An Englishman in Latvia

Alan Anstead
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I first lived in Latvia as a diplomat from 1996-99, a few years after Latvia regained independence from the crumbling Soviet Union. I returned to live in Latvia in 2022. This storytelling podcast combines history, culture and tourism together with my personal anecdotes.

  1. On Jelgava

    21H AGO

    On Jelgava

    This is the fascinating story of Jelgava, a city in Latvia that was once the capital of the Duchy of Courland for centuries, was destroyed during the Second World War, rebuilt as an industrial powerhouse under Soviet occupation, and is now transformed into a vibrant university city. Thanks for listening!

    29 min
  2. On gherkins

    FEB 3

    On gherkins

    If there is one vegetable I associate with Latvia, it is the gherkin. This is the story of what gherkins truly are, why Latvians pickle anything that remains still long enough, a landfill that has become a greenhouse for cucumbers, and where you can savour the finest gherkins in Rīga for yourself. Thanks for listening!

    19 min
  3. On the barricades

    JAN 21

    On the barricades

    This is the story of how Latvians stopped Soviet Russian special forces in January 1991 by building barricades from concrete blocks, trucks, and tractors to protect the institutions of its democracy in Rīga. It is a story of heroism by ordinary Latvians and journalists, with lessons for the world today. Thanks for listening!

    30 min
  4. On Latvian symbols

    JAN 6

    On Latvian symbols

    We explore the ancient symbols that have guided Latvia for a thousand years. These aren't just decorative motifs: they're a living alphabet of belief, carved into Late Stone Age bone tools, woven into the fabric of daily life, and now finding new voice in contemporary Latvian identity. Thanks for listening!

    23 min
  5. On Tobago

    12/17/2025

    On Tobago

    The story of how Latvia, then the Duchy of Courland, had a colony in the Caribbean. The island of Tobago. We travel back to the 17th century and explore how Latvia (Courland) became the world's smallest nation to have a colony. We look for remnants of that empire in present-day Tobago and Latvia. Thanks for listening!

    16 min
  6. On Mark Rothko

    12/02/2025

    On Mark Rothko

    A journey to Daugavpils, Latvia, to learn about the birthplace of the Abstract Expressionist artist Mark Rothko and to find out whether the city and his childhood in its then bustling but fearful Jewish streets influenced his art. Join me as we visit the Rothko Museum and explore Daugavpils. Thanks for listening!

    32 min
  7. On Independence Day

    11/16/2025

    On Independence Day

    The 18th of November is celebrated in Latvia as Independence Day. I'll guide you through the four parts of this gripping story. First, the dramatic declaration of independence on 18 November 1918. Second, the war that ensued. Third, the Soviet Russian occupation of Latvia from 1940 until independence was regained in 1991. And finally, how Latvians celebrate Independence Day today, with my memories of participating in the commemoration as deputy British Ambassador in the late 1990s. Thanks for listening!

    35 min
  8. On Mārtiņš Rītiņš, father of modern Latvian cuisine

    11/06/2025

    On Mārtiņš Rītiņš, father of modern Latvian cuisine

    This is the story of Mārtiņš Rītiņš - a story that takes us from a post-war refugee camp to cooking for queens and presidents, from the industrial towns of England to the heart of Rīga, and from a life lived partly in the shadows to one of remarkable openness and authenticity. It is the story of a British-born Latvian chef, restaurateur, culinary TV presenter and author. A great man who became known as "the father of modern Latvian cuisine". Thanks for listening!

    28 min
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About

I first lived in Latvia as a diplomat from 1996-99, a few years after Latvia regained independence from the crumbling Soviet Union. I returned to live in Latvia in 2022. This storytelling podcast combines history, culture and tourism together with my personal anecdotes.

Information

  • Creator
    Alan Anstead
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    59
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 An Englishman in Latvia
  • Show Website
    An Englishman in Latvia

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