ERASMUS LATVIA 2025 by José Manuel Yébenes Nocete

We’re leaving!

jyebnoc057 — 2025-10-06 13:40:58 UTC

Looking forward to the takeoff to Rīga

At the controls of the plane

jyebnoc057 — 2025-10-06 13:43:35 UTC

A nice breakfast.

jyebnoc057 — 2025-10-06 13:46:39 UTC

Breakfasting cold cuts and typical Saldus cheeses in a pleasant environment.

Lunch at school

2025-10-06 17:55:47 UTC

We sent hall of the morning in school, we saw some of their classes and we did a very interesting activity (some Kindle of treasure hunt) to get to know the school and see it completely. After some activities to break the ice we went to the cantine to have some Lunch before continuing our trip through Saldus.

Lunch at school

2025-10-06 17:56:34 UTC

Some of the very delicious food we had in the school.

School sport areas

2025-10-06 17:59:19 UTC

After having some luch, we continue our visit through the school, we saw the sport área and we were ave to go to a special place were students go in order to study better and understand with examples what they learnt in class.

Around the school

2025-10-06 18:00:11 UTC

Some other photos of pur visit to the school.

Treasure hunt

2025-10-06 18:02:18 UTC

Doing the treasure hunt while getting to know the school.

Visit to the town hall

2025-10-06 18:06:33 UTC

After our visit around the school we went to the town hall and we had a very interesing talk about saldus traditions, festivals, celebrations and how the town hall organise different activities.

Visit to the town hall

2025-10-06 18:07:25 UTC

Some photos in the meeting room of the town hall

Visit to the town hall

2025-10-06 18:09:00 UTC

Some of the views that we had from the town hall.

History

2025-10-06 18:11:51 UTC

This is an emblematic place in saldus. It is a reprentation of a painting of the most famous painter in saluds. It represents people (his family and friends) going put of the church. It a very revolucionary because painters in that time didnt paint so simple situacions.

Lunch in Kuldiga

jyebnoc057 — 2025-10-07 13:14:27 UTC

Trying traditional food in Kuldiga: A wonderful fish with potatoes and cheese.

Teaches in the Kuldīga Observation Tower.

jyebnoc057 — 2025-10-07 13:19:41 UTC

Enjoying wonderful aerial views of Kuldiga. In the panorama, we can see the Venta River and some Kuldiga buildings such as the Church.🫶🏼

A iconic building

jyebnoc057 — 2025-10-07 19:55:59 UTC

The longest-lived school in the city of Saldus.

Visit Broceni

jyebnoc057 — 2025-10-09 19:59:13 UTC

Taking a walk around the city of Broceni, enjoying its green areas and the lake.

Knowing SCHWENK and its commitment to the environment

jyebnoc057 — 2025-10-09 20:05:16 UTC

SCHWENK plant in Brocēni is proud to be the only cement plant in Latvia. Alongside the historical site, which started the operations in 1938 and was the key towards Broceni development as a city, since 2010 operates one of the most modern cement plants in Europe

Kuldiga Observation Tower👀

luciapalomino2008 — 2025-10-09 20:42:37 UTC

Views from the tower🏞️

luciapalomino2008 — 2025-10-09 20:52:52 UTC

Views from the tower⛰️

luciapalomino2008 — 2025-10-09 20:54:24 UTC

Us at the tower🗼

luciapalomino2008 — 2025-10-09 21:07:20 UTC

luciapalomino2008 — 2025-10-09 21:08:37 UTC

It was cooold❄️🥶

luciapalomino2008 — 2025-10-09 21:11:14 UTC

Looking for the waterfall💦

luciapalomino2008 — 2025-10-09 21:14:09 UTC

After our great photo session we went down to look for the waterfall

The widest waterfall in Europe🇪🇺

luciapalomino2008 — 2025-10-09 21:18:37 UTC

Ventas Rumba Waterfall🌊

luciapalomino2008 — 2025-10-09 21:22:32 UTC

In this video we can see the width of the waterfall better.

Teleport

franvazquezgirson — 2025-10-10 19:58:07 UTC

This is the teleport, It is a representative figure of Duke Jacob Kettler, it is very important in the region and symbolizes a connection between the past and the present.

