Smartlynx magazine. Summer issue

SUMMER 2017

INFLIGHT MAGAZINE

IN AVIATION SINCE 1992

Excitement and Danger within CATANIA

Cycling through TOUR DE FRANCE

Bold FASHION of 2017

SmartLynx in Football #1

BBQ Tips and Tricks

BALTICS during Midsummer

MAKE SURE YOU HAVE THE BEST PRESENTATION!

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Zygimantas Surintas CEO, SmartLynx Airlines Dear Passenger!

I am excited to welcome you on board the SmartLynx Airlines Aircraft and on behalf of the company – we thank you for choosing us as your partner-in-vacation.

As you may have already noticed, this year for the company is quite special as SmartLynx celebrates 25 years in aviation. We have come a long way, having experienced a lot of significant changes and all of them – only for good. Our cabin crew holds the status of one of the best in Europe, and the technical team includes the best available experts in engineering to ensure safety, as it has always been our priority. This spring we have also witnessed an increase in our fleet by 2 more Airbus 320. As a result of hard work outside Latvia as well, SmartLynx Airlines was recognised as one of Latvia’s top 10 exporters of services in 2016, according to the Bank of Latvia. Moreover, the business newspaper “Dienas Bizness” ranked SmartLynx in 63rd place in its 2016 list of Latvia’s top 100 enterprises, placing it also in 45th place on a list of the most valuable companies.

We have also acquired achievements in our

Summer 2017 |

passenger segment: if in 2015 it was 1.6 million, then a year later it had reached already 1,9 million, and with this year’s rate, we can await an even higher number. Also, the company’s net turnover has increased by 18 % in 2016, resulting in 108.4 million euro. Therefore, it is sure to say – we at SmartLynx are on the move and not planning to stop.

Just as us, make sure you do not stop and keep doing what you love, especially while on your vacation. Whether it is seeing the legendary Mount Etna, experiencing the remarkable emotions on Tour de France or celebrating midsummer right here in the Baltics, we wish you nothing but good time and unforgettable experiences. And while you’re on your way to that – be sure to enjoy everything we offer on board of SmartLynx. If anything, just ask our friendly crew and they will seek to your needs!

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CONTENTS INFLIGHT MAGAZINE

13

SUMMER 2017

82

KITEBOARDING: HOW ESTONIAN CHAMPION KRISTIIN OJA FLIES THROUGH THE WIND

SMART HISTORY: MYTHICAL CREATURES OF LATVIA AND ESTONIA

DRIVING THROUGH THE CITY WITH CITROEN CATANIA – A CITY THAT LIES BENEATH THE BEAUTIFUL YET DANGEROUS MOUNT ETNA

48

18

BALTIC LOCAL BUSINESS STORIES THAT WILL MAKE ONE GET UP AND START DOING

EDITORIAL

Editor in Chief: Māra Miķelsone Copy Editor: Mathilda Smith Reporters: Liene Eglīte, Gustavs Reinholds Roberts Vikmanis

DESIGN

Designer: Vladimirs Andrejevs Contributing designers: Anastasija Step, Ilze Bērziņa Photographers: Aleksejs Sosnovskis, Laima Vainiņa

PLUS + DON’T MISS ALL THIS

A GUIDE TO YOUR SUMMER IN BULGARIA’S EDUCATION AND ECONOMICS CENTRE – VARNA.

ADVERTISING

62

For queries regarding advertising please contact: Zigmārs Valujevs (Latvia) +371 2681 0535, zigmars.valujevs@lhm.lv or Nordicom (Estonia) +372 5666 7770, advertising@nordicom.ee

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08 26 28 30

WHAT’S ON PREMIUM MEDICAL SMART LITERATURE SUMMER FASHION

38 42 52 54 58 65 70 72 78

TOP 5 MOVIE THEATRES CAR TEST SMART TECH TOUR DE FRANCE KIDS IN FOCUS PENTATHLON BBQ TIPS SMART FEST UPCOMING MOVIES

PUBLICATION

SmartLynx Magazine published by SIA “Lighthouse media” in cooperation with LSG Sky Chefs, Riga Airport, Marupe parish, Latvia, LV-1053 E-mail: info@lhm.lv Cover photo by: depositphotos.com

TALLINN OFFICE Phone: 6235 779, 6235 778, 6235 777 E-mail: vip@teztour.ee Adress: Kai 1, Tallinn

TEZ Tour is the largest tour-operator in Eastern Europe.

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wHat’S on smart info

The Baltics

Music Festival into the Valley, Rummu, Rummu karjäär

JUNE 29 – JULY 2 The festival is relatively new, however exclusive enough already. Its concept is to find as unique and unusual places as possible, to provide an exceptional experience for its visitors.

This year the festival will take place at a former Rummu prison. Located in a limestone quarry just a bit outside Tallinn, the festival will gather more than 60 musicians and DJs.

Vilnius Festival, Vilnius

MAY 31 – JUNE 14 For the delight of classical music fans, we give you Vilnius Festival – performances by established singers, ensembles and orchestras from around the world. It begun in 1997 with the basic idea to promote historical, as well as modern values of world culture. By cooperating with various international performers and organizations, the festival is now a multi-cultural event, filled with tolerance and respect towards each other in the name of music.

The 12th Estonian Youth Song and Dance Celebration “Here I’ll Stay”, Tallinn, Song Festival Grounds and Kalev Central Stadium

JUNE 30 – JULY 2 More than 40 thousand young singers will perform under the guidance of 14 young conductors making their debut at the festival. This festival has been carried out in generations, as the leader of this year’s celebration – Aet Maatee - believes that “the fire in one’s heart is born when one cherishes it together with others and it gets powered by joint choirs singing together.” Whereas the dance celebration has been inspired by the folktale “The Dawn and Dusk”.

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| Summer 2017

wHat’S on smart info

The Baltics International Music Festival “LABA DABA”, Līgatne district “Ratnieki”

Cēsis Art Festival, Cēsis

JULY 14 TO AUGUST 13 The organizers of this event have always proven to provide the best of music, cinema and visual arts, thus enhancing an insight into contemporary culture in its making.

Its experimental approach and efforts that provide the audience with superb and highly-credited artists and their creative manifestation, makes it unique. This festival is regarded as celebration of art for a whole month, the highlight of which is the open-air opera held at the Palace Park.

AUGUST 4 – 6 The event has been made to be as nonstandard as possible, providing performers that you will have never heard of and an atmosphere that coincides with the title of the festival, meaning “GOOD NATURE”. The traditional genres of music one will hear at this event includes reggae, rock, ethno-folk, electro and many others performed by more than 90 bands and DJs. This event is all about a true-spirited summer festival, characterized by kind and heartfelt attitude towards people, events and nature. And most importantly, it is an excellent place to bring your children to.

Galapagi Rock Festival, Zarasas Lake Island, Zarasai

JULY 28 -29 The biggest rock music festival in Lithuania awaits. Galapagai Rock Music Festival is for those who love to rock. First festival held in 2003 near the beautiful Plateliai lake, it will now celebrate its 15th anniversary in a much bigger location, as the attendance has grown rapidly over the years. Now held in a magnificent Zarasas Lake island in Zarasai, the festival brings together all fans of rock.

Summer 2017 |

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wHat’S on smart info

Europe

01 02

ARTUSIANA FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL, Forlimpopoli Forlì-Cesena, Italy 24 JUNE – 2 JULY 2017 Paying a tribute to the town’s most famous citizenPellegrino Artusi, the father of Italian modern cookery - this festival will turn into a 10-day eating extravaganza, offering the most diverse assortment of gastronomy, culture and entertainment.

04 03

01

EARTH GARDEN MUSIC FESTIVAL, Ta’ Qali National Park, Attard, Malta

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1 – 4 JUNE 2017

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PRIMAVERA SOUND FESTIVAL, Parque de Cidade, Porto, Portugal 8 – 10 JUNE 2017

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BERGENFEST, Bergenhus Fortress, Bergen, Norway 14-17 JUNE 2017

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HIDEOUT FESTIVAL 2017, Novalja, Pag Island, Croatia 25 – 30 JUNE 2017

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VIDA FESTIVAL, Masia d’en Cabanyes, Vilanova I la Geltrú, Barcelona

BLANES FIREWORKS COMPETITION FESTIVAL

22 – 26 JULY 2016 This is the place for all the pyrofans: a serious competition of people proving to each other that they could make the most spectacular fireworks in the town.

Who’s the best? Go and see!

29 JUNE – 2 JULY 2017 10

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wHat’S on smart info

STARLITE FESTIVA, Marbella, Spain

13 JULY – 26 AUGUST 2017 This festival is all about an intimate atmosphere under the stars, turning into a Starlite Disco right after midnight. Oh, and Elton John is going to be there!

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GAROROCK, Marmande, France JUNE 30 – JULY 2, 2017

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BILBAO BBK LIVE FESTIVAL, Kobetamendi mountain, Bilbao, Spain 6 – 8 JULY 2017

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ULTRA EUROPE FESTIVAL, Poljud Statium Split, Split, Croatia 14 – 16 JULY 2017

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SAN SEBASTIAN JAZZ FESTIVAL, Plaza de la Trinidad, San Sebastian, Spain 20 – 25 JULY 2017

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RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL, Koprivnica, Croatia 24 – 27 AUGUST , 2017

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07

08 PROVINS MEDIEVAL FESTIVAL, Provins, France

24 – 25 JUNE, 2017 This festival will make one feel like suddenly thrown 800 years back, enjoying a spectacular Medieval Ball, colorful parade full of music and dancing or traditional events re-enacted by talented actors.

Summer 2017 |

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| Summer 2017

Kiteboarding smart topic

LET THE

WIND

GUIDE

YOU Exclusively for SmartLynx magazine

This summer season will start off with one of the hottest trends – kiteboarding.

Acquiring large masses of fans of the sport every year, this extreme activity brings joy and thrill to anyone who dares to step on the board and let themselves be guided by a large kite and wind.

Meet Kristiin Oja, the best Estonian kite boarder who can proudly say – “Been there, won that!”

Words by Māra Miķelsone Photos from personal archive & Depositphotos

Summer 2017 |

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Kiteboarding smart topic

INFO

What exactly is kiteboarding?

Well, we’re glad you asked. Kiteboarding, or also known as kitesurfing or sky boarding, is a water-sport that requires the athlete to stand in the water on a board while being towed by a large kite that one can steer.

The kite is controlled with the bar and lines that are connected to one’s harness, worn around the midsection of the body.

Take us through the beginning – when and why did you start with kiteboarding? As I understand, first came snowboarding and only then the summer sport prevailed.

Exactly, I had everything sorted for winter, but I was bored during the summer. So in 2008, I picked up kiting as I had couple of friends who were already doing it. I got hooked from first moment, getting my instructor’s license a year later.

Do you believe that one could start kiteboarding at any age? Or is there a certain age restriction?

Yes, everybody can try this amazing sport.

Just bear in mind that for teaching the kids, the minimum age is 12 years old and minimum weight - 40 kg. But I have been teaching people of all ages, my oldest student being a 70-year old Japanese guy.

For kids – they can start training on the land with a smaller trainer kite. Also, getting them in the water on a stand-up paddle board is a good way to start, so that they learn to love the sea.

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I run a kite school together with my friend Jane Aluve, where we are doing surf camps for kids from ages 7 to 12. So I believe that this is a great way to start them young!

INFO

Stand-up paddle-boarding,

or more widely known as SUP, requires just a board and a paddle. The person stands on the board and uses the paddle to steer himself in the necessary direction and speed. This sport does not need waves, therefore can be executed in almost any waters. The sport is mostly regarded as recreational, thus available to anyone in need of some relaxing time on the water.

How training for kiteboarding is done when the wind or water is not available? How to keep yourself in shape?

Yes, this is the difficult part. Ideally, you would follow the wind, meaning - you need to travel for a fair bit. There are plenty of windy places around the world that work on their “wind season”.

Recently I discovered CrossFit, which I believe is great way to keep your body in shape. Although as a freestyle rider, this is not enough - you need to actually be in the water to get the tricks. Yet, having a strong body helps you to get the moves and is a great way to avoid the risk of injuries.

As you’re also involved in snowboarding, describe what is it about extreme sports that attracts you the most?

I like to be different and therefore – to do things that are different. There is always a thrill in it, and that is what keeps me fueled because you can always progress. There are always new tricks to nail. I also like to compete, so I focus on one thing and keep pushing it. | Summer 2017

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Kiteboarding smart topic

CrossFit is an intensive kind of sport that requires strength and endurance. CrossFit workouts are based on various multifunctional activities and movements, all performed at high intensity. CrossFit can help optimize physical skills, such as power, balance, agility, speed, coordination, stamina, accuracy and strength, therefore usually adapted to almost any kinds of sports.

What skills and characteristics should a professional kite boarder (and snowboarder, for that matter) acquire?

I think it’s important to always set goals and follow your dreams. You should not care what people say, you have to believe you can do it.

I’m a really impatient person, meaning - I want to be good and I want it fast, so I’m constantly pushing myself. Competing is a great way for reaching your best and even more. I also believe you should have good riders around you to push you and so you can learn together. Here, travelling as a kite instructor really helped me. I had a chance to meet so many amazing riders and train with them.

What competitions have you taken part in?

Which one do you consider as a highlight of your career?

I have been competing in Estonian Championships, Asian Kite Tour (KTA) and World Championships Tour. The highlights were becoming KTA Overall Champion in Freestyle in 2014 and 6th in the world in 2015 in the world tour.

It’s no secret that kiteboarding is an expensive sport. How do you manage? And what advice would you give to someone who wants to start it up, but isn’t set financially?

If I would say that it was smooth sailing, that would be a lie. I started off as a kite instructor, which allowed me to travel to windy places around the world. And besides teaching 16

Although kite as a means of transportation has been used as far as even on the 13th century, the true inventors of kiteboarding as a sport are considered the Legaignoux brothers from France. Dominique and Bruno Legaignoux first started experimenting with such kites in 1984, a year later demonstrating a prototype on the Brest International Speed Week.

Meanwhile, Cory Roeseler from USA was also developing such gadget together with his father, in 1994 introducing the KiteSki that would later on evolve to a kiteboard equipment similar to the ones used nowadays.

INFO

kiting, I used every windy moment to kite for myself. First year competing on KTA, I was working as a kite instructor and financing the stops with it. Also, if I won the competition, I used to sell the prize (usually, it was a kite) to go to the next tour stop.

In 2015, I started to look for sponsors more seriously to do the world tour and stop teaching. I managed to find a few sponsors which were mainly Estonian companies, owned by kite boarders. And I’m really thankful for their support. The budget for the whole tour was quite big as we had 10 stops around the world. It meant that only sponsor money was not enough to cover the costs, so

The first international tour of KTA was launched on September 2009, since then operating as an international platform for both amateurs and professionals. It visits up to 5 countries every season as a part of the Asian Kiteboard Championship Tour.

INFO

I had to work once in a while. I never made money with kiting, rather just covering the expenses.

For people who want to start competing, I recommend to train hard, look for sponsors, do good social media and be ready to invest some time and money for kiting and first competitions to show some results.

Being a woman athlete – do you think that gender somehow has impacted you – both good and bad – when developing your career as a professional kite boarder?

Yes, but more likely in a positive way. I must admit that it is way easier to get noticed and find sponsors. I think it always depends how you take it. On the negative side, we spend the same effort but have less prize money.

What are your future prospects towards kiteboarding?

Is it just competing or are you also willing to instruct others?

I’m now taking some time off from competing since last year, and I have opened my own kite-school with Jane Aluve on Stroomi Beach Tallinn, called “Surftown”. At the moment I’m not competing as most of my time goes for working in my school. We offer kiteboarding lessons, camps, workshops, SUP trips and classes (fitness, yoga, meditation), kite-camps abroad, surf camps for kids and events for companies. | Summer 2017

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Catania smart destination

HISTORICAL

IMPRINT OF

CATANIA

Stone Age tribal groups migrate across Mediterranean 3000 BC

Phoenicians establish trading settlements along northwestern coast 1000 BC

800 BC

Peloponnesian War begins between Athens and Sparta and their allies 431 BC

Carthage commences a century of debilitating and indecisive wars with Syracuse 409 BC

301 BC

The Italian invasion of Sicily begins 282 BC

P E R I O D O F S E T T L E M E N T A N D G R E E K C U LT U R E

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Catania smart destination

Words by Liene EglÄŤte Publicity photos

Hometown to the famous Greek leader Euarcho, the city of Catania is a sight to see. Having been under the leadership of numerous empires over the course of many centuries, it has changed diversely yet never lost its magical essence. Arabs, Normans, Romans, Spaniards and so many more have led their lives through this town, all leaving a certain print in the Catania we see today – sensational, outstanding, beautiful.

