An Englishman in Latvia

In this episode, I explore how Latvians celebrate New Year's Eve. I tell stories connected to New Year's Eve from present-day Latvia, the Latvia I worked in as a diplomat in the 1990s, and also stories from living in Moscow in the 1980s. We look at fireworks, drink and food. Also some traditions from the 18th and 20th Centuries. And, of course, how Latvians will celebrate this New Year's Eve 2022/23.

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Over its history, the territory of present-day Latvia has been occupied or settled on by people from many foreign countries. This podcast tells the story of these past invaders and the castles, and other monuments, that they built. I visit the Occupation Museum in Riga. I tell the story of the Minox spy camera. I tell the tales of two castles, including a ghostly visitor and the possible Latvian origins of the Crocodile Dundee film.

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It is December, minus 10 degrees Celsius in Riga and snow lies on the ground. Christmas is coming! In this episode I visit the Christmas market in Riga. I explore Latvian Christmas traditions, like the nine things you need to eat on Christmas Eve, how trees are decorated, and the ceremony around giving presents.

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In this episode, I reflect on what it was like to live and work in Latvia as a diplomat in the 1990s. I look at some of the issues on regaining independence. The changes that were happening in shopping habits, in the restaurant scene, in culture and popular music. In sports, in the economy and in crime. I also share experiences of being a diplomat visiting a condensed milk processing factory to attending the inauguration of Latvia's first female President. Telling a few stories along the way from the 1990s.

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