A Visit to Vidusskola 34 and the seaside at Jurmala

I enjoyed another intense day in Riga, Latvia! I arrived at the Vidusskola 34 secondary school for a full schedule of activities and events; Marina ensured I was treated to a welcoming environment.

I met with three classes and discussed the Civic Voices International Democracy Memory Bank Project with students who were very interested to learn that their opinions would be added to the Student Survey results (everyone wants another person to listen to one's opinion, no?).

As I was leading one session, we had an impromptu meeting with the Riga City Mayor and Vice Mayor who were at the school to discuss proposed renovations and improviements. Photo opportunity with the Riga City leaders, Mayor Nils Ušakovs and Vice Mayor Andris Ameriks!

After a delicious lunch, I was treated to a lovely concert by students who sang and performed with great enthusiasm; who wouldn't want to be serenaded with "Pretty Woman" by a choir of young men!








After an interesting meeting with the members of the school's active student parliament, I conducted a training session with teachers to share the Civic Voices Project and to invite them to consider having their students participate.



Marina and Natasha drove me out to Jurmala to enjoy an afternoon at the seaside of the Gulf of Riga.


It was windy and cold, but the bright sunshine illuminated and enhanced the wonderful scene of gulls, waves and sand dunes.

We took in more of Latvia's coffee culture at a Jurmala cafe and tried Balzams for the first time!

It tastes like medicine and it is touted to have healthful properties!

What a wonderful day to add to this collection of fabulous days here in Latvia...

Check out the videos of the Choir and performances at the following links:
Latvian Folk Song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRRS0r6u5zQ
Spiritual: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CiLIlvv3vpg
Russian Folk Tale "Gingerbread Man": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZ7Lh-9UiOA
Russian Poem: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZfjBmRGNSE
"Pretty Woman": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_ipbzDdJr8
French Chanson: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATyHHI5zrPo