Rome and Carthage battle for Sicily in the First Punic War 264 BC

241 BC

Carthage cedes its territory; Rome begins 600 years of rule in Sicily

Capital of Roman Empire moves to Constantinople

Eastern and Western Roman Empires split apart

Vandals from North Africa invade and capture Sicily

241 BC

330

395

440

PERIOD OF ROMAN RULE

Summer 2017 |

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Catania smart destination

Background

It was approximately in 729 BC when Greeks, coming from a nearby town of Naxos, founded Catania, and until the 5th century BC it was mainly considered as a Greek trading town.

Then came the mighty tyrant Hieron I with thousands of new settlers, moving the original inhabitants to Leontini. After his death the original Catanians sought to come back and settle up the southern slope of Mount Etna.

Lava flow then destructed the site, and the rebuilt town was conquered by Dionysious I as he enslaved the whole population and moved in the Campanian soldiers.

Moving on to the Middle Ages, Catania slowly lost its agricultural and provincial importance while ruled by the Byzantine and Arabia. Just as it became the commercial and maritime centre during the Norman ruling, a tragic earthquake in 1169 hit the town and destroyed a major part of the civilians.

The devastation was huge, and only in 1434 did the town come back to its strength, as one of the world’s oldest universities was established. Throughout the next few centuries, Catania developed into a strong and important location that could only be brought down by the strongest of forces.

And such was the destiny when Mount Etna showed its force yet again by destroying all of the Western part of the city, followed by an earthquake that didn’t stop until the whole city was destructed. It was the 18th century that brought Catania back to life, architecture and volcanic footprints still bearing a certain melancholy yet charm throughout the streets of the city we walk today.

Sightseeing

One of the most significant focus of the town is the beautiful yet dangerous Mount Etna. Some even say that after its last eruption one can see the harsh prints of lava on the baroque buildings of the town. To the ancient Greeks Mount Etna was a God of fire, as well as the home to the mythical Cyclops. The volcano that nearly destroyed Catania with an earthquake in 1693 and lava flows in 1669, now stands proudly to remind everyone of its unpredictable ways, still

providing the best home for the lushes of plants that cover the mountain all throughout.

Next to, behind, across, besides… almost every single sightseeing spot appears somewhere around the one and only Piazza del Duomo. Catania’s central square is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, surrounded by the grand Cattedrale di Sant’Agata and various baroque-style buildings. In the very centre of the piazza

the stage is taken by a fountain dating back to Roman times – Fontana dell’Elefante an actual black-lava elephant carrying an Egyptian obelisk on its back.

The fifth prince of Biscari – Ignatius Paterno Castello – was keen on preserving his imperial residence that was founded in the 15th century, thus Palazzo Biscari was built directly against the city walls that had partially withstood the earthquake.

The whole palace is built with the total of

Barbarian mercenaries led by Odoacer overthrow Western Roman Empire

Vandals cede Sicily by treaty to Odoacer

Theodoric’s Ostrogoths invade and seize control of Italy

Ostrogoths succeed to dominion over Sicily

476

476

489

301 BC

Byzantine Empire army under Belisarius drives Ostrogoths from Sicily 533

551

P E R I O D O F S E T T L E M E N T A N D G R E E K C U LT U R E

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| Summer 2017

Catania smart destination

700 rooms and it overlooks the famous marinas, as well as trains passing by. Its halls with paintings and frescoes within it are all restored to their original status. The place not only includes guided tours through the private apartments, but also hosts numerous banquets, meetings and even concerts, filled with traditional cuisine and musical entertainment.

Piazza Universita holds quite a history as it was founded in 1434, therefore being the oldest university in Sicily, as well as the 13th oldest in Italy. Shortly after the establishment of the first four faculties, the lessons were held in Piazza del Duomo.

Only in the 1960s the studying premises were moved to the current building. Quite a number of conflicts between the civil and religious authorities rose as initially the university was overseen by the bishop of Catania – he was in control of the lecturers, as well as the curriculum. Starting from 1818 the control over the establishment was assigned to the President of the Great Civil Court.

A place that holds together the most of the culture – monastery, university and library – Monastero dei Benedettini di San Nicolo l’Arena. It is considered as one the largest monasteries in Europe and now home to two large cloisters. Although a part of the monastery is closed to public eye, there is still a significant space open for housing Sicily’s most important library, successfully integrated into the structure of this 16th century building.

A’ Piscaria Mercato del Pesce or La Pescheria market is Catania’s most exquisite of sites. Experience the life of the city as you browse through the freshest of products - clams, mussels, swordfish, prawns, anchovies, squids and many more. Every single morning the market lights up and does not rest until the day has gone by. Even the fruit sold in the market hold a particular significance and quality as they have been planted in the fertile Etna lava soil. And all of it surrounded by the historical buildings possessing Catania’s cultural heritage.

The city of Catania holds a versatile

architectural range, as churches and cathedrals of the city have been built throughout a number of centuries.

Cattedrale di Sant’Agata holds its charm with Roman baths directly underneath the building, whereas at Chiesa di San Francesco one can witness the historical 11 giant candelabras, paraded through the town during the Festa di Sant’Agata. Chiesa Badia di Sant’Agata is a church of the

18th century design, hosting a magnificent Carrara marble floor and amber-coloured altars in Castronovo marble. Welcomed with two allegorical female figures, Chiesa di San Giuliano was created by a Silician baroque architect – Vaccarini. Title of the Sicily’s largest church goes to Chiesa di San Nicolo l’Arena – a building that was actually never finished as the works on it were interrupted by an earthquake during the 17th century.

The prophet Mohammed founds Islam

Saracens from North Africa begin their invasion of Sicily

Saracens complete the conquest of Sicily

Normans begin their invasion of Sicily

610

827

965

1060

PE RIOD OF SARACEN RULE

Summer 2017 |

Normans rule Sicily as part of a powerful new kingdom 1091 PERIODS OF FRENCH AND GERMAN RULE

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Catania

GOURMET

smart destination

ON THE GO Bus

Buses 1-4 and 4-7 run hourly from Catania Centrale Station to Via Etnea.

Tickets cost 1 euro and last for 90 minutes.

Taxi

Arancini

Pasta alla Norma

Call Radio Taxi Catania +39 095 330 966 or pick a cab next to the train station and at the northwest corner of Piazza del Duomo.

CATANIA IN SPOTLIGHT

The cuisine of Catania is strongly related to Sicilian features, hence considered as the home of Sicily’s iconic pasta alla Norma. Arancini is a rice croquette stuffed with such ingredients as meat sauce, mushrooms, smoked salmon and others, usually served orange because of the saffron used in the making of it. If in need for a snack, choose Sfincione which is a pizza made from thick bread and garnished with tomatoes, onions and anchovies. For salad-enthusiasts we suggest Caponata that magnificently holds together eggplant, olives, capers and celery. For the ultimate seafood experience, try grilled swordfish or cuttlefish served in its own black sauce with pasta. Finnochio con sarde is a fennel with sardines, also made with pasta. For a sweeter tooth, there is the Cannolli full of creamy ricotta and sugar, or better yet – Cassata cake.

Train

There is only a one-line metro that has six stops, all of them located throughout the town. This is the main means of transport for the tourists going from Catania Centrale Station to the Circumetnea train going around the Mount Etna. Tickets cost 1 euro and last for 90 minutes.

Car and Motorcycle

Vincenzo Bellini – opera composer in dedication to whom an opera was opened in 1890 – Teatro Massimo “Vincenzo Bellini”.

Francesco Longo Mancini – a painter largely known for his nude works.

Giovanni Verga – the greatest writer of Italian literary movement Verismo, whose novels display the true life amongst the lower levels of the Sicilian society.

A 2012 film “Acqua Fuori Dal Ring” is set in Catania, including locations of the Librino neighborhood and Black Lava Fields of Mount Etna.

If you choose to drive throughout the city by yourself, be aware of the complicated one-way system that follows the various streets of Catania. For example, driving along Via Vittorio Emanuele II is only from West to East, while Via Giuseppe Garibaldi goes from East to West.

Footage from the Mount Etna eruptions was recorded and included into the landscape of the planet Mustafar of the 2005 “Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith.”

Frederick II, hailed as Stupor Mundi, succeeds his father Henry VI

King Henry VI of Germany, Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, seizes the Norman kingdom

Supported by Pope Urban IV, Charles, Count of Anjou, seizes control of Sicily, slaying Frederick II’s illegitimate son and successor Manfred

Sicilians revolt against the Anjou French in the dramatic episode known as the Sicilian Vespers, cede sovereignty to Manfred’s son-in-law, Peter III, King of Aragon

Sicily enters a brief period of independence under Frederick III, brother of the King of Aragon and grandson of Manfred

1194

1198

1266

1282

1296

PERIODS OF FRENCH AND GERMAN RULE P E R I O D O F S E T T L E M E N T A N D G R E E K C U LT U R E

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| Summer 2017

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Catania smart destination

MOUNT ETNA

• The remorseless volcano that destroyed Catania again and again stands watchful and unpredictable on the horizon.

• Etna is one of the most active volcanoes in the world and is in an almost constant state of activity. It is the tallest active volcano in Europe and has the highest peak south of the alps.

• Etna is by far the largest of Italy’s three active volcanoes, two and a half times as large as Mount Vesuvius. But she doesn’t only bring destruction. Etna’s volcanic soil is rich with nutrients, making fertile agricultural land. Vineyards and orchards cover the lower slopes of the mountain and Catania’s broad plains to the south.

• The mountain’s largest feature is the Valle del Bove or the Valley of the Ox, a large horseshoe-shaped caldera on the eastern slope.

• Mount Etna has the longest recorded history of eruptions of any volcano and a much longer geological history.

• Diodorus Sculls recorded an eruption in 425 BC. • The Roman poet Virgil wrote about Etna in the Aenid.

• Roman records from 122 BC tell of a large eruption that blocked the sun for several days and caused widespread damage to Catania. Roman taxes were cancelled for 10 years to help the locals rebuild.

• Other recorded eruptions took place in A.D. 40, 1169, and 1185 when the townspeople of Catania made one of the first known attempts at damage control by digging a trench to divert the lava slowly advancing upon their town.

• In 1169 an earthquake destroyed the Catania, killing most of the population. The devastation was immense. It took nearly three centuries before the town regained its strength.

• In 1669 lava destroyed the Western part of the city, and in 1693 an earthquake shook the very foundations of Catania until the entire city was destroyed.

• More recent eruptions took place in 1928, 1960, and 1992, when the US Marines were called in to help with Operation Volcano Buster.

To the ancient Greeks Mount Etna was the God of Fire and home to the Cyclops. Zeus, king of the gods, trapped the monster Typhon under the mountain. Typhon was the last son of Gaia. He and his mate Echidna, half-woman, half-snake, released many famous monsters into the world. The forges of Hephaestus, or Vulcan to the Romans, are also said to be located in Etna’s bowels.

Etna

Tyrrhenian Sea

Mediterranean Sea

Sicily

Eurasian plate

African plate

Mount Etna, like other Mediterranean volcanoes such as Stromboli and Vesuvius, rests on the subduction boundary where the African tectonic plate is being pushed under the Eurasian plate. Etna sits on the active fault between the African plate and the Ionian microplate, which are both being subducted together beneath the Eurasian plate.

Alphonso V “the Magnanimous” of Aragon reunites the Kingdom of Sicily and the Kingdom of Naples

14 42

PERIOD OF SARACEN RULE

24

covers an area of 1,190 km2

War of Spanish Succession erupts through Europe

17 0 1

Height 3,329m

Slab window

171 2

Treaty of Utrecht leads to New Kingdom of Two Sicilies

171 3

17 3 8

Garibaldi leads forces from the Kingdom of Savoy in conquering the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies and creating the Kingdom of Italy, the first unitary government of Sicily and the Italian pennisula since the Roman Empire

18 6 0

PERIOD OF I TA L I A N S TAT E H O O D

| Summer 2017

Incoming and outgoing tourism in Latvia for individuals, small/medium-sized groups, and mee�ng industry

We offer tours in Riga and Latvia, as well as seminars and conferences, and we offer tailor-made individual tourist programs. We provide a full package of travel services for FITs, groups, and corporate clients.

We offer accommoda�on in the Bal�cs; we will help you find the most suitable conferences, seminars, exhibi�ons and other special events, as well as provide transporta�on, transfers and technical equipment – anything you might need. We cooperate with the best tour operators in Latvia, and we offer a wide range of excursion programs in Latvia and Riga! Welcome to Latvia!

Travel agency SKYLINE TRAVEL in Riga coopera�ng with the following tour operators: offering charter flights from RIGA, VILNIUS and TALLINN to: • Turkey, • Greece, • Bulgaria, • Croa�a, • Cyprus, • Tunisia, • Portugal, • Mallorca, • Canary Islands, • Egypt, • Dubai, • Austria

And many others, including the exo�c countries.

Skolas street 4, Riga, Latvia +371 20034715, www.skylinetravel.lv

Modern Medicine smart health

TAKING CARE OF YOUR WELFARE -

PERSONALIZED

MEDICINE Exclusively for SmartLynx magazine

The new technologies of preliminary diagnostics in medicine develop by leaps and bounds. Nowadays the modern clinics offer painless, safe and precise methods of examinations for preliminary diagnostic of any disease. And one of such is offered by this very first premium-class clinic in Latvia. We have sat down with Dr. Rose Jamaldaeva to find out what is personalized medicine and how does it help to improve one’s welfare.

Personalized medicine – what exactly is it and how does it work in the benefit of one’s health?

Personalized medicine is a complex of examinations of all body organs and systems, carried out in a modern diagnostic form. The complex includes all the necessary minimum for detecting the principal diseases in their preliminary stage, at the same time – the process is fast and convenient.

Why is it necessary?

The system of regular health observation is a natural practice, for example – when regularly examining pregnancies. During the prenatal life of a fetus, we continually observe its development. Further follows the screening of a newborn, and such practices 26

are executed every following year of the child’s life. Therefore, such regular health observations should be also carried out in a life of an adult. I recommend the complex of examinations for every single person.

What is the advised regularity for a person to carry out such health examinations?

At the age of 30, such examinations should be carried out no less than once every two years. After the age of 45 – every year, because then the person steps into a more mature age and the laws of body function slightly change.

Such periodical practice is advised only in the absence of complaints or chronic diseases.

An insightful, comfortable, serious conversation with your doctor lets you determine the risk factors, genetic predisposition, as well as the Achilles’ heel of your body.

The main factor worth remembering with personalized medicine – both the doctor and the patient may experience the exceptional feeling of relief when based on objective examination methods, it is determined that person are absolutely healthy.

And after that it is as you already know – “The rest of the life is up to you”.

Dr. Psych. Rose Jamaldaeva Certified GP, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, Acupuncturist, Certified Psychologist, Doctor of Psychotherapy | Summer 2017

Premium Medical – the first premium-class medical institution in Latvia. The clinic was established in 2007 with the special standards of ambulatory and day clinic medical services for both adults and children.

Currently Premium Medical takes care of families with the help of more than 100 highlyrespected specialists of Latvia, all working in 35 different medical fields. The clinic provides a wide range of services: • • • • • • •

Consultations, diagnostics, treatment, Genetic tests, CHECK-UP programmes, Prenatal care, Daytime clinic, Aesthetical medicine, surgeries, Assistance in preparation of documents for acquiring a residence permit.

The specialty of Premium Medical – classical principles of medicine in combination with modern diagnostic and treatment developments, as well as exceptional requirements when choosing the personnel, high-level service and comfort, special confidentiality requirements. Such peopleoriented approach has earned a high evaluation by both local and international patients.

