File :-(, x, )
Anonymous
Hey /trv/, next Summer I'm planning on going on an intercultural program. I have to do a bunch of shit and save up money, but so far, I'm planning on either:

Italy, because I know some of the language and love their food, making this my top choice, although apparently there's a huge garbage problem in some parts.

Latvia, because my grandfather suggested it and said that it was nice, but I don't really know much about it.

And Japan, because I needed a third choice and would much rather go to it than the 500+ spanish speaking countries that are offered. I know that Japan is supposedly pretty xenophibic, but it might not be a problem considering I'd be living with people who wanted to host a foreign student.

So what can I expect from these countries, /trv/? I don't know in what parts I'd be living in if I go.
>> Anonymous
Latvia look at their Eurovision 2008!!!!!
>> Anonymous
I live in Latvia. What do you want to know?
>> Anonymous
>>35558
IS IT HAPPY?! Like the Pirate Song? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g7bsX7iCqmE

Are they fond of Eurodance? Do they take kindly to productive foreigners? IS IT COLD OR AT LEAST NOT HOT?
>> Anonymous
>>35558
It's fairly happy...

Eurodance was popular in the 90's. Now it's pop. Yes, we like foreigners. Only once I saw a black man in the streets though... It's hot in the summer. Cold in the winter. Blame Russia. It's about 30 degrees be Celsius in the summer, which is about 86F. I don't know if that's cold or hot for you Americans.
>> Anonymous
>>35567
86F is rather hot for where I live in America.

Sounds interesting.
>> Anonymous
>>35567
Are you a native or moved there? Are you fond living there? 86F is cool to where I live in the US. Does one need to speak Latvia? but out of respect for the country taking one in one should learn Latvian....I have no idea why but I have a huge compulsion out of no where to move out to the North...I'm not sure why but I'm thinking it's due to my love for pop and happy music.
>> Anonymous
>>35571
Native. I'm fond, yes, I live in a small city, 7th biggest. 30 minutes from my house to school by bike. There is a little nightlife here, as we have like 3 nightclubs. People are kind but we do have Romani too, and they usually try to cause trouble. As for the language, you either need to speak Latvian or Russian to get by. English is not so understood here.
>> Anonymous
>>35576
YES!!! You have internet but are not an industrialized dump with cars...or are there many cars?
>> Anonymous
>>35576
>>35567
OP here, where you live sounds nice. Too bad I'm probably not going to live there if I go to Latvia.

What's you town's name, by the way?
>> Anonymous
>>35578
You can find about 5 or so cars driving if you take walks at like 5AM. There are places where you can rarely see cars too though. We don't have traffic jams, ever.
>> Anonymous
>>35582
J?kabpils.
>> Anonymous
>>35584
WHOOOOO!!! I'M LIKING THIS PLACE!!!! Why am I only now finding out of superior European countries with the traits I wish for? Are the majority of the people fit and in their late teens early twenties? Sorry, for so many questions but thank you for answering them!!!
>> Anonymous
>>35586
Yes, you don't see obese people often. Beer bellies are not so rare, though. We like to drink beer.
>> Anonymous
>>35590
What is part of the average Latvian diet?
>> Anonymous
how much does beer cost in Latvia? also, how much would a pack of cigarettes cost? and how much to rent an apartment (1 bedroom, 1 bathroom)?
>> Anonymous
>>35594
3 room apts. are usually $200k.
>> Anonymous
>>35594
1.00 USD

=

0.445331 LVL LATVIA IS SUPERIOR CLEARLY
>> Anonymous
>>35597
veganfag here do they have soymilk or other vegan products?
>> Anonymous
>>35605
Maybe. You'd have to take a good look around the stores.
>> Anonymous
>>35602

That is a major advantage if anyone from Latvia wants to buy from American internet shops. Go Latvia.
>> Anonymous
>>35607
Thar be mangoes?
>> Anonymous
>>35611
You can find about any fruit. SO yes, we haev mangos.
>> Anonymous
>>35614
Passion Fruit? I've never been able to locate Passion Fruit!
>> Anonymous
>>35618
I actually think we do.
>> Anonymous
>>35620
oh wow! Well, I'm going to go bike! THANKS!!!
>> Anonymous
OP here: Well now I know a lot about Latvia, anything about the other two?
>> Anonimo
Italianfag here. The garbage problem is limited to Naples and the small villages nearby, just be sure to stay north of Rome and you'll be absolutely ok.
>> Anonimo
>>35641

Also:

- Food will be great wherever you end up staying.
- People will be friendly but don't expect everybody to speak perfect English. If you have to ask someone, go for young people.
- Lots of historical sites, monuments and museums to check out. We do not live in small, rural villages in the countryside and we do not dress like people from the 19th century. Italy is not like it's pictured in most shows (The Simpsons, anyone?).
>> Anonymous
>>35641
That sucks, my dad was born in Naples.

I also can't specifically request where I live, so hopefully I'm not forced to live there.
>> Anonymous
Any else want to add their two cents?
>> Anonymous
>And Japan, because I needed a third choice

Would you happen to be going through AFS?
>> Anonymous
>>35912
How'd you guess?