tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45080398351909438252024-02-19T06:49:41.926+02:00Latvia 2014snow-shoeing from West to East in 30 days. Starting on February 7th, 2014Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05094574197869086980noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4508039835190943825.post-35914475310971483702015-06-01T16:52:00.002+03:002015-06-01T22:33:13.568+03:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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COMING SOON</h2>
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Dear followers,</div>
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Next September I will cross Latvia on foot again. But this time I will go with my friend Alesia Arkhipova.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV1VHbl3yh-goxuGDdCMm3Ir7FQ1_IWL2kvMfYM-G48O-nD97GuTg-RpqVtBpYq19Vj1oAcIAR4e2lcPLOWUJurlbWvv4M5aadjJ034Fdcmf0par6lusqoI89ExhEJzPvJM7CM7Ue-7O8/s1600/IMG_9586.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV1VHbl3yh-goxuGDdCMm3Ir7FQ1_IWL2kvMfYM-G48O-nD97GuTg-RpqVtBpYq19Vj1oAcIAR4e2lcPLOWUJurlbWvv4M5aadjJ034Fdcmf0par6lusqoI89ExhEJzPvJM7CM7Ue-7O8/s320/IMG_9586.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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We will cross the country from north to south, starting from the Estonian border near Mazsalaca and finishing by the Belarussian border after Daugavpils.</div>
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The purpose won't be just to cross in direct line but to meet more people on the way so as to relate afterward, in a film documentary, the life and traditions of Latvian people together with the twists and turns of our adventure</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJNR-HUYRV8MNMVf0dxxmtdnTlgn7CSP6dJX-tCyEOMFI8hfLokPNfpQJ-2RSqOJ9ng88IOE_J-HdIhnBVZzomCmx0cmZj1VdsoRtnBdE4D4oPDeWiVvD1RvxMp0Q2Gbop9fMF9sfqMag/s1600/Latvian+Stroll.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJNR-HUYRV8MNMVf0dxxmtdnTlgn7CSP6dJX-tCyEOMFI8hfLokPNfpQJ-2RSqOJ9ng88IOE_J-HdIhnBVZzomCmx0cmZj1VdsoRtnBdE4D4oPDeWiVvD1RvxMp0Q2Gbop9fMF9sfqMag/s320/Latvian+Stroll.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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We will share our experience on this blog, so you will be able to follow us and support us. </div>
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We hope that this new expedition will please you, and are looking forward to start it.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05094574197869086980noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4508039835190943825.post-25491373079500046632014-03-28T17:17:00.000+02:002014-03-28T17:17:12.359+02:00Media coverage<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I had the chance to have a great media coverage during all my trip, from the begining in Liepaja, with announcements on local radios, untill after my trip was finished.</div>
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<b>I hereby wish to greatly thank all the journalists I had the pleasure to talk to.</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikYWoYujTOfpGo1y857JkZFFgdSdkZYCUjXzQ-aWTBEGe1c-v9NBJK5GCTQBgs6IHwKBbHqD_xg9hj_3NVVgaikl0tAuHWusBEYaXcgXOryhYrrDgGNMkapcn6xaxt4AAYhw0GHnBSAuU/s1600/cp95_rgb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikYWoYujTOfpGo1y857JkZFFgdSdkZYCUjXzQ-aWTBEGe1c-v9NBJK5GCTQBgs6IHwKBbHqD_xg9hj_3NVVgaikl0tAuHWusBEYaXcgXOryhYrrDgGNMkapcn6xaxt4AAYhw0GHnBSAuU/s1600/cp95_rgb.jpg" height="640" width="436" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcf26xgFglhqCUVu1WnYO4Su8JSm4s-rN4jAQCJuzyh1gwQOUFqX5smFU2OKNJVIg8zAUoHXP6KCFHmNkt4pksy6huQ3VrORSiPRjDKdxro7zRWumgISOvGQMoKnHaYCfhHSAMTxGFI2c/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcf26xgFglhqCUVu1WnYO4Su8JSm4s-rN4jAQCJuzyh1gwQOUFqX5smFU2OKNJVIg8zAUoHXP6KCFHmNkt4pksy6huQ3VrORSiPRjDKdxro7zRWumgISOvGQMoKnHaYCfhHSAMTxGFI2c/s1600/photo+2.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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TV interview by TV-Kurzeme<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxP6AYvDfdmLuTxkfHD1cz9F-33oGXVV-jf_dQZuRpAz2VjbPb0ZWQq3Xm7DiPnJAiokEOJ_B-FCVGenrUpOQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Regularly during the trip, I have been interviewed by newspaper. This greatly helped me since many people were recognising me and were almost "expecting me"!</div>
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In Preili, I have been interviewed by LNT, the first Latvian private chanel. I was on the evening news, which are watched in all the country. Here is the link to the video:</div>
<br /><a class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="http://www.lnt.lv/video/#/video/0361711">http://www.lnt.lv/video/#/video/0361711</a><br />
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And here, some of the internet pages about me:<br />
<br /><a class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="http://www.latviesi.com/raksti/francu-fotografs-ar-kajam-plano-menesa-laika-skersot-latvijas-teritoriju">http://www.latviesi.com/raksti/francu-fotografs-ar-kajam-plano-menesa-laika-skersot-latvijas-teritoriju</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguQDZss7U4fPmnaUSFPx3GZcps9mIlzEmQIVAPhKqn_Do_9dy0heGho4bF0kcRa33JJvdTCGGqZ4R4-sJnN4VKJlzyTcjzhe0N2LwmMsZXQc5_bdqhGvjWu0y0IFCJpd3ww5TdUVCzu9Y/s1600/Aviary+latviesi-com+Picture+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguQDZss7U4fPmnaUSFPx3GZcps9mIlzEmQIVAPhKqn_Do_9dy0heGho4bF0kcRa33JJvdTCGGqZ4R4-sJnN4VKJlzyTcjzhe0N2LwmMsZXQc5_bdqhGvjWu0y0IFCJpd3ww5TdUVCzu9Y/s1600/Aviary+latviesi-com+Picture+1.png" height="640" width="449" /></a></div>
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<a class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="http://www.liepajniekiem.lv/tv-kurzeme/sizeti/francuzis-kajam-skersos-latviju-109659">http://www.liepajniekiem.lv/tv-kurzeme/sizeti/francuzis-kajam-skersos-latviju-109659</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd5Sm-mv-nALmHeBQZjT3Fi7_xTNvzv9_I4P6bwj5GHQbzkjqM8T54fUD4OjBD2-SbeqRIktOePBC9VaSPhGyA9EfsAUWvbwiTWYUFqP63KN1ugdUBzyZdD7FGQ1SF0V8_TanxrJqqt7o/s1600/Aviary+liepajniekiem-lv+Picture+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd5Sm-mv-nALmHeBQZjT3Fi7_xTNvzv9_I4P6bwj5GHQbzkjqM8T54fUD4OjBD2-SbeqRIktOePBC9VaSPhGyA9EfsAUWvbwiTWYUFqP63KN1ugdUBzyZdD7FGQ1SF0V8_TanxrJqqt7o/s1600/Aviary+liepajniekiem-lv+Picture+1.png" height="640" width="376" /></a></div>
<a class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="http://www.liepajniekiem.lv/atslegvards/stefans-sudjers">http://www.liepajniekiem.lv/atslegvards/stefans-sudjers</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-6Q6Om8gxhj2rpuA2PNVYUkGWZnLWGOy6haAM5Yo7_0gvjq1oy7Vpm47lRTOA5yo_kNOL47OQTaqA90ev0hgN4J9K8Qj9k1wI4jb-4xm4toC5RQGHpnud0m92vU3XIMv30B1yBTeNkBQ/s1600/Aviary+liepajniekiem-lv+Picture+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-6Q6Om8gxhj2rpuA2PNVYUkGWZnLWGOy6haAM5Yo7_0gvjq1oy7Vpm47lRTOA5yo_kNOL47OQTaqA90ev0hgN4J9K8Qj9k1wI4jb-4xm4toC5RQGHpnud0m92vU3XIMv30B1yBTeNkBQ/s1600/Aviary+liepajniekiem-lv+Picture+2.png" height="640" width="374" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Gul1sIRsFxcPAPsnWO8aX4ENNOEjMSjVW4moi9uzfN76rsMm0kgB5DXqaM7wHTlBzrkJQg6HlRedHFxFIe0cVe4Ple-1zwmr98wSq3MQupUYM-G-LPNDycAbLZv4uxS7_iz5zX9MstA/s1600/Aviary+mixnews-lv+Picture+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Gul1sIRsFxcPAPsnWO8aX4ENNOEjMSjVW4moi9uzfN76rsMm0kgB5DXqaM7wHTlBzrkJQg6HlRedHFxFIe0cVe4Ple-1zwmr98wSq3MQupUYM-G-LPNDycAbLZv4uxS7_iz5zX9MstA/s1600/Aviary+mixnews-lv+Picture+1.png" height="400" width="311" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwOfxX4i_GaRVVmrJmri8cYlSPuwcQAxIv_jWNxa4ge570c9alQfjcEkmYvcTifwPHIR-9PPsr5eKoJqqZ34kQW-D5-AGWhXsdVTLWx2CQd4gHuBnw6zdYpySmn4vqJxQNaz20j1SEFJE/s1600/Aviary+satori-lv+Picture+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwOfxX4i_GaRVVmrJmri8cYlSPuwcQAxIv_jWNxa4ge570c9alQfjcEkmYvcTifwPHIR-9PPsr5eKoJqqZ34kQW-D5-AGWhXsdVTLWx2CQd4gHuBnw6zdYpySmn4vqJxQNaz20j1SEFJE/s1600/Aviary+satori-lv+Picture+1.png" height="640" width="482" /></a></div>
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<a class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="http://www.tvnet.lv/zinas/latvija/498450-francu_fotografs_kurs_naksno_latvijas_mezos_ir_aizkustinats_par_latviesu_labestibu">http://www.tvnet.lv/zinas/latvija/498450-francu_fotografs_kurs_naksno_latvijas_mezos_ir_aizkustinats_par_latviesu_labestibu</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2jhDokLVWHy5xcpNYTSoz6dciswA0FvRnEYTHjPDSegCYbk-rbAuJcBoyJs3txsb1SOaKPWA9bjltPqpYL4L0UIKMkkj0ji_AbwKCc4Olc_8necwRyGW6Le-TGgfhYPpf52WNIf12Deo/s1600/Aviary+tvnet-lv+Picture+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2jhDokLVWHy5xcpNYTSoz6dciswA0FvRnEYTHjPDSegCYbk-rbAuJcBoyJs3txsb1SOaKPWA9bjltPqpYL4L0UIKMkkj0ji_AbwKCc4Olc_8necwRyGW6Le-TGgfhYPpf52WNIf12Deo/s1600/Aviary+tvnet-lv+Picture+1.png" /></a></div>
<br /><a class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="http://www.apollo.lv/zinas/francuzis-plano-menesa-laika-kajam-skersot-latviju/635532">http://www.apollo.lv/zinas/francuzis-plano-menesa-laika-kajam-skersot-latviju/635532</a><br />
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http://ru.focus.lv/life/turizm/francuzskiy-fotograf-v-fevrale-namerevaetsya-peshkom-peresech-latviyu <br />
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<a class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="http://www.tvnet.lv/zinas/latvija/498450-francu_fotografs_kurs_naksno_latvijas_mezos_ir_aizkustinats_par_latviesu_labestibu"><br /></a><a class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="http://bnn-news.com/french-photographer-cross-latvias-territory-foot-february-109529">http://bnn-news.com/french-photographer-cross-latvias-territory-foot-february-109529</a><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05094574197869086980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4508039835190943825.post-3436856488009979382014-03-27T00:20:00.004+02:002014-03-27T01:12:30.463+02:00The End<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I had to leave early for the last day. I had to meet journalists from Rezekne television at 3PM. First going to the border and then come back to meet them 6 km back to the village of Pasiene.</div>
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The days were clearly getting longer now, sun was rising before 8AM and setting down after 6PM. The sun was out early too, but it was quite chill this morning. The house is by a lake, a quite big one. I went to the shore to enjoy the sun rising.</div>
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The road indicated by the GPS simply did not exist. I have been looking carefully for trace of old passage but nothing. The point indicated was leading to impassable bushes. I decided to cross straight in the forest that was 50 meters away. The forest was a new forest, young birch trees placed in rows. The ground was still frozen and the grass frosted.</div>
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There was a nice pathway going down the hill, I decided to follow it. It end up on a shore where were lying a lot of trunks. This was de facto not done by men. The stumps were not cut clean like with a chainsaw, one could clearly notice the mark of teeth made by beavers</div>
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The lake was frozen and still covered by a thick layer of ice. There was no other signs of beaver's presence, no visible constructions on water.<br />
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But I noticed on snow a big foot print, very specific, a moose print. Moose are very big animals, the size of a horse and are very aggressive. They can attack you without warning and kill you with a powerful hoof strike.<br />
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I was hoping to see many on my way, but this was the only sign of moose I saw.<br />
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As it was frozen, I decided to walk on ice, got used to it now, and I must say that it was giving me some thrills all the time.<br />
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After the lake, I had to climb a hill, and pass over through swamps. It was made very easy because the swamps were frozen too. I just had to make my way through high reeds.<br />
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After a while, I reached a crossroad with 2 houses. It was the road to Pasiene.<br />
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Pasiene is another very nice village. It is located 12km south of Zilupe. Zulupe is a middle size town and a direct way to Riga by train. It is also a border passage to Russia.<br />
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Pasiene has a very beautiful church, kept in very well conditions. It seems that the church has been recently refurbished. It can be seen from far, and the sun was adding to its splendour.<br />
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The village has only one shop on the main road. There are plenty wooden houses but soviet building bars too. <br />
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The end of my trip was still 6km from there. The goal of my trip was to reach the western point of Latvian territory to the eastern point. I was now very close.<br />
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I took the road that was going there. I first had to cross a nice forest, followed by small hamlets and scattered cottages.<br />
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The road was going along the border at a distance of 600 metres. From far, I noticed a patrol watchtower. I was expecting to meet border guards.<br />
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Walking near the border is subject to permission. Before I left Riga to Liepaja, I had to get this special form. It is just an authorisation to walk by the border area for a specified time. I had it very easily. The officer who handed it to me was even pleased about my trip there.<br />
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To reach the very eastern point, I had to leave the road and go through field until I saw the physical border line.<br />