CHECK-UP – it is a complex of examinations of all the body organs and systems, carried out in a modern diagnostic form. The complex includes all the necessary range of examinations for determining the condition of person’s health. It is fast and convenient.

• Complex prophylactic health check-up.

• Personal manager for optimizing the appointments and solving all the issues.

• Only 1 – 3 visits without the necessity of waiting in the day clinic.

• An option for a fast and effective evaluation of one’s health condition, determining the risks early and warning on all the potential diseases.

In Premium Medical clinic there are several CHECK-UP programmes, based on age, lifestyle and individual choice of a patient: • CARDIO CHECK-UP • CHECK-UP for women/men • Metabolism CHECK-UP • CHECK-UP for smokers • Spine CHECK-UP • POWER CHECK-UP for athletes • Individual CHECK-UP programmes

Premium Medical Clinic 13.Janvāra street, 3, Riga; (+371) 660 111 60; info@premiummedical.lv; www.premiummedical.lv

SeaSon booKS smart literature

Books

Words by Roberts Vikmanis Publicity photos

“I find television very educating. Every time somebody turns on the set, I go into the other room and read a book.”

Groucho Marx

1984

The Women of Baker Street

A relatively old book, it has now soared its sales yet again as the events predicted in the plot are considered to somehow relate to the events happening today. In this story, there is no freedom of speech or thought.

There are only 3 fighting totalitarian countries with unlimited power, constantly controlling the thoughts and works of their citizens. The novel represents the fragility of the modern freedom of speech, and it is a timeless classic that should sit in everyone’s bookshelves.

Finally, a spin-off to the famous Sherlock Holmes has finally arrived. Set in the very same world, it now focuses on Mrs. Hudson and Mary, as they are faced with their own challenges. Mrs. Hudson has fallen ill, resulting in staying in the hospital.

While there, her intuition of doubt increases as she notices that every patient around her holds some kind of a secret, as well as the number of deaths across the ward increases.

Meanwhile Mary, having heard about some young boys disappearing across the city, is all for finding the boys to reunite them with their families. Just as investigations of the women collide, they both witness an ever scarier, more gruesome case.

BY GEORGE ORWELL

28

BY MICHELLE BIRKBY

Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children

BY RANSOM RIGGS

Now also turned into a Tim Burton movie, this book will give the chills to all the readers. After a family accident, 16-yearold Jacob goes to a remote island where he discovers the ruins of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. The longer he explores the premises, the more and more he understands of how peculiar the children actually have been. Maybe there is a reason to why they were sent to this island, and moreover – could they be still alive? Read this breath-taking story to find it out.

| Summer 2017

SeaSon booKS smart literature

The New Digital Age

BY ERIC SCHMIDT, JARED COHEN

Opinion of the fourth industrial revolution is rapidly increasing amongst the society.

Google (Alphabet) leading employer Eric Schmidt and Google (Jigsaw) director Jared Cohen have made a wonderful and in-depth knowledge based compilation on different views on how technology and the products connected to it will influence people and countries, including both political and economic issues. They have met with several leaders of countries, as well as companies, just to provide the readership with a book that offers a new look on the rapid events led by technology of the 21st century.

Summer 2017 |

Adventureman – Anyone Can Be a Superhero

BY JAMIE MCDONALD

This is a true story by an inspirational man who has witnessed both ups and downs during his lifetime. Starting out with an unfortunate accident when he was just 9, his family feared that Jamie would never walk again. Yet 20 years later he ran five thousand miles across Canada. It was a way for him to repay the doctors and hospitals that saved his life, therefore embarking on the biggest adventure of his life. The story tells of not only the challenges and hurdles Jamie overcame during the run, but also the kind and hospital nature of people encountered along the way that altogether motivated him to achieve the goal. The best touch to that – he did it all while wearing a costume of the famous superhero – the Flash.

Blood on Snow

BY JO NESBØ

It wouldn’t be a real book review without Jo Nesbø in it. Yet again, the Norwegian writer has taken the world by storm with a new, thrilling story. Olav is a lone man that works as a hitman. It would seem pretty difficult to build a relationship with someone with such a job, yet somehow Olav has met the woman of his dreams. However, there are two major breaking points – the woman is the wife of his boss. And he has been ordered by him to kill her.

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Summer Trends smart fashion

THE HEROINE OF

THIS SUMMER

SEASON –

ADVENTURER Exclusively for SmartLynx magazine

She is confident, smart and dreamy. Dare to choose romantic silk dresses and lush, sexy costumes made from Crêpe. Experiment with contrasting colour combinations. Do not forget about bright season trends – active prints of stripes, bold outfits from lurex and asymmetry.

During the chill summer nights, throw on a trench coat or a coat of light fabric.

The Team

Style: Elga Homitska (www.homitska.com) Photographer: Miks Užans (www.miksuzans.com) Model: Anastasia Alekseevska, Inga Raduga Model Management Hair, make-up: Viktorija Safronova Stylist assistance: Olga Denisenko (Elga Homitska Image House)

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| Summer 2017

Summer Trends smart fashion

Dress and pants from Deeply Personal, BOLD Concept Store Cardigan from Mariam Gvasalia, BOLD Concept Store Rings from Mango Summer 2017 |

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Summer Trends smart fashion

Dress from Mariam Gvasalia, BOLD Concept Store Rings from Mango 32

| Summer 2017

Blouse from Deeply Personal, BOLD Concept Store Skirt from Zara, Riga Plaza Shopping Centre Earrings and rings from Mango

Dress from Anna Led Earrings and rings from Mango

Dress and coat from Narciss Earrings from H&M Rings from Mango

Summer Trends smart fashion

Cardigan from Deeply Personal, BOLD Concept Store Shirt and Pants from Anna Led Earrings from Mango 36

| Summer 2017

oPen-air CineMa smart

5

WHERE TO SEE

A MOVIE

THIS SUMMER

There is something magical about watching a classical piece of cinematography beneath the clear, star-filled sky. We offer you the guide to the 5 best outdoor cinema locations for you to enjoy photos a warm summer breeze, fun chatterPublicity all around and the best of cinema world.

Words by Liene Eglīte Publicity photos

Thision Open Air Cinema

Riverbed Cinema For Dokufest

summer but none provide as majestic a view as Cine Thisio.” The cinema usually includes both contemporary and classic cinematography, as well as begins each season with several other performances. The refreshments the venue provides are all unique and handmade, presenting the traditions of the region and served for the visitor to feel as comfortable as possible, while enjoying both the cuisine and cinematic delight.

organization with almost no funding whatsoever. It has now grown into an international event, attracting regional and foreign artists, as well as audiences. The festival also includes various themed exhibitions, debates, workshops and even musical performances, all stretched throughout 9 days in August and thanks to more than 150 volunteers that happily apply annually to gain the fantastic experience of this festival.

Location: Apostolos Pavlos 7, Athens, Greece Built in 1935, this ancient cinema (and the oldest in Athens) will provide its visitors with a stunning view of the neighbouring Acropolis and the Parthenon. It is also important to note that this very cinema topped CNN’s list of the most enjoyable movie theatres in the world: “Athens is home to multiple outdoor movie theatres that crop up during the

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Location: Europa Center Marin Barleti, Prizren, Kosovo The International Documentary and Short Film Festival is the largest of such in Kosovo. The historical centre of Prizren is transformed into a screening of more than 200 hand-picked movies from around the world. What makes it even more valuable is its origins, as the festival was established as a volunteer-based

| Summer 2017

oPen-air CineMa smart 5

Pula Arena

Location: Scalierova ul. 30, Pula, Croatia The only remaining Roman amphitheatre to have preserved the 4-side towers and all of the 3 Roman architectural orders, is now used every summer as the Pula Film Festival approaches. The historical site is transformed into a stage for the oldest Croatian film festival, held in the

Arena since 1954. Not only it screens movies open to public, but also holds the traditional Croatian film industry awards, also known as the Golden Arenas.

As during the 90’s the popularity of the festival gradually decreased, in 2001 the organizers decided to include foreign

cinematography as well, still existing nowadays. This year the festival will be held from July 15 to 22 offering both the Croatian and International programmes, and including many other performances and exhibitions aside the screen.

Sala Montjuic

Cinema Under the Stars at the Ljubljana Castle

up and the show with live performances and movies is kicked off.

Venue also provides the best selection of local cuisine and beverages to indulge in the most authentic experience while visiting Spain, and is usually carried out as a lush picnic while enjoying a magical outdoor atmosphere of Sala Montjuic.

original languages, provided with the necessary subtitles. The venue presents the best of the past year’s cinematography, also premiering the anticipated wonders of cinema. The movies will be screened all throughout July starting from the 5th to 29th, and sessions held every single night at 9 pm.

Location: Ctra. de Montjuïc, Barcelona, Spain From June 30 to August 4 the walls of Barcelona’s Montjuic Castle transform into an outdoor cinema venue, providing its visitors with an excellent selection of world-class movies, as well as live musical performances that precede the screenings. As soon as night falls over the skies of the vibrant Barcelona, the screen of Sala Montjuic lights

Summer 2017 |

Location: Grajska planota 1, Ljubljana Castle, Slovenia Also known as Film Under the Stars, this venue is positioned in the courtyard of the historical Ljubljana Castle, located on a 375-metre hill in the Old Town of the city. It is considered as the main symbol of the Slovenia’s capital city, offering many other cultural and entertaining events aside from the cinema. All of the movies are screened in the

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toP 5 beardS smart GroominG

Exclusively for SmartLynx magazine

Chuck Norris

An American cult actor and master of martial arts who has acquired his fame by acting the main roles in action movies. Also created the martial art Chun Kuk Do. 3 facts: • 7-time world champion in Karate • Has filmed in 43 movies • Favourite “fact” about himself: “They once tried to carve Chuck Norris’s face into Mount Rushmore, but the granite wasn’t hard enough for his beard” E.R. Well-groomed beard with an even contour, however the hairstyle messes the overall image – it should be worked with a bit better. Unfortunately, it happens – people concentrate on the grooming of the beard while forgetting to do the same for the hair.

This article is about the exceptional element of a masculine image – the beard. To evaluate the true winners of this top, we have invited along Edgar Rosenwald – the creator of the popular Barbershop in Riga.

Text by Olegs Homickis Publicity photos

Abraham Lincoln

Conor McGregor

He is the “UFC” mixed martial arts fighter of Irish descent. A current champion in the lightweight category and a former champion in the featherweight category.

3 facts: • 24 fights • 21 win (18 knockouts) • 3 defeats E.R. He is a modern style icon, both with the hairstyle and the beard. Often shaves off the sides and leaves a small beard. Always neat and accurate in his style. He can truly be titled as a modern etalon.

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The 16th president of the United States of America. Personally guided the warfare that led to a win over the Confederation during the Civil War. And after that – developed a plan of national consent and then left the position.

3 facts: • Filed for two bankruptcies and lost 8 elections • Created the Republican Party • Abolished slavery in USA E.R. During those times, beard without a moustache was an indicator to openness, not being able to hide emotions behind the moustache. Nowadays such beards can be seen near to Eastern borders, whereas for the Western world it is more of a disgrace.

Sir Richard Branson

An extraordinary entrepreneur and philanthropist, one of the richest people in the UK with the means of 5 billion US dollars.

3 facts: • Was pretty bad at school because of his dyslexia.

• The first business ideas – fraternal magazine and parrot breeding.

• Created the “Virgin Group” consisting of 400 companies of different profiles.

E.R. He is a well-respected man, however the goatee and hairstyle from the 70’s is not the best idea. One should always grow up with the style. He could go well with a modern look of short hair, leaving a light stubble.

Ernest Hemingway

American writer, journalist, laureate of the Nobel Prize for Literature and the Pulitzer Prize.

3 facts: • Got 26 splinters when getting under fire of a trench mortar shell to save a wounded Italian sniper, later receiving the Silver Medal of Valor.

• Because of the paranoid thoughts about the FBI following him, he went to a psychiatric ward.

• In 2011, FBI disclosed the tailing reports.

E.R. An arranged hairstyle and grey beard makes a perfect combination. Grey hear is a current trend, but even without that his image is harmonic. | Summer 2017

Citroen

CITROËN C3

The Avantgarde

smart auto

Exclusively for SmartLynx magazine

For this summer car test we have been joined by Jānis Vanks – a true professional in the field of motor sport, having succeeded in numerous achievements as a touring car pilot and recently taken up yet another role – managing and directing the Latvian Safe Driving School. See what Jānis has to think about the speed and other qualities of this state-of-theart vehicle – Citroen C3, provided by our friends at Mitau Auto.

Text by Māra Miķelsone Photos by Aleksejs Sosnovskis & Laima Vainiņa 42

| Summer 2017

Summer 2017 |

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Citroen smart auto

JÄ nis Vanks is the director of the Safe Driving School - the first school of such in Latvia teaching the drivers professional and practical principles of safe driving. Established in cooperation with the Swedish Active Driving, the school aims to be the leading safe driving school in the Baltics. It lets students learn how to avoid accidents, protect themselves and others from injuries, prevent material losses and in general – how to feel safe on the road.

The courses are provided for both beginners and experienced drivers. More information on the courses, events and news in the field of motorsports available on www.dbs.lv.

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Engine Power Gearbox Fuel Consumption Acceleration CO2 Emission Full Weight Basic Weight Type Coupe Equipment

1.2 i Petrol 60 Kw/ 82 hp 5 Speed Manual 4.5 l/ 100 km 12.3 s 104 1600 kg 1050 kg 5-door Hatchback Chic

TECH SPECS OF CITROEN C3 | Summer 2017

Citroen smart auto

First impressions are pretty good. The interior design of “squariness” seems good enough, as it actually has used the space pretty well – there is a lot of space for both the driver and the passengers. Especially the leg space for the passenger right beside the driver. And the height is surprisingly large, containing even the tallest man. All of the interior design seems well-developed, especially the red frames surrounding the black panel. This design is unique enough to distinguish amongst the boring “grey mass”.

The seats are softer than ever. I guess that is a true sign of a French style - just as a sofa.

Although let’s be honest, even with the softest of seats, you can truly evaluate the comfort after Summer 2017 |

at least 200 km on the road. The panel has a touchscreen with not only navigation and music settings, but also with an option to connect it to your phone. It’s actually a good thing because then you are focused only on this screen that has been conveniently put right in your eyesight.

No unnecessary distractions. And the rest of the interior – I like that there is not an excessive number of buttons – everything is simple and understandable from the first sight.

Overall, there are absolutely no things that would drive me crazy in the interior of the vehicle. Although most of the panel is made of plastic, the places one touches most often are of really nice and soft material. And everything is by the reach of a hand.

• This fall Citroen C3 model is planned to be added by a Picasso version.

• Price of this model - 13,500 euro.

• Price with full configuration - 15,600 euro.

• 3-year (or 100’000 km) warranty, with an option to prolong it to 5 years (or 150’000 km) with a customer-friendly price.

• Additionally available a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty.

• The unique Zenith windshield or Visiodrive lets both the driver and passengers to enjoy a spectacular view.

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Citroen smart auto

The driving goes smoothly, the same could be said for the steering wheel. Right away one can feel the 3-cilinder engine from the particular vibration when changing gears.

Although the 3-cilinder engine for this car works just fine, there are two things that usually bug me about it. First, you can never feel the rotation speed as vibrations for each of them actually feel the same. And second, it is subjected to more vibrations than usual as it is put on the engine mount and as soon as you have to make more rapid manoeuvres, it kind of starts to sway around. However, for this Citroen – an urban car – the engine is just enough.

For now it goes quite smoothly and quietly, however we are on a better road now. But let’s see what happens as soon as we hit those road bumps and holes. And here we see and feel exactly the same – the suspension is really good, as every single hole we go over is felt really soft. You even start to feel like in a jeep of sort. The car goes so easily that it would even calm down the most nervous of drivers – it does not provoke to aggressive driving whatsoever.

We are driving in a car that feels like two classes higher from the comfort point of view. Seats are soft, the suspension as well.

Even when hitting brakes, it does sway a 46

bit. And it all makes one feel like driving in a much larger car than it actually is. And that’s a good thing for such compact-level vehicle. It is a comfort-prone car after all.

Of course, it does start to go a bit “lazier” when seriously speeding up. But as I already said before, in the city (especially a city with bad roads) it is an excellent choice of a vehicle. If you are looking for a quiet, comfortable city car – this is it.

