The International Women’s Club of Riga is an international group of women offering friendship and supporting local charities. We regularly organise social tours, visits to museums, workshops, guest lectures, and events that give our members a deeper understanding of Latvian culture and society.
This month we like to introduce you to one of our long-standing members, who organizes social tours for us. Vija Pugule is a member since 2004, for 16 years already. We are very glad to have Vija with us. Thank you dear Vija!
IWCR: Vija, you are a IWCR member for a while. How did you find out about the club, and what we do?
Vija: I found out from the International ladies about IWCR. They asked me to join the Board to organize social activities.
IWCR: Why do you want to give to our organization? What motivates you to be involved?
Vija: The wonderful energy in our organization is rare to find elsewhere. The mix of cultures, women from all around the world sharing their stories is very special, and is possible only because of the fantastic ladies that all contribute with their experiences and knowledge – it seems only natural to do the same. Organizing tours and events that I know everybody will love brings me lot’s of joy.
IWCR: What would you like to pass on to the community and future generations?
Vija: understanding that good mood is very important, the excellent atmosphere we have is key in our community. I also hope that the future generations are able to find a way to keep their own culture in tact, to learn about others, and to be respectful about it, in a way that we have managed to do very well.
IWCR: Would you share with us what you like most about your home country Latvia?
Vija: I suppose that growing up here has influenced what I notice and love about the city, probably very different to the things visiting ladies notice and love. However, my favorite places may be a great insiders tip: I love the nature here, especially the Latvian spring and summer. Everywhere you go there are flowers blooming. The air filled with fresh scents. The warm weather, that is rarely too hot, is perfect to enjoy lunch outside.
Some of my favorite restaurants are those in Andrejosta, such as Naples and Aqua Luna, or, from my hometown Mārupe, there is a fabulous restaurant called 32.Augusts.
IWCR: Can you share a little bit about yourself?
Vija: I studied in the University of Latvia to become a linguist. When I graduated I worked as a guide for a while, a very interesting job as not many foreigners came during the Soviet Union occupation. Then I started working in the Swedish Embassy. I can translate between Swedish, English, Russian and Latvian, and that’s a lot of what I did. I loved working there.
My hobbies are gardening and playing tennis. Any time spent with family – my husband, two daughters and baby grandson – is special to me.
Thank you Vija for taking the time for this interview, and for all your passion you give to IWCR. All members enjoy the wonderful tours and social activities to get together.
The interview was prepared by Elena Tezhe, Communications Coordinator Newsletter and Kerstin Steinberg, President of IWCR.
It is very interesting to learn more about our members. If you like to read more.
Meet Kristine