City council

franvazquezgirson — 2025-10-10 20:02:26 UTC

This is a photo of the city council visited today, and it was built in the 17th century.

Old gym 🧱

franvazquezgirson — 2025-10-10 20:07:38 UTC

This is the city's old gymnasium, built in 1876, famous for its red hue thanks to its bricks. It currently houses the Kuldīga School of Music and Art.

beautiful artificial water channel 🏞️

franvazquezgirson — 2025-10-10 20:12:37 UTC

Nativity of christ cathedral

franvazquezgirson — 2025-10-10 20:17:22 UTC

Beautiful views of the Nativity of Christ Cathedral, the most Orthodox cathedral in Riga. It was built between 1776 and 1883.

House of the blackheads

franvazquezgirson — 2025-10-10 20:26:27 UTC

The picture shows the House of the Blackheads, a historic building located on Riga's Town Hall Square.

The original building was built in 1334 as a meeting place for merchants belonging to the Brotherhood of Blackheads. It was destroyed by bombing during World War II and rebuilt in 1999. The House of the Blackheads is an important venue for official events and receptions, and also houses an exhibition on its history.

St. Peter's Church ⛪️

franvazquezgirson — 2025-10-10 20:33:39 UTC

Passing by St. Peter's Church in Riga, built over a thousand years ago. It was declared a cultural heritage site in 1997.

Basketball 🏀

franvazquezgirson — 2025-10-10 20:48:33 UTC

Supporting the Saldus basketball team

The whole team 🛡️🏀⛹️‍♂️

franvazquezgirson — 2025-10-10 20:51:17 UTC

Next to them we look like dwarfs!😅😅😨

Activities about the environment

esanlop974 — 2025-10-13 10:11:07 UTC

When we arived to school we did some really interesting activities about the environment. While we were having fun doing the task, we also were learning more about what could we do to make global warning disapear bit by bit.

Talk about the history of SCHWECK

esanlop974 — 2025-10-13 10:19:20 UTC

Before going to see the cement factory we had a very interesting and enriching talk about the history of the only cement factory of Latvia. We were told how it was built and its growth throughout the years. It is one of the few companies which is still run by the company's founding family.

Whatismore, this factory is making all the possibles changes in order to pollute as less as possible the environment, they even what to try to reduce the CO2 production to the 95%.

Ice skating

esanlop974 — 2025-10-13 10:27:02 UTC

After our visit to the cement factory, we walked to a hockey pavilion where we would be able to do ice skating for an hour. Althoguh some of us were not used to ice skating, it was an unforgettable experience were we could have fun, be relaxed and spend time with our latvians friends. Laugh was guaranteed, it reached all parts of the pavilion.

Afer ice skating for a whole hour, we were all hungry so we went to eat up in the upper part of the pavilion. We had had a very tasty luch everyone talking about the falls of the others and laughing about it.

Broceni

esanlop974 — 2025-10-13 10:29:13 UTC

After eating, we went to visit Broceli, a town near Sladus. We were able to apreciate their green areas and admire its landscape.

Broceni statue

esanlop974 — 2025-10-13 10:31:25 UTC

While we were visiting Broceli we came across a statue that has won a price in Broceli. We were able to admire it and how well made it was. Furthere more, the views behind the statue were amazing and we got stunned by them.

Broceni's lake

esanlop974 — 2025-10-13 10:33:47 UTC

Behind the statue we could see this increible park that had also a lake and we couldn't help it and we had to go see it. The calm that that place transmited was amazing and we even layed in the grass for a bit.

Broceni's lake

esanlop974 — 2025-10-13 10:35:03 UTC

It is amazing to be able to be in a park and ate the same time seeing this espectacular views. In summer this would be a perfect place to swim.

Broceni's lake

esanlop974 — 2025-10-13 10:35:58 UTC

We couldn't leave without taking a photo with this spectacular view behind us.

More photos

esanlop974 — 2025-10-13 10:40:46 UTC

Some other photos in the lake.

