It happened in dark autumn night of 1989, in the city of wind Liepāja, Latvia.That is nice town next to Baltic sea. In that night came new life to this world, it was one little handsome boy. And this story will be exactly about this boy.
This boy was born on September 17th, 1989 in an unknown family. They gave him name – Andris. Shortly after giving birth, boys mother passed away. Father couldn’ t keep this baby, he was scared that he will not be enough powerful to take care about this baby alone, so he decided to run away leaving this boy in hands of destiny. He left him there and this boy ended up in orphanage & he never saw his father again...
Some time past, what I spent alone, without family, without love, in this Liepajas orphanage, where were just few people who changed my baby’ s napkins and fed me. At the same time, somewhere in other side of Latvia was one family who wanted baby a lot! Them already have 7 years old daughter who wants little brother as well! Thanks God, they decide to take baby from orphanage. That day when they came to Liepaja, I was most happiest boy in the world! So, I could say, my real life starts from here... I started my first trip to my new home with my new family, my father – Armans, my mom- Ilze, and my little sister – Anna. Actually my sister is 6 years older than me. My new & real family! My new home was in small village close to capital city Riga, it was beautiful & peaceful place. There my parents owned one restaurant, what was famous with huge and original childrens wooden playground and with delicious food. And they owned one quite big shop with movie rent and one hairdressing salon with solarium, it was like shopping complex. Our family was quite rich to afford almost everything what we wanted, I had wonderful childhood.
Then came time to educate little Andris, and I start to go to kindergarten „Minka”, what in Latvian means „Kitty”. I loved it! If others childrens did not want to go, I was always first one there. Still now I remember teachers names & faces. Sometimes, I wish I could be a little boy again....
Came time to be a big boy! I start primary school in capital city Riga, then my mother start to rent flat in Riga. Me, my mother & sister moved to Riga, but my father stayed in Inchukalns to keep up our family business. I start to study in Rigas Central Primary school but my sister in NDĢ high school. Every weekend we were going to Inchukalns to visit our father and friends. In summer holidays we used to travel a lot. We visited countries like Poland, Lithuania, Denmark, Germany, Norway, Belarus and others. We visited many wonderful places, hydeparks, musical fountains, Lego land, museums, parks and other places. We always did everything together...
Then one day tragedy befall our family... in my parents company was working my mothers brother Janis. That was busy pre-holiday day and suddenly he fell on the floor with haemorrhage of the brain. Ambulance took him to Rigas general hospital, my mother went together with doctors. In few hours my mother called from hospital... he passed away. Still remember his body lying in a coffin at his funeral. It was shock for me & my family, but we continue to live, just with the best memories of Janis.
Life continues and we bought our own 3 rooms apartment in Riga. After 4 years in Rigas Central Primary school I was ready to graduate it, and I did it! I start to study in Rigas 45. high school. Again new place, new friends, new subjects, new adventures. There is so many stories what I could write, but if I will do that, it will take years, cause everyday happens something new & interesting...
After I graduate Rigas 45. high school, I start to study in Rigas Craft school/college, where I got cook (chef) education. Those was my best 3 years at school. At the 1st course I was soooo bad, didn't study anything, didn't go to school, even didn't do my homeworks. At 2nd course something happened with me and I start to study. Became a smart guy. And at last, 3rd course I was the best in our course, my grades was A level. At graduating ceremony I even got diploma for excellent grades. I learned so much new things, I loved practical lessons. We had practical lessons out from school, with what I mean, we should find some restaurant, cafe, or other catering company where to work our practical lessons. That is the best experience. I did work in 2 pizzerias, one cafe, and 2 restaurants, not at the same time ofcourse.
When I was 17 years old, my mother left me alone in our flat in Riga. She moved to live in Cyprus. My sister already some time lived together with hers boyfriend and hers son Kristofer. I lived in this flat with my dog, his name is Lord Bushmil. Its brown Irish seter boy, very clever and nice dog. I lived alone in 3 rooms flat, so imagine, how often there were parties & parties & again parties! Probably, that was my best time in my life, i had choice to live independent life. To start everything almost from 0, from nothing... Those are my best memories. My mom has lived in Cyprus for some time, when our family tragedy befall again. Died my grandmother, my mothers mom. My mother even couldn’t come to hers funeral, the same like me. In that time I was working, and my boss didn’t let me to go to my grandmothers funeral. But maybe it was better, it’s very hard to look at the people in coffin... We said goodbyeand buried her in our hearts.
Then came my big day – graduation ceremony. I finished Rigas craft school/college with diploma. I was the best student from our class. I was so so so unbelievable happy! Big amazing graduate party and then just relax... summer! Then me and my siter, we got bored in Latvia... and we said: „if our mother can go to Cyprus, why we can’t?” And very soon we bought tickets to Cyprus. At 27th august of 2008 our plane landed in Larnacas International airport. At that moment, when I came out from plane, my life turned 360° degrees around! Changed everything!
My first days in Cyprus was shocking, amazing, wonderful, exciting and there could be much more words to describe it!
Serious? You eat karpouzi (watermelon) with Halloumi (cheese)!? Cyprus - place what changed my way of thinking. They even drive on the left side! So many new things came over my head, couldn't understand everything from beginning! To be honest, still there is many things what doesn't make point to me. Weird island, weird people, but lovely weather.
