Inese Dūka

Strasbourg - the Christmas capital

It was the first thing that I read about Strasbourg before I came here the first time in April. So all these months I have been pretty much looking forward to this visit. Especially since last month when I saw that the city is being prepared and all the light chains (have no idea what they are called in English...) are hanged on the trees. And I must say that my expectations have not been defeated. Of course, not all of the streets are as nice as I have displayed them here. But the centre of the city was really worth seeing! I totally agree with someone who said that it's worth seeing Europe in Christmas as back in Riga the city is far from tis decorated. A pity actually. Because we would also have the snow factor to our advantage... Well, at least - we had. A week ago. We'll see what will await me tomorrow once I'm back... But for now - let the Christmas feeling come!!

On the move

For the longest time (a bit more than a month) I have been walking around with many things on my mind that I wanted to share with you. But alas... Could never make myself sit down and write them. The last couple of months have flown by. Rarely a day of pure relaxation. All the time on the run. Trying to remember where I am supposed to be at what time and what to do once I'm there. Working in Riga but the flights to Brussels and Strasbourg becoming more and more frequent. Until I called an end to this run. On November 25th I quit the job in Riga. The general idea behind it was to focus on the freelance interpreting for the EU Parliament. But as you know life is what happens to you while you are making other plans... So basically I quit just in time to prepare my move to Brussels. As of January 2nd, 2006 my new home will be Brussels, Belgium. The best part about it is that finally I will be sharing a flat with my best friend Arta. We had been talking about this ever since 1999. So I am really looking forward to that!!

The one thing that I still remember wanting to write about is the presentation of a country in its airport. In early autumn the Minister of Transport and Communications Ainārs Šlesers banned strip-club ads from the Riga airport. There might be many things said about this man but this is a decision that I can only welcome. I did indeed notice the change and the airport became a more pleasant place to return to. Now instead of the strip-club adds there are lawyers' ads. Boring but at least not offensive. Then an unexpected and slightly unlucky turn in my travels showed me the way I'd like the Riga airport to look. At some point in October (or was it November?...) I managed to miss the only direct flight from Riga to Brussels. As I had to work later that day I had to find another alternative. The only other possibility was Riga - Stockholm - Brussels. When I made my way from the plane to the main building of Stockholm Arland airport I noticed that the walls of the corridors were covered with pictures of famous Swedes. I have to admit that I only recognized the Royal family and Bjorn Borg... But nonetheless I have to say that I though that to be a most splendid idea to shape the traveller's view of the country s/he is about to enter. Just wish Mr. Šlesers would share my view...