Dancing clases

esanlop974 — 2025-10-13 10:44:12 UTC

Afer resting for a bit, in the evening we went to see a Latvian dancing class but we couldn't help it and in the end we joined the class too. Although we were all tired at the end of the class, we had such a great time that it was totally worth it.

Ice skating

esanlop974 — 2025-10-13 10:46:52 UTC

We were exhausted when we finished ice skating but had an increible time there.

Dancing clases

esanlop974 — 2025-10-13 10:48:29 UTC

Even thoguh at the begining we were lost, at the end you were almost as good as the Latvians. ;)

Bio Shop♻️

luciapalomino2008 — 2025-10-13 11:27:42 UTC

Needle Tower🪡

luciapalomino2008 — 2025-10-13 11:36:26 UTC

Formerly used machinery🛠️

luciapalomino2008 — 2025-10-13 11:45:21 UTC

Lāči bread factory🏭

luciapalomino2008 — 2025-10-13 11:56:21 UTC

Stop at the Lāči bread factory (rye bread and traditional Latvian products)

At Laima🍫

luciapalomino2008 — 2025-10-13 11:59:07 UTC

Arrival at the Laima Chocolate Factory Museum and chocolate workshop.

Inside Laima🍬🍫

luciapalomino2008 — 2025-10-13 12:04:01 UTC

Everything was beautifully decorated and themed around chocolate. We took a photo in a mirror at the entrance before starting the tour. Oh! and our guide gave us candy and chocolate before we started😋😋

What does chocolate consist of?🍫

luciapalomino2008 — 2025-10-13 12:08:30 UTC

They explained to us what the different types of chocolate were made of, and yes, white chocolate is considered chocolate.

A surprise!🍫

luciapalomino2008 — 2025-10-13 12:16:09 UTC

We didn't expect this, but they took us to make some chocolates to take home as a souvenir🤭

A tour of Riga🇱🇻

luciapalomino2008 — 2025-10-13 12:26:11 UTC

After going to Laima and eating, we took a walk around Riga. Here you can see all the coats of arms of the municipalities of Latvia and this work of art that was created within the framework of "Art in the public space" programme implemented by the philanthropists Boris and Ināra Teterev in colaboration with the city of Riga.

📸 📸

luciapalomino2008 — 2025-10-13 12:49:43 UTC

We found some mirrors while we were walking and took some photos

Tour around Saldus🇱🇻

luciapalomino2008 — 2025-10-13 12:53:56 UTC

I went for a walk around Saldus with my parents and sister and they showed me different very beautiful places☀️🍂

Shopping🍪🍭

luciapalomino2008 — 2025-10-13 12:56:51 UTC

I went to buy gifts to take to Spain for my family and friends🫶🏻

Pictures we took at Laima🤭

luciapalomino2008 — 2025-10-13 13:02:04 UTC

Leaving Saldus…

2025-10-13 15:25:35 UTC

Our exchange week in Saldus, Latvia, has been an incredibly rewarding and enriching experience for everyone involved. Throughout this week, we have had the opportunity to discover a new culture, share meaningful moments, and strengthen our sense of community beyond borders. The hospitality and warmth of the Latvian families made us feel at home, allowing us to connect deeply with their traditions and way of life while also sharing our own.

Both teachers and students, as well as host families, have learned a great deal through this exchange, guided by the core values of the Erasmus program — respect, diversity, cooperation, and lifelong learning. This experience has not only broadened our horizons but also inspired us to continue building bridges of friendship and understanding across Europe. We return home with unforgettable memories, new skills, and the motivation to keep growing as part of this united and diverse European community.

Goodbyee 🤧

2025-10-13 17:31:13 UTC

We took this photo saying goodbye to our families for one week 💕

Inside the airplane ✈️

2025-10-13 17:34:09 UTC

We were separated at the airplane but we managed to try to be as closed as possible 🧳💺

Latvian beach

esanlop974 — 2025-10-14 13:38:14 UTC

On Saturday morning, we went to a neighbour city and we visited the beach. It was very interesting to see how different some beaches are depending on the place where you are. It was a pretty windy day so we couln'd stay a lot of time there, however, the time we were there was fantastic.

