Europe

1/4 Satori

www.satori.lv/

If literature and philosophy are your passion, then this site will be right down your alley. This portal is aimed at those Latvians who love delving into all manner of philosophies put forward by thinkers throughout the ages. Esoteric literature seems to be thriving in Latvia, filling the spiritual vacuum left after the fall of the Soviet Union. The site is not for the faint-hearted. If you're after a bit of light-hearted reading, then this site will be way too overwhelming. LV (Reviewed April 2005)

3x3

www.3x3.lv

If the term "3x3" is new to you, don't be surpised if after visiting this Web site you suddenly have an intense desire to contact the organizers of one of these camps. Quoting from the site: "3x3 is the name of a series of camps that developed out of the desire of people of Latvian heritage to maintain the Latvian language and culture in their families." The camps are held in the northern and southern hemispheres every summer. "While the attendance of individuals and small family groups is the norm," the Web site continues, "attendance by the three generations of the extended family -- children, parents and grandparents -- is especially welcome." In a nutshell, the camp is meant as a "Latvian identity" booster injection. The week-long camps are held in Latvia, Great Britain, the United States, Australia and Canada. EN LV (Reviewed May 2006)

AB.PHOTO.LATVIA

ab-photo.blogspot.com/

All About Latvia

www.allaboutlatvia.com/

American Chamber of Commerce in Latvia

www.amcham.lv/

Ave Sol!

www.avesol.ge/

Baiba Skride

www.baibaskride.com/

Baltic-American Freedom Foundation

www.balticamericanfreedomfoundation.org

BalticShop

www.balticshop.com

A Connecticut-based online marketplace for Baltic souvenirs such as jewellery, handicrafts, pottery, compact discs, books, bumper stickers and rye bread (only available in the United States) among other things. Secure online credit card ordering available. EN (Reviewed June 1999)

Baltic Council for International Education

www.balticcouncil.org/

Baltic Ireland

baltic-ireland.eu/

Baltic Music Information Centre

www.hyperbia.co.uk/baltic.html

Bristol Baltic Society

www.bristolbalticsociety.org/

Česko-lotyšský klub

www.lotyssko.unas.cz/

Change for Latvia

changeforlatvia.blogspot.com/

Dainu skapis

www.dainuskapis.lv/

Daugavas Vanagi Vācijā

www.daugavasvanagi.de/

Daugavas Vanagu Nams Londonā un Straumēni

www.dvmaja.com/

Those of Latvian descent may well have heard of this bed and breakfast in central London that has been around for years. The Daugavas Vanagu Fonda Nams offers accommodation (boasting more than 120,000 visitors over the years) and has been the center of Latvian cultural activities for the past 50 years. This architectually impressive building is still the venue for Latvian folkdancing, the London Latvian school, a Latvian library and Latvian choir rehearsals. On the Web site, visitors may learn where the center is located, view photos of the place and some of the events that have taken place there, and find out about the cost of accommodation. The site also has information about the rest home Straumēni in Catthorpe, Leicestershire. EN LV (Reviewed July 2003)

Daugava - Latvijai

daugava-latvijai.1w.lv/

Daugaviete

www.daugaviete.lv/

Dekoratīvi lietišķās mākslas muzejs

www.dlmm.lv/

Rīga is a city of fine museums and galleries and the Museum of Decorative Applied Arts is no exception. Located in the heart of the historic Old Town, it is one of many must-see places to view the talents of Latvian artists. The permanent collection exhibits works of professional Latvian textile, glass, metal, leather and wood artists as well as Latvian ceramists. Check the site for the latest on temporary exhibitions. The museum is not only a gallery for the applied arts; it is also the site of the oldest brick structure in Riga and the former Church of St. George (Sv. Jura baznīca). EN LV RU (Reviewed April 2005)

Deutsch-Baltische Gesellschaft e.V.

www.deutsch-balten.de/

Deutsch-lettisches Netzwerk

www.draudziba.de/

DP albums

www.dpalbums.lv/

Finally, one central place on the Web to learn about the years Latvians spent in refugee camps in Germany after World War II. The creators of DP Albums are children of these refugees who realise it is time to broach this subject on the Web before the memories are erased forever with the passing of the older generation. How many of us have old Displaced Persons camp photos in albums and boxes? If our grandparents or parents can still remember many of the people depicted in these photos, then "seize the day" and question them and take notes! Or, better still, ask them if they would agree to have the photos scanned and sent to this Web site so the images can become part of the bigger global archive that will document the DP years, a period that had such a formative effect on the life of Latvians living outside Latvia for the past 50 years. LV (Reviewed September 2004)