The gear shift has quite a stretch in diapason, therefore it does take some getting used to when switching to the 3rd or 4th. But when shifted, it’s as precise as it can be.

I really like the design of this model and the fact that it comes in different colours.

There are 9 basic colours plus 3 different choices for the roof (white, red and black).

And that means the total of 36 colour variations, which consequently gives the option of personalizing your vehicle with quite a probability that no one around will have the same design.

The front metal material of the car is quite soft, just as the soft trims on the sides with fillings in them. That makes wonder whether it is because the French are so keen on parking with contact. You just slightly bump into a car before you and there are no prints left. Excellent.

And now we enter Biķernieku racetrack to take a look on what this car is really made of: We have to see for a bit how this comfort has impacted the wheel control. So, it’s not like the car would sway on the sides too much. And it is controlled pretty well. For now, I’m “rallying” relatively mild, so the car still listens to me. However, as soon as I take more rapid turns, it starts to float a bit. And now taking on the next level, the car shows its urban nature. The engine won’t let me get too crazy and the car starts to swing from side to side. Now it gets a bit more challenging.

But I think it’s completely right – if the engine would be bigger and the brakes would have an upgrade, then the suspension would have to be stiffer and the wheel should react quicker. But this little Citroen is a city car that can withstand any kind of pavements, holes and edges. And this sort of suspension is a logical choice to drive through it all in a comfortable regime.

I’m actually positively surprised by this model. It is an excellent city car, and the best thing is that for such a friendly price you not only choose a brand new car of good quality, but can also have a pretty original design personalized to your needs and desires. If you like the design, try the car out. And if you like it after that, then just buy it! | Summer 2017

NEW

CITROËN

C3

MADE TO SEDUCE

Mitau Motors car dealer’s shop is the first authorized representative of the KIA and Citroen brands located just outside of Riga. The range of offered cars varies from small sports cars to large family vehicles.

Mitau also offers a range of car services, including provision of original spare parts and car accessories for KIA and Citroen.

Numerous car exhibitions, helpful service and consultations of competent specialists – fundamental values for Mitau Motors team, just to help you to make the most valuable decision on your future car.

More information: www.mitaumotors.lv Visit: Atmodas Street 19, Jelgava, LV-3007 Call: +371 63011223 or +371 20275100 Write: info@mitaumotors.lv

LoCaL FoCuS smart business

LOCAL BUSINESS STORIES Recently there have been a lot of opinions on the fact that Baltics are the new best platform for startup businesses. And you know what – recently developed companies have just proven the fact right. Our very own Latvians, Estonians and Lithuanians have demonstrated just how business and tech-savvy the Baltic residents are by establishing now worldly recognized companies. Here are some of the strongest titles.

Words by Gustavs Reinholds Publicity photos

Reports for Modern Business

Founders: Justas, Tomas and Andrius Malinauskas Platform: www.whatagraph.com Whatagraph: Founded by three Lithuanian brothers, this solution helps to deal with the ever-lasting frustration of working with Google Analytics. It always takes quite a time, as well as nerves to do reports for bosses or clients, therefore Whatagraph helps to make centralized and automated analytics reports to engage your team and clients. Simply put, this programme transforms Google Analytics to goodlooking and informative reports, all by just a few clicks and a pinch of imagination.

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| Summer 2017

Local Focus smart business

Transfer Money Online

Rapid Industrial Diagnostic Solutions

Learn a Language at Light Speed

Shared Foodie Platform

Founders: Taavet Hinrikus and Kristo Kaarmann Platform: www.transferwise.com TransferWise: A remarkable and long-needed solution for transferring money abroad in a fast and economic fashion.

Two Estonian friends decided that money should flow freely, using only real exchange rates and no hidden fees that should be as minimal as possible. And it all started out of their own developed process. While Taavet was paid in euros but lived in London, and Kristo worked in London but had a mortgage back home (meaning paying in euros), they came to a rather simple, yet genius sense – each month both friends checked the current day’s mid-market rate to find a fair exchange rate. Kristo put his earned pounds into Taavet’s UK bank account, while Taavet put the money in his friend’s euro account and voila! The same scheme was put to use in now-global TransferWise.

Founders: Mait Muntel, Ott Jalakas Tanel Hiir and Andres Koern Platform: www.lingvist.com Lingvist: An excellent solution for busybodies who want to learn a language as fast and effectively as possible. The Estonian co-founder of the company – Mait Muntel - decided to approach language learning as a mathematical challenge to which he built a solution on his own. He learnt French with a home-made prototype for 200 hours in total, after which he took a high school French exam which he passed. After that, Mait took the idea and started developing the software for public use. The idea of the software is to track what the learner knows and what they don’t know, thereafter determining what they need to learn next to complete the knowledge gaps as efficiently as possible.

Summer 2017 |

Founders: Talis Juhna, Anton Adamovitch and Linda Mezule Platform: www.conelum.com Conelum: This company has been using its technology to accelerate mandatory food testing processes, and is now working with some of the leading European dairy companies.

Founded in 2012 by Riga Technical University students, Conelum develops rapid microbiological diagnostic tests for companies of food and drink industry. The previously needed 24 hours up to 5 days, is now reduced to the total of just 30 minutes thanks to an innovative technology titled EloKIT. And the best of all – it does not compromise the results if compared to the conventional methods. Therefore, the company’s product is a value to every food industry-related company around the globe.

Founders: Reda Stare and Edvinas Bartkus Platform: www.plateculture.com Plate Culture: This platform for connecting cooking and dinner hosting enthusiasts has been created by two Lithuanians. It is a marketplace that invites one to dine in actual homes where authentic food and interesting people may be enjoyed. It also serves as an excellent opportunity for tourists to experience an authentic cuisine. Guests come to a home of a person who decides to host the dinner and enjoy his homecooked meal.

The whole process of the dining includes four simple steps: 1) Your request a dinner on your chosen date; 2) Chef approves your request; 3) You confirm with a secure payment; 4) You visit chef’s home and enjoy the meal with other foodies.

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LoCaL FoCuS smart business

The Most Flexible Travel Planner

Founders: Andrii Shekhirev, Jurijs Kovzels and Aleksejs Kolapkovs Platform: www.trip.center Trip.Center: Every trip asks for effort to not just make it worth a while, but also to make it safe and economic. To avoid the frustration by planning such a trip, three Latvians have made a solution. The product includes a web service and a mobile app synchronized with the web service and enabling offline access to the trip information – structured trip details, one place for all your travel documents, summarized trip visualization to not get lost in all the information, exchanging the information with all the travelers and managing your previously set trip budget. This solution is also excellent for planning business trips, allowing to set up roles and permissions, hand over travel arrangements to the travelers, upload any document and receipt directly from smartphone, record and categorize all travel expenses, as well as tag these expenses with product name and country the product has been purchased in.

Engaging Scenario-Based Learning

Founders: Sergei Snegirev, Sergey Margaritov and Jean Mauris Platform: www.branchtrack.com BranchTrack: Already adopted by various top global brands, this Latvian corporate training firm “plans to disrupt the sector with its clever but very user-friendly customer simulation platform”.

This application allows to simulate actual situations of client service, thus teaching employees as practical as possible. It is a scenario-based e-learning, letting the client to create and design the desired situation. And it is very easy to adapt to – just build the scenario online with a user-friendly editor (dragging and dropping elements to make sense of complex interactions) and review the scenarios by playing them beforehand. After that, it’s up to your employees.

Your Ride just a Click Away Word of Mouth at Scale

Founders: Tadas Deksnys and Justin Taruska Platform: www.unboxed.social Inside Warehouse: Founded by two Lithuanians, this platform enables online publishers to sell content relevant products directly on site. It increases engagements and conversions by embedding user and expert-generated content into retailer’s product details page. As descripted by the company itself – “We help the largest media companies worldwide to monetize content by bringing in Product Discovery and Buy Now functionality to any content page or App.” 50

Founder: Markus Villig Platform: www.taxify.eu Taxify: Our very own Uber has been created by an Estonian tech spec. The app helps the existing taxi companies “fight the encroaching threat on their business from independent drivers”.

This app differentiates from similar ones with a few features, such as letting the client choose any available driver or car model he desires. It also shows all the necessary information, including fees and approximate time of arrival. It also solves the ever-lasting issue of reaching for cash as the application can be connected to one’s bank account, and at the end of the ride you confirm the payment with your phone. Taxi rides have never been so easy. | Summer 2017

inventionS oF 2017 smart tech

TECHNOLOGIES

2017 OF

YAY NAY OR

Technology has reached a whole new level, providing people with things one might not even think of. Therefore, at one point we ask – do we really need it? Is it an actual Eureka moment or just a device invented by a lazy person? Well, we decided that you would be the judge of that. Read all about the trendiest inventions of this season and who knows – maybe you will find something that might Words by Gustavs Reinholds actually work for you.

Publicity photos

SCiO is a cutting-edge food scanner that can instantly analyse pieces of food to see how many calories they have, as well as the nutritional balance. Talk about a deliberate dieting.

The Sensorwake alarm clock actually releases scents of coffee, croissants, peppermint or almost anything else you might desire to smell during the mornings.

However, be sure to remember it doesn’t actually make them – that’s still up to you.

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Getting a bit tired of drinking a certain amount of water daily? No worries as now there is an actual edible water. It is a membrane made of algae that has stored water inside it. It is considered as a cheap, eco-friendly replacement of water bottles.

Digitsole footwear connects to an app for automatic shoe tightening, calorie tracking and food heating and even adjusting shock absorption. Although by the looks of it you may want to think again before purchasing it. | Summer 2017

Inventions of 2017 smart tech

This invention will be the hit for those who had always wanted to be artists, yet not having actual talent. A robotic arm that will bring to life all the sketches you’ve made during those boring meetings. The arm mimics the user’s drawing motions, thus creating a digital sketch with pen and paper via a specialized app. It is believed to encourage people to doodle more and not be afraid by their lack of talent.

A bit bigger invention than others, this one will make your eyes pop out – a 3D printed car. Yes, an actual car that has been printed out. It is considered as a relief to the manufacturing companies, as instead of thousands of parts used in a traditional car, the printing takes up as little as 40 parts.

One can design their own car, and within less than a week – it will wait you by the doorstep – signed, sealed, delivered. And printed.

A collaboration between Levi’s and Google has come to an interesting result – Smart Jacket. This denim jacket will interact with its owner’s smartphones and other such devices via Bluetooth.

The conductive fabric on the connected jacket’s wrist will serve as a control panel.

How is this different from using an actual smartphone? Well, we don’t know. But it promises to be the hit of the year.

Summer 2017 |

How lazy can one get? We’ll tell you, as LG has brought a new refrigerator innovation – not only the in-built panel reveals what’s in your fridge, but the door also automatically opens when you step near it.

Selfie sticks are so last year. Now it will take even less effort to make a selfie with an AirSelfie. It is a pocket-sized drone that captures photos remotely from the air. It is equipped with a 5-megapixel camera also shooting HD videos. They will think of anything just to avoid the awkward stranger interaction when asking “Could you take a picture of us?”

A uniquely designed toothbrush – iBrush will detect and correct all the wrong things you are doing while brushing your teeth, such as, holding the brush in the wrong angle or finishing up too fast. It will feel just as an electronic toothbrush but will adapt to all the necessary positions to reach all teeth at all angles.

Having problem defining your emotions?

Then BrainBit is just for you – worn as a headband, it uses the electrodes to read its wearer’s emotional state.

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tour de FranCe smart biKe

LE GRAND

TOUR

Although the prestigious cycling trio titled the “Grand Tour” supposedly consists of Tour de France, Giro d’italia and Vuelta a Espana, the French route is considered as the most recognized.

Words by Māra Miķelsone Publicity photos

The Tour is now a UCI World Tour event, meaning that the teams competing in the race are mostly UCI World Teams. Routes change every year, yet the format of the event maintains the same, such as the passage through the Pyrenees and the Alps, as well as the historical finish on 54

Champs-Elysees in Paris. Approximately 3,500 kilometres are made of 21 day-long stages over a 23-day period. So how did it all begin? Some say that the idea was conceived over a cup of coffee, yet others offer a more intriguing story. How does it go? Read on to find out. | Summer 2017

tour de FranCe smart biKe

“L’Auto”, now “L’Equipe”, is a French daily newspaper devoted to all things sport. “L’Auto” was staged during Tour de France 1903, a race that is supposed to be the “brainchild” of L’Equipe journalist – Gabriel Hanot.

Promoting “L’Auto”

The race was first organized in 1903, and since then it has been held annually (except for two times during the World Wars). It was started as a simple event to promote the newspaper “L’Auto” which was in fierce rivalry with other leading French newspaper – “Le Velo”. Eventually it turned into an internationally acclaimed race, gathering not only the best and strongest cyclists, but also fan crowds from all over the world. And that was something the original organizers of Tour de France did not expect at all.

Quite luckily (or maybe luck had nothing to do with it) the Tour really did save the magazine, boosting its sales from 25 000 up to 65 000 just as the first race wound around France. At the very first Tour, the

general classification was based on the accumulated time, however in 1904 it was decided to change it to a points-based system. Therefore, the most consistent daily finisher was rewarded. In 1913, the classification changed yet again to a timebased system, and this time the change was permanent.

After Maurice Garin – country’s top cyclist - won the race for the second time in 1904, he was disqualified on the grounds of various forms of alleged cheating, such as, holding on to cars, train rides, as well as taking short cuts. Such dishonesty made the Tour’s so called “father” – Henri Desgrange – to declare the race as the last. In his own words – “It has died of its success, of the blind passions that it unleashed, the abuse and the dirty suspicions…”

It is rumoured that a source of inspiration for Beckett ’s play – “Waiting for Godot” – was a French cyclist called Godot, the last man, or “lanterne rouge”, in one tour.

The record winners up until now are the ones who have one the total of five times.

Those include Jacques Anquetil (France), Eddy Merckx (Belgium), Bernard Hinault (France), and Miguel Indurain (Spain) with 5 consecutive wins.

Summer 2017 |

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tour de FranCe smart biKe

An Original Race

The very first Tour was held in 1903 as a 5-stage race from May 31 to July 5. It was supposed to be started in Paris, with stops at Lyon, Marseillle, Bordeaux and Nantes, and then – returning to Paris. However, the costs would be too high and the participants weren’t strong and motivated enough to go through nights until afternoons, with just a little resting time.

Therefore, Desgrange decided to change it up a bit. He cut the race to 19 days, changed its time to July 1 to 19, and most importantly – provided a daily allowance to anyone who averaged with at least 20 km/h, thus creating a larger participant crowd,

reaching up to 80 racers. He would also cut the entry fee and set the prize for 12 000 francs, as well as 3 000 francs for the winner of the day. That changed a lot for the race, as well as for its participants.

Yellow Jersey

The winner of the race (leader of the general classification) receives the coveted yellow jersey – a tradition held since 1919.

The first one to wear the yellow jersey was Eugene Christophe who was one of the great survivors – in 1913 he began to climb the stage of the Col du Tourmalet as he was then hit by one of the Tour’s following cars, causing the forks of the frontal wheel

to break. He walked 10 kilometres to the nearest village where he found a local blacksmith, as back then – all the technical repairs were insisted to be carried out by the participants themselves. Eventually, with a few more shortcomings, Christophe finished the race. Because of his relentless fight, he was presented with the maillot jaune which represented the yellow pages of L’Auto.

Nowadays there is also the Green Jersey awarded to the leader of the points classification, the Red Polka-Dot Jersey worn by the leader of the mountains classification, and the White Jersey awarded to the best young rider under the age of 25.

Father of the Tour – Henri Desgrange had been a racing cyclist before becoming a journalist with L’Auto and the first organizer of the Tour. This despite fearing for its future as early as the second race, writing “The Tour de France is finished and the second edition, I fear, will also be the last. It has died of its success, of the blind passions that is unleashed, the abuse and the dirty suspicions.”