Hersburger

esanlop974 — 2025-10-14 14:08:50 UTC

After being in the beach and doing some window shopping we went to eat at Hersburger, the typycal and most popular fast food resturant in Latvia. Although they do have Mcdonal's and Burguer King, those can't compare with Hersburger.

More Photos

esanlop974 — 2025-10-14 14:09:31 UTC

Views from the plane

2025-10-14 18:43:20 UTC

We were able to enjoy a beautiful sunset on the way to Latvia. 😉

Gifts

2025-10-14 19:03:32 UTC

After a long day together , we gave our host families a surprise. They were speechless.

First Stop

2025-10-14 19:32:27 UTC

Before going to Tervete we stopped at the amazing Dobele Castle Ruins.

Exploring ruins

2025-10-14 19:51:13 UTC

The first historical record of Dobele dates back to 1254; however, at that time it was only a wooden fortress, destroyed during the Semigallian War of Independence (1279–1290) by the Baltic Crusades.

On this site, a new stone castle was built in 1335, around which a small settlement began to grow. The ruins of the fortress are still visible and are being restored as we can see in the pictures.

Nature

2025-10-14 20:04:39 UTC

Although we were unable to visit the inside of the castle, we enjoyed some wonderful views outside. How lucky were the former castle villagers living here !

Arrival to the Tervete Nature Park

2025-10-14 20:09:57 UTC

We were exciting and eager to get in . It was even more beautiful than it looked like !

A fairytale

2025-10-14 20:46:29 UTC

I couldn't have ended the week better than by going to a beautiful natural park just a few hours from Saldus. Its unique trees and vegetation made me feel like I was in a fairy tale 🧚‍♀️💫

Secret Beach 🍃

2025-10-14 21:00:41 UTC

A few meters further, we reached a unique spot, where the sea and nature meet. This beach is popular with locals during the hot summer ☀️⛱

Unforgettable

2025-10-14 21:27:11 UTC

After taking some pictures to never forget these days, we had lunch at a lovely cabin.

I proved a typical latvian meat with a square of potatoes and vegetales. It was delicious !

saying goodbye 🫂

nadyagar28 — 2025-10-14 21:37:03 UTC

we wanna go back 💔

nadyagar28 — 2025-10-14 21:39:32 UTC

It has been an amazing experience and we are looking forward to meeting these people again ❤️‍🩹

Beautiful sculpture

franvazquezgirson — 2025-10-14 21:53:24 UTC

The image shows a sculpture located in the Kuldīga Town Garden, Latvia. The park, known as Kuldiga Town Garden & Sculpture Park, is a free attraction in the city of Kuldīga. The garden is located on the grounds of the former Kuldīga Castle.

Walking on the beautiful Park 🏞️☀️

franvazquezgirson — 2025-10-14 21:56:10 UTC

Karosta prison

franvazquezgirson — 2025-10-14 22:06:54 UTC

The image shows Karosta Prison, a former military prison in Liepāja, Latvia, which now operates as a museum and hotel. Originally built as a hospital around 1900, it was converted into a military prison used by various political regimes, including Tsarist Russia, the German Nazis, and the Soviets. Karosta Prison was in operation until 1997 and was known for its harsh conditions, with no known successful escapes. Since 2003, the site has become a tourist attraction, offering guided tours and the chance to spend the night in one of its cells, participating in an experience that simulates the life of a prisoner. It is the only military prison in Europe open to tourists.

Karosta prison insiste

franvazquezgirson — 2025-10-14 22:14:33 UTC

Ex fortress next to the baltic sea

franvazquezgirson — 2025-10-14 22:19:31 UTC

This estructure is a bunker of Liepāja Artillery Battery No. 3, part of Liepāja Fortress in Latvia. Liepāja Fortress was built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to protect the Liepāja naval base. Artillery Battery No. 3 was one of several batteries in the fortress, and its ruins can be found along the coast. These concrete bunkers were built to house cannons and protect soldiers. Today, the fortress ruins are a popular destination for visitors exploring the region's military history.

family exchange trip ☀️

franvazquezgirson — 2025-10-14 22:22:23 UTC

Exploring liepāja!

