Survival Guide KM WS Riga 2013

KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENTWORKSHOP RIGA

2013

SURVIVAL GUIDE


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Who are we?


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Full country name: Republic of Latvia

Latvia borders with Lithuania, Estonia,Russia and Belarus

Founded: November 18, 1918

Area: 64,589 sq km

Population: 2.24 million

Capital city: Riga (pop 874,100)

People: Latvian 57%, Russian 30%, Belarusian 4%, Ukrainian 3%, Polish 3%, other 3%

Language: The official language is Latvian. It is an Indo-European, non-Slavic and non-Germanic language and is similar only to Lithuanian

Religion: Lutheran, Roman Catholic, Russian Orthodox

Government: parliamentary democracy

President: Andris Bçrziòš (since 8 July,2011)

Major industries: Wood industry, pharmaceutical, food, textiles, agriculture

Highest point: Gaizins- 311.50m

Longest river: Daugava - 1 020km (367km within Latvia)

International code: LV

Currency: Lats (LVL), 1 lats = 100 santimi (1 EUR = 0,70 LVL)

Time: GMT +2. When it`s noon 12:00 in Riga it`s: 11:00 in Paris, 10:00 in London &05:00 in New York

International telephone code: +371

Electricity supply: 220 volts, 50 Hz European-style 2-pin plugs

Emergency phone numbers: 112

#1 Latvian Nature We’ve got it all: beautiful forests, beaches,actual seasons, unique wildlife and vast reservoirs - definitely worth a visit


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History in brief

Riga


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The Republic of Latvia was founded on November 18, 1918. It has been continuously recognized as a sovereign state since 1920 despite occupations and rule by the Soviet Union (1940-1941, 1945-1991) and Nazi Germany (1941-1945). On August 21, 1991 Latvia declared the restoration of its de facto independence, reestablished international diplomatic ties, and joined the United Nations. Latvia joined the WTO in 1998 and in 2004 became a member of the European Union and NATO.

Riga is the capital of Latvia, located on the banks of Daugava River. Riga is one of the oldest and the most beautiful cities of Europe.In 2011, Riga celebrated 810th anniversary of its foundation. Every year we have lots of events in entertainment industry (concerts, shows, parties etc.).....so party never stops here. To know more about our beautiful city of inspiration, just come & discover it by yourself and be ready for smiley people, narrow and romantic streets of Old Riga, picturesque squares, green parks, party spirit and much more!

Distances from Riga to:

Gdansk - 743 kmGhent - 1 965 kmBrasov- 1 801 kmLviv - 969 km Lisbon - 4 039 kmBrno - 1 227 kmNaples - 2 671 kmTrondheim – 1 330kmBelgrade – 1 900kmTallinn - 280kmVilnius - 260km

#2 People of LatviaWe seem calm, reserved and mild mannered, but give us time, and you'll meet some of the funniest and positively mischievous people out there :)


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Currency and prices


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This is fairly simple. Or, at least, it should be!

You can exchange money in banks, but we recommend you to do it in exchange points (working also on holidays) - ask us which ones are the BEST ones. The largest restaurants and shops accept major credit cards.

Latvian currency unit is 1 Lats (Ls) = 100 santims

EUR 1 = LVL 0.7028

What you can get for your money:

� 2 santims - a box of matches� 5 santims – big envelope� 35 santims – ice-cream on a wood stick,� 50 santims- wood tooth cleaners� 1 Ls - 24,7 seconds of an exclusive private strip dance;))� 2 Ls – 2 bottles of Apinitis (4l of the most awesome beer of Latvia)� 50 Ls - an old Zaparozhetc (a Soviet era car)� 100 Ls - 5000 boxes of matches;))

Some prices at shops:� Coffee - 0.50-1.00 Ls� Warm tea: 0.70Ls� Beer: bottle – 0.40 - 0.70 Ls; in a pub – 0.90 – 1,5 Ls� Lunch - 1,5 - 2,5 Ls�

In January 2014 euro will be official currency in Latvia, so maybe it’s the last time you can see our beautiful lats. Don’t miss this chance!