To quote Richard Moore (as in his famous photo book “Tour De France 100” 2013), the original race did not differ that much from the ones held nowadays, still embodying cycling professionals fighting for the win with all the power and energy inside them: “The Tour these days may seem unrecognizable from the early Tours in which riders struggled over dirt roads, spare tyres wrapped around their bodies, finishing with grime-encrusted faces, as though they had emerged from a coal mine. And yet, as I read the history, 56

and delved in the photographic archives, I was struck by how similar it was. The bikes have improved, of course, but they haven’t really changed. It is a team sport nowadays, but there was always, much to Desgrange’s chagrin, a significant team element, and, very quickly, a clear hierarchy, with domestiques (team helpers) devoted to helping a designated leader. Another crucial element of the Tour, as Desgrange acknowledged in his mission statement, was that it involved professional riders.“ | Summer 2017

The Grand Departure 2017

This year the 104th Tour de France will start from Dusseldorf, being the 4th German city of the so called “Grand Depart”. The race will consist of 21 stages and 2 rest days. The longest stage will be held in Embrun, Salonde-Provence, reaching up to 220 kilometres in total.

Grand Départ Race Start

Ville départ Start town

Ville arrivée Finish town

Ville repos Rest town

Arrivée finale Race finish

Étape en ligne Stage

C.I.m. individuel

Individual time-trial

One of the prizes is the Souvenir Henri Desgrange that is awarded to the first rider over the Col du Galibier (right where Desgrange’s monument stands). A similar award also is of Desgrange’s successor – Jacques Goddet, and is awarded to the first rider over Col du Tourmalet.

Summer 2017 |

In 2005 the legendary Lance Armstrong had already won seven consecutive Tours only to have been discovered for using doping. He then received a lifetime ban from competing in professional sports. It was only 2013 that he came clean and admitted of this fraud.

The Circle of Death – the tenth stage of 1910 began at 2 AM on July 21. It was the first time the race led through the Pyrenees.

It was twice as many mountains that were twice as high in relation of the hills of the previous stage. Even the winner of 1907 – Lucien Petit-Breton declared that this stage was horrifying. In his own words, the riders were entering “The Circle of Death”. It was not just the gradients or the rough tracks, it was also the high risk of bears catching an “easy prey”.

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HeaLtHy SnaCKS smart Kids

HEALTHY

KIDS – HAPPY PARENTS

One of the things parents dread the most is to provide their kids with snacks that are not only tasty, but also healthy. Of course, it is easy to put a chocolate bar in a lunch bag or bake a cake for the play date. But think of how many other and simpler possibilities there actually are, all while keeping children healthy and happy.

Words by Liene EglÄŤte Publicity photos 58

| Summer 2017

HeaLtHy SnaCKS smart Kids

2 ½ cup of flour

2 tablespoons of yeast

2 tablespoons of oil an egg yolk

¾ cups of warm water

Bread Sticks for a Play Date

Stir together 1 cup of flour, 2 tablespoons of yeast and a few pinches of salt. In another bowl mix ¾ cups of warm water, 2 tablespoons of oil, 1 tablespoon of sugar and an egg yolk. Add water mixture to the dry mixture and beat with an electric mixer for about 3 minutes.

Using a wooden spoon, stir in the remaining - 1 ½ cup of flour – to make moderately stiff dough. If necessary, knead in more onto a lightly floured surface. Cover and let the dough rise until its nearly double the size. Then, punch the dough down, cover and let it rest

a few pinches of salt

1 tablespoons of sugar

again for 10 minutes. After that, divide dough in half, and each portion into 8 pieces. On a floured surface, roll each piece into a 12-inch-long rope for thin, crispy sticks. Place 2 inches apart on prepared (greased) baking sheet. Cover it yet again and let rise until its nearly double the size.

Beat together 1 egg white and 1 tablespoon water until its frothy, then brush it over breadsticks. Sprinkle with coarse salt and bake for about 10 minutes in 220 degrees. Let the sticks cool on wire rack and they are ready for serving.

P���U�S

Potatoes

Paprika & garlic powder

Homemade Potato Chips for a Movie Night

Sea salt

Slice a few potatoes into paper-thin strips and lay them onto a plate, covered by parchment paper. Sprinkle everything with sea salt, paprika and garlic powder, and cover with another sheet of paper.

Microwave the slices for about 5 minutes, until they are lightly brown. One Russet potato sliced paper thin.

Summer 2017 |

1 cup of peanut butter

1 cup of sugar

1 egg

Peanut Butter Cookies for Holidays

Mix 1 cup of smooth or chunky peanut butter, 1 cup of sugar and 1 egg. If feeling fun, add some chocolate chips. Scoop the dough into small balls and lay out on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake for about 10 minutes at 200 degrees, then let cool on rack and the cookies are ready. Fun fact! You can easily freeze the dough balls and use them later on, if children suddenly are in need of the delicious snacks.

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HeaLtHy SnaCKS smart Kids

2 packets of gelatin

1½ cups of juice

Juice Jelly -insert your shape- for an After-school Treat

Pour ½ cup of juice of choice in a bowl and sprinkle 2 packets of unflavoured gelatin over it. While it sits, heat the remaining – 1 ½ cups of juice to boil. Pour hot juice over juice and gelatin mixture and stir, adding in extra sugar if desired (although not necessarily needed). Pour mixture into the bottom of a pan and chill for at least 3 hours. Then cut the final piece into squares, circles or any other shape you like and voila – kids will go crazy.

Yo����

½ cup of milk

½ cups of natural yoghurt

1 tablespoons of sunflower oil

2 tablespoons of honey

1 tablespoons of jam

2 cups of oats

Any-shape Yoghurt Granola Bars for a Lunchbox

Mix 2 cups of oats, 2 tablespoons of honey and 1 tablespoon of sunflower oil in a baking tray. Spread out and bake at 180 degrees for about 6 minutes. Stir it all up and bake for 7 more minutes. Let it cool down, then mix with 150 grams of dried fruits and nuts which will make for about 8 servings. For one serving, mix it all together with ½ cups natural yoghurt with 1 tablespoon of sugar-free jam of your choice (intended for 1 serving).

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1¼ cup of canned pumpkin

2 large eggs

¾ cup of all-purpose flour ¾ cup of wheat flour

½ cup of applesauce 8 tablespoons of maple syrup

a few pinches of salt

1 teaspoon of baking powder ½ teaspoon of nutmeg 1 teaspoon of cinnamon

½ cup of dry oats

Maple-Oat Pumpkin Muffins for a Weekend Indoors

Combine ½ cup of dry oats with ½ cup of milk in a small bowl, then set aside for 5 to 10 minutes. In a larger bowl, combine ¾ cup of all-purpose flour with ¾ cup of whole wheat flour, along with 1 teaspoon of baking soda, ¼ teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of nutmeg and a few pinches of salt. In a medium bowl, mix 1 ¼ cup of canned pumpkin, ½ cup of unsweetened applesauce, 2 large eggs and 8 tablespoons of pure maple syrup. Add the set pumpkin mixture and oat mixture to the large bowl with the dry ingredients and stir it until the dough is fully combined. Divide the batter among the total of 18 muffin cups, filling each approximately ⅔ full. In a smaller bowl, combine ¼ cup of pumpkin seed kernels and 1 tablespoon of pure maple syrup as toppings. Put small pinches of this mixture on top of each muffin.

Bake for 20 minutes in 350-degree heat and allow to cool before serving the most delicious, still healthy muffins. | Summer 2017

gaMeS on FLigHt smart Kids

WITH LOVE FROM SMARTLYNX:

WHAT CAN WE OFFER

THE LITTLE ONES?

Magic Sticker Set

This set will seek to any needs, as it includes all kinds of fun activities a child should want. Getting through a labyrinth to find the treasure chest or creating your own collage from colourful stickers and pictures – with this set the time will just fly by.

3-in-1 Combo

Game of pictures is a game indeed. This combo includes activities of both a puzzle and a memory game. Strengthening child’s mind while still having loads of fun.

Summer 2017 |

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varna smart city

VARNA IN FOCUS

Words by Roberts Vikmanis Publicity photos

Being in the midst of summer, there is no better way to explore a city than walking through all open-air sightseeing places. This season we have chosen the beautiful Varna – located on the northern east side of Bulgaria, right beside the Black Sea. Considered as a significant centre of education and economy in Bulgaria, it holds the largest port in the country, as well as the main base for Bulgaria’s navy forces.

The Sea Garden or Primorski Park

A landscaped architecture inside a park that goes all the way from the seaside to the city itself, and stretching for about 8 kilometres. Just until the 19th century, the park was a simple field outside the city walls. During the time, a small garden was arranged by the orders of city’s Ottoman mayor. And right after the liberation of Bulgaria, the garden was expanded into a 26 000-square-metre park titled as the Seaside Garden. It includes not only an excellent place for a wonderful stroll, but also various attractions, such as Aquarium, dolphinarium, open-air theatre, Observatory, Planetarium, museums, terrarium, zoo and so many more places you will have a chance to visit while enjoying the oldest, as well as the largest landscaped park in the town.

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| Summer 2017

varna smart city

Stone Forest

Also titled as Pobiti Kamani and the Stone Desert, one of the strangest natural phenomenon lies here in the only desert of Bulgaria. Made out of stone columns that are supposed to have appeared by the process of methane oxidation, this field is about 13 km2 wide. The stone formations are between 5 to 7 metres high, hollow and filled with sand. They look as if they have been stuck into the surrounding sand which adds to their phenomenal looks. In order to preserve the place, the Stone Forest was designated a natural landmark in the 1930s and has been such since.

Barite Complex

Made of 5 traditional houses and a restaurant built from stone and wood, this complex is an open-air museum that one can stay at. The ethnographic place displays the typical crafts of the area, as well as provides the visitors with performances of traditional dance, songs and rituals that have once rooted in the Bulgarian folklore. It presents somewhat forgotten elements of the Old Bulgarian lifestyle, preserving the national traditions and still openly celebrating them. The guests will be awaited by an authentic folklore group, performing a set of songs, traditions and rites of the village of Chernevo the complex is situated in.

Varna Roman Baths

Aladzha Monastery

Titled as a protected natural area, this place holds man-made caves that have been carved from a 25-metre high karst cliff. This was once a monastery that had been dedicated to the Holy Trinity, and is supposed to have held the monastic community from the 12th up until the 18th century. Inside the Orthodox cave monastery you will witness few of the untouched art works of mosaic, as well as some medieval frescoes. Just beside the complex one will also find two small catacombs.

Summer 2017 |

These Roman baths, also known as Roman Thermae, once belonged to the Roman city of Odessus dating back to the year 100.

Ancient Varna became part of the Roman Empire in 15 AD, therefore the city holds a lot of historical sites. This complex is quite unique as it is evaluated as one of the largest of Thermaes to have been kept in Europe.

It is considered to had been used for about 100 years and included changing room, cold pool, warm pool, hot pool and a place designated to social and athletic activities.

Heating was provided with underfloor heating system of pipes, also known as hypocaust. If you visit the site in the nighttime, the baths will be lit up to give the visitors a fantastic view.

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varna smart city

25th Varna Summer International Theater Festival, Drama Theatre, State Puppet Theatre - Varna, City Art Gallery, Archeological Museum Along with the must-see sightseeing places, the city of Varna has prepared its own programme of Summer 2017. Make sure you do not miss these events while exploring the city during one of the most amazing seasons of the year.

JUNE 6 - 11 The festival is held annually within the framework of the Varna Summer Festival of Arts. Its main mission is to present the leading trends of international, as well as Bulgarian stage practices, and to create a platform for intercultural dialogue, exchanging the showcases. It includes performances of various theaters, and provides different discussions, workshops, conferences, lectures, exhibitions and concerts.

OTHELLO, Drama Theatre - Second Stage

Varna Summer International Music Festival, Festival and Congress Centre, Drama Theatre, City Art Gallery, Open-air Theatre, Graffiti Gallery Dormition of the Mother of God - Day of Varna, “Rakovina” Stage, Summer Theatre, Sea Port and other places in the city AUGUST 15 The summer season holds one of the most important days of the citythe Day of Varna. Celebration begins in the Cathedral “Dormission of the Mother of God”, then continuing on the Saint Kiril Metodiy Square with a raising of a flag, then followed by a procession. During this day, musical and dance performances are presented on the “Rakovina” stage of the Sea Garden. The evening holds a magnificent Gala Concert in the Summer Theatre, right along with the ceremonial “Honoured Citizen of Varna”. Later on, a concert performed by popular pop and rock musicians is held in the area of the Sea Port.

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JUNE 24 - SEPTEMBER 24 This festival holds a great historical value, having experienced many influences to become what it is today - a platform for Bulgarian, as well as world-famous musicians presenting diverse musical performances.

From Bulgarian ensembles and choirs to foreign soloists, conductors, orchestras and even ballet ensembles - this festival holds a massive set of musical masterpieces and novices, bringing together the most different genres into one sound.

International Print Biennial, City Art Gallery Boris Georgiev

AUGUST 1 Held since 1981, this event was originally held as a national exhibition of international graphic artists. Although having experienced lack of financial support in the times being, it is still positioned as “an international forum and encounter of artists from different countries, bearing the wealth and variety of the world graphic art which plays an important role for the mutual exchange of ideas, for the intellectual and artistic contacts of artists and peoples in the struggle for peace, beauty and humanism.” All the magnificent works within the framework of the event are exhibited in the beautiful City Art Gallery Boris Georgiev.

MTV presents VARNA BEACH, Varna City South Beach

JULY 15 For the first time in its history, the leading music channel MTV is coming to Bulgaria for an outstanding outdoor music spectacle. A special live show aired live from Varna, will include a line-up of world-famous artists, including Steve Aoki, Tinie Tempah, Gorgon City and others. This event is considered to be as one of the biggest of such ever staged in Bulgaria, so do not miss it out. | Summer 2017

PentatHLon smart sport

PENTATHLON:

THE POWER

OF FIVE Exclusively for SmartLynx magazine

Deniss Čerkovskis is a Latvian modern pentathlon athlete who has competed in total of 4 Summer Olympic Games, and being in the sport ever since he was fourteen. He regards the sport as a game of strategy and tactics, where the physical strength is just as important as the psychological aspect. Read further to learn what the sport of pentathlon is really made of.

Words by Māra Miķelsone Photos from personal archive & LETA “If you do it, you do it to the fullest – as a true professional” It all began with me taking swimming classes. At one point, I realized that it was too boring and monotone, and I was so full of energy that I just couldn’t keep it all in just for swimming. Therefore, I found out Summer 2017 |

Olympics 2000, Sydney

18th place

Olympics 2004, Athens

4th place

Olympics 2008, Beijing

11th place

Olympics 2012, London

9th place

about such thing as pentathlon which would mean excelling in 5 different sports and that intrigued me. I tried it out and was hooked – that was my kind of activity. I must note that in this sport there are no amateurs.

If you do it, you do it to the fullest – as a true professional.

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served since 1999 and the army life was “Boundaries were finally crushed and chosen as a logical step when taking everyone had an equal chance part in the sport. of stepping in” Quite a lot has changed in the Pentathlon “The first one started as one of the during its very beginnings in 1912. For brightest memories of my life” example, if it started as 5 sports in 5 different I wouldn’t even start to compare all of the days, it now is all of the activities in one day.

Olympic games I I guess the old system Pentathlon begun in 1912 as a have been to. They seemed too easy or not challenging 5-type sport including shooting, all were completely different experiences enough, therefore it to me. If the first one was decided to change fencing, swimming, riding started as one of the it up a notch. Also, one and running. The origins of brightest memories of the most recent of my life, as it was changes is prolonging the sport are still in discussion the distance of cross phase, prominent in the creation the first, then in the second one I – from 3 kilometres of the sport being two people – was already more to 3.2 kilometres.

Furthermore, the Baron Pierre de Coubertin who focused on specific things rather than allowed athlete the concept itself. number for competing is considered as the founder of This was also my in the Olympics has the modern Olympic games, best achievement, also increased in time, as I acquired the and just as important and also Viktor Black who was – in Olympics 2000 the President of the Organizing 4th place in the overall evaluation of there was finally pentathlon. The third implemented the race Committee for the 1912 and fourth were also for women as well. It Olympic Games. amazing, allowing me changed a lot in the to experience the highlights of my career as world of the sport, as boundaries were finally a pentathlon athlete. crushed and everyone had an equal chance Besides Olympic Games, I actively took part of stepping in. in various Europe and World championships Also, there was a time when only army men where I acquired different, yet rather good could participate in the sport as it is closely results, such as the 2nd place in European linked to the army forces. Almost every Championship 2005 and the 5th place in pentathlon athlete is a policeman or a troop World’s Championship 2004. parallel to the sport, including me. I have

| Summer 2017

“It is just as exciting as it is challenging” Trainings for pentathlon means exercises all day, every day. It includes running 5 – 6 times a week, fencing 4 – 5 times a week, shooting 3 – 5 times a week, and riding 2 – 4 times a week.