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The border is materialised by a sandy path with two concrete cones, one white and purple for Latvia, the other red and green for Russia. The border is between those to cones.<br />
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Here I am in Russia. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD61304PRSUOxFBCHEEpqxFks_AcGuDbJzvBBNDR02f7T06UjUOcECuPbeRpEKup3PuHRm4A_I62xwdq4JnveeqSBLNf_L1SXs9mvzjbbpE36qbTr0JW6NOLaYGucqCVhxTv9V7DksVl0/s1600/DSC_2170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD61304PRSUOxFBCHEEpqxFks_AcGuDbJzvBBNDR02f7T06UjUOcECuPbeRpEKup3PuHRm4A_I62xwdq4JnveeqSBLNf_L1SXs9mvzjbbpE36qbTr0JW6NOLaYGucqCVhxTv9V7DksVl0/s1600/DSC_2170.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
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I put a step behind this pole just to say that I have been in Russia. Of course this move was illegal, but the Russian guards in the watchtower didn't shoot me, so that was fine!</div>
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At this very point my trip ended. I reached the eastern point after 653km walking through this wonderful country.</div>
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I was very surprised not to be stopped by borders guards. Remember that a lot of smuggling is taking place there. There is no doubt that from the tower the guards had spotted me. But I didn't see anyone.</div>
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It is only on my way back that a van stopped at me and controlled me. </div>
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The guard took a look at my passport and to the authorisation, took some note in a carnet and told me that he saw me there at the border. In fact, they already knew I was coming there, so nothing to worry about.</div>
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He asked me where I was going now. As I had to meet those journalist for a TV interview in Pasiene, I told him so. He then kindly proposed to drive me there. On the way, he stopped to pick up 5 other guards that were patrolling the border. We talked and they dropped me at the meeting point.</div>
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The interview took an hour, it was very pleasant talk. I am still surprised and very pleased by the media coverage I had, the interest shown for my little expedition in this surprising country.</div>
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This is how ended my trip.</div>
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After the interview, they drove me to Rezekne. I stayed there overnight and in the morning I took a bus back to Riga. I stayed in Riga 4 more days, time to see my friends there, to see an exhibition about World War I, to meet journalist from newspaper Diena for a last interview, and to enjoy the charms of my lovely Riga!</div>
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The End</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05094574197869086980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4508039835190943825.post-78392189064837242922014-03-23T20:11:00.005+02:002014-03-23T20:11:46.870+02:00the pensioners<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I left Rundeni at 1PM. The distance remaining to the end is now short, and I don't want it to finish to soon. So, I'm taking my time.</div>
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On the map, today will be mainly on secondary sandy ways. The weather was of course on my side too. Sunny, and a temperature of 8°C! Damn, that looks like spring is already there.</div>
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I took the road going to just right after the church. The road was surrounded by lovely old cottages, </div>
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but I soon realised that many of them where empty<br />
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As I was walking, I passed a van that was stopped on side of the road. A blue van with no windows. Several men were gathered by the side door of the van, throwing furtive looks around. It was obvious that some irregular business was then taking place there.</div>
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Remember that the borders of Russia, Belarus and Lithuania are within a stone's throw, a perfect place for all kind of smuggling and other contraband market; vodka, cigarettes and anything you can get cheaper on black market. I just saluted them and passed my way. </div>
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I was heading to Vecslabada. Two choices were there offered to me: a road by the north, the shortest, and one more south and longer.</div>
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Vecslabada is located between two large lakes, on a thin band of land going straight between the lakes. I took the longest one for this one was entering the city by crossing between the waters, as you may see on the map here</div>
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It is hard to say if it is a big village or a city. It has all the infrastructure of a city, with a big city hall, schools and cultural centre, but the charm of a village, with its sandy roads and small, colourful wooden houses. This place is very beautiful. </div>
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At the exit of the town are the remains of what might have been a huge factory in soviet time or a kolkhoze, a collective farm. Now it is just empty and collapsing.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOCXruf1taO-taYo-rVda9FC0mtx4320DwAE-OSb9MG9NDu3xLBEF94MRLk9GUa5WL8cIaIWNr-zKP3pY1NFpGXDTdRcybHTj99XaMXLeZ2sPEPb8IQPQ2SO6tustJws0dkJJyYJQlKGY/s1600/DSC_1918.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOCXruf1taO-taYo-rVda9FC0mtx4320DwAE-OSb9MG9NDu3xLBEF94MRLk9GUa5WL8cIaIWNr-zKP3pY1NFpGXDTdRcybHTj99XaMXLeZ2sPEPb8IQPQ2SO6tustJws0dkJJyYJQlKGY/s1600/DSC_1918.JPG" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
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After I left Vecslabada, as it was not yet late, I decided to walk another 8 to 10 km before looking for place to stay. </div>
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The scenery was somehow extraordinary. At some place, it was all looking like the south of France, a mix of French Riviera country side (arrière pays Nicois) and Corsica's "maquis". Scattered pin trees bathed in warm orange sun setting, isolated on a dark sandy beige ground. The warmth of the sun beams were increasing the feeling of being there.</div>
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At some other parts, I had the souvenirs of the reef valley in Morocco, in north of the city of Fés, with hills covered by long yellowish herbs, flattened by the wind, with a sun burn impression. Of course, the temperature didn't fool me long, I was in Latvia.</div>
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Approaching a quite sized lake, the GPS wanted me to take a road that was going north and coming back south to reach the other bank of the lake, where I had spotted some houses in the map, my potential stop.</div>
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As the forest surrounding the lake seemed to call me, I decided to cut through the trees. Again, I found there a totally preserved forest, unspoiled by man and it's machinery.</div>
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The ground was still frozen, icy and snowy. It would have been probably faster to go by the road, but again, time was on my side, and the pleasure to walk in that forest was great.<br />
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When I got round the lake, I saw by far a red roof. This was the closest house indicated on the map, and I felt it was the place I had to go.<br />
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It might sounds strange, but everywhere I have been, any places I have stayed at, I had the feeling that "this is the place". Sometimes, I was walking to places with the feeling that "this place is not for me", and each time I got a refusal at those places. The same feeling with people.<br />
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<br />This house was at the end of a grass way. There were two other building, a barn and a shed. As soon as I passed the barn, I noticed an old woman nourishing the cows.<br />
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She didn't feel scared of me but rather astonished. When I told her I was French she was even more surprised and delighted. I was the first French to walk on her land!<br />
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She is 83 years old, and as so, pensioner. But she told me that she still has to work hard in the farm to have enough to sustain a decent life.<br />
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This is the case of many pensioners in Latvia. If you question them, most of old people will tell you there nostalgia of soviet time. Not for its glorious enlightenment and democratic state, but simply because at that time, old people had something to eat and a roof until they pass away.</div>
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Nowadays, pension are very low and most of old pensioners fall short of basic needs. Despite a reform was set into motion in 1995 and then in 2004, the situation is still critical for most.</div>
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in 2004, Latvia has no official poverty line or basic poverty line that could
apply to its population and be accepted as the sort of critical minimum
applied in other European countries. Under normal circumstances, the
underprivileged can be seen as those whose monthly income per household
is below the basic minimum wage. In 2006, the official minimum wage was
EUR 130 or 76% of the minimum <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">subsistence wage</span>. This hardship is endured by 19% of the population. As an example, in France you are considered poor if your monthly incomes fall under 900€!!!</div>
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On November 2005, the Cabinet of Ministers defined a new
state-guaranteedminimum income (GMI) level, which was to be increased
from EUR 30.17 in 2005 toEUR 34.48 in 2006. The amendments adopted
provided for an increase in the incomelevel for families or persons
living alone and whose income does not exceed EUR34.48 per person a
month. According to statistical data, around 150,000 people, 6.5% of
the total population fall in this group. There is no data provided onthe
age groups of those being forced to beg for help from the state to
receivethe miserable sum of just over EUR 34 per month.</div>
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On 17 June 2006, the national news agency LETA reported that according to datafrom the <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">State Social Insurance Agency(VSAA), </span>405,900
old age pensioners, or 86% of the total, receive pensionsthat are below
the minimum subsistence wage. In other words, of the 471,200 people
provided with old age pensions by the VSAA, only 14% receive a
pensionthat exceeds the minimum subsistence level of the population as
defined by the Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia. In fact, the lowest
pension paid in 2006was only 43.14% of the minimum subsistence wage.</div>
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Those figures are from 2006. What about today?</div>
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The "crisis" that stroke the world in 2008 strongly hit Latvia too. The government took harsh measures but the minimum salary kept increasing and it is now 320€/month for 2014.</div>
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Nevertheless, minimum pension amount paid is, depending on years of contribution, between 71€ and 109€ (800€ in France), three time inferior to minimum salary. </div>
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Taking into consideration that leaving in a remote place and facing considerably cold and long winters increase to cost of living, it is quite impossible to survive with so few money.</div>
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Tomorrow is the last day, the finishing line! <br />
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At the farm, I met Andris and Marina. They were there to work as volunteers for the day. Andris told me that he could arrange for me to stay at some friends' place in Rundeni. He made a phone call and everything was fixed.</div>
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Rundeni is a little town with a school, a post office and two shops and a church. The city is divided into two districts, one made of housing estate, wooden houses with barns and garden, and the other one made of rows of low-rise building, soviet type architecture.</div>
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I left the farm in late morning. The day was so bright and sunny, and even very warm, around 6°C. I crossed many fields on a kind of pathway till a reached a sand road. There were some housing there, small farms and little cottages.</div>
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With the sun shining, the colour of grass as turned to golden brown. There was no wind, and the smell of the drying ground was filling the air.</div>
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The way was extremely pleasant and I made plenty stop to admire the view. At many occasions I could see herds of deer grazing in the fields, but without tele-photo lens it was impossible to take clean shot.</div>
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When I arrived at Rundeni, I made a phone call to Andris, as planned. After a while, a car came to pick me up to drive me to the place I should stay overnight. A told strong man, Stas, came and drove me to a little house where a man was living alone, and was willing to offer me a bed for the night.</div>
