Sunday

Another sunny morning, the wispy cloud just seems to hang in the sky. Breakfast was again rather large, three mega pancakes crammed full of various cheeses! Cereals and other goodies.

The girls went to work to finish off their dress and crafts.

In the afternoon we were taken a clearing in the woods for a picnic. As we got off the bus the Latvia's started sing a welcome to us. Around the picnic fire our Balvi guide was carving whistles out of wood and bark. There were also a number of carved animals scattered about. The Latvian students started to show us some traditional dancing. Soon the whole of the clearing was moving in interesting geometric patterns!

We taught the Latvians, the Poles and the Turks "Strip the Willow" unfortunately we had no music! the experience just exemplified the words on the banner about the stage for Saturdays show.

Do not walk behind me, I may not lead.
Do not walk in front of me, I may not follow.
Just walk beside me and be my friend!

Agriculture has (fortunately) not been over mechanized in Latvia. There are hardly any fences separating a clearing from the woods. Goats and cows are chained when they graze outside in June, July august and sometimes in September. Perhaps because of these harmonious methods bees find a haven here. The Latvians had not heard of the problems affecting bee keepers in the UK and elsewhere!

In the evening the scheduled event had been cancelled. So we arranged to make a bonfire. The fire was wonderful especially when the fading sunlight was leaving dusky pink clouds in the sky. We all smell a bit of bonfires now! Between 9 and 10 our various parties drifted off towards their beds. After all tomorrow is another working day!