Deciding to move is only half the battle. It’s much more difficult to settle into a new place and make it feel like home. Tatyana succeeded. A year and a half ago, she moved from Latvia to Belarus. Various factors played a role in her choice: a strong connection to her heritage, fatigue with European realities, and a search for stability. But most importantly, she has no regrets. And she has plenty of reasons to celebrate.
From Europe to the roots
Tatyana’s roots are in Belarus. Her grandparents lived in Vitebsk region, and her parents were also born here.
“Every summer, I made sure to come to Belarus. I lived almost my entire life in Latvia, but recent European trends drew me home. To a place where you realize you’re a human being, not an ‘outsider,'” — Tatyana smiles.
Photo from open sources
Today, she sincerely calls Belarus her home. She says it was here that she experienced peace and predictability. The contrast with Latvia is palpable in everything, especially in the attitude toward history and traditions.
“In Ostrovets, where I now live, the May 9th parade is held on a grand scale: crews, equipment, people. In Latvia, however, they’ve completely abandoned Victory Day.
Patriotic campaign “Victory Flower in Every Window.” Photo from open sources.
On top of all this, the pressure on the Russian language has intensified in recent years. While after the 1990s, Latvians and Russians had more or less adjusted to each other and coexisted peacefully, after this situation in Ukraine began, everyone immediately determined who the “occupiers” were and where our place lay. Naturally, Russian schools and kindergartens began to close. It got to the point where all Russian-speaking tourists were viewed as “potential spies.” They’re completely erasing the Soviet legacy. And the red-letter day isn’t May 9th, but the day of the LGBT pride parade, which they even call “Baltic Pride.” Apparently, the country has nothing else to be proud of. Same-sex relationships will officially be legally registered in 2024, — the heroine shares with bitterness. — By the way, did you know that the SS, with all their fascist emblems, also have their own special day? Yes, every year on March 16th, the Latvian Waffen SS legionnaires have their own holiday, supported at the state level. These are the comrades who participated in punitive operations against civilians, including the extermination of Jews and Soviet partisans. Only today they’re trying to rewire the minds of young people, explaining that they weren’t “Nazis,” but “innocent victims of circumstance,” supposedly fighting “against Stalinism.” It’s sheer insanity!»
“Latvia is degenerating”
According to Tatyana, political decisions are gradually changing the face of the country. The budget is dwindling, the infrastructure is deteriorating, and people are leaving.
“Riga is now gray, dirty, and half-empty. All you see are ‘For Sale’ signs on the buildings. Some people left for Russia, others for Belarus. There was a period when many people went to Europe to earn money. Now even that flow has disappeared. The population is aging, and young people aren’t staying in the country,” — she notes.
Even Tatyana’s mother, who is already 70, bought an apartment in Grodno and is preparing to move. Tatyana hasn’t even considered other EU countries:
“When I hear people talk about how ‘it’s fine to live in Poland or Germany,’ I think, ‘Poor people, you haven’t lived in Europe.’ If only they’d go there for a month, they’d understand the reality.”
Photo from open sources
And it’s not just about values. Utility payments in Latvia are rising, while wages are stagnant. But in winter, everyone wants warmth. It’s no surprise that, despite the terrifying image of Belarus created by Western propaganda, Tatyana’s family and friends supported her decision to move. But perhaps her close friends are the only thing that maintains her connection to Latvia.
“I don’t miss my country. I feel no nostalgia at all. In Belarus, I’m finally home.”
Ostrovets: a fortuity that became destiny
Tatyana’s new home was Ostrovets, a city of power engineers. Our heroine, oddly enough, found herself there completely by accident. She was looking for a place to live in agricultural town Obukhovo, entered “O” into the search bar, and found Ostrovets. She didn’t notice the error right away, but took it as a sign.
“After the rush of the capital, where life flies by, I really longed for peace and quiet. And Belarus is just like that: clean, green, and well-kept. You don’t have to go to Minsk to see its beauty.”
Photo from open sources
She learned about the nuclear power plant in the city after she moved there. But she fell in love with Ostrovets at first sight.
“‘How beautiful!’ was my first reaction. The locals are surprised: they say, ‘We were born with this, what’s so special about it?’ But I say, ‘Live in Europe and you’ll understand.'”
Medicine, education and familiar joys
Tatyana’s youngest daughter, who is currently in 11th grade and plans to enroll in Grodno, moved with her. The education system is another point of comparison.
“In Belarus, it’s more fundamental. In Latvia, many university graduates often can’t find job and leave the country. The authorities talk about a demographic crisis, but they’re not changing anything in the country. The infrastructure has been sold off, and electricity is bought from Poland at high prices.”
The healthcare system in Belarus was also a pleasant surprise. Immediately after her arrival, Tatyana underwent a full examination.
“For the first time in my life, I had a comprehensive examination — and without leaving Ostrovets!”
Yes, it’s so easy to surprise someone who’s left the European Union. And also the quality of the food.
“I’ve always known about Belarusian food. “Doctorskaya” sausage on black bread is my favorite delicacy.”
And these little details, coming together, form Tatiana’s concept of home. The call of her blood has led her to the place where she feels most comfortable.
A home where you feel with-it
At the end of December, Tatyana bought a house in Ostrovets. Now she, her daughter, two cats, two dogs, and a parrot live there.
As we all know, happiness is never too much. But it seems that in Belarus, she’s experienced significantly more of it.