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Victor is the owner of the house. He is a former tank commander of the soviet army. He served in Afghanistan for many years. </div>
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Victor showed me many photos of his companions and the tank he was commanding. I was 9 years old when this was started, so I have no souvenirs of it.</div>
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We didn't talk about the war itself and its outcome. It seems that this Afghanistan is for the Russians what Vietnam is for the USA, a money pit and a moral exhaustion for the soldiers.</div>
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Victor is a very good D.I.Y man. He was proud of showing me the wood central heating system he created in is house.</div>
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He was asking me to translate many Russian words into French cause he has the wish to visit Paris someday. He took pages of words from me, and started to speak to me with some basic words.</div>
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I had a good time with him,so I decided to stay one more day with him. I took advantage of the opportunity to have my clothes washed, my orange trouser really needed it. It was also a good opportunity to relax my feet and rest.</div>
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I am now close to the end of my trip. From Rundeni, only remained 33km to walk till the arrival point; just two days if I take it easy.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05094574197869086980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4508039835190943825.post-43464762182591642282014-03-16T17:17:00.000+02:002014-03-16T17:17:57.193+02:00Viežakrūgs and the horse farm<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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This morning was very dry but not sunny. Exiting Feimani, I stopped for a coffee break and get some cakes.</div>
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Latvia has 3 big chains of supermarket, but they are mainly in big cities. In country side, one can only find little market, kind of family business. In some places, there is only one 20km around. In Latgale, it is sometimes impossible to find one at walking distance from a remote location.</div>
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In Latvian they are called "Veikals", which simply means "shop", without any other sign or emblem. They sell almost everything, bread, fruits, dairy products, vegetables, alcohol, kitchen utensils and other cleaning product.</div>
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Leaving Feimani, I entered into a forest area. At first it was a scattered bunch of trees mixed with fields.<br />
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At some point, I decided to make a stop. I always make stop at places where I can easily seat without having to take my bag off my back, the best places being benches at bus stops and lying tree trunks.<br />
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I found the perfect place and sat there, looking at the amazing scenery around me.<br />
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While eating a tasty apple, I was surprised by a Belgian shepard, a beautiful light brown dog. I had one when younger, and those dogs are very attaching.<br />
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It was obvious that this dog wasn't a stray animal, it wasn't aggressive at all despite barking at me. I guess it was as surprised as me to see me there.<br />
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Nevertheless, I was asking myself where this dog comes from, since it seemed to me that this place was empty of any habitation.<br />
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A man came out of the other side of the big pile of trunks and addressed to me in Latvian. Again, I explained him in Russian what I was doing here and where I was going.<br />
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The man kindly offered me to come home for a cup of tea. In fact, there was a farm corpus just around the corner. The house was very beautiful and big, made of wood, of course. The basement was painted in green, and the first floor, under the roof, was in a king of orange-brown.<br />
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The house was surrounded by a barn, an underground cellar and a sauna.<br />
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The man was serene, in his manner of speech but also in the way he was moving. His name is Gunats. We entered the house and sat at the kitchen table. His wife Valentina, was not present at first but joined us later.<br />
We shared some food and talked about the Latvian economys and the cost of living, here and in France. We also compared the situation of pensioners in our respective countries. I found this talk very interesting.<br />
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In morning, after a copious breakfast, Valentina, Gunat and the dog accompanied me on the path in the forest. We took some pictures and said goodbye to each other.<br />
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I then entered a beautiful forest, covered with a very thick green carpet of moss. In some area, the snow was still present on the ground, even ice. A slight veil of haze was slowing dissipating at the top of trees. A very pleasant flavour was evaporating from the ground, a blend of grass, moss and lichen with a hint of rotten bark pine.<br />
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The way indicated by the GPS soon dissipated on the ground, no traces of a path could be seen any more. The map was indicating a clearing from where I could get back to a large path. I made my way through the trees and bushes till I reached this clearing.<br />
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There, I found some trunks to seat down. </div>
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Around, were a couple of old barns and a house, which seemed totally abandoned. I didn't see any sign of life, except a satellite dish. I stopped there for a drink and eat some of the tasty sandwiches Valentina had prepared for me.<br />
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Sunny spells were indicating a change in the weather. I decided to quite my parka to wear lighter clothes. From this day until the end of my trip, the sun would be my companion, unveiling new colours and clear horizon, and warmer temperatures.</div>
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Right after this place, were a tiny settlement of 4 houses by a wonderful lake. the lake was surrounded by several little cottages, probably used exclusively in summer time.</div>
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The path along the lake was relaxing and lead me the a large sandy road drenched in sunlight.<br />
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At a crossroad, I decided to stop again at a bus stop. It was long since I last saw a bus stop, and as the scenery was so beautiful, why not enjoying it. After all, time was on my side, no need to hurry, and I was getting close to the end, so those stops became more and more regular.<br />
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I quickly left the sandy road to engaged into a narrow muddy path gong up and down hills, ending in a dead forest of birch trees.<br />
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A quite unique scenery. Hundreds of trunks were standing without branches in a middle of a pond.<br />
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This enchanting, otherworldly scene was a <span class="" id="result_box" lang="en"><span class="hps">mixture of</span> <span class="hps">lament</span> <span class="hps">and hope,</span> <span class="hps">denunciation and</span> <span class="hps">sublimation.</span></span><br />
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For photographic eyes like mine, it became obvious that this would be perfect object for a fine art photography, which I made in black and white, using different adjustment and tuning on Photoshop to achieve a dramatic tense and increase the feeling of desolation.<br />
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After catching up an asphalted road, I soon reach the village Lipuski. The village is locted on the banks of a huge lake. The lake was still totally frozen and people were walking on it.<br />
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By 5PM, I reached the place I wanted to be, the horse farm.<br />
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I was welcomed head in the path by an old German shepard. The dog was obviously used to visitors. Many people were busy taking care of horses. Kristina, a young woman came towards me, and even before I ask anything, she said that she saw me on TV, were they expecting me?<br />
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They warmly welcomed me, introduced me to all the people who were there and offered me hot drinks and home made sausages and potatoes.<br />
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Kristina is still studying at school, but helps her parents at the farm. he lives here with her grandma too.<br />
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Before night came, they took me around to show me the horses. They are raising the only endemic Latgalian horse breed, along with all the other animals you expect to see in a real farm, chicken, goose, pig, goat, rabbit...<br />
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If you ever visit this region, make sure you pay a visit to those nice people. The place is easy to find and indicated by a sign on the main road (P56) between Lipuski and Lesinsky [latitude 56°16'51.43"N; longitude 27°30'58.27"E]</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05094574197869086980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4508039835190943825.post-5677122390441579572014-03-08T18:33:00.000+02:002014-03-08T18:33:14.800+02:00Latgale<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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To me, Latgale is the wildest part of Latvia, and it is my favourite because of its rolling countryside, lakes and forests.</div>
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Latgale is one of the poorest region in the EU. I didn't meet there many young people, just few in big villages where there is a school. On my way, I only met old and retired people.</div>
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Being retired here doesn't mean that you don't work any more and enjoy the benefit of your pension. Pensions in Latvia are very low, from 80€ to 300€, which means that most pensioners have to grow there own products and breed animals.</div>
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As said before, most of people here speaks Russian and Latgalian (Latgalish in Russian). The region has a large population of Russians, and a minority of Polish and Belarusian.</div>
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I have never heard about this dialect until I met Albina, a wonderful 86 years old woman. A real babushka!</div>
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She lives in an ancient farm corpus with her son, Gunars, a very tall and slim man.</div>
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Gunars was very gentle. Albina was only speaking Latgalish, so Gunars was translating it into Russian for me. I definitely lost much in translation.</div>
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When I first made my way on the path that was leading me from the road the the farm, Albina came to me with a wonderful smile illuminating her face. </div>
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I soon realized that she wasn't speaking a known language to me. Fortunately, Gunars came out and after I explained me the reason of being at their door step, he said that he could help me.</div>
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I didn't have time to put my bag on the floor that Albina prepared me something to eat and drink.</div>
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She cooked me the fishes Gunars had catch earlier in the nearby lake, boiled me a soup, bread and butter and cream.</div>
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Albina also had this home-made strawberry jam. I had two plates of it, mixed with fresh cream. She was happy to see how I appreciate all this.</div>
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Latvia has this amazing tasty bread. It is called `rupjmaize`.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif-HQ6oaFrfizyvD-qll6h6cWr8uKGybknvtOt6FYub7nBlu21yUcyaV0L3-ZLNezpjQhpyzq3FD8neXVtU2b55jTCNj6uU_3ZFkEQ36AqlY-b9te7tXpET-4FhyDQ8fDooUzxUxyX80A/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif-HQ6oaFrfizyvD-qll6h6cWr8uKGybknvtOt6FYub7nBlu21yUcyaV0L3-ZLNezpjQhpyzq3FD8neXVtU2b55jTCNj6uU_3ZFkEQ36AqlY-b9te7tXpET-4FhyDQ8fDooUzxUxyX80A/s1600/images.jpg" height="124" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7VLR1loe53NQaKlGYGj_4d-H_GSiN3DLrZp-VKzGx47KqAXYGyx7jlhgB6w52O0o5GKbB70Gsp1qBu5dGDweaBHLcEREVdk4xbQAaUPpFmwGNxAXFUeL6B5zzUOsNsgUo5x8B_Bknwcs/s1600/index2.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7VLR1loe53NQaKlGYGj_4d-H_GSiN3DLrZp-VKzGx47KqAXYGyx7jlhgB6w52O0o5GKbB70Gsp1qBu5dGDweaBHLcEREVdk4xbQAaUPpFmwGNxAXFUeL6B5zzUOsNsgUo5x8B_Bknwcs/s1600/index2.jpg" /></a>It's a kind of "black" rye bread, with a special taste, quite strong,
spicy, and I really love it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0jxQTZ5sTNjUatxxLfNwbWfTd7ukKbDAgsm5FPH__cEAYNB1f0N4I7ITyvOgJvHEErOQITZegvTtHVUHMp4ysGwGIMmsh-BrvZ1ypomT6UvW3ik6Z0wANZI8zeb5iCLUS8gPEhrz9q5s/s1600/index.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0jxQTZ5sTNjUatxxLfNwbWfTd7ukKbDAgsm5FPH__cEAYNB1f0N4I7ITyvOgJvHEErOQITZegvTtHVUHMp4ysGwGIMmsh-BrvZ1ypomT6UvW3ik6Z0wANZI8zeb5iCLUS8gPEhrz9q5s/s1600/index.jpg" /></a></div>
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With that bread, they also make a soup,
which is a desert made with cinnamon and raisins and berries, served with cream.
