Welcome back to Riga, Theo!
It had been two years since I left Riga, so when the opportunity to go back came up, I did not hesitate!
How does it feel to be back in Latvia?
Riga is even more beautiful than I remember, with its ravishing architecture and verdant parks. I remember when I arrived there for the first time in March 2022. I started to learn Russian in Saint Petersburg at Liden & Denz in February and then moved to Riga, where I spent five months. I met with amazing teachers and students, some of whom became real friends!
What have I been doing since my last visit to Latvia?
It seems like time has flown by so fast. Yet, since 2022, I have been quite busy deepening my Russian skills. Indeed, after I left Riga I pursued a Master’s degree and carried on studying Russian at the same time. Then I had the opportunity to take part in an exchange programme in Kazakhstan. Thus, I discovered another post-Soviet country, with great history and lots of similarities with Latvia.
Why did I start Russian in the first place?
I have always been driven by Russian culture and history. I discovered Russian literature at quite a young age, and novels like Anna Karenina, Master and Margarita and Doctor Zhivago are without any doubts among my favourite books. Travelling to Saint-Petersburg was amazing, and so was moving to Latvia and Central Asia. Each post-Soviet country has a thrilling history, bringing together at the same time Russian heritage and its own national culture. Being in Latvia is therefore a 2-in-1 experience, where one can learn more about Russian and Soviet history, as well as dive into Latvian flourishing culture!
What am I looking forward to doing in Latvia?
Summer is the best period to visit Latvia, even though winter also has its charm. I’m looking forward to going back to Jurmala to enjoy the Latvian coastline, and maybe discover places I did not have the chance to visit last time. I would really like to go to Aglona, to visit its renowned basilica which pilgrims flock to on August 15… So stay tuned!
Theo, currently studying Russian at Liden & Denz Riga