#4 Latvian SceneryBe it art nouveau architecture, silhouette of old Rîga, medieval castle ruins or ancient valleys of our biggest rivers - Latvia is an undoubtedly picturesque adventure


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Latvian food and drinks

Shops


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Shops are usually open Mon - Fri 10:00 - 20:00 and Sat - Sun 10:00 - 17:00. There are some shops open 24 hours. In the centre of Riga you will mostly find small shops and little supermarkets, again looking at the prices is a universal advice, remember that VAT (in Latvian called PVN) is always included in the showed price. Biggest shopping malls in the center: Galerija “Centrs” - Audçju str. 16, in the old part of the city “Stockmann” - 13. janvâra str. 8, next to the bus station “Origo” - Stacijas laukums (station square) 2, next to the train station (malls are open every day from 10:00 – 22:00).

Among Latvia's traditionally most popular national foods are caraway cheese, grey peas with bacon, bacon-filled pastries and a special rye bread prepared to ancient recipes. Latvian rye bread is a staple for most of the population and is one of Latvia's most popular food „souvenirs''. As for drinks, Latvia is know for it's herbal teas and of course beer. The best souvenir is Latvian Moka or Riga Black Balsam.

#5 Latvian FoodThey may not look fancy, but Latvian food, vegetables, fruits and produce are always fresh, bio-friendly, tasty and generally good for you - try them


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Latvian language


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Latvian is a Baltic language that belongs to the Indo-European language family. Its only linguistic relative is Lithuanian, and is considered to be among the oldest and least changed of all living Indo-European languages in the world. It is estimated that 1,5 million people worldwide use Latvian as their primary language. English and Russian are widely spoken throughout Latvia, while German, French and the Scandinavian languages are also frequently heard.

ÈAVINJÂÂÂS! – Hey, hello! (in local BEST group Riga)SVEIKI! – Hey, hello! (official)PALDIES! – Thank you!LÛDZU! – Welcome/please!JÂ – yesNÇ – noLABRÎT! – Good morning!AR LABU NAKTI! – Good night!MANI SAUC … - My name is...VIENS, DIVI, TRÎS, ÈETRI, PIECI, SEŠI, SEPTIÒI, ASTOÒI, DEVIÒI, DESMIT,SEŠDESMIT DEVIÒI – 1-10, 69ES ESMU MAZA ZEMENE, APÇD MANI! – I'm a little strawberry, eat me!PRIEKÂ! – Cheers!ALUS – BeerŠÒABIS – VodkaMOKA AR PIENU – Moka with milkÛDENS – WaterGLÂZE- GlassES ESMU PIEDZÇRIES/PIEDZÇRUSIES – I'm drunkMAN IR POHAS – I have hangoverES ESMU SKAIDRÂ – I'm sober

GIRLS, BOYS, ROMANCE

MEITENE – A girlPUISIS - A boyBUÈA – A kissSALDS – SweetTEV IR SKAISTAS ACIS! – You have beautiful eyes!TU MAN PATÎC – I like you!EJAM PASTAIGÂTIES!? – Let's go for a walk!ES GRIBU TEVI NOBUÈOT/APSKAUT – I want to kiss/hug youTU ESI SEKSÎGS/ SEKSÎGA – You are sexyMmmm, MAN PATÎK – Mmmmm, I like it!

#6 Latvian CultureRich folklore traditions of singing and dancing that are still alive and thriving today, combined with high and contemporary art forms, make up the today's culture of Latvia


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How can I get here?

Is it cold or hot?


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By plane – Ryanair Wizzair Aeroflot Turkishairlains and our own By ferry – TallinkBy bus –

You can reach Latvia also by car – Nissan, Audi, BMW, Belarus, Lada, Saabby Bicycle - utility, mountain, racing, touring, hybrid , BMX, cruiser Hitchhiching – Nissan, Audi, BMW, Belarus, Lada, BMX, Swimming - butterfly stroke, free style Running - Addidas, Nike, Protest, Puma, ConverseSlow walkingFast walkingCrawling - on knees, onelbowsRolling - clockwise , counterclockwise.

airBaltic

Eurolines, Ecolines, Simple Express

YOU can never know what the weather will be, because weather is changing here all the time!You can find weather forecast here: http://www.yr.no/place/Latvia/Riga/Riga/

Latvia's weather features a temperate maritime climate, with mild summers, moderate winters and frequently high levels of humidity and precipitation.

