
“The language partners were one of my favorite parts of the trip!” -Shelby
“On our bus trip to Cēsis, we made a new friend.” -Katie
“Looking out over the Gulf of Riga with two members of my host family.” -Neva
“Watching the new Minions movie in Russian with Andrea and two of our host sisters.” -Regina
“Out to watch the sunrise.” -Chloe
“A farewell lunch with my host family.” -Logan
“My favorite photo from the trip: exploring an abandoned Soviet airport.” -Jillian
“The four of us: Neva, Shelby, myself and Regina” looking out at Riga old town from the top of the science academy. Crazy to think about all of the historic buildings and cobbled streets that have become familiar sites over the past six weeks.” -Beckett
“Laurin, Helen, Jillian, and I trying some traditional Latvian snack food: bread from Rimi.” -Ally
“Beckett talking with our peer language partner while she shows us around Old Town.” -Jesse
“A picture of the Latvian freedom monument from Bastejkalna Park with the lock bridge in the foreground.” -Andrew
In closing, I will add three photos of my own that represent this summer’s experience for me.
Latvians enjoy spending time outdoors, whether hiking or tending to their yards and gardens. This photo was taken at a friend’s house while I was admiring a vase of flowers she had grown.
I celebrated my birthday in Latvia this summer with colleagues, including Tatiana, our program coordinator. This photo was taken near a series of fountains in Jūrmala.
A highlight of the summer for me was the opportunity to spend time near the water. My smile says it all!
It was a pleasure and privilege to work with such a fine group of young people. I hope you have enjoyed following our program in Riga, and I wish you all the best!