Dūdalnieki

www.dudalnieki.co.uk/

Dzintra

www.dzintra.lv/

Eirodziesma 2005

www.eirovizija.lv/

You may well cringe when you hear about the European Song Contest, but whether you like it or not it is still a major event in the music scene. In the Eirodziesma 2005 Latvian finals, which took place in Ventspils in February, none of the competitors sang in their mother tongue. English seemed to be the unanimous choice of all. The Latvian finalists, Valters un Kaža with the Mārtiņš Freimanis song "The War is Not Over," were scheduled to compete May 19-21 against 39 other acts in Kiev, Ukraine. The Eurovision Song Contest celebrates 50 years in 2005. Check out the official Eurovision site for further details. LV (Reviewed in March 2005)

Eiropas Latviešu Apvienība

www.ela-online.eu/

Eiropas latviešu jaunatnes apvienība

elja.org/

Embassy of Latvia in London

www.london.am.gov.lv/

eSports.lv

www.esports.lv/

Latvians are mad sports fans. If it's not ice hockey season, then it's time to root for the Latvian team or player in football (soccer), basketball or motocross. They have a reputation worldwide for having some of the most enthusiastic supporters, so it's no surprise to find a Web site devoted to these sports. eSports.lv, registered to Artūrs Vaskis, is based in Rīga. If you're keen to find out what the Latvians are up to in other sports, or if Latvian sports terminology intrigues you, you're sure to learn a few interesting things on this site. And if you're game, post your comments in the eSports forum. LV (Reviewed June 2006)

ExIm (Latvian Export & Import Directory)

www.exim.lv/

E-skola

www.e-skola.lv/

With the first day of school in the northern hemisphere fresh in everyone's mind, it's worth having a look at a site that deals with education as well as extracurricular activities for schoolchildren. E-skola is meant more for educators, but the information found here is interesting for anyone who wants to learn out about education in Latvia. The site is produced by the Education, Youth and Sports Department of the Rīga Ciy Council. Find out about competitions, festivals and various projects organised for the younger generation, view job vacancies for teaching positions, review courses for teachers, see a list of summer camps, or read articles on dealing with teen substance abuse. All this and much more contributes to a site that deals with issues that are relevant to the shaping of the youth of today. LV (Reviewed September 2005)

Fit FM

fitfm.lv/

Forum Cinemas

www.forumcinemas.lv/

Latvia's first multi-cinema complex opened late in 2003 in Rīga, has the capacity to seat more than 3,000 people and even boasts the largest screen in Northern Europe. Smack bang in the centre of the city, between the Central Railway Station and the Main Bus Terminal, this entertainment behemoth is proof that the archictectural landscape of Rīga is changing at a rapid pace. Although most of the films screened here are Hollywood blockbusters, the cinema's Web site does mention that European and Latvian films also are on the agenda. It's a great site if you're curious to find out what's screening in Rīga. EN LV (Reviewed February 2005)

Fraternitas Arctica

www.arctica.lv/

Fraternitas Imantica

www.imantica.lv/

Fraternitas Lataviensis

lataviensis.lv/

Fraternitas Lettica

www.lettica.org/

Fraternitas Livonica

www.frlivonica.lv/

Fraternitas Metropolitana

www.metropolitana.lv/

Gersicania

www.gersicania.lv/

Gesellschaft Schweiz-Lettland

www.schweiz-lettland.ch/

Ģitāristu forums

www.gitaristiem.lv/

Grupa Cosmos

www.cosmosmusic.lv/

Although their name makes them sound like New Age band at one with the rest of the universe, Cosmos is actually a group of five very talented young Latvian performers who sing a capella. Founded in 2002 by five graduates of the Rīga Dome Choir School, the group claims to be the first a cappella group to hit the Latvian popular music radio charts. Judge for yourself: Do these young vocal performers have what it takes to "cover the whole human voice range from bass to soprano," as claimed on their Web site? The design of the site is ultra-hip but sometimes slightly unnerving as you wait for some sections to organically flow onto the screen. EN LV (Reviewed July 2004)

Gundega

www.gundega.lv/

Haus Annaberg

www.annaberg.de/

Honorakonsulats der Republik Lettland

www.honorarkonsulate-lettland.de/

Honorary Consulate of Latvia in Thessaloniki

latvia.gr/

Imeria

www.imeria.lv/

Interaktīvā psiholoģijas enciklopēdija

www.psihologija.lv/

Ivars Sīlis

www.silis.gl/

Izdevniecība “Lielvārds”

www.lielvards.lv/

Izdevniecība “Raka”

www.raka.lv/

Izdevniecība “Zvaigzne”

www.zvaigzne.lv/

Jaunais laiks

www.jaunaislaiks.lv/

Jelgavas pasaku pils

www.jzb.lv/pasakas/

Ko tu teici?