It's delicious.</div>
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There is also this amazing beverage, "Kvass" made with
fermented bread. It is very low in alcohol less than 0.4°, not
noticeable, and totally suitable for children. I really love this
beverage.</div>
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You can find it in any supermarket, industrially made, but the
best remains the home-made one.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj55e2-VClL4H_hQU6Qwd7dMhdkrjT3UEXWmeic2uFscLbL0Vh0hK3I8AwgQ5Y_Mi_5NYwAT7-HR5g7LMWvGhmqnLSfREdcNnsmGS7fEK_ve75S7rNYjEOfzRSho7X1C2vshwm18oMw2vI/s1600/homekvass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj55e2-VClL4H_hQU6Qwd7dMhdkrjT3UEXWmeic2uFscLbL0Vh0hK3I8AwgQ5Y_Mi_5NYwAT7-HR5g7LMWvGhmqnLSfREdcNnsmGS7fEK_ve75S7rNYjEOfzRSho7X1C2vshwm18oMw2vI/s1600/homekvass.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj90SZ6Y7eoCFJxSJTwmqdMMO31et-BmVvlVDe64FtdqgYqmhNQ3FjL8DsMIzq48e7Adiw5R8GhqFZ-GO8TORPAu7vH8QX41Thj_HLGaLgP00_PyRNJYFkpb6LLMiq6ZrqzlKNzq0bDys8/s1600/kvass3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj90SZ6Y7eoCFJxSJTwmqdMMO31et-BmVvlVDe64FtdqgYqmhNQ3FjL8DsMIzq48e7Adiw5R8GhqFZ-GO8TORPAu7vH8QX41Thj_HLGaLgP00_PyRNJYFkpb6LLMiq6ZrqzlKNzq0bDys8/s1600/kvass3.jpg" /></a></div>
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Albina is a very beautiful woman. I said to her son to tell her that for me she was beautiful. Her reaction was very surprising. She felt confused and embarrassed as would be a young innocent girl. </div>
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She took me by the hand to the corner of her room and pointed me two photographs hanging there.</div>
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There were old lavished black and white photos of her as a young woman, and the traditional wedding day photo.</div>
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I was stricken by her natural beauty. Not only by her perfect symmetrical features, buy her porcelain doll white face, but by her natural grace and elegance and the sparks she still have now in her eyes.</div>
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True beauty always last even after time has done is destructive work.</div>
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In the morning, Gunnars walked with me the 10 km to the nearest village, Feimaņi. I had to buy some cigarettes.</div>
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We went to one of the 3 shops there. I bought some oranges and chocolate for Albina. We shook hands and I made my way to Lipuški.</div>
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In Preili, I had been interviewed by LNT television, the first Latvian private channel. Karlis, the reporter who did the interview told me that in early morning that day, they were in a farm near Lipuški, where a familly is raising the only Latgalian horse breed.</div>
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I decided to make that farm my next stop.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05094574197869086980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4508039835190943825.post-55793925730429975342014-03-03T12:08:00.000+02:002014-03-03T14:56:14.876+02:00Preili<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I left Viesite around 7.30. I walked to the centre. Thus is a lovely village with nice wooden houses, all in different colours.<br />
At the bus station I found and cafeteria, I had there a coffee and took some time to look at the map.<br />
Today, my destination was towards the Daugava river. Thus is the main river in Latvia, flowing to Riga and the Baltic sea.<br />
For the first time, it was a bright sunny day. The road was quite easy, a broad sandy and hard ground. I was progressing fast. Not many villages to cross, some forest, but on a very good surface.<br />
The day was quite warm, 5 degrees Celsius, with a light wind pushing me in the back.<br />
I quickly reach 4PM, it was time to think of a place,to stay. As I was not far to join an asphalted road, I walked yet an hour.<br />
Just before the village of Zasas. I stopped at a farm to ask if I could stay there.<br />
A young woman was there waiting for her little girl to come back with the school bus.<br />
Then arrived a man in a big 4X4, dressed in a suit, tie and town shoes.<br />
The woman told him about my enquiry. He made a phone call and after some minutes he proposed to take me home.<br />
He was living some 2km away. He wasn't speaking English, only Russian. His name Aigars.<br />
We soon arrived at a place with 3 houses. In the courtyard were parked some tractors and trucks. Two houses were obviously newly renovated.<br />
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He took me in one house were is father was staying. An 83 old man, bending on a stick, with as it seemed, some auditing problem. The TV was running so loudly.<br />
I unpacked my stuff. Meanwhile, a young teenager came to me. I was speaking a perfect american english.<br />
Karlis, 14 years old, he totally found of online video games. This clarify things. He is playing with other gamers from all over the world, and as for many other things, English is the international language.<br />
We talk a long time. He was very bright boy, had already some opinions on many things.<br />
Aigars took me for a walk on his land. He wanted to show me some curiosities. We walked through a field and amongst few trees were lying a huge rock with some Words in German. It was dated 13th century.<br />
Some steeps furthers, he showed me 3 bunkers. I heard about those bunkers. They were made by Latvian people who wanted to hide from the Russian during soviet occupation, to avoid being sent to work camps or deported to some other part of the Soviet Union.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuLvdMrYGlF4rR9LyFQSef8TiQ_42d1gdi91b2kVpbD9WQYd7dpcmzGrGezRSIapsi_an2BYAmMAwNX56IP_Tldu-bC40RoI5zpoeAtlbq4DzoqjdXu_3wTctbbJI47RM-sk4HKQHrkaU/s1600/DSC_0843.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuLvdMrYGlF4rR9LyFQSef8TiQ_42d1gdi91b2kVpbD9WQYd7dpcmzGrGezRSIapsi_an2BYAmMAwNX56IP_Tldu-bC40RoI5zpoeAtlbq4DzoqjdXu_3wTctbbJI47RM-sk4HKQHrkaU/s1600/DSC_0843.JPG" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpASASUG2FHdB90yv6TB9nsbG5Jk2mVeBp6ykryMMqWj-LKgZV-w8KHezoUbvSZszopW82ls5g5aAcc9SBqOp2J16-0UoeSczAdxQaiNwapHzxCY3R3T2NXbfe2gZ4qRG3qZglwNCoteQ/s1600/DSC_0846.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpASASUG2FHdB90yv6TB9nsbG5Jk2mVeBp6ykryMMqWj-LKgZV-w8KHezoUbvSZszopW82ls5g5aAcc9SBqOp2J16-0UoeSczAdxQaiNwapHzxCY3R3T2NXbfe2gZ4qRG3qZglwNCoteQ/s1600/DSC_0846.JPG" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
Later, we were called for dinner. I was then introduce to Olita, Aigars wife.<br />
She had prepared a good meal for us. Olita is a teacher at the nearby town of Zusa.<br />
On the table was laying a news paper. I was then stroke seeing my picture and an article written about me.<br />
I must admit my asthonisment about the media cover concerning my travel. It was announced on several radios, published in many news papers, and was 3 times interviewed by TVs.<br />
All thus sudden popularity helped me a lot. Many people in street recognised me, and so many offered me a drink and goods on the way. I have been given some 15 kg of apples for all my trip!<br />
After dinner, once more, I had sauna. It became an habit to me. But it is so relaxing after a while day walking. Muscles and joins are softly released from tensions.<br />
In the morning, I had to leave early. Olita had to teach at Zusa's school. We said goodbye in front of the quite imposing building, where many different classes are held.<br />
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Latvian education system is made of classes. Class 1 to 12. After class 12, those who wish it can join university.<br />
The sky was cloudy and I had few light showers. I walked the 15km that was taking me to the point I wished to cross the river Daugava, to reach the city of Livani.<br />
There is no bridge to join the two banks of the rivers. On Google Maps, I saw that a little ferry was running there. In fact, it is a (barge) winched from side to side.<br />
I wasn't sure if I would be able to cross. If not, then a (detour) of 55 km would had to be made, crossing in Jegavpils city.<br />
Approaching, I saw from far the river covered by ice. Release! I might be able to walk over it. But still, I wasn't certain the river was practicable. Temperature were over zero during day, and I didn't know how thick was the ice.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwPULSxN5nfHZp6s_DPbTKNQPqggeMvLWqIf8wjtb5EW5lXEexkoDYjfWw4m_CEolnK0dwR9ar46nlWU7CAmBa4OgnaqPvHD6p4aFFcovrXMPQw1ZtVYQV3yUo1yQ8TzcHhpOhLDkmTVA/s1600/DSC_0911.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwPULSxN5nfHZp6s_DPbTKNQPqggeMvLWqIf8wjtb5EW5lXEexkoDYjfWw4m_CEolnK0dwR9ar46nlWU7CAmBa4OgnaqPvHD6p4aFFcovrXMPQw1ZtVYQV3yUo1yQ8TzcHhpOhLDkmTVA/s1600/DSC_0911.JPG" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
I asked a man in a nearby house if I could safely cross. He told me that he doesn't know, but 2 days ago he saw people crossing.<br />
I went by the bank, and the ice layer seemed to me very thick, so thick that one could not even see the water underneath. I decided to go. The ice was very hard, no sounds of cracking, it was safe.<br />
I walked the 200 metres between the two banks and was finally in Livani.<br />
I stopped at a cafeteria, had a hit meal and coffee and continue my way. It was just after noon. I though I could make it directly to Preili, 26 km to go. And if tired I could stop on the way.<br />
At 7PM I was arriving in Preili, totally exhausted. It was the longest walk made in the whole trip, 43km. So, I decided to find an hotel and relax.<br />
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I have been help by a pretty young girls who take me to a charming hotel. She was going home after a course at the music school.<br />
Coincidence or not, the owner of the hotel is also a photographer, Igor.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHrGDnUe9livZ1ighC0FwrHopt7qvt4mvmsYWy9mM1lrUskAJdVFUIM0-J7oRK-UmOH_mQ6LFBaXrv8rquk1AoDr7l8JfCmKop_tWRNLydy5MOjQ3UsXiZ7XhzT3Lfj340dcwLS6fXclY/s1600/DSC_1007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHrGDnUe9livZ1ighC0FwrHopt7qvt4mvmsYWy9mM1lrUskAJdVFUIM0-J7oRK-UmOH_mQ6LFBaXrv8rquk1AoDr7l8JfCmKop_tWRNLydy5MOjQ3UsXiZ7XhzT3Lfj340dcwLS6fXclY/s1600/DSC_1007.JPG" height="320" width="211" /></a></div>
Igor runs this little charming place and has is photo shop inside the hotel on the first floor.<br />
Here, they don't have ground floor, it is first, and our first floor is second for them, try to remember it when you will visit Latvia, it will avoid you to run from stairs to stairs.<br />
Igor, along with two other photographer from the Latgale region, made a very beautiful book of photography about the region of Latvia.<br />
Latvia has four regions. Latgale is located south east, with the Russian border on its east side and Belarus and its south side.<br />
People speak mostly Russian, Latgalish, which is the local dialect, and Latvian.<br />
But I must say that I met lots of people (age 40 to 80) who couldn't speak Latvian. You can link this to the discussion on the referendum about official languages.<br />
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Latgale also has particularity of having rolling countryside. Latvia is a rather flat country, just few meters above sea level. The highest point culminates at 311 meters.<br />
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In some places, it even made me think of the Reef valley in Morocco, dark brownish sand, high golden grass and scattered pine trees on desolated hill side.<br />
Latgale is also proud of its own folklore, dances, songs and food and its own dialect of course.<br />
I will tell you of this beautiful old woman I met there, who was only speaking Latgalish</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05094574197869086980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4508039835190943825.post-35152339944234903992014-02-26T19:25:00.002+02:002014-02-26T19:25:22.621+02:00the end<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Today, Wednesday 26 February, I am at only 14km from the Russian border. Tomorrow afternoon I shall reach the arrival point around 3PM.</div>
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Local TV will be waiting for me for an interview and I will make my way back to Riga.</div>
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But I will publish the rest of my story until the last day. So, stay connected. I will also post more photos as I will have access to a computer in Riga.</div>
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Today was sunny and so will be tomorrow.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05094574197869086980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4508039835190943825.post-3047440453290540112014-02-26T09:39:00.002+02:002014-03-03T14:09:24.972+02:00Viesite<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Dampness was the word for the day. It didn't rain, but the air was filled with humidity.</div>
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After 10 km, I reached an asphalted road. But after a short distance I had to leave it for my daily doze of mud and puddles.</div>