And if one feels that a certain position may be weaker than the others, it is important to take more time for it. And eventually, it may be passed and become equally good as the other. It all may be quite exhausting at times, but it is the only way to stay fit. And most importantly – it is just as exciting as it is challenging.

• A popular problem while in water – cramps. If you do catch one, and you are far from the shore, first of all – do not panic. It sounds like a cliché but it is one worth listening to. Just stretch your leg as much and hard as you can, and keep it like that till the pain goes away (and it will go away). And then just relax and avoid any tense movements.

There is a popular myth that while running you must not stop even if you feel tired.

That is not true. If you run and start to feel additional pressure, just stop. Your body knows what it’s doing and if it tells you to stop – listen to it. Do Pentathlon is derived from not push it to the Tips from a Professional Athlete Greek, meaning “contest of 5 extremes it cannot • On the flight, events”. “Modern” was added handle.

• If we are be sure to drink talking about healthy before, during later on to distinguish the food, there are some and after it. It is sport from the original one notes I have made a known fact that during my career as a while flying, air from the ancient Olympic professional athlete. density significantly Games (consisting of foot For example, I do decreases and you not eat any kind of may lose some race, wrestling, long jump, bread and avoid all oxygen and water javelin and discus). things sugar. Every in your body. single day I take fish oil, which I regard Therefore, hydration is the key. as an important vitamin for health. Also, • Do not focus on the fact that if you are on I closely monitor the carbohydrate I take vacation, you will be rested if not doing in daily. anything. That is not true. You must move to live – literally. Any kind of movement GET FIT WITH is better than idle standing, sitting or SPORTEGY sleeping. Move a lot, whether on vacation CARD! or back home, because being active not Up to 50 % discount only elevates your energy and happy for 71 sports shops hormones, but also lets you live much and ac�vi�es longer and healthier. sportegy.lv Summer 2017 |

-30%

A 17th century Magic

It was the 17th century when Abraham Kunce, pharmacist and blacksmith from Riga invented the very pride and heart of the

city, and now the whole country – Riga Black Balsam. The recipe of the drink is still kept in secret, all we know is that it consists of 24 ingredients and is an excellent and even magical medicine. Nowadays you won’t easily find a place that would serve both - the delicious black balsam and still preserve the 17th century atmosphere, yet there is one place hidden in the very centre of Old Riga – “Black Magic”.

Kaļķu iela 10, Rīga, LV-1050, Latvija.

Phone: +371 67222877 E-mail: info@blackmagic.lv www.blackmagic.lv

This magical café has been created as an authentic replica of a traditional 17th century apothecary. The building itself was a pharmacy that has been restored several times due to wars and other external forces. However, all the restorations were made as close to the building’s true essence as possible. Even when looking up, one will see the ceiling that holds the original architecture of the 17th century.

“Black Magic” provides the widest range of Riga Black Balsam products, starting from drinks, cocktails and ending with delicious chocolate candy variations, some even packed in magical boxes. The musical atmosphere holds a deep connection to the 17th century musicians, the most prominent being Vivaldi. Exclusively designed and handmade furniture by a Latvian carpenter and a true master – Zigis Priežčiekurs – will let you calmly sit in the most comfortable of chairs and enjoy the magical atmosphere with some hints of Renaissance and Baroque.

Right after 12 AM, the doors hidden as a bookshelf will open and you may step inside the basement of the

establishment. Just as upstairs, this premise also hosts all the authentic props of 17th century and even includes a vast book selection. Some say that if you visit this underground room in a group, ghosts may appear. But do not be alarmed, as they are just as welcoming as the lovely waitresses of the café.

Started off as a place for genuine magic shows, inspired by the acts of David Copperfield, the basement has been turned into a multi-operational premise. Currently holding the 17th century styled café and a bar, as well as the chocolate factory, the basement is home for several magic tricks, group presentations of building’s history, chocolate-making, and the best of all – workshop. In the chocolate-making workshop you will not only be taught by Riga’s best chocolatier – Ingrīda Čatlakša, but also be able to make one on your own, all from the very best ingredients ordered from France and Switzerland.

And the making does not mean just pouring an already made chocolate mass into shapes –

you will be able to enjoy all of the process from A to Z. And for inspiration you will be presented with unique chocolate figure designs made by a young and talented artist. Such figures as the black cat of Riga or the Art Nouveau chess board are made exclusively for “Black Magic”.

In the very modern and hasty world, there are not much places left where one can enjoy some of the history to the fullest. Yet “Black Magic” is one of those rare places that are not affected by time.

It strongly holds to the authenticity of the 17th century, offering the very best products made in Latvia and providing a service of the highest quality in forms of waitresses dressed in Renaissance and Baroque-like costumes, thus giving you a complete imagination of what life would be like in the time of Early Modern Europe.

Kaļķu iela 10, Rīga, LV-1050, Latvija.

Phone: +371 67222877 E-mail: info@blackmagic.lv www.blackmagic.lv

barbeQue smart catch

Words by Gustavs Reinholds Publicity photos

Meat too hard, sausages too dry and sauce too spicy. Yes, we’ve all been there! Throwing a real nice BBQ party just to have the dreams shattered by one or a few wrong aspects that could have been changed easily. Weigh in on some of these tips and make sure that this summer you will be remembered by the best barbeque party.

PROCESS Pick out meat of the best quality.

An organic, healthy piece of pork or chicken with just the right amount of fat content will be found in any local farmer’s market. So make a trip down there, and while you’re at it - be sure to check out the vegetable and fruit assortment for the snack table.

oF PreParing tHe area

Many people forget that a barbecue party is not just about food - it’s also the refreshments.

So write down some of the recipes of lemonades to serve for all the thirsty guests. Better yet, a simple still water with ice, lemon and mint leaves will already do the trick.

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Prepare snacks way before the arrival of guests. In that way, you won’t be stuck in the kitchen while everyone will enjoy the delicious food you’ve been preparing.

Instead of stuffing all the drinks in refrigerator, buy a few bags of ice and pour it all inside a bigger bowl or even a kiddie pool. Keep it in a shadowed area and refill with ice once a few hours.

Disposable plates and cups are the best way to go.

No unnecessary washing and scrubbing after all that fat and saucy food.

Also, there’s a vast choice of colors you may choose from, especially if there’s a specific theme for your party.

Just because you are planning a fun day outside, does not mean that the weather will comply.

It’s possible that it will get a bit too cold outside for some of the guests, so make sure your dining room is all set if the guests decide on eating indoors.

Sauce – one of the most important ingredients for every barbecue party.

Prepare it well in advance the party, and have a taste for yourself before serving it to others.

Make sure that there is plenty of comfortable seats for everyone, not just to rest their feet, but also to eat the prepared food as convenient as possible.

Do not focus on table se�ng according to visitors, as just in a few minutes in the party everyone will start walking around and talking to different persons.

Put on some calm music with no lyrics to make a smooth atmosphere, instead of playing some hits as they might create a worrying and nervous environment.

Put three large bins for trash – paper, glass and food. In that way, the garbage will be half as much at the end of the party, while still being recycled. | Summer 2017

barbeQue

Q B B FOR 7 1 ‘ Y T R PA

HOW LONG

SHOULD I COOK IT?

Hot Dogs: Cook for 5 - 10 minutes, and turn frequently.

8 - 12 min

6 - 14 min

Lamb: Cook for 12 - 16 minutes, and turn only once.

12 - 16 min

Chicken (Breasts, Wings): Cook 8 - 12 minutes, until the juices run clear. Turn only once.

11 - 18 min

12 - 18 min

Steak: cook for 6- 14 minutes for medium rare and 12- 18 minutes for medium, if boneless.

Cook for 6- 14 minutes for medium rare, 11- 18 minutes for medium, if with bone.

5-7 min

Process of

GRILLING

Cooking on a clean grill is a must – do not get lazy on even the smallest pieces of the old meat, otherwise the new food will get burnt bad.

Remember to plan some time in advance to pre-heat the grill. And keep in mind – it’s the heat, not flames that will make your meat hot and crispy.

There is such thing as too much lighter fluid. It gives a certain flavor to the meat or anything else prepared in there, so do not overreact on the burning - be patient and your grill will get the necessary heat.

Tenderize the meat beforehand to even it out and make sure it’s grilled just as even by constantly checking up and switching it side by side.

12 - 16 min

5 - 10 min

smart catch

Pork: Cook 12 - 16 minutes, until the chop is slightly pink in center.

10 - 15 min

Ground Beef: Cook for 10 - 15 minutes, and turn only once.

Do not overreact on spices and ingredients – just leave those aside so that guests choose themselves. The trick for an excellent grilled meat is the lack of fancy-pantsy recipes.

Vegetables are just as good for grilling as meat – just make sure they are cooked properly and you will get the most wondrous taste. Just do the so called “dry grill” – no seasoning, no oil necessary. Just cook them and add the seasoning of your choice after they are ready.

Another way for amazing grilled vegetables, potatoes or mushrooms for example: put some butter right inside, spray with oil and seasoning and wrap in aluminium foil. For extra taste, add some cheese.

Some say that brushing the meat with BBQ sauce while grilling it does the trick – the meat tastes nice and juicy, with the oh-so necessary extra space of the sauce.

A spray water bottle should be left beside the grill, in case the fire decides to flare up a bit.

Shrimp: Grill for 5 - 7 minutes, until shrimp turn pink.

4-6 min

Fish Fillet: Cook for 4 - 6 minutes, until the fish flakes easily with a fork. Turn only once.

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Midsummer smart celebration

BALTICS’

MIDSUMMER

Summer Solstice – a wonderful milestone celebrated annually by many different nations.

As the shortest night of the year draws closer, we decided to take a look at the traditions of Estonian and Latvian summer solstice celebrations, more widely known as Jaanipäev in Estonia, and Jāņi in Latvia.

Words by Liene Eglīte Publicity photos

ESTONIA St. John’s Day, Jaanipäev or Jaanilaupäev in Estonia is celebrated on the night between June 23rd and 24th which usually follows the official summer solstice – time when night is the shortest during the whole year. Although named by Christians, St.

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John’s Day arrived in Estonia long before Christianity did. Since 1934 June 23rd has also become the National Victory Day of Estonia, therefore making the celebration double. The celebration is usually spent outside the city, in local cottages or open air

museums. One of the most popular places to celebrate Jaanipäev is the Estonian Open Air Museum, as it is supposed as one of the best places to embody all the traditions and true spirit of Jaanipäev.

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LATVIA Jāņi is celebrated on June 23rd and 24th, respectively titled as Līgo Day and Jāņi Day. Līgo Day is considered as the day of weeds or grasses that are collected in all the fields of Latvia, to bring them home and decorate the celebration place.

Latvians gather all around the countryside to drink, eat and sing, at the same time Summer 2017 |

observing the ancient folk traditions, all related to renewal of energy and fertility.

Be where you may, on Jāņi you can visit any neighbourhood that comes in your way and you will be awaited with the uttermost hospitality – traditional food, singing by the fireplace and dancing all night long.

Midsummer smart celebration

ESTONIA Traditions

• To not light the fire would be destruction of your own house by fire. At least, that’s what the belief is. The fire also serves to frighten away mischievous spirits thus ensuring a good harvest. Jumping over the fire, built as large as possible, is also believed to kinder with the evil spirits.

• On their return from St. John’s fire, young girls wove wreaths just like their ancestresses did hundreds of years ago.

The girls pick nine kinds of flowers, nine blossoms of each kind, go to crossroads to weave a flower-chain, and when it is ready and on the head, they are not allowed to utter a single word on their way home where they put the chain under the pillow and dream of their future husbands.

• On St. John’s night all trees and animals are believed to talk with each other. Some people may understand their talk and thus find out all about the future.

• It is also believed that the fern starts blooming when the cock crows at midnight on St. John’s eve. Whoever can get that blossom, will be able to achieve everything they wish. It is, however, very difficult to get away with that flower because it is watched by evil spirits. A lot of young lovers “go looking for the fern blossom” during the night, in the hope to get such a flower to secure personal happiness rather than anything else.

• It is also said that caves full of hidden treasures start burning on the night of Jaanipäev. Those who happen to come by such a cave, will get as much gold and silver as they desire.

• A fire lit by the Estonian president on the morning of the celebration is also a strong tradition, once banned while the Soviet Occupation. The fire symbolizes the independence, as the flame from the fire is carried across the country to light many other bonfires.

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LATVIA Traditions • Different roots and grasses are collected to use for decorations on Līgo day, symbolizing mostly therapeutic purposes.

The plants are used to decorate the rooms, yards, as well as to wove them into wreaths. Birch boughs and oak branches are used by the entrance of the house to secure the house from evil spirits.

• Wreaths are made for both male and female Jāņi celebrators. Those who bear the name Jānis are usually provided with the largest wreath made of oak leaves, thus symbolizing the strength of the magnificent oak tree. Women and girls make wreaths in accordance to several traditions, but the most popular belief is to include 27 flowers to prevent disasters and diseases, as well as to repel the evil spirits.

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• Fireplaces are lit all throughout the night, thus believing that the light from the fire will transmit to the next solar year. The fires are usually burned at the highest point of the site one celebrates at, thus the light bestowing power and fertility on the fields and people below it. Also, jumping over Jāņi fire is believed to bring good luck and health through the coming year.

• The fern flowers are symbols to all the Baltic, as well as Scandinavian cultures.

Whoever would find the fern flower, wealth and happiness would await. As erotic features have also been encouraged historically during the celebration, you will hear a lot of “let’s go and look for that flower!” from couples during the evening.

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Midsummer smart celebration

ESTONIA & LATVIA • Beer and cheese is the most common combination of the celebration gourmet.

Children are provided with the so called “kvass” that is considered to embody all the beer qualities except for the alcohol.

• Garlic breads are a nice supplement to all the beer varieties one will experience during the celebration.

• Singing and dancing accompanies each yard celebrating Jaanipäev or Jāņi.

• The basic task of the celebration is to stay awake the whole night – even children are allowed to enjoy the shortest night of the year.

• Farmer cheese pastries or cottage cheese pies are just a few of dairy-induced products that every household makes.

• Do not be sad if it rains on this night, as rain may bring good luck. However, it does not spare you from the responsibility of lighting up some fire – there is no Jaanipäev or Jāņi without fire distracting the evil spirits.

• You will find a home-made cheese on almost every celebration table, usually spiced up with caraway seeds.

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ESTONIA & LATVIA • Both holidays are of pagan origins, therefore they are considered to embody magical features, believed to attract witches and other sorcerer forces to bring either misfortunes or good luck to people.

• There are some beliefs about sleeping on the shortest night of the year – if one falls asleep, then all the summer will be spent such and the mosquitos will bite non-stop.

So do not fall asleep until sunrise!

• The midsummer celebration is the only time in the Baltics where you will see but a few people on city streets as everyone will have gone to countryside to celebrate the most fun festivity of the year.

• Grilling up some food and supplements is a must. Such as meat (also known as shashliki), sausages, and even potatoes with butter and dill.

• It is believed that all the grass and weeds picked up during these days will cure any diseases one may have.

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uPCoMing MovieS smart cinema

NO DRAMA!

JUST MOVIES Words by Roberts Vikmanis Publicity photos

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Even though summer is all for spending some quality time outside and strive to open-air activities, there will always be one of those rainy, gloomy days that call for a stroll in a mall or better yet - a few hours with popcorn and lemonade in cinema. Be the first to know what blockbusters will hit the screen this summer!

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uPCoMing MovieS smart cinema

Transformers: The Last Knight,

JUNE 23 This is the final installment of the famous Transformers franchise. Humans and transformers are at war, and the key of saving the future lies amongst the secrets of the past where history of Transformers on Earth is hidden. An unlikely alliance Cade Yeager, Bumblebee, an English Lord and an Oxford Professor - holds the future of Earth in their hands.