valoda.ailab.lv/latval/iesacejiem/

Kremerata Baltica

www.kremerata-baltica.com/

Kristīgi Demokrātiskā savienība

www.kds.lv/

Labrīt (Latvians in Britain)

www.labrit.co.uk/

Want to know what the Latvians living in Great Britain get up to? Organisations you'll learn about here include the Baltic Society in Britain, the Latvian National Council in Great Britain, the Daugavas Vanagi, the London Latvian Choir and others. The coming events listing is very informative. EN LV

Lacuania

www.lacuania.lv/

L’ambassade de Lettonie en Paris

www.paris.am.gov.lv/

LanguageHelpers.com

www.languagehelpers.com/

If you want to learn Latvian or improve your speaking skills, then this site will be a great resource. Although it won't go into the finer points of grammar and punctuation, it will teach you basic words and phrases with the recording of a native speaker providing the correct pronunciation. Great for the beginner as you will be coached through the alphabet, numbers, days of the week and other essentials. A section that helps you learn the Russian language is also in the pipeline. An interesting story is associated with the origin of LanguageHelpers.com, which is registered to Richard Wright. The United Kingdom-born creator of the site learnt of his Latvian ancestry as a child and was searching for resources to learn the Latvian language a few years ago. Not having much luck he decided to take up the challenge of creating his own resource. Now based in Rīga, this energetic individual is almost single-handedly working on this ambitious project. Hats off to you -- we're sure others will be stoked to discover this site! EN (Reviewed May 2004)

Latvia

www.latvus.lv/

Latvia.no

www.latvia.no/

Latvians in London

latvians.co.uk/

Latvian Hawks

www.hawks-club.com/

Latvian Institute

www.li.lv/

Latvian London Church

www.draudze.org.uk/

Latvia Tourism

www.latviatourism.lv/

Latvieši.se

www.latviesi.se/

Latviešu bērnu skola Nīderlandē “Saulīte”

saulite.ning.com

Latviešu Biedrība Austrijā

www.latv.at/

latviesi.com

www.latviesi.com/

Quite a few sites on the web have the word "Latvians" and "latvieši" in the title. What distinguishes latviesi.com from all the others? This site, run by Indulis Bērziņš in Germany, has been created for Latvians who are either temporarily or permanently working or studying abroad or planning to do so in the near future. It's meant as a virtual home base with information on Latvian events worldwide, a voluntary accommodation network, scholarship opportunities and some thought-provoking articles (many republished from other sources) on topics such as the problems faced by Latvians repatriating to Latvia from Russia and a Latvian psychologist's view on various attitudes to Latvian cultural identity. If the site takes off and is used by its target audience the way intended, it has the potential to serve as a good resource and place to exchange ideas. LV (Reviewed September 2004)

Latviešiem.co.uk

www.latviesiem.co.uk/

Latviešiem Vācijā

www.lv-de.de

Latvieši Hamburgā

www.hamburga-lv.de/

The Latvian communities in the land of the Oktoberfest are small, but they differ from most in the trimda as they are now primarily made up of students from Latvia who are working or studying in Germany. Just as the young Letts living in Munich, Muenster and Cologne, those in Hamburg have pushed along the idea that a Web site detailing local events would be worthwhile. The site includes a history of the Hamburg Latvian Society dating back to the 1950s, while the newcomers from Latvia also have their say, complete with photos of their first get-together in December 2002. LV (Reviewed April 2003)

Latvieši Hanoverē

www.latviesi-hanovere.de/

Since the renewal of independence in 1991, many Latvians have emigrated to other countries seeking educational opportunities and better paying jobs. Germany is one of the logical destinations, being so close to Latvia. Many of these Latvians do not congregate with other Latvians and choose to completely blend into their new environment. A group of recently arrived Latvians living in Hannover are an exception. They meet regularly and have even created this Web site to keep their culture alive. The site includes songs, recipes, information about traditional Latvian festivities and even rhymes to write in birthday and name's day cards. It's interesting to note that the material on the site differs greatly from that of the older, more established communities outside Latvia. LV (Reviewed October 2005)