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The forest was there, beautiful, feet in a green moss carpet, head in the mist.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRhH314OqfBnyYxCgujGpiADQefqVChFeGBUW-90wsSZOpB-DZVzNQHpAadSL2fwKrjVH1gxooMekYfx-oZiuxjYW5A8q_JTrMGoC6G8Vro1chQSrswN8gOiCApJ4vy51bCTR9N5Rif5o/s1600/DSC_0656.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRhH314OqfBnyYxCgujGpiADQefqVChFeGBUW-90wsSZOpB-DZVzNQHpAadSL2fwKrjVH1gxooMekYfx-oZiuxjYW5A8q_JTrMGoC6G8Vro1chQSrswN8gOiCApJ4vy51bCTR9N5Rif5o/s1600/DSC_0656.JPG" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
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The day gets colder. The sky was starting to brighten up and the light was always changing, offering me amazing contrast. A delight for photography.</div>
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It took me quite a long time to reach Viesite. Again, I had to go out of path, guessing my way, trusting my sens of orientation and using the compass.</div>
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This part of Latvia is completely covered by forest. I only saw 2 timber men working with heavy machines. I guess they didn't even notice me.</div>
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I finally reached Viesite, it was almost dark. I was myself surprised to see the white panel written in black characters that was naming the village. I walked faster than I thought but was exhausted.</div>
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Where to stay now? Since I had to gave up the tent and all the equipment that would allow me to make a shelter, I had to find a place where to spend the night everyday.</div>
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Thus, everyday around 5PM, I look for a house that would welcomed me.</div>
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I had just past the panel indicating Viesite, when a man addressed to me. He was walking his dogs.</div>
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I explained him who I was and what I was doing. He said to me that he could help me but that early morning he had to go to work.</div>
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That was fine for me. He was preparing crepes, exactly as we french do it. I was then welcomed by a familiar odour.</div>
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His name is Guntars. He lives here alone since he has divorced. But this night, his son Samuel was there. He had missed his bus back home where he lives with his mum, so he had to spend the night at dad's place.</div>
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So far, I met in Latvia great people. But Guntars has something more. He his a true good man. Not only kind, helpful, welcoming. He is a real loving person.</div>
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"Eyes are the mirror of the soul" said Oscar Wilde. His eyes were not lying.</div>
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We had interesting conversation. I regret that my Russian is not better. Because of it I missed many conversations.</div>
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However, so far, it made all those meeting possible. 80% of Latvian can speak Russian.</div>
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This has been at many times, the subject of my talk with the people I met.</div>
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In 2012, Latvia had a referendum initiated by Russian speakers to officially recognise Russian as the second official language. The result was a clear NO.</div>
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I personally thought it would have been a good thing. A way to pacify the rather tense relations with the neighbour and former invader.</div>
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I was thinking as a convinced European. I consider myself as a European from France. At school we where taught German, and it seems a good idea to share as many things as possible to avoid conflict.</div>
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In the EU, we don't impose to any European citizen who choose to live in other EU country that its own, to embrace the culture and language ( even if at some extend, language become compulsory for practical reason). We only expect them to follow the country's laws and customs. As for immigrant, we expect them to follow the same rules, but they are free to follow their traditions if those ones are not infringing the law.</div>
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But for Latvians, it is another story. The referendum initiated by pro-Russian was, in fact, to impose Russian views and to avoid, for a marginal group of people to integrate themselves. Those people are rejecting Latvian culture and identity. They do not accept the Independence of Latvia and wish it to continue to be a satellite of Russia (Ukraine should soon face the same problem in Crimea).</div>
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If they had won a yes, then everything would had to be in the two languages. Therefor, they would have not been under any obligation to learn Latvian language anymore or to support Latvian culture.</div>
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One must understand that Latvia is a small country and that out of Latvia nobody speaks Latvian. Under soviet occupation, they were not allow to live according to their traditions. They were forced to learn Russian and to embrace the the uniformed official culture.</div>
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Now that they are free and protected by EU, they want to exist as an independent country with its own culture, history, customs and language.</div>
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Early morning, we all left the house. Samuel to school, Guntars to work, and me to Preili.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05094574197869086980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4508039835190943825.post-70198305073263467672014-02-25T18:00:00.003+02:002014-02-25T18:03:22.969+02:00into the woods<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I left Krasni under the rain. I like walking under rain. It's like for any any other weather conditions, one must have the right equipment.</div>
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My mountain boots are waterproof. In addition I'm wearing mountain expedition gaiters, waterproof too, which allow me to walk in mud and water.</div>
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On top, I'm wearing a plastic "poncho" that covers the bag and myself down to the knees. Very efficient, but after few minutes you feel like in a sauna. At the end, you end up sweating and wet as if drenched by rain, but the bag is kept dry.</div>
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When wearing this poncho, i never wear anything else than a t-shirt underneath. So, when i stop, I just have to change t-shirt and don't get cold this way.</div>
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Krasni is located by an asphalt road. After 100 metres I turned left and took a path that was a very straight line of 5 km. A mix of melted snow and mud. At sight it seems not far, but realising that to reach this point you can clearly see will take you one our makes you think of the scale of time.</div>
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We leave in a world where everything must go fast. Fast train, fast connection, fast delivery...</div>
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People don't understand why I walk. For them what I am doing is "extraordinary". Walking seems unreal, while it is something very natural to all of us.</div>
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But walking takes time. Nowadays, taking its time is a real luxury. If time is money, the more you take, the richer you should get.</div>
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I left this road to take a smaller path entering into the forest. I was about to walk 30km in only forest.</div>
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The GPS is set to show even the smallest path. At a crossroad, it shows three ways, one north, one south and mine, east.</div>
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The problem is that my path which was indicated by the GPS was not there. As sometimes the satellite can only track you at 10 or 20 metres around you real location, I decided to go and find this path by zigzagging. Nothing.</div>
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I ought to go east. The other ways were not leading me to any other paths I could joined and get back my direction.</div>
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Only one solution, the old way of navigating, the compass.</div>
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I took the map out of my bag, set up my direction and determined my azimuths. Compass in one hand, GPS in other, I made my way through trees and bushes. </div>
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Obviously, off road navigation is slower and made difficult by many obstacles.<br />
After 4 km, I found myself on something that was looking like an former path. I was back on the path primly indicated by GPS. An abandoned path one could hardly distinguish.</div>
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I walked like this until night came. It has been raining all day and I was starting to feel pain in my shoulders and feet, it was time to find a shelter for the night.</div>
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The GPS shows all constructions on map. But it doesn't say id there are still inhabited our simple ruins. Nor far was one, but it turned out being a collapsed old barn.<br />
The nearest other houses were at 1.5km, so I decided to take my chance there. As it was by the banks of river Viesite, I thought that it could be a farm. </div>
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I found them a 3 storey house, soviet style, and 2 huge barns. The property seemed to be empty, no dog, no smoke, no light.</div>
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I didn't like this place and didn't bother enquiring if someone was there. 100 meters from there, I saw smoke coming out of trees. There must be living people.</div>
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I took the path that leading me to a big barn. On the left was an empty house, but as I was getting round the barn, appeared two dogs, of which a huge one, closely followed by a woman and a young boy.</div>
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They were very surprised to see someone like me, there in the dark.</div>
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The lady told me later that she had an apparition when seeing me: here come Jesus Christ!</div>
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Well, imagine me, with long hairs and beard, a front lamp making an halo over my head, that might looks like an apparition.</div>
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But this night, it was them to make miracles.</div>
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The lady's name was Vesma, her grandson Lukas.<br />
She lives her with her husband Antons. They breed organic rabbits.</div>
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The farm is ideally located, the place is called Jaunpates. It is surrounded by trees and has a lake few steps away. They suggested me that I should come back here during summer. I wont forget the proposition.</div>
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When I explained to Vesma what I was doing here, she spontaneously took me by the arm and brought me in. They were very welcomed. </div>
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They were concern about my safety in those wood, for it is a place where wolves lives. Unfortunately, I didn't see any. But I noticed foot prints. Wolf make a specific foot print that differs from dog. They are thinner and longer and the claws are all directed ahead. Of course, I'm not a specialist, but badger, deer and wild boar foot prints all around made me think it was a wolf hunting pray</div>
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Once more, they served me home made product. I had a shower and good rest.</div>
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In the morning i made a tour of the farm, took some photos of lovely little baby rabbits and it was time to leave. I would have liked to spend more time with those gentle people, but they had things to do and me, still a long way to walk</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05094574197869086980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4508039835190943825.post-33887741989460573212014-02-23T20:55:00.001+02:002014-03-03T14:02:27.704+02:00Barbele to Viesite<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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From the tiny village of Barbele, I made my way to Viesite on a muddy path that was leading me to the forest. The GPS never tells you what the road will look like. As it was raining with a temperature of 2 degrees I was expecting to go on mud and puddles... all day long.<br />
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I was going for some 25km to stop for the night in a small place called Krasti. It is located on the bank of river Memele, which is the border line between Latvia and Lithuania.<br />
