New Year, new day, new beginning – for a real AEGEEan there can be no better way how to start it, as taking part in a Winter University (WU). This New Year in Riga was specially spicy because 30 amazing participants from nine countries (Finland, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Russia, Slovakia, Spain and Ukraine) took part in WU Sp(ICE) Matters: White Winter. They came for Black Balsam to mark the start of 2014 and discover the beauty of Latvia.
Even if the weather played some tricks on us and Riga was far from a white winter wonderland, it did not stop us from enjoying some typical seasons’ activities like ice-skating and diving into an ice-cold pond after a hot sauna. We even drove dog sledges in a misty forest and rang in the New Year watching the spectacular fireworks in the heart of Riga.
AEGEE-Las Palmas member Kamal Vasnani admitted that this event was very special because he managed to try lot of activities he had never done before, but especially thrilling for him was balancing on ice. “I was happy to overcome my fear of skating, and I think I made quite good progress. I even managed to do it on my own at some points, although most of the times I had the help of other people.”
Alina from AEGEE-Sankt-Peterburg stressed the festive, joyful vibe of Riga, but she relished also the time spent in nature. “If I have to name one activity I liked the most, I think it was the sauna, because it was so cool to be in the sauna and then jump into the lake and afterwards get warm in jacuzzi,” said Alina. “I think most of all I enjoyed the time that we spent in the guest house, I like all this nature stuff. And conditions were the best from all the places I’ve been with AEGEE.”
We made sure that everyone who took part in this WU will know how to survive in the wild and also wink wisely every time someone doesn’t know what to do with the traditional Riga Black Balsam – Latvias’ most characteristic drink (by the way – Mohito à la Latvian is a great idea). We learnt Latvian Christmas’ and New Years’ traditions and even performed a folk custom called “mumming”. What does that mean? We made traditional Latvian masks (horses, wolfs, haystacks and, yes, even death) in which mummers usually travel from house to house bringing a blessing to every place they visit.
“This WU roused a lot of positive emotions,” said AEGEE-Rīga president Lelde Pētersone. “I was able to laugh with joy and test my strength. I truly appreciated the participants’ willingness to plunge into all the adventures together with us.”
Those days starting from 27th December till 2nd January were full of amazing adventures and discoveries. We – the organizers – want to thank all the participants for making this event so special. And remember: Riga will always welcome you back!
AEGEE-Rīga wants so say a special thanks to the Fazer Bakery!
Written by Signe Apsite, AEGEE-Riga