franvazquezgirson — 2025-10-14 22:27:25 UTC

Liepāja is a port city on the western coast of Latvia, on the shores of the Baltic Sea. It is the third largest city in the country and an important regional capital in the Kurzeme region. The city is known for its vibrant musical culture, history, and wide, white-sand beaches. Liepāja Highlights: The City Where the Wind Is Born: This nickname reflects the constant sea breeze that characterizes it and is also the title of its anthem. City of Music: It is the birthplace of many Latvian musicians and hosts cultural events, including the old Liepāja Theatre and the modern Great Amber Concert Hall. Karosta: A former secret Soviet-era naval base now open to the public. The area is home to the Northern Fort and the Orthodox Naval Cathedral of St. Nicholas. Liepāja Beach: The fine sandy beach, next to the large Maritime Park (Jūrmalas parks), is a popular destination for locals and tourists. Electric tram: Liepāja has the oldest electric tram in the Baltic countries, operating since 1899. European Capital of Culture 2027: In recognition of its rich cultural offering, Liepāja has been designated the European Capital of Culture for 2027.

More photos of the Laima Museum 🍫

franvazquezgirson — 2025-10-14 22:30:43 UTC

Snack at Lake Saldus.

jyebnoc057 — 2025-10-15 12:25:42 UTC

We walked along the lakeside promenade and shared traditional sweets and snacks with students from Spain and Latvia.

Sunset in Saldus

jyebnoc057 — 2025-10-15 12:27:18 UTC

After a delicious snack we were able to enjoy a stunning sunset on the lake.

Swimming in the lake.

jyebnoc057 — 2025-10-15 12:38:45 UTC

A wonderful experience where the teachers were able to experience the refreshing waters of the lake. Without a doubt, a magnificent opportunity to free our minds and relax our bodies.

Agenskalna tirgus

jyebnoc057 — 2025-10-15 12:45:41 UTC

A historic landmark in the neighborhood on the left bank of the Daugava. Established in 1898 and thoughtfully revitalized in 2022, the market redefines the traditional marketplace experience. Here local vendors come together with diverse cafes and bars serving cuisine from around the world and national heritage is celebrated alongside modern creativity and innovation.

Teaching sevillanas 💃💃

yipiriv2507 — 2025-10-15 16:54:32 UTC

To end the day, after dinner we went for a walk around the center of saldus and of course we had to stop in this amazing square and teach the latvian students some sevillanas. Even though they did not know how to dance, it turned out pretty good!!! The day was all about dancing!!! 🥰☺️

Our trip to Lituania 🇱🇹❤️

yipiriv2507 — 2025-10-15 17:12:25 UTC

In the morning we went to Mazeikiai, the lithuanian city that is the closest to Saldus. We visitied a shopping centre that is known for having a miniature replica of the Eiffel Tower at the entrance.

Later, we walked around the city enjoying the views and then we went bowling. Me, my latvian partner and her mom had an amazing morning together! I am so grateful of getting to know another country besides Latvia.

🎳🗼❤️

Back to spaain 🇪🇦

nadyagar28 — 2025-10-15 18:20:54 UTC

We finally landed in spain after being away for one week, we are gonna miss this trip ✈️

Bracelets 🌴

nadyagar28 — 2025-10-15 18:24:31 UTC

They gave us these bracelets to enter the paaark 🌺

Inside the park 🗺️

nadyagar28 — 2025-10-15 18:32:33 UTC

Tērvete Nature Park, located in the Zemgale region of Latvia near Dobele, is a 1,200-hectare protected area managed by Latvia’s State Forests. It’s known for its beautiful pine forests, river valley landscapes, and fairy-tale atmosphere inspired by Latvian writer Anna Brigadere’s stories. The park features themed zones like the Fairytale Forest and Dwarfs’ Town, with wooden sculptures, walking and cycling trails, observation towers, and family-friendly attractions. Established in 1958 and part of the EU’s Natura 2000 network, it’s considered one of Latvia’s most family-oriented destinations. Though damaged by a 2023 storm, restoration efforts continue, and most sections are open to visitors.

More photos we took 📸

nadyagar28 — 2025-10-15 18:35:50 UTC

A curious fact: 🦋 Some of Tērvete’s pine trees are over 300 years old, making them among the oldest in Latvia — locals say they’ve “watched generations of fairy-tale characters come to life.”