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The trip was easy despite all the mud, and even very pleasant because of the scenery. It was partly in forest or prairies. Regularly, I had to cross lovely little hamlets. Again, numerous splendid wooden houses made me stop for a photo.<br />
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Climbing over the little hill that was leading to a remote place called Staci, I found a woman working at her daily tasks.</div>
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I introduced myself and she recognized me from the Bauska's news paper which made an article about me.<br />
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She asked me to sit on a bench that was along the wall, went inside her home and came back few minutes later with a full plastic bag of apples and a big dried sausage! <br />
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At first, I was concerned about the weight of this unexpected goods, but it was impossible to refuse such gift. Believe me, even days after I remember the taste of the home made sausage, and the sweetness of those apples which were a blessing when having a break.<br />
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Soon after this place, I entered the forest and was attacked by three wild dogs.<br />
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I was warned by people about those many wild dogs roving the country.<br />
<br />
In fact, it this was the second attack I had to deal with. The first was on the way to Elija.<br />
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As I was passing a farm, a big white dog swooped down on me. It was totally enraged and made all possible moves to bite me.<br />
I had many dogs, big ones, and I know how to deal with them.<br />
<br />
The most important is to show confidence. If you are scared, the dog will feel it. Never turn your back and always stare at it. Keep calm, and show some aggressiveness too.<br />
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But this dog was not about to let it go that easily. So, as the best defense is attack, I let it come to me and at the right moment I stroke him in the mouth with my heavy mountain shoes. It didn't ask for more and flew away.<br />
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With 3 dogs, it's another business. They attack you from all sides. The key is to spot the leader. As in any pack, there is a dominant. <br />
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I quickly grabbed a branch on the floor and used it to keep them away. I was always keeping eyes contact with the dominant and walked backward turning on myself to have them all on sight. I is how I managed to go away without injuries.</div>
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I arrived in Krasti in darkness. There, was a lady, Annija, loading her car by her house. I went to see her. She was speaking a little bit English, so she called her 17 years old daughter Anna, who was speaking a better English.<br />
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I asked her for a place where I could sleep. She called her husband. He had heard about me on radio, and proposed me to stay in a house he has, where is brother Aivars lives.<br />
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They offered me some drinks and snacks, and we had a little talk. <br />
Annija is teaching Russian and Anna dreams of going to live in California. I wish her to realise her dream.</div>
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Annija proposed to drive me there because of my impressive big bag. In fact, it was just 70 meters away.<br />
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Aivars is unemployed, has many men in Latvia. He lives here in quite modest conditions.</div>
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He is in the forties, very gentle and has a beautiful smile. We drank tea, talked a bit, looked at my maps to see where I've been and going.<br />
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Aivars was listening the radio, mainly Latvian song. It was delightful. Latvian language is very beautiful when singing. I really enjoyed it and wish I had knew who those singers were.<br />
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We were already sleeping when around midnight, a man walked into the house. The man was obviously drunk. It was a friend of Aivars, who has, as it seemed, its habits there.<br />
I guess he was as surprised as me to see me there.<br />
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For some 2 hours, he questioned me about my trip, but couldn't believe I was doing it and for what reason.<br />
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After he suddenly felt asleep on the table, Aivars had him to leave. But in the very morning, he appeared again with bread and sausages.<br />
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Once more, he tried to understand why I was doing this.<br />
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After breakfast, I left them. They were both standing on the front door landing, watching me walking my way, wrapped in my rain clothes.<br />
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From there, I walked 5 kilometres on a sandy and muddy road. At the end of that road I entered the forest for what was to be a very hard day.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05094574197869086980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4508039835190943825.post-1927919738440767752014-02-21T21:30:00.001+02:002014-02-21T21:40:12.636+02:00Barbele<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Right after Vecsaule, a wide sandy ribbon goes through a majestic forest. This is the main road to Barbele. <br />
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Latvian territory is covered at 55% by forest. Half of it is state owned and the other half is private.<br />
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The dominant trees in the forests are coniferous, pine and spruce. The rest of the territory is covered by deciduous stands, mostly of birch, aspen and common alder. There are small stands of hardwood trees (oaks, ashes) and grey alder.<br />
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As I was seating on a bench at a bus stop taking care of my blisters, a car stopped and a young woman asked me if I would fancy a cup of hot tea. It was pretty chill and as I never refuse anything to people who show kindness, I said yes.<br />
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Within five minutes driving we arrived at what seemed to be a farmland. There were some houses, barns and surprisingly a church made of red bricks.<br />
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My kind hosts were Kalvis, his wife Lelde, little Kalle and two dogs. They live in a beautiful yellow house they are refurbishing.</div>
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We had herbal tea made from the garden's harvest, honey from the farm next door. Later Lelde cooked some tasty rice with vegetables.</div>
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Kalvis is musician at the National Opera. But at present he is enjoying parental leave to look after little Kalle. Lelde is a teacher and her hobby is pottery. She makes at home all kind of kitchen utensils with her own design. You can visit her page here <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ozolziles">https://www.facebook.com/ozolziles</a></div>
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As time always passes quickly in good company, evening came and they offered me to stay there overnight.</div>
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I had a very pleasant time talking with them. Lelde is fluent in English and Kalvis has a good knowledge too. </div>
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This young couple is willing to build for themselves and family a high quality life by choosing to live in country side, growing organic food and living at their pace.</div>
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In the morning, going my way in a very good mood, I was totally unaware of the rather peculiar two days I was about to face.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05094574197869086980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4508039835190943825.post-11872030016202291532014-02-20T11:05:00.001+02:002014-02-21T12:06:48.998+02:00Bauska to Barbele<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Breakfast eaten, I made my way to Barbele. I was still walking on the road when the GPS indicated some kind of shortcut. <br />
Few meters saved always seems good to take. It was leading to a sand path, which I took. But after less than two kilometers it turned out being ice. As I had not my crampons with me anymore I made my way very slowly. <br />
Then mud replaced the ice. Each step was harder than the previous. I couldn't continue this way, I ought to get back on the asphalted road. <br />
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The shortest way was to cross a field for about 600 meters. The field was like a sponge. For each step, my shoes were sucked up some 15cm in the ground. I some point I felt I could stay stuck their.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4KbtRUr-uH1eSeklqMwVq_9-MCBNoekWoefiuUVaFzMJjJcdg9gTxs2Lg91n23WdMhvHFlB_KVFewtF-8QZKoVKopvcBPSM9dm3NjJEdWpkwbME4iSJV7uYGc-y3686xw3Ec7ajslAQI/s1600/DSC_0316%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4KbtRUr-uH1eSeklqMwVq_9-MCBNoekWoefiuUVaFzMJjJcdg9gTxs2Lg91n23WdMhvHFlB_KVFewtF-8QZKoVKopvcBPSM9dm3NjJEdWpkwbME4iSJV7uYGc-y3686xw3Ec7ajslAQI/s1600/DSC_0316%5B1%5D.JPG" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
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Pulling my shoes out of mud was made even more difficult by the weight of the accumulated mud around the shoes. What a release when I finally reach the asphalt, and what a waste of energy and time. <br />
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Unfortunately, in the process blisters had formed on my heels, and today I still suffer from them despite great care to cure them.<br />
As always, and as a lesson, the shortest way is not always the fastest. But it seems that we always reproduce the same mistakes. <br />
"Experience is the name men give to their mistakes".</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05094574197869086980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4508039835190943825.post-61443072952554411092014-02-18T07:22:00.002+02:002014-02-21T12:10:43.234+02:00to be continued<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Few kilometers after Eleja, I was warmly welcomed at Maris' place. Maris runs with his wife a small factory that produced all kind of wood utensils for cooking, as well as chairs, tables... and anything you need for sauna, from buckets, bath thumb to a complete sauna.<br />
There work some 10 employees, all hand crafted people.<br />
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Again, no need to tell you how kind were those people. I spent few hours talking with Maris' wife, had home made tasty food and after a shower a good sleep.<br />
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On my way to Bauska, I had the pleasure to meet Samanta and her grandma.<br />
Samanta is a 14 years old girl, found of piano, who already speaks a good english. She walked me the the most famous castle in Latvia, the Versailles of Latvia, Rundale.<br />
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<br />
I spent not much time in the castle, no time to afford a complete visit, a good reason to come back.<br />
Arrived in Bauska, I went to local supermarket to get some stuff.<br />
<br />
Bauska has a medieval castle, the type of fortified walls with towers. Again, no time to visit it.<br />
I walk some 8 km more and came the time to find a resting place. I found what was looking like a little village. In fact it was a "summer village". Plenty empty cottages where people only come on vacations. But I saw an house with smoke come out of the chimney. There was definitely someone living there.<br />
Indeed, a couple of retired people. I knock at the door and a little woman came from the side of the house with a beautiful smile on her face. Her name was Stacija.<br />
As most of people here she was speaking Russian. And as most people too, she was amazed about my trip, and the size of my bag. It is indeed very big and heavy.<br />
She lives here with her husband, a very nice man. As my Russian is not yet perfect, he was speaking very slowly and clearly.<br />
Stacija prepared us a soup made of local products, meat, black bread and butter. Nothing taste lime home made food, prepared with your own vegetables.<br />
In there house, a lovely cottage made of big logs, they have a traditional Latvian sauna. When she ask me if I would like a sauna now, you can imagine how happy I was. My muscles were highly demanding it.<br />
Traditional Latvian sauna involves beating your skin with birch tree branches, to stimulate blood flow. Very efficient. After sauna, I felt very sleepy and it didn't take long to fall asleep</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05094574197869086980noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4508039835190943825.post-3056060041398747002014-02-13T22:39:00.000+02:002014-02-13T22:39:01.948+02:00news<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Sorry for not posting anything untill now. I use a tablet for everything. I can have access to internet and even download my photos from the camera, which mean that I can easely post some photos here.</div>
