A-Ž of Latvia - A

I am currently living and working in Riga, Latvia, and have been here for more than three years. I'll be moving on soon, to another place, and another world of experiences. In the spirit of Vice magazine, I have slowly started putting together a similar guide to this land of forests and corruption, gorgeous women and mushroom-picking. Excuse any cynicism, I really do love this country!

Here we go...

A-Ž of Latvia

A is for Abaks (abacus) and Alus (beer)

You can still find old ladies selling their goods in the markets using abaci to add up purchases. I remember in kindergarten being taught to use an abacus, but once I developed a basic grasp of arithmetic I turned to just using my brain. I swear, I gave an old woman two lati (Latvia's currency) for 1.20 worth of strawberries; I stood there waiting while she worked out the change on her blasted counting frame!

Beer tastes swell here. The best lubrication for a warm afternoon spent checking out skirt, or driving a car.