Valerian and the City of a Thousand Plantes, JULY 21

Played by the handsome Dane DeHaan and the beautiful Cara Delevingne, this story sets out in a fantasy universe. Valerian and Laureline are special operatives for the government who embark on a mission to an intergalactic city of Alpha- metropolis full of thousands of different species from all of the universe. While the most of Alpha’s inhabitants have united their talents, technology and resources to better the universe, there are some forces that work hard to place all the races in danger.

Director: Luc Besson | Writers: Luc Besson, Pierre Christin, Jean-Claude Mezieres Genre: Action & Adventure, Scie-Fi, Drama | Studio: EuropaCorp/ STXfilms Cast: Dane DeHaan, Cara Delevingne, Clive Owen, John Goodman, Ethan Hawke

Director: Alex Kurtzman Writers: Art Marcum, Matt Holloway, Ken Nolan, Akiva Goldsman Genre: Action, Sci-Fi, Drama Studio: Paramount Pictures Cast: Mark Wahlberg, Laura Haddock, Anthony Hopkins, Gemma Chan, Josh Duhamel

Annabelle: Creation, AUGUST 11 For all the supernatural and scared-from-the-chair fans, the terrifying doll Annabelle has finally returned. After a few years of the tragic death of their little girl, a doll maker and his wife welcome new visitors into their house. A nun and a few girls from a shuttered orphanage soon become the target of the doll maker’s possessed creation- Annabelle.

Director: David F. Sandberg | Writer: Gary Dauberman | Genre: Horror Studio: New Line Cinema Cast: Miranda Otto, Philippa Coulthard, Stephanie Sigman, Alicia Vela-Bailey Summer 2017 |

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uPCoMing MovieS smart cinema

Despicable Me 3, JUNE 30

The story of Gru, Lucy and their three little daughters continues, right alongside with Minions themselves. Balthazar Bratt, a child star from the 1980’s, has developed a scheme for world domination. Gru has also been looked up by his long lost brother - Dru - who wants him to join for one more evil deed. Will he? Watch and find out.

Directors: Kyle Balda, Pierre Coffin, Eric Guillon | Writers: Ken Daurio, Cinco Paul Genre: Animation, Comedy | Studio: Universal Pictures Cast: Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Steve Coogan, Jenny Slate, Russell Brand

The Hitman’s Bodyguard, AUGUST 18

There will be no more fun than with such duo as Ryan Reynolds and Samuel L. Jackson, hitting it up in an action comedy of the year. Telling of world’s top protection agent and his client- a notorious hitman- who have been on opposite ends of bullet for years. And now it is about to change as they are stuck together for 24 hours on their way from England to Hague while a murderous Eastern European dictator is following them right behind, ready to struck with anything.

Director: Patrick Hughes | Writer: Tom O’Connor Genre: Action, Comedy | Studio: Millenium Films Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Samuel L. Jackson, Salma Hayek, Gary Oldman 80

The Mummy, JUNE 9

Tom Cruise in the focus as a new version of mummy returns on the screens.

An ancient queen is awakened from her crypt under the desert and terrors brought to all of the human race. It’s up to Mr. Cruise yet again to save the world from danger and destruction, as he mysteriously survives a plane crash with the sarcophagus of the queen.

Director: Michael Bay | Writers: Jon Spaihts, Cristopher McQuarrie Genre: Action & Adventure | Studio: Universal Cast: Tom Cruise, Sofia Boutella, Russell Crowe, Annabelle Wallis | Summer 2017

uPCoMing MovieS smart cinema

The Emoji Movie, JULY 28

Ever wondered what the world inside your smartphone looks like? Well, think no more as the new Emoji Movie will show all the different characters that inhabit inside the chat room called Textopolis- an urban city where all the emojis live. All emojis are unique with only one facial expression except for Gene who was born without a filter and is just bursting with multiple expressions. Follow Gene as he sets on a quest through all of the phone apps just to find the Code that could fix Gene.

Director: Tony Leondis | Writers: Eric Siegel, Tony Leondis, Mike White, Jordan Roberts Genre: Animation | Studio: Sony Pictures Animation Cast: Anna Faris, T.J. Miller, Sofia Vergara, Patrick Stewart, Jennifer Coolidge

DID YOU KNOW?

- This is already the 3rd reboot of an on-screen Spider-man.

First was played by Toby Maguire, while the second installment of the “Amazing Spider-man” was led by Andrew Garfield.

- This is the first Spider-man movie that includes another superhero character from Marvel Cinematic Universe.

- Michael Keaton who plays the Vulture will be a man in a bird costume. It is considered as an irony towards his Oscarwinning movie “The Birdman” whose character consequently was based off of Batman that Keaton also starred.

- Apart from the other two movies, this will not be a re-telling of Spider-man’s origins. It will already begin with Peter Parker being Spider-man for quite a while.

- Tom Holland is the youngest actor to be cast as Peter Parker, having the age of 19.

- The principal villain of each first Spider-man movie have their costume or skin of green colour, such as Lizard, Green Goblin and now – Vulture.

Summer 2017 |

Spider-Man: Homecoming, JULY 7

It looks like all of the up-and-coming Hollywood stars will have a chance to be the one and only Spiderman. This time played by the young and talented Tom Holland, Spiderman begins to manage his new-found identity as he is desperate to be included in the Avengers team and liked by his mentor- Toni Stark. However, everything is changed when a new villain- the Vulture- emerges and threatens everyone dear in Peter Parker’s life.

Director: Jon Watts | Writers: Jonathan Goldstein, John Francis Daley, Christopher Ford, Erik Sommers, Jon Watts, Chris McKenna Genre: Action & Adventure, Sci-Fi, Drama | Studio: Sony Pictures Cast: Tom Holland, Robert Downey Jr., Logan Marshall-Green, Marisa Tomei, Michael Keaton 81

MytHoLogy smart history

MYTHS WITHIN THE

BALTICS

ESTONIA Both Estonian and Latvian myths are strongly based on pagan rituals and beliefs, as well as related to natural phenomena. As Christianity came to the nations a lot later than for others, they made sense of the life and the meaning behind it with their own gods and deities.

Although Christianity did take over eventually, you will still find the majority of Latvians and Estonians who believe that their lives are guided by these spirits, all equally important and powerful.

Saarevaht

Saarevaht is a soul that dwells in islands, thus being the keeper of the islands of Estonia. He is known as being protective of his home and loved ones, therefore it is possible to anger him if someone’s being aggressive or careless to others. Saarevaht is able to communicate with plants and animals, even turning himself into a fox, owl or eagle. He is all about peace and friendliness, also protecting all the creatures dwelling in the forest with such magical abilities as controlling the winds.

Words by MÄ ra Miġelsone Illustrations by Britt Samoson (BrittSamoson.com) for VisitEstonia.com

Ahti

The judge of the sea is none other than Ahti. He is capable of taking the form of almost any sea creature, thus making a strong connection to the sea world. When Ahti is mad, it turns into a storm all over the sea, thunderbolts flying uncontrollably. As soon as justice has been served, he calms down and the sea is at peace yet again.

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MytHoLogy smart history

Näkk

Mysterious and volatile Näkk resides in lakes and rivers of Estonia. One can hear her by the magical voice that reminds of a murmur of a river – it seduces and hypnotizes, similarly as voice of the Siren. She is also considered as the spirit of the dead, using her voice to allure children and men into the depths of the water.

Hiid

Hiid – hero of the Holy Forests. Powerful and mighty. Natural communicator, happy in the centre of attention and all about impressing.

About impressing others and being admired.

Loves challenges and demonstrations of personal strength.

Allikaravitseja

A much lighter spirit is Allikaravitseja – the healing Elf of the Springs. Admired by her grace and delicacy, she is cautious to open up only to those who are kind-hearted, thus making one to deserve her company and bliss. She appears as a reflection on the water and is believed to heal souls and grant blessings to those who are in need and deserve it.

Murumemm

Murumemm is a maternal figure, considered to be the mother of meadows. There is a certain spark to her that attracts everyone around her. Murumemm can also turn into a bird or a deer, thus being able to communicate with any creature residing in the meadows of Estonia. She is a true goddess of these creatures, bringing life to the nature and anyone living within.

Kivialune Kivialune is a mysterious and independent spirit, protector and meditator of stony caves. Living in peace and solitude, he hides away into caves, canyons and all other stone-filled places. He can also become a rock himself, just to avoid contact with the outside world.

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MYTHS WITHIN THE

BALTICS -

LATVIA

The major difference between Latvian and Estonian mythical gods is that Latvian ones do not actually take a shape of a creature or anything remotely similar to one. They all hide behind certain signs – and if one is to carry a sign alongside him, luck and other traits connected to the specific god, will follow right behind Words by Māra Miķelsone Publicity illustration Ūsiņš is considered to be the patron of the spring – responsible for all the light and bloom, also being as a protector of horses and bees. He brings green grass to the fields of Latvia and leaves for the trees. Old Latvian peasants believed Ūsiņš to protect their horses, turning them into the leaders of sunlight.

Pērkons, literally translated as the Thunder, is one of the main Latvian gods, usually compared to a lot of Greek and other nation gods, such as Zeus or Thor-Donar. With his sword and black horses, Pērkons rides across the sky and fights off all the evil deities. If you hear thunder while in Latvia, it usually refers to Pērkons being angry at the devils or other evil spirits that want to take over.

As good as the spirits of Latvian paganism are, there are still a lot of demonic creatures believed to be out there. For example, witches and wizards were considered to be the sorcerers and servants of the devil.

Witches would come to farms in the middle of the night and steal all the milk from the cows. Wearvolves would steal meat, as well 84

as guard the entrance to hell, thus making sure that devils and sorcerers would be safe to meet in there. Dragons were believed to steal crops and other grains from the fields, leaving the peasants with ruined fields. If you come to Latvia and mention Lietuvēns, a lot of people would suddenly experience chills as this demon is the worst of the worst – he tortures people, cattle and horses, as well as haunts children.

Jumis is the God of fertility whose sign is usually put over the barns to bring all the fertility and bliss. He is an old small man, whose clothes are made out of plants, usually in green and yellow. He is considered to reside in the fields of crop, therefore if one sees two wheats that had ingrown together in their field, they are to expect a rich crop.

Latvians also believe in many maternal figures as the deities, each possessing and protecting their own natural aspects. Forest Mother, Sea Mother, Garden Mother and Wind Mother – they protect and take care of these natural elements, as well as all

the creatures living within. There is also Mother of the Dead who takes care of the deceased in their afterlife. Halloween is usually considered as a scary night when dead spirits come to haunt humans, however in Latvia it is a merely positive night – one should leave out some food for their deceased loved ones, so that they can visit.

If there are no goods left out on this night, it is believed to make the spirits angry.

Then there are the main maternal goddesses – Māra and Laima. While Laima usually is a guider and judge of the human destiny, Māra has taken up a bit larger role. It is no rare occasion when Latvia is considered as Māra’s Land, as she is the protector of every Latvian, especially women. Māra has been granted with a lot of responsibilities – protecting animals, preparing unborn children for their new lives, ensuring fertility for mothers, calming down the sea, and even taking care of the dead. Māra owns a lot of different signs, each symbolizing something specific. Owning such sign is believed to bring good luck and fortune. | Summer 2017

HiStoriCaL iMPrint smartlynx

HYSTORY

SMARTLYNX 1992

Founded in 1992 (as Latcharter Airlines).

The first airline to provide full package holidays from Riga, well equipped to provide for sports, event, concert, governmental, military and executive charter flights.

2003

Introduction of A320-200 and addition of a second A320-200.

2008

Rebranding and change of name to SmartLynx. Smart and reliable solutions within a business to business niche market represented by a wildcat specific to Latvia.

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1996

The second biggest local carrier and fleet owner.

2006

Acquisition by Loftleidir Icelandic of Icelandair Group. Enters the worldwide ACMI market.

2012

Management takeover of SmartLynx resulting in a change of ownership of the company. Although the connection with Loftleidir remains, SmartLynx is since an independent entity. Establishment of subsidiary SmartLynx Airlines Estonia.

2000

Addition of two YAK-42D aircraft to the fleet and full introduction of the JAR requirements. 9 regular holiday destinations. Beginning of wet lease.

2007

Acquisition of five more A320-200 and two B767-300.

2016

A Netherlands-based investment fund becomes the owner of the company. SmartLynx aims to enlarge its fleet by 1-2 airplanes each year and expand the geographical borders of its operations worldwide.

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Pilot of Honour smartlynx

45 YEARS IN THE

SKY Yury Savenkov has made his last flight at SmartLynx Airlines on April 25, right before his official retirement and 65th birthday. He has worked as a pilot since 1975, and has flown on An2, TU 134 and Airbus A320 series aircraft. Now it is time to put his feet on the ground for a change, having flown the total of 22 025 block hours – 7 788 from which were spent on SmartLynx Airlines.

Here is an exclusive interview with Yury Savenkov on his beginnings, family and overall – the life in the sky.

What is it that made you choose the profession of a pilot? Was someone in your family related to the field?

No, no one in my family was a pilot or any other aviation expert. I had always wanted to be a pilot – since I was a child and the first astronauts made their way in to the space. So eventually the dream came true.

It was the civil aviation I stepped into in 1973, right after my time spent in the army.

I passed all my pilot exams right here in Riga and studied for two years at flight school 86

in Ryazan (Russia). And right after that, I started my flying for Aeroflot in the Spilve airport (Latvia), first as co-pilot, then as pilot and unit commander.

Tell us your work line – with what did it begin and how did you arrive to SmartLynx?

After finishing my studies, I was working in Aeroflot until 1988, and after that it was the Latavio (also Latvian Airlines). In 1995, when the Soviet powers came crashing down,

most of the governmental airlines started to go bankrupt. Therefore, I took upon some flying for LatCharter, founded in 1992, as well. It was a part-time job, still maintaining my principal job at Latavio.

Soon enough, Latavio also went down and that was my end of working there. The planes at LatCharter were leased from the banks and soon enough – LatCharter acquired the planes to polish them up and sell further. So, I was the one to fly the sold planes to Moscow and thus I stayed there | Summer 2017

PiLot oF Honour smartlynx

We threw Yury the traditional farewell in the world of aviation by creating the famous water salute. It is a water arch usually expelled by one or a few fire trucks. The retiring pilot steers his plane right through the arch, as he has made his last flight. for 9 years, working in a private airline company on TU-134 series aircraft.

On 2005, when LatCharter started to change its ownership and operations, I returned to Latvia and started working there. And so I stayed for 11 years and I wouldn’t have it any other way. My home is here, and the time spent away was only because of necessity.

Would you think that being a pilot is a calling or could anyone do it?

I would rather think it is calling. Because if one is not passionate about it, he would not get through the school – there have been many cases when someone comes to study being a pilot, spends a lot of money in the schooling and then just drops out because it is not his kind of thing. You have to be interested in the field.

How about your family, your kids? Are they following father’s footsteps?

I have 3 children and my son wanted to do something related to aviation. It was right when he graduated the Moscow Aviation Institute that he realized he would be following his father’s footsteps and become a pilot. He acquired his license in the Czech Republic and hopefully will continue his work in SmartLynx.

22 thousand block hours in the air – how that must feel like?

Honestly, I do not regard it as something unfamiliar, unique. For me – being in the air is my state of mind. I could even say that it is much safer in the air controlling an aircraft than it is on the road steering Summer 2017 |

the wheel of a car.

When you look back at your extensive experience in the field – what would you say is it that you came to realize about the profession?

Well, I certainly learned that in aviation there are always new people coming in, with their own experiences and knowledge. Therefore it makes you to be constantly alert and develop with time. You always have to maintain yourself in a certain level – it sort of helps you to preserve your inner shape.

If we talk about the importance of team – what would you say is the basic factor for maintaining a good team, crew?

Earlier, the crew on a flight was much more extensive – more people were involved.

However now it is narrowed down to just a few people. So it would be important to get to know the peers you are working with to maintain a successful cooperation.

“SmartLynx Airlines” CEO Zygimantas Surintas - thanking Yury on his time spent at the company.

What is the advice you would give to young pilots?

The main thing is to learn everything you are taught in the aviation school and follow all the documents. In aviation, especially piloting, there is not much room for the human factor – everything is up to technical knowledge and technology. If you keep that in mind, all will be well.