We also ate lunch there 😋

nadyagar28 — 2025-10-15 18:38:20 UTC

They provide us with typical food 🍽️

Views 🏞️

nadyagar28 — 2025-10-15 18:40:54 UTC

You could also go upstairs a tower to see the entire park, it was amazing 🤩

At night 🌃

nadyagar28 — 2025-10-15 19:24:45 UTC

After this fantastic day, some of us went to dailis performance at a theatre while the others spent time at anija's farm 🌙

School 🏫

nadyagar28 — 2025-10-15 19:29:46 UTC

In the morning the taught us how their school works. it was different from what we have here in spain, with more breaks and more dynamic classes 🕺🏼

Last Meeting

2025-10-15 19:38:35 UTC

In Latvia, saunas (pirts) are a traditional way to relax and stay healthy. They heat the room with wood, pour water on hot stones to make steam, and use birch or oak branches to gently massage the skin.

So, after spending time in the heat, we cooled off by going outside the house.

We discovered that going to sauna cleanses the body, improves blood circulation, reduces stress, and strengthens the immune system.

We felt so fortunate for being able to experience it !! 🔥❤❤

📸

nadyagar28 — 2025-10-15 19:40:07 UTC

We took this photo at the sports field

🖼️

nadyagar28 — 2025-10-15 19:42:02 UTC

We recreated the pictureee

An amazing experience

2025-10-15 19:44:27 UTC

We took a last picture to never forget the wonderful night we had at the sauna house.

Love you all 💕

we learnt more about saldus 😉

nadyagar28 — 2025-10-15 19:44:29 UTC

The “U” in SALUDS typically stands for “Unity”, though its exact meaning can vary depending on the context. In programs or educational frameworks promoting health and well-being, SALUDS is often used as an acronym to cover key aspects of a healthy life, such as S for Society or Social, A for Nutrition, L for Achievement or Leisure, U for Unity, D for Rest, and S for Safety or Mental Health. Here, Unity emphasizes the connection and balance between the body and mind, as well as harmony with the community and environment, highlighting the integral approach to overall health.

We were in the news 🗞️

nadyagar28 — 2025-10-15 19:47:52 UTC

Some professional photographer at the match took these photos of us 👀

🌊🫧

nadyagar28 — 2025-10-15 19:51:36 UTC

Me and Monta went to Ventspils, a charming port city on Latvia’s western coast, is renowned for its well-maintained streets, colorful buildings, and vibrant cultural scene. Its beach along the Baltic Sea is a major draw, featuring soft golden sand, clean waters, and family-friendly amenities, including playgrounds and cafes. The coastline is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or long walks, while nearby dunes and pine forests add a scenic natural backdrop. Ventspils also hosts summer events, markets, and festivals, making the beach area not just a place to relax, but a lively hub of local life and leisure

cows in ventspils? 🐄

nadyagar28 — 2025-10-15 19:58:01 UTC

The cow statues in Ventspils are artistic installations that celebrate the region’s agricultural and dairy heritage, highlight the importance of cows in local life, and add charm to the city. They also serve as a tourist attraction and cultural symbol, sometimes linked to festivals or community art projects, giving Ventspils a unique and playful identity while honoring its real-life cattle farming traditions.

Ezeres Dzirnavu dīķis

yipiriv2507 — 2025-10-15 20:09:44 UTC

We stopped at Ezere Mill Pond (Ezeres Dzirnavu dīķis) on our way back from our trip to Lithuania. It’s a really peaceful spot with beautiful autumn colors and an old mill that used to grind grain in the 19th century. We walked around, took some photos, and relaxed on a swing before heading home.

It was a great day!!! 🥰🥰🥰

🚜

nadyagar28 — 2025-10-15 20:11:01 UTC

⛲

nadyagar28 — 2025-10-15 20:16:00 UTC

🌳

nadyagar28 — 2025-10-15 20:17:58 UTC

icecream 🍨

nadyagar28 — 2025-10-15 20:20:16 UTC

we also ate the typical ice-cream at a homemade place 🍦