The average temperatureIn summer: 15.8°C. Last summer it reached 35°C.In autumn: 10°C and lessIn winter: -10°C and lessThe warmest month: JulyThe coldest month: January

#7 Latvian Folk songRîgas bçrni danci cçlaDaugaviòas maliòâ;Joz, mâmiòa, zelta jostu,Lai es teku pulciòâ.


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Arriving to Riga


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The airport (RIX) (lidosta) is located approximately 8km south-west of the Riga city center. A queue of eager taxis will be waiting for you outside the arrivals hall, but nothing can be better & cheaper than the bus N°22. Here you can see schedule and the route map for bus N°22. Route runs every 10-15 min. And it takes 30-35 mins to get from Airport to the City center.

Exit airport arrivals hall and walk across the parking lot to find the bus stop and timetable.

Route name Lidosta – Abrenes iela. There should be written Abrenes iela on bus front windshield electronic table. So take a bus, ticket costs from 0.5- 0.70Ls (You don't have to pay extra for your luggage on bus line N°22).

You can buy tickets at the ticket vending machine which is located at airport terminal. At ticket vending machine you can buy various types of tickets. Ticket for single trip costs 0.50 Ls. Buying ticket at the bus from bus driver is more expensive - 0.70 Ls (N.B. You can pay only with lats!!!).

The nearest stop to the city center ( Old Riga ) is named “11. Novembra krastmala” you may also prefer bus stop “Stockmann centrs” which is located next to bus terminal and train station. Stockmann shopping mall and bus stop (photo): The bus terminal (autoosta) is located just a few hundred meters from the train station and is located next to the Old Town and Central market. To get to the center turn left, walk through the underpass and follow the signs 'Vecriga-Valnu iela' into Old Riga. The train station (centrala stacija) consists of a big hall for international trains and asmall one for local trains.

Once there you are right next to Old Riga.

The ferry terminal (osta) is located less than 1 km north of Old Riga, so just take a 10 minute walk along the riverside to get to the city center ;).

#8 Latvian Folk songRîgas bçrni danci cçlaDaugaviòas maliòâ;Joz, mâmiòa, zelta jostu,Lai es teku pulciòâ.


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Public transport


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Riga has 9 tram lines, 20 trolleys routes and 53 bus routes.

A single ride anywhere in the city costs 70 santims (approx. 1 Euro), if you buy a ticket at the bus driver.

You can buy single, 5, 10, 20 driving ticket in newsstand (“Narvesen”, “Pluss punkts”), mostshops or ticket vending machines (then price is cheaper – 50 santims per one single ticket), andwith this ticket you can use all kinds of public transportation (trams, trolley buses and buses).Trams, trolleys and buses run from 05:20 to 00:15 (timetable is aviable at the stop)

Ticket vending machine

Don’t forget to validate your e-ticket in the bus/tram/trolley! Some tips, how to do it :)

#9 inu, zinu, bet neteikðu,

Kur baltais zaíis guï:Aiz upîtes kalniòâ,Sîkâ kârklu krûmiòâ.

Latvian Folk songZ


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What to bring


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� Yourself and good mood

� Passport, Tickets

� Insurance (must have)

� International Student Identity card (ISIC)

� Visa (optional)

� Money (plastic or cash - pocket money)

� Personal medication (also against allergies)

� Different small things that make your life cleaner and more cosy (e.g. tooth brush and accessories or maybe your favourite house slippers or rubber duck

� Warm clothes

� Comfortable shoes for walking

� Your friends and family contact information (in case of emergency)

� Don't forget your smile, singing voice, dancing rhythm

� National food & drinks & songs for International Evening

� Any music instrument you can play (no pianos!)

� Camera to make photos for memory

� Something nice for the organizers ;)

#10 Tongue TwisterKârlis Klârai krelles deva.Klâra Kârlim klarneti. Klâra glazç Klâras krelles. Klâras krelles Klâras kârbâ.

Main OrganizerZane Feldmane Mobile: +371 25401019E-mail: [email protected]

SG Design by GunitaKa


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Documents

Survival Guide KM WS Riga 2013