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But I have lost, or perhaps forgotten it somewhere. So, now I only have a smart phone. Calling an electronic device "smart" is a bit over exagerated. Ok, it' no more juste a phone, but in anycases, it only does what it is programed for. "Those who call a spade a spade should be forced to use it".<br />I would rather call it a mini computer with limited abilities, or at present maybe my best traveller friend.</div>
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So, back to my adventures.</div>
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After a cold nigh, I woke up with the walls of tent frozen. The inner tent was sparkling white, due to condensation. It made me feel like those houses you see in Siberia where extremely low temperatures create a layer of ice inside poorly heated houses.</div>
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After I packed my stuff, I get back on the river. As it was cold, a new but thin layer of ice has formed over the thick one, creating a space filled with water here between. Waking was made harder for the thin layer was cracking under my steps and has the ice was too thin, the pulka wouldn'd slide on it but worked as an ice breaker.</div>
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This river was narrower the the Balta river and was not frozen on all its surface. At some point, I had to jump on from drifting big ice blocks to another and then reach hard ice. I felt like a white bear on the ice-floe.<br />I even felt once through the ice, up to the hips, but I was fortunate enough that the pulka stayed on ice.</div>
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Later, the river was fully open due to strong stream. The only passagr was then hanging ice narrow line created by the expansion of water during the freezing process. The only thing was that there were many broken trees kept by the ice, so I had to make my way throigh using my saw and hatchet. It became obvious that I wont be able to continue like this, to tirering and far too dangerous.</div>
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The map was showind a bridge over the river on the road from Balta to Kaleti. I decided that this would be my exiting point from the river.</div>
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Just buy the bridge, I found some cottages and a farm. I thought that the barne would be a great place for the night and went to ask permission to the owner.</div>
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There lives Arvis and his familly, his wife Linda, cute little Gustav and the grandmother.<br />There were sharing a meal with relatives, Anits, Arita, Edgars and Liga.<br />As I would expect it from a 30 ysars old man, Arvis was speaking a perfect english and his wife Linda too.</div>
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i explaned him what I was doing in Latvia and ask for permission to sleep in the barn.<br />Insteed, they ofer me to stay in Gustav room and invited me to eat local farm product and to drink an amazing home made apple juice.</div>
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Talking with Arvis was a pleasure. He is the futur of Latvia. A very hard working man with a desire to succeed here, in his country. It would have been easier for him to go and get better salary or life abroad, in Germany or Ireland, but he believes in the potential of Latvia. But as he said, "to win the lottery you must at least go and buy the ticket". Nothing comes for free, it involves will and hard work.<br />Arvis is breeding meat cows, some 40 heads. I told me that he desperatly need someone to belp him, for he also manage a forest. But he can't find anyone who wants to work hard for less than 300€ per month in such a remote (minimum salary here; while it is 1500€ in France and 1800€ in Luxembourg not far from where I live).</div>
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But all this doesn't anihilate his enthousiam, and I'm sure he will succeed.</div>
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The next day, a big decision has to be taken. No snow and no practicable rivers or roads for pulling the pulka offered me two alternatives: postponed my expedition to another time, or continue on foot.</div>
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Arvis encouraged me to continue on foot, and this is what I am doing now.<br />Nevertheless, it is impossible for me to cross through fields and forest for the most direct lines.<br />It is all muddy, unpracticable. I can only walk on roads which make the trip much longer. Then I'm walking an average of 26/27 km per day. I cant make more because of my much too heavy bag, over 25kg, bag that is not made for hikking.<br />You can imagine that my shouders are suffering and that, at the end of day I am exhausted.<br />Tonight, I am 8 km after Bauska.<br />Walking on asphalted roads is heasy, hard and clean surface. You get a good pace.<br />Of course, it involves more caution due to traffic. However, there is not so much cars. <br />Nevertheless, I have noticed some interesting behaviour amongs categories of drivers.<br />Everybody knows that when walking on road, one must walk on left, facing the traffic. And drivers are supposed to notice you and make a swerve, a gap between you and their cars.<br />So, This as if course no scientific bacground, it is just my observation.<br />All women make a swerve. Men with women on board make a swerve.<br />Men alone don't do it often, and men with men on board never do (espacially if in big German 4X4)😊<br />You can make up your own conclusion.<br />Important: all lorry drivers are very cautious and I greatly thank them for that.</div>
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So far, I have only walked through "field landscape", huge crops fields, no forest, sometimes looking like Mongolian steppe The Zemgale region is mainly agricultural. The next, Latgale, will be the wildest part.</div>
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If landscape was a bit always similar, I made great encounter with "humans", highly hospitable people, who all take care of me as a member of their family.</div>
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I'll tell more later. Bear in mind that I can't write easely everyday.</div>
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See you, and thanks for following me😊</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05094574197869086980noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4508039835190943825.post-18699380631666951182014-02-11T13:51:00.000+02:002014-02-11T13:58:33.528+02:00Plan B<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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As there is no way I can continue with the pulka, I have decided to pursue on foot. I have selected the most necessary things and made up one bag that I will carry on my back. I gave up the tent (5kg), and one camera with the 500mm tele-zoom (6kg) plus many other items and clothes.</div>
I regret to have to give up the tele-zoom for I wont be able to take animals photographies, but weight matters now. I estimate my bag being around 20kg, still.<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I was very fortunate to meet Arvis, a young farmer in Maskale, few km before Kaleti. He agreed to keep my stuff.</div>
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I will tell you more about this man and how he greatly helped me.</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05094574197869086980noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4508039835190943825.post-50211479483585668682014-02-10T20:38:00.001+02:002014-02-10T21:16:34.417+02:00first 2 days <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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As I said, I went to see those fishermen on the canal, it was completely frozen, more than 40cm. The fact is that the previous weeks before my departure it was -20°C, and they had 30cm of snow.
I could speak few words in Russian with them, and I was surprised to see that most fishermen and women were from Lithuania. </div>
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Some of them even stay on the river overnight. It is like a pilgrimage for them. Fish is always bigger in your neighbour's pond:-)<br />
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Back to the hotel, I had an interview with a journalist from a local news paper. In the morning of my departure I met with other journalist from TV Kurzeme. They wanted to make a small reportage on me and they drove me near Bernati and we walked into the forest to the sea for filming and interview. Once the interview finished, it was time for me to start my trip.<br />
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I first walked on the icy beach to what the GPS said to be the eastern point of
Latvia. I guess that this is approximate, but anyway, it was from there I would start.
I carry with me some 40kg of equipments and 2 cameras + lenses. All this pulled on a "pulka".<br />
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Pulling on ice is very easy, you hardly feel the weight, it is the best way to travel on snow and you can carry more load than in a back bag.
Leaving the shore I head into the forest.</div>
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There, there was enough snow and it comes to my mind that this trip will be as expected.
But things shortly turned to what I was fearing most. The more I was walking through fields,the less snow on ground to a point that I had to pull on freshly ploughed ground. <span id="goog_1892410077"></span><br />
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It became obvious that all the snow melted due to high temperatures this week. After 10 km I was simply pulling on sand or tarmac.<br />
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<span id="goog_1892410076"></span><br />
<br />
That was exhausting.
Just after Nica, I decided to stop for the night. It was already getting dark so I went to a farm and ask if I could mount my tent on their garden, a flat ground is always bringing you some comfort. They kindly agree and offered me coffee.
During the night strong wind started to blow with light rain shower. The wind was very strong and I wondered if the tent would bare it. It did.<br />
<br />
In the morning, I had to decide what to do. There were no ways I could pull the sledge on road without snow. To damaging for the pulka and to tiring for me.
Looking at the map, I saw that the Bartuva river was flowing near.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZb6osKmmowqKFqlsTldQNHf8mDcnT2bsj82YEoYwyTbrpjNi8I7VofW3Fiuvzgu05F36JXaLqCtO8I3Fy1mvA6hkHe6x-vtuQSxKVkc_SOJnpPA4kEo_qIjHxQIlGhdoUAmX9zKxmM2Q/s1600/DSC_0123_20140210210939764-842766660.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZb6osKmmowqKFqlsTldQNHf8mDcnT2bsj82YEoYwyTbrpjNi8I7VofW3Fiuvzgu05F36JXaLqCtO8I3Fy1mvA6hkHe6x-vtuQSxKVkc_SOJnpPA4kEo_qIjHxQIlGhdoUAmX9zKxmM2Q/s1600/DSC_0123_20140210210939764-842766660.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDGgFYrMGnt86QNpO3ITryLh4qGJFl4mHLzwulO-WXvRfkGhkgr-QLWtRQjAaNe8Kx20x36emRB3YHaYMabWmd8gqArT3VeE8hOsj7JHQEcQmn5hCLM2kzFirUuiceNtiz-6o0OBbkEsI/s1600/DSC_0120_20140210210909187135820018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDGgFYrMGnt86QNpO3ITryLh4qGJFl4mHLzwulO-WXvRfkGhkgr-QLWtRQjAaNe8Kx20x36emRB3YHaYMabWmd8gqArT3VeE8hOsj7JHQEcQmn5hCLM2kzFirUuiceNtiz-6o0OBbkEsI/s1600/DSC_0120_20140210210909187135820018.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Remembering those fishermen on ice on that very river, I hoped I could practice it.
I have never did this before, and was well aware of the danger involved. But I had to make a move, my expedition couldn't turn short that quickly.<br />
<br />
The river was indeed deeply frozen on most of its surface. At beginning I walked with great care, testing the ice, like walking on eggs. But I quickly get more confidence and was walking at a very good pace, always reading the ice for thinner part. For even with a thick 20 cm of ice, some part were totally open showing the mighty river flowing underneath. You don't want to fall there, the current would snatch you down under the ice.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfCS48JcctQnN8xxT7TgrPwh4bxMZpYGVlNpKgFS-ulzevWnHHvGpjKil_k_68Rg44RskByT4aP65NBbnbyJ55gKeLJvvum33l4fxsreBmdrhR5A9WJ4nOm4VRyhI_NuLiXEqctttZxVw/s1600/DSC_0157_20140210211100950-826468938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfCS48JcctQnN8xxT7TgrPwh4bxMZpYGVlNpKgFS-ulzevWnHHvGpjKil_k_68Rg44RskByT4aP65NBbnbyJ55gKeLJvvum33l4fxsreBmdrhR5A9WJ4nOm4VRyhI_NuLiXEqctttZxVw/s1600/DSC_0157_20140210211100950-826468938.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Of course, following a river make the way longer than cutting straight through fields and forest. I was hoping to go to Kaleti. Unfortunately, river Bartava goes south to near Lithuania. The map showed a smaller river going north north-east, few kilometers after the village of Barta and going to a place called Krute. There is a bridge for the road going to Kaleti.
I took that river.<br />
<br />
The more I was going, the narrower the river became. As night was about to fall, I looked for the best place to set up my tent on the bank. I made a fire, dried my glooves, put some sausages to cook and went to sleep.
