Loving nature in northern Latvia

A quick summary of the last nine days in the training course Love Nature. There are 24 participants from 9 countries (with me representing Germany). The subject is non-formal learning by bringing the group out of their comfort zones while introducing them to the reality of nature. 

This involves rafting approx 80km over 2.5 days, camping in nature and finally a hike through a swamp of approx 17km, singing songs from the movie Platoon as we wade through swamps up to chest high. 

Both physical and mental comfort zones are reached by most of the group and when we go back to the comfortable lodging in Kempani, we have the opportunity to reflect on the experience for the next 4 days. 

Food, accommodation, sauna, local beers and log fires are most welcomed by everyone. 

A very rewarding experience and make a lot of new friends and learned much about countries I have yet to visit eg Albania, Armenia and Belarus. 

Also have the opportunity to experience authentic Latvian mid summer's festival, with a fire ritual and singing followed by sauna, naked running and swimming in the nearby lake after midnight. Nobody, however, as tradition dictates, decorates their men parts :-/