Stany

On my first day, I was completely lost near the ambulances before I finally figured out where I was and got used to the route. I was warmly welcomed by Zane and Endijs. That very first Sunday, I discovered the Latvian forests around the wood cottage, which became my first real encounter with the latvian nature that would leave such a lasting impression on me.

Jelgava is a beautiful city. I truly realized it over the months, especially towards the end of my stay when the weather became much nicer. As I got to know it better, I appreciated everything it had to offer: the wide Lielupe River, its palace the largest in the Baltic States, its long walking avenues, its artificial beach, and the many activities available. I was incredibly lucky to spend eight months in Jelgava. It is a quieter city than Riga, but it has absolutely nothing to be ashamed of in comparison, especially considering how quickly it continues to develop.

I will truly miss the students at BJMK. Their talent and creativity are remarkable. Watching them perform on stage often felt like watching professional musicians.
Back in 2017, I was part of a music group with my friends. Seeing these students today, who were about the same age I was back then, felt like looking at a younger version of myself. Their energy, passion, and enthusiasm left a strong impression on me.

One of the things that surprised me the most in Latvia was its way of life. Compared to the part of Europe where I live, where everything moves at a fast pace and life is often noisy, I discovered a much simpler daily lifestyle. Supermarkets are surprisingly more expensive than in Western Europe, and some products are less accessible. 
However, this naturally encourages people to cook more, consume more simply, and return to what is essential and economical. As someone who believes that simplicity is a true form of wealth, this lifestyle suited me perfectly, and I quickly adapted to it.

I would love to bring this way of life back home with me: appreciating even more simple things, spending more time in nature, and to go for it. In some ways, I admire this Eastern European way of life. I believe every culture has valuable lessons to offer, and Latvia, with its deep connection to nature, has given me perspectives I probably wouldn't have found anywhere else.
I even got used to taking cold showers. My inner Nordic, or perhaps Viking, spirit had awakened! The only thing I regret is not trying an actual ice bath!

I often compare life in Western and Eastern Europe. In the East, a croissant might almost seem like a luxury, while porridge (Auzu putra) is a traditional breakfast. In my country, it's almost the opposite. But in the end, which one is healthier? Which one is cheaper, more natural, and simpler? I believe the Latvian lifestyle has the better answer.

I think this should be a universal lesson, regardless of the society we live in.
Personally, I don't think I could ever hunt an animal, during my stay, I met international friends from the Caucasus, where this is completely normal. They simply come from a different society with different realities.

Today, it is easy to wait for everything to arrive with just one click. Yet behind that convenience lies an incredibly complex system involving technology, transportation, logistics, and communication.
On the other hand, preparing your own food or catching it yourself requires effort. There are very few intermediaries between nature and ourselves.

In the end, our society has made comfort easy, while living simply has become one of the most difficult things to achieve.
Latvian society felt so much closer to what is essential to me.
Its nature is probably what impressed me the most. From my very first days in the forests to the countless walks I took throughout these eight months, it was always present. It is a country where you truly feel that nature is part of everyday life.

I also experienced weather contrasts that I will never forget. On February 2nd, while I was in Jelgava, the Staļģene weather station recorded −31.7°C, the coldest temperature ever measured in Latvia since meteorological records began. Just four months later, during my final days in the country, I experienced 31°C in Rēzekne a remarkable difference of 62.7°C!

During the Ice Sculpture Festival, the temperature was around −26°C. I stayed outside for almost two hours wearing clothes that were far too light for such weather. In Belgium, we simply are not used to these kinds of temperatures, and we can't dress for it!

The funniest part is that after several months in Latvia, when it was 0°C, I found myself walking around in a T-shirt thinking it actually felt warm. I had simply become Latvian i guess. 
Meanwhile, back in Belgium, when it's 0°C, people act as if it's the end of the world.

Although I have always deeply loved my own country, I am now more open than ever to cultures from around the world. This experience enriched me enormously on a social level, especially thanks to the international volunteers I met during the training sessions. Those gatherings, where around thirty volunteers from different countries came together, were unforgettable. Even today, I can still picture those places and the memories that seem forever engraved in their atmosphere. I made wonderful international friends, although I do regret not building stronger friendships with local Latvians outside of work.

This volunteering experience has clearly marked a before and after in my life.

I would like to sincerely thank BJMK for these eight unforgettable months. I still think about the school, its teachers, its students, and everyone who made this period of my life so meaningful.

Belgians have are surrealist people like our art. That's why I can now tell my belgian friends:

"I went to work in a music school in Latvija where there is -32°C, that’s how I end up discovering Turkish culture." Only the international volunteers would understand!