Journal.

Notes on Latvia, Latvians and the unwritten rules. A new one every week.

  • Paldies

    It means “thank you”, it sounds like pahl-DEE-es, and it can open more doors than you’d think.

  • ,

    Getting to know Latvians: start with November

    We may not greet you with a huge smile. But we might save you a seat, offer you homemade cake and make sure you’ve eaten before you leave.

  • Labi

    It means good, fine, okay, deal, enough and goodbye. Listen to a Latvian on the phone: the more often you hear labi, the closer the call is to its end.

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