And what are your future plans?

First, I would like to take a short rest.

But then I would be happy to share my experience and knowledge continuing my life in aviation differently.

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Share your thoughts!

We strive to make every flight into the best experience possible for our passengers, hence we highly value every feedback we can get. We would be very grateful if you could spare a moment and fill out a very small survey concerning onboard service. Please ask Flight Attendants for a survey form to provide your feedback and return the filled survey form back to the Flight Attendants.

Thank you very much for your input to make our service better!

You can submit your feedback also by filling out the on-line form on our home page: www.smartlynx.aero/passengers/inform-us

FaMiLy tiMe smartlynx

FAMILY

IN AVIATION

Have you ever wondered what is it like to fly around the world and still manage a family life? We have sat down with SmartLynx flight attendant Diana Jakadele to let you in the little secrets of how to maintain an excellent family life while still doing a job of passion.

Please tell us a bit more about your family.

When did you and your husband meet?

How many children do you have?

We met in 1999 and got married in 2008 at St Lucia Island in the Caribbean, and we have a son named Hardy together.

In 2004 I started my flight attendant career which significantly broadened the world map of the places we travelled to together.

My husband constantly listened to all the exciting flight stories and went to acquire a PPL (Private Pilot Licence) so that he could relate to my love for aviation. However, it stayed in the hobby level as sailing was his first choice (he also got a licence for that).

How do you plan your time to spend it as much with the family as possible, all when going on business trips?

Since I joined SmartLynx family in 2014, our company has grown and broadened each year. Projects are located in various countries and the work flights have become much longer. My longest time away was 90

work in Vietnam, my mom and my son flew to me and we spent half of the summer holiday together – and thus everyone had a chance to properly get to know the beautiful Asian nature, their hospitality and lifestyle. It was a way for us to experience a true taste of Vietnam.

The most beautiful thing in this profession is that nothing can be expected and one has to be flexible and able to adapt, which is one of our company’s core values.

when I worked in Vietnam for 3 months. But other than that, it is usually the time period from March till November - it is the aviation peak season and we are usually away for 30 to 45 days, with a few days back home and then away again.

If I’m not able to stay at home for a while, my family just comes to me. In that way, all of us can explore new countries and cultures together. For example, during my

During the time you’re away – have you established some sort of rituals, such as skype calls, with your family?

I am so happy to able to live in a time when I can do a job that I love and still not lose contact and feeling of closeness with my home. We use everything – voice messages every morning, videos from our daily experiences, Skype dinners and endless photos every single day. Also, parents are granted with an excellent opportunity to check on their kids school work through | Summer 2017

Family Time smartlynx

an e-class programme. In that way, we can effectively talk about homeworks or tests that haven’t been so good, or praise our kid for great achievements. Technologies are excellent help in our daily life, even if it is just to say “good morning” and “good night” to your family.

What do you consider as the most challenging aspect when it comes to combining such work with the time spent with family?

I believe that if you love what you do, there should not be any complications and everything can be solved with a pinch of creativity. The only thing that asks for some getting used to – many family celebrations and events are missed, for example my last Christmas and New Year was spent with the crew in France. Therefore, we celebrated Christmas amongst the family already on December 16 – but we did it all: read poems and stories next to the Christmas tree, baked gingerbreads and exchanged gifts.

and just observed the nature.

When you are mostly alone, you have to have a self-sufficient personality and learn how to plan your time and motivate yourself for more. It is easy to fall into sadness and longing for home, family and friends. But if you plan your day properly, with activities that motivate you, such as reading or running, you will not lose the sparkle for life.

What would be your advise for families involved in the world of aviation? What is important to remember and preserved while being on long travels away from home?

I think that aviation families constantly live their lives in a honeymoon phase. How often do you send flowers to surprise your loved one when you’re at home? How often do you call each other, except for daily things, like buying milk or bread? We have the certain joy of waiting and longing, and you manage to spend the time as effective as possible at the periods when you are together.

What gives you joy and comfort in times when you are away from your family for a long time?

All kinds of hobbies. For example, we had a work project in Paris so long that the time was enough to prepare for a full marathon distance. I prepared for 16 weeks in total, and even some of my colleagues eventually joined my enthusiastic spirit and bought new running shoes to join in the runs. In November, I flew to Las Vegas together with

my family and I ran my first marathon.

I also read a lot and explore my environments. A few years ago, when all the corners of Istanbul were already explored, we went for hikes, cycled through islands Summer 2017 |

It is important to love and trust. If we have made our choice, support from your loved one is important. Distance means so little when there is someone that means a lot to you. And after all, we all are under the same sky and the same sun!

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Fit Crew smartlynx

Andrejs Ivanovs Captain of the team

HOW FIT IS SMARTLYNX? Did you know that SmartLynx organized already the 3rd Latvian Aviation Football Cup this year? And moreover, SmartLynx team acquired the first place, competing against 8 other teams, all involved. The team’s captain and tournament’s principal organizer – Andrejs Ivanovs – tells us a bit more on how the team has achieved the win and what has led up to it.

“In 2015, me and my friend from another airline company decided that we should organize a tournament in football. We had noticed that we weren’t the only ones that were passionate about the sport, many other aviation workers playing the sport for a while now. Thus, we decided to make a Latvian Football Aviation Cup that would gather all the sport enthusiasts and also work as sort of a team building amongst the teams. The tournament also holds little contests for the fans, such as the best goalie or scoring in an empty goal for children.

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In the first year SmartLynx team achieved 4th place out of 5 teams, whereas the second year it was 6th place out of 10 participating teams. In the very same year, the SmartLynx team No.2 got to the 9th place. And this year we won, the second team staying a bit behind in the 7th place (out of 8 participants).

SmartLynx Airlines have always been particularly supportive of employee fitness, providing gym sessions twice a week.

Therefore, it doesn’t matter what sports you are in, as long as you want to stay

active and do more. And I must say that the support from the company in 2015, when the idea of a Cup just arose, was magnificent. Therefore, it is believed that in the near future we will also have our very own volleyball, basketball and other sports teams. For now, the company employees are also actively participating in running events, such as Lattelecom Riga Marathon, SEB Tallinn Marathon and even “The Strong Race” which calls for particularly active contestants, as it is all mud and obstacles while still keeping a pace.” | Summer 2017

PLAY-OFFS LSG SKY CHEFS

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Summer 2017 |

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airBaltic

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trivia smartlynx

Quick Test

SMART TRIVIA

1. Altitude in aviation in measured in … a. Feet b. Meters c. Kilometers

2. What does ICAO stand for? a. International Civil Aviation Organization b. Intense Civil Aviation Operations c. Interstate Civil Aviation Organization

3. What are the four forces of flight? a. Air law, trust, drag, heavy b. Crew, aircraft, luggage, passengers c. Lift, thrust, drag, weight

4. Most Boeing 777 and 787 airliners have a secret stairway that leads to a _________ for the crew. a. Swimming pool b. Bedroom c. Cocktail Lounge

5. Qantas Airlines invented ______ class in 1979. a. Business b. Economy c. First

Answers on bottom of this page

Find 11 differences

What goes in the Blanks?

1. In 1987 American Airlines saved ___ dollars by removing 1 olive from each salad served in first class 2. Travelling by air can shed up to ___ litres of water from the body during an average 3 hour flight 3. The internet and on-line check-in was first introduced by Alaska Airlines in ___ 4. A commercial aircraft flies at an average speed of ___ kilometres per hour.

5. The Europe’s busiest airport is the Heathrow airport in London, at over ___ million passengers a year.

6. Every day, there are approximately ___ flights around the world.

7. Only ___ % of the world’s population have ever been on an airplane 1)40 000; 2)37; 3)1.5; 4)1999; 5)800; 6)96; 7)5

Did You Know?

• Pilots and co-pilots are required to eat different meals in case of food poisoning.

• KLM (Koninklijke Luchtvaart Maatschappij, meaning Royal Dutch Airlines) is the world’s oldest airline, established in 1919. It’s first flight between Amsterdam and London took place on 17th May 1920.

• The world’s largest passenger plane is the Airbus A380. It is a double-decker four-engine jetliner.

• On each side of the plane is an aileron, which makes the plane turn right or left.

• Airplanes are lighting-proof: they get hit by lighting on a regular basis and no plane has ever crashed because of a lighting since 1963. Airplanes of nowadays are well-engineered and are designed to become lightning-proof.

• Airbus is actually working on a transparent plane that would offer passengers a 360-degree view as they fly.

• One woman tried to smuggle a baby tiger onto an airplane. She sedated it and then placed it in a suitcase with stuffed toy tigers.

However, the X-ray in the security check unmistakenly showed that one of the “stuffed toys” actually had bones.

For laughs

• When you’re on an airplane and you meet someone whose first name is JACK whatever you do DON’T GREET HIM. You might get in trouble with the authorities.

• It was mealtime during an airline flight. ‘Would you like dinner?’ the flight attendant asked John, seated in front. ‘What are my choices?’

Greg asked.

‘Yes or no,’ she replied.

• A nervous passenger decided to purchase flight insurance at the ticket counter. She had some time before the flights departure, so she stopped in a Chinese restaurant in the concourse. She started to shake as she read her fortune cookie…

“Today’s investment will pay big dividends!”

• A man at the airline counter tells the rep. “I’d like this bag to go to Berlin, this one to California, and this one to London. The rep says, “I’m sorry sir. We can’t do that.”

The man replied: Nonsense. That is what you did last time I flew with you.

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Quick Test Answers: 1)A; 2)A; 3)C; 4)B; 5)A;

| Summer 2017

route MaP smartlynx

SMARTLYNX

ROUTEMAP

SUMMER 2017 Tallinn

Kristiansand

Riga

Venezia Pula Rimini Girona Valladolid Madrid

Faro*

Varna Burgas

Tivat Tirana

Bastia Naples

AlmerĂ­a* Malta

Corfu Aktiou Araxos Catania Zakynthos* Rodos Chania Heraklion

Antalya Larnaka Paphos

Madeira

*Flights via Vilnius Summer 2017 |

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CoMFortabLe smartlynx

SmartLynx Comfortable Before the ight It is recommended that you arrive at the airport at least two hours before the departure time. That allows you on time make the check in, give away your luggage and go trough security procedures. Always bring a valid travel document, i.e.: Passport (international flights, outside the EU); Passport or national ID card (flights within the EU).

If you encounter a problem at the airport contact airport representative for assistance and information, they are glad to help you.

Traveling with pets

Carriage of pets is a special service that has to be prebooked via your Tour Operator. Special conditions may apply.

The passenger is responsible for securing proper documentation for health, entry and transfer for all countries an route and providing a suitable container to ensure safe and comfortable transport of the pet. The only pets accepted in the cabin (except guide dogs) are dogs and cats on the following conditions: the pet must be clean; the container must be leakage proof and not weight 8 kg together with the pet.

A passenger may carry only one container and the pet must be kept in the container throughout the whole flight.

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Traveling with children

Children who have not reached his/her 2nd birthday are considered as infants and they are traveling without personally dedicated seat. Separate seat for infant can be purchased from your Tour Operator.

SmartLynx does not provide car-type baby seats but passenger may use their own, provided that the seat can be secured with the aircraft seat belt. Child under the age of 5 years must be accompanied by a person not younger than 16 years of age who is capable of taking care of the minor during the journey: a parent or guardian or a person assigned by these. Children aged 5-11 (incl) and traveling unaccompanied have to use escorting service on airport.

The request must be placed at the time of booking the trip. Children aged 12-15 may travel alone.

The cabin crew will do their utmost to make everyone feel as comfortable and welcome as possible during the flight. If you are traveling with young children, just ask if you need any milk or infant meals to be heated.

Baby -changing facilities are available on all our aircraft-just ask your crew for the location nearest to your seat.

Baggage

On SmartLynx flights, a passenger is allowed to check in one unit of baggage that weights up to 20kg on our flights not more than 4 hours and up to 15 kg on flights exceeding 4 hours flight time. Travelling with family or with friends, you can also pack your belongings into one bag, but please note that one unit may not exceed 32kg!

The standard checked baggage size is 32x84x56cm. All baggage exceeding these measurements is considered as nonstandard baggage (bicycle, golf bags, surfing and skiing equipment) and you have to always inform your Tour Operator first, if you are planning to bring some nonstandard equipment with you, as special conditions may apply.

Cabin baggage

The acceptable cabin or carry-on baggage size is 55x45x25cm (5kg). Cabin baggage must be stowed under the seat in front or in the overhead compartment.

The measurements are restricted to ensure that overhead compartment is not overloaded and the aisle is not obstructed.

| Summer 2017

tiPS smartlynx

During the flight

Travel Tips

For your health

To feel your best in the air remember: Alcohol: Alcohol should be consumed only in moderation. For each glass of alcohol, drink two glasses of water.

Water: Please make sure that you are drinking enough water during your flight.

Doctors are recommending to drink at least 0,5-0,6 l water every two flight hours.

Clothes: Baggy clothes are best in the air.

Try not to wear any tight – fitting clothes, loosen top buttons, belts and shoelaces and remove tight socks.

Circulation: Circulation of blood is helped if you try not to cross your legs or ankles for long periods of time. Elastic support socks or stockings may help. From time to time it is good to stand up and make a little walk or make some exercises. Remember that even the smallest movements help with blood circulations, so you can also do some stretching while seated.

Alcohol

Smoking

In line with international policy, all SmartLynx flights are non-smoking. It is an offence to smoke on board and it is forbidden also in lavatories. We ask you to refine from smoking for the comfort and safety of passengers and crew.

Electronic equipment

Special requirements

Sleep and seatbelts

If you´re planning to sleep during the flight, we recommend you fasten your seatbelt so the cabin crew don’t have to wake you should the Captain need to turn on the “fasten seatbelt” sign. We recommend that you keep your seatbelt fastened at all times while seated.

Summer 2017 |

Alcohol should be consumed only in moderation. Drinking your own alcohol, including alcohol you have been purchased from tax free shop at airport, is strictly forbidden. Passengers may only consume alcoholic drinks served by the crew. Please note, that crew can evaluate the situation and refuse to serve alcoholic drinks without any further explanation at any time.

Hopefully, we already know about your special requirements, such as wheelchair assistance or dietary request. If not, and this is an outbound flight, please advise a member cabin crew so they can make appropriate arrangements for your return journey.

To use of radios and devices with radio transmitter/receivers is strictly prohibited during the flight, as it may interfere with the aircraft´s navigation system. Mobile telephones, with the exception of those with a “flight safe” mode, should be switched off at all times on board the aircraft. Phones with a “flight safe” mode should have this activated before you switch your mobile phone off for take-off.

Personal CD, DVD and MP3 players may be used, but only when the seatbelt sign is switched off.

Wireless devices such as PDA-s laptop computers, electronic games and E-readers may only be used on board if the wireless function is disabled and again, may only be used while the seatbelt sign is off.

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Menu Pre-Order

ORDER A TASTY MEAL FOR THE RETURN FLIGHT! Pasū�et garšīgu mal�� atpakaļceļa lidojumam!

Закажите вкусную еду на обратный полёт!

Telli maitsev eine tagasilennule!

Choose a preferable meal from your menu card

Izvēlies mal�ti no jūsu menu kartes Выберите блюдо из вашего меню Vali meelepärane roog menüüst

1

Ask a flight attendant for an order-coupon

2

Enjoy your meal on your next flight

3

Jautājiet stjuartiem pasū�juma kuponu Попросите у бортпроводника купон для заказа Küsi pardameeskonnalt tellimiskupong

Izbaudiet savu mal�ti nākamajā lidojumā Наслаждайтесь своим заказом на следующем рейсе Tagasiteel saad oma valitud einet nautida

You can also order your meal at: Mal�ti iespējams pasū�t arī šeit: Также вы можете сделать заказ по адресу: Eine saad tellida ka:

www.flydinner.com Your Sky-Shop dishes are prepared by: Jūsu mal�tes gatavo: Ваши блюда приготовлены: Sinu eined on valmistanud:

We accept the following credit cards: Apmaksai tiek pieņemtas šādas maksājumu kartes: Мы принимаем следующие карты: Me aktsepteerime järgnevaid maksekaarte:

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