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Insight for Outsiders - Latvia

Stephanie Kwoll - Omega Contributor

Name: Irina Labeja

Age: 20

Hometown: Riga, Latvia

Field of study: Tourism Management

Three things you need to know about Latvia:

1. Latvia is a small country with 22.3 million inhabitants and only about half of them are of Latvian nationality. 2. It is famous for its amber and sandy beaches. 3. “New Wave”, a very popular singing contest, is held in the small seaside town of Jurmala

A must see in Latvia is: The old town of Riga is famous for its renaissance style and the Gaya National Park.

The biggest difference between Canada and Latvia is: The size of the country! You can fit the country about 155 times into Canada!

In Latvia, never ever: Step or sit on the grass in the parks because you will get a penalty of up to $40.

A wrong stereotype about Latvians is: That Latvia is part of Russia and that therefore, we speak the same language!

Latvians love: Their Baltic Sea!

Latvians hate: To be mixed up with Lithuanians. We are neighbours but not the same country!

What I like most about Latvia is: The unique Latvian fashion style. It includes a lot of accessories, colours and creativity.

What I dislike most about Latvia is: That it rains a lot. I hate when it is grey.

Here in Canada I miss most: The nightclubs being open until 5 or 6 a.m. We start partying when you go to bed here.

Latvian cooking for beginners Auzu pārslu desserts (oatmeal dessert)

Ingredients:

-Sugar -Oatmeal -Apples -Frozen strawberries -Whipped cream

Instructions:

Mix oatmeal and sugar and toast it on a rack in the oven until golden brown and crispy. Peel and grate apples. Blend frozen strawberries with a mixer. Put all three in layers into a glass bowl. Decorate with whipped cream.