Walking on the river gave me a good taste of the wild.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUSIyXkHEbnZ1PIFPeXK8VEbNBrscY7IZY-l7xc22KwoxnPQiJa00ZmeXS3BE5UeJ6NyJouezrJfXaerk70dYH-C4I6tRgktgZdFmV2x5JIEeX__-SWVPCfcRdyUBdGyp1IhmzB5M6Qkk/s1600/DSC_0135_201402102110064231376732394.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUSIyXkHEbnZ1PIFPeXK8VEbNBrscY7IZY-l7xc22KwoxnPQiJa00ZmeXS3BE5UeJ6NyJouezrJfXaerk70dYH-C4I6tRgktgZdFmV2x5JIEeX__-SWVPCfcRdyUBdGyp1IhmzB5M6Qkk/s1600/DSC_0135_201402102110064231376732394.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
It was very beautiful to see how ice is wrapping any stones or trees with a crystal jewel box. As water is expending when freezing, huge ice blocks were hanging far above the river/ice level along the river banks. There one could see how thick is the ice, and also how pure is the water inside with its bluish reflection.
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf07GtRRQOcvxYYjn3m3ReqvSJJzDacIchr_mBST_z8q5S_eXgLM2ccAgfjX6ISbnePARTPN0QWpF1hV60Q0FQ1wEBcuod4_LkyCshXjU_Ce6xw-1KF1FZQJAlHYdCEhQECV93e90FZkY/s1600/DSC_0153_20140210211206110-35116957.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf07GtRRQOcvxYYjn3m3ReqvSJJzDacIchr_mBST_z8q5S_eXgLM2ccAgfjX6ISbnePARTPN0QWpF1hV60Q0FQ1wEBcuod4_LkyCshXjU_Ce6xw-1KF1FZQJAlHYdCEhQECV93e90FZkY/s1600/DSC_0153_20140210211206110-35116957.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05094574197869086980noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4508039835190943825.post-85736765284384030752014-02-10T11:53:00.000+02:002014-02-10T11:53:03.091+02:00NO SNOW!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Leaving from the sea shore was very promising. The beach is simply covered by a thick layer of ice. <br />
I started to walk into the forest and there was snow. I really thought that my trip was to be as expected.<br />
Out of forest, I headed into a field. Snow layer was already thinner, and it turned at that all snow had melted. I've been told that last week were 30cm there. Now, it's wet grass and mud.<br />
I had to walk some 30 km on icy river, that was dangerous, and I felt once in water. Now the river goes to Lithuania, I have to leave it.<br />
I have to take an hard decision. Shall I cancel my trip? I need snow to pull the pulka and my 40 kg equipment. What to do.<br />
<br />
I will see today for alternative way. Keep you inform.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05094574197869086980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4508039835190943825.post-53699233143606005412014-02-06T16:16:00.001+02:002014-02-06T16:16:42.492+02:00Snow<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Fortunatly, there is enough snow for my expedition. If temperatures stay around zero or under, everything will be perfect.<br />
<br />
Flying over the country yesterday gave me a good spot on snow condition. The whole country is covered by snow, not as usual for this period, but far enough for me.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGjcZj0almzUl8O6p1N9kGYh_5gA3w9YAJjHKqLMnAwdzGum253etNYsCA4z7GoqwSJOrpbjZLNU9LXXRQLaF8xZfSRQy3K7r9t-y7kwWw_rSFEB8sgA47MTImvmufgOd5gWfwK1ROglc/s1600/DSC_0004_20140206075634300-716669219.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGjcZj0almzUl8O6p1N9kGYh_5gA3w9YAJjHKqLMnAwdzGum253etNYsCA4z7GoqwSJOrpbjZLNU9LXXRQLaF8xZfSRQy3K7r9t-y7kwWw_rSFEB8sgA47MTImvmufgOd5gWfwK1ROglc/s1600/DSC_0004_20140206075634300-716669219.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0GtK7pYTCZkH5bb09jtfMIGY7ZAO9SUZsvsYaaP1aFFQunfSvwtwo7gognmp0tkEgSFXWsDl6e51BfzeU-Diwd4x-Hau6-exqCEXZSZ2174wU9tccjmtB80dgQxjS5ghEiYZSgVJBSdM/s1600/DSC_0014_201402060755344291645697696.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0GtK7pYTCZkH5bb09jtfMIGY7ZAO9SUZsvsYaaP1aFFQunfSvwtwo7gognmp0tkEgSFXWsDl6e51BfzeU-Diwd4x-Hau6-exqCEXZSZ2174wU9tccjmtB80dgQxjS5ghEiYZSgVJBSdM/s1600/DSC_0014_201402060755344291645697696.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05094574197869086980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4508039835190943825.post-79641358519487721242014-02-06T16:05:00.000+02:002014-02-06T16:05:28.415+02:00Liepaja<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I am now in Liepaja. The bus trip was fine, sunny day, beautiful country side to watch. Arrived in Liepaja, I met Linda at the tram station. She works here as translator, so we exchanged few words in French and she helped me with directions. Thank you Linda.<br />
<br />
Now I'm watching TV, freestyle snowboard!!! For those who don't know it yet, snowboard is my religion:-) I though that I would miss all the Olympics Games in Sochi, especially snowboard, but lucky me, it's today! What a great thing I postponed my departure to tomorrow, there must be a god for snowboarders. If there are any "riders" reading me, they'll understand :-)<br />
<br />
Later, I will go for a walk in the city. I saw people fishing on the icy canal, I will ask for some good fishing tips.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05094574197869086980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4508039835190943825.post-85610405542805946452014-02-06T11:56:00.000+02:002014-02-06T12:22:12.582+02:00Riga es tevi milu<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Here I am, in Riga. I arrived yesterday, welcomed by a beautiful sunny day. <br />
Once more, my first impression was "I feel like home"! I know this city very well, I spent so much time here already and everytime I come here it's like meeting with your latest dearest lover.<br />
I left my hotel this morning to take a coach to Liepaja. As I was heading to the bus stop, pulling my pulka on Riga's frozen pavment along the road, I felt like an alien.<br />
At some point I had to cross the road, so I engaged on the zebra-crossing and cars spontaneously stopped to let me go.<br />
I was surprised, for I remember a time were Latvian drivers were "kings of the road" and had no consideration for pedestrians. But things are changing. <br />
I also feel that the country is changing, and changing for the better. People are more friendly , everwhere, and so helpful! <br />
Like yesterday for example, a took a city bus and asked the driver if the bus was stopping at some stop. The man, close to 60 I guess, made all efforts to speak in english to me, such nice man. I remember a time when you had to buy tickets to ladies in buses or tramways (20 cents Lat!!); those old ladies were not talking to you, they even had no face expression, acting like machines.<br />
And Vladimir, whom I meet while waiting at the bus stop, who helped me to load my bags into the bus and even took me to the main bus station.<br />
And what to say about all of you who said that on my way I can call at their place to share a cup of tea!<br />
Damn, how long it will take me to cross the country if I stop at all those places!<br />
<br />
<br />
Many thanks to all of you, it's good to feel human warmth.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05094574197869086980noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4508039835190943825.post-16637026764367875682014-02-04T14:43:00.001+02:002014-02-04T14:46:45.528+02:00Departure date change!!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I have now decided to start on the 7th of February, and not on 6 as previously announced. This is mainly due to organisation matters.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I will stay in Riga on 5th at the Wellton Elephant Hotel, will go to Liepaja on 6 morning and will stay overnight at the Liva Hotel.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Early morning on the 7th I will reach the departure point and start my trip.</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05094574197869086980noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4508039835190943825.post-28301856949243826872014-02-04T14:27:00.003+02:002014-02-04T14:27:39.853+02:00Theoretical Route Plan<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
starting point: 56°21'14.15"N; 20°58'16.34"E<br />
<br />
day 1: sea shore to Reiņugals (11 km)<br />
<br />
day 2: Reiņugals to Kalēti (26 km) [37 km]<br />
<br />
day 3: Kalēti toVaiņode (27 km) [64] <br />
<br />
day 4: Vaiņode to Nīgrande (20 km) [84 km]<br />
<br />
day 5: Nīgrande to Bruzilas (26 km) [110 km]<br />
<br />
day 6: Bruzilas to Auce (26 km) [136 km]<br />
<br />
day 7: Auce to Medne (22 km) [158 km]<br />
<br />
day 8: Medne to Ziedkalne (23km) [181 km]<br />
<br />
day 9: Ziedkalne to Bērvircava (20 km) [201 km]<br />
<br />
day 10: Bērvircava to Rundāles (20 km) [241 km]<br />
<br />
day 11: Rundāles to Bauska (12 km) [233km]<br />
<br />
day 12: Bauska to Ozolaine (18 km) [251 km]<br />
<br />
day 13: Ozolaine to Krieviņi (23 km) [274 km]<br />
<br />
day 14: Krieviņi to Lāči (26 km) [300 km]<br />
<br />
day 15: Lāči to Varnava (24 km) [324 km]<br />
<br />
day 16: Varnava to Vagulāni (24 km) [348]<br />
<br />
day 17: Vagulāni to Livani (19 km) [367 km]<br />
<br />
day 18: Livali to Sutri (25 km) [392 km]<br />
<br />
day 19: Sutri to Preiļi (13 km) [405 km]<br />
<br />
day 20: Preiļi to Feimaņi (22 km) [427 km]<br />
<br />
day 21: Feimaņi to Lipuški (24 km) [451 km]<br />
<br />
day 22: Lipuški to Rundēni (25 km) [476 km]<br />
<br />
day 23: Rundēni to Pasiene (24 km) [500]<br />
<br />
day 24: Pasiene to arrival (7 km) [<b>507</b>]<br />
<br />
arrival point: 56°16'36.80"N; 28°14'28.96"E<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 15px;"></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05094574197869086980noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4508039835190943825.post-30548163714483521262014-02-04T12:31:00.000+02:002014-02-04T12:47:05.389+02:00Departure<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Tomorrow I will fly to Riga, then go to Liepaja city. I will sleep there overnight and in the morning will head to the starting point.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It was continuously snowing for the last two days, but unfortunately not significantly enough. Nevertheless, this should allow me to pull the pulka.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Temperatures are rising too, and according to forecast they should go over zero next week, close to 3°C. The consequence of this being that any precipitations might turn to rain instead of snow; it will all depends on low pressure and the movement of cold air mass coming from north.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A monthly forecast for February is showing lower temperatures until March, reaching not less than -10°C and few days of snow falls.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Thing are not as expected, since usually Latvia is covered by snow at this period, with very low temperatures. It is normal to see people fishing on lakes by making holes in thick ice layer.<br />
<br />
I was relying on those very low temperatures to be able to cross rivers on ice. Now I have to re-examine the route I planned so to find bridges. <br />
<br />
This years seems to have no winter. Over average temperatures are showing everywhere in Europe, leading to floods in many countries. Ski resorts in some area are dramatically missing snow or simply did not open at all.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Does global warming anything to do with this? Let's wait and see to what conclusions our experts will come.<br />
<br />
As for me, it won't stop me! </div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05094574197869086980noreply@blogger.com0