Latviešu apvienība Francijā

perso.wanadoo.fr/duodesign/laf/

The small group of Latvians living in Paris is an organised bunch and meets regularly for cultural and social events. On this Web site you can find how they will be marking Latvian Independence Day this year and when the choir, Latviešu vokālais ansamblis, meets for rehearsals. You can also learn where Latvians meet on a weekly basis to catch up and have the opportunity speak in Latvian to their countrymen for a couple of hours. They follow politics in Latvia and their Web site reports any visits to France by Latvian dignitaries. We were quite surprised and amused to find out that in September 2002 the Latvian Symphony Orchestra participated in a cheese festival in a tiny village of Etivaz in the canton of Vaud high up in the Swiss Alps not far from the French border. Latvians sure know how to share their musical talents with the rest of the world! FR LV (Reviewed November 2002)

Latviešu bērnu skola Nīderlandē “Diegabiksis”

www.diegabiksis.nl/

Latviešu biedrība Belģijā

www.latviesi.be/

Latviešu Biedrība Īrijā

www.lbi.ie/

The numerous Latvians who live and work in Ireland are starting to create a community. The Web site for the Latvian Society in Ireland is a great way for these Latvians, many of whom live in isolated parts of the country, to find out about events scheduled in Dublin. There's a regular biweekly gathering, a school for the kids, dance evenings, and weekly Taizé-style prayer evenings. The Latvian Catholic Mission in Ireland has also just published its first newsletter, which can be viewed online. LV (Reviewed May 2006)

Latviešu centrs Minsterē

www.lcm.lv/

Minsteres Latviešu ģimnāzija may have shut its doors in 1998 but the high school complex is still there in Muenster, Germany. Latviešu Centrs Minsterē remains the venue for various Latvian cultural activities, and the site of the offices of the Baltic Tourism and Information Bureau; the Latvian-German Culture, Education and Information Foundation; the Latvian Society in Germany and memorial rooms devoted to writers Zenta Mauriņa and Jānis Jaunsudrabiņš. Did you know you can find furnished accommodation here if you're passing through and even on a long-term basis if you're planning to study in the Muenster region? The map and directions on how to get there are quite detailed. DE LV (Reviewed December 2002)

Latviešu-Dāņu Biedrība

lettiskdanskforening.dk/

Latviešu dievturi

www.dievturi.org

Latviešu evanģēliski luteriskā baznīca Vācijā

www.baznica.de/

Latviešu folkloras krātuve

www.lfk.lv/

Latvia has an extremely rich folkloric history and thankfully there are still people involved in documenting and researching this cultural goldmine. It involves labour-intensive fieldwork, finding and interviewing those elderly Latvians in all regions of Latvia who still remember the songs, tales, proverbs, superstitions and other traditions of their childhood. The Archives of Latvian Folklore (Latviešu folkloras krātuve, or LFK) are located within the Institute of Literature, Folklore and Art within the Latvian Academy of Sciences. The archives house an audio as well as a photo collection and includes the well-known "Daiņu skapis" (Cabinet of Folksongs), made to Krišjānis Barons' own specifications to systematically compartmentalise all the folksongs that had been collected by Barons and his team more than 100 years ago. The site provides an interesting historical overview of folklore research in the past few centuries in Latvia. EN LV (Reviewed March 2006)

Latviešu fonds

www.latviesufonds.info/

Latviešu fonds (Latvian Foundation) is a nonprofit organisation based in North America with the aim to provide grants for Latvian cultural and educational projects. The site offers board members' contact details and the latest news on the foundation's work schedule. LV (Reviewed October 1999)

Latviešu Nacionālais fonds

www.latnet.se/lnf/

Latviešu nacionālā padome Lielbritanijā

www.lnpl.org.uk/

Latviešu Televīzija Īrijā

www.lti.ie/

Latvijas Evanģēliskā alianse

www.lea.lv/

Latvijas Investīciju un attīstības aģentūra

www.liaa.gov.lv/

Latvijas katoļticīgo misija Īrijā

www.lkmi.lv/

Latvijas ļaudis uz 21.gadsimta sliekšņa

www.gramata21.lv/

Latvijas mūzikas ierakstu gada balva

www.gadabalva.lv/

Want to buy some Latvian compact discs, but there's so much available in the shops that you don't know where to turn? If you consult this site you might get a little wiser. In its 10th year, Latvijas mūzikas ierakstu gada balva is the Latvian version of the Grammys, highlighting the best songs, albums and video clips in different categories. The award used to be known as the "Mikrofona gada balva." It's fun to scroll through the lists of winners of years gone by and to try to remember the tunes, but the songs themselves are unfortunately not on the site. LV

Latvijas Nacionālā digitālā bibliotēka: Periodika

www.periodika.lv/

Latvijas Okupācijas muzejs

www.occupationmuseum.lv/

Latvijas Radio

www.latvijasradio.lv/