When some parts of island was discovered, it was time to settle down. My mom lived there already for one year, and she lived together with two indian guys and one chinese girl. Interesting huh? Me and my sis, we knew where we are going, but still it was so strange, that we gonna live with Indian and Chinese people in one apartment. Don't get me wrong, I am not racist at all, exactly opposite! We were excited to meet new nationalities and learn from them. Amazing experience. We lived near Larnacas downtown, Phinikoudes, walking distance took 7-10 minutes, depends of the heat! August was the worst time to leave the house in day time. You literally get cooked, baked, call it as you want, but you get dry and wet and the same time! And to find a shade was impossible, sun was exactly over the heads, always there up! Only way to not collapse on the way, just run into every periptero (small markets) where is A/C and buy some refreshing frozen drink. So we were leaving the house at the nights. From first sight town in the night was adorable, and people so beautiful, only it's really weird fashion for girls. That is another story, maybe some day I will tell You, or better just go to Cyprus and discover it on your own!
Alright, this should be story about me, not Cyprus, even I love it! <3
I was a lucky boy, after a week being in Cyprus I found a job in "Evento" cafe, located in Phinikoudes, (Let's call it: "Larnacas Heart") I started to work there as cook assistant. Had colleagues from Slovakia, Georgia, Czech Republic, and many others! One big international staff. I loved those people, they were so friendly, kind and positive. In kitchen I worked with one guy from Slovakia and Georgian women, and both of them knew Russian, so if I didn't understand smth in english, they used Russian. In one and half month I became cook, not assistant! My duties were more important and responsible. One an half month more and I was working alone in kithen at morning shift. Preparing food for the rest of the day and making breakfasts to customers and staff. Staff loved me, I always knew how to make them happy and communicate with them. Our collaboration was great, no missunderstanding, no mistakes, no bull***... Respect and good team work! :)
After my third month there I didn't receive any benefits. Employer promised growing benefits every month, which was only words! He even did not sign my contract yet. So after I received my 3rd month salary check, straight way I went to his office and started interesting conversation which became as fight where he did lost. I quit.
After almost 4 month in Cyprus I already got some friends, like Marios, who helped me out with job. He invited me to work with him at his brothers company - typography. I said definitely Yes, but when I said it, I didn't had smallest clue what the hell is that monster!? At the same day, he took me to check it out. Now it was clear, it's printing company. Some time ago I did visited one in Latvia, because my parents were designing local newspaper, so once I was taken with them. But no more information what and how things goes here. So all of my new colleagues promised to teach me. I started my new exciting job in printing factory. Starting with some small jobs and every week my experience and skills grew and I became main worker of company. Not that people trusted me most responsible jobs, but they asked me for advice. After one year they fired my colleague from Bulgaria. As excuse they said it's crise, and they can't afford to pay that much people. Sad and scary, was I next one? Since staff was less, I got more jobs to do. We had one worker from Bangladesh who did all small and simple jobs. To be honest, you couldn't trust him to do important things, he always knew how to screw up everything. Dunno why boss still kept him, instead of getting new person. Christmas was our most busiest time, then we really needed help from out, so this guy from Bangladesh was asked for help from employer side. At Christmas time he took five till ten friends to help us out. Crazy time, working like 14-17 hours non-stop per day with bunch of Bangladesh guys. Funny and great experience.
After 2 years working there I was quite bored of this place and colleagues attitude. As I was doing my job great, fast and qualitative, people just started to use me and the throwed me more and more jobs to do, but at the same time, they were chilling out. My nerve system couldn't stand it, besides I was so tired that after job going straight home and doing nothing made me kind of weak person. Came rough time, orders were so much, but people didn't want to pay those prices. Company has to reduce expences. What obviously concerns me! They did one more reduction of staff, it was my time to leave. This was end of my performance in typography "Pressline".
Again I was jobless boy, confused and scared. Thanks God I had few amazing friends what helped me out not only in material way, but they kept me up, when I was sinking. At this time I was living with one Latvian girl in downtowns apartment, exactly in the "Heart of Larnaca". Also this time I had my Love next to me, which made me strong and able to survive. Can't thanks them enough.
I couldn't find a job in Larnaca. Seems it was time to try something new, I decided to move to Nicosia, capital of Cyprus. With my all friends help I tried to find a job in Nicosia, what was going to be the same as in Larnaca, almost impossible. Finally one day I receive e-mail: "We are opening new bar in Nicosia, would You like to come to interview for barman position?" Of course my reply was "Yes". I should catch up first thing what comes, it was quite long time without job and I was broke already. So, I went to job interview, what was successful. I was employed again, what a nice feeling! :)
Bar was located in the heart of town, next to some pubs, cabaret style pubs. Our bar couldn't compete with bars next doors. We didn't had girls who entertain customers, so we didn't had customers. I spent a lot of lonely hours sitting alone in the bar and playing with pc and making drinks to myself. As we all know, where is no money there is no movement. The bar should be shutted down! No more reason to lose money. My career was finished here. To be honest, it was great experience & memories.
While I was working there I was staying over friends places all over island. My salary was not enough to afford to rent my own place. Had time when I had to sleep even in the bar over night. I went trough difficult times. But as people say: "What doesn't kill us, it makes us stronger" And I completely agree with this saying! Ohh, now I remembered one opportunity what came up from one friend. One my friend, girl offered me to stay over hers place while she is going abroad. Offer was quite well, it was 250 euro per month, as I use only one part of apartment. Apartment in the old town, 2nd floor, and the enter to roof. Unforgetable time, sitting on the roof at evening with friends and drinking wine, playing guitar, chatting. Lovely memories. On this apartment roof I celebrated my 22nd birthday with my closest friends. Now I want to go back...
P.s. Had a chance to stay in this apartment more longer than was planned and God was with me and I didn't pay any money for staying there. And huge thanks to my adorable girl! :)
After all this my tough times just started! Jobless and homless there I was! My best friend helped me out with home. I became part of his family, such a adorable people. Even thought they were Turkish speaking Cypriots we found our way to communicate. Every single week I stayed there I in loved them more and more. People with so open heart and incredible positivity. I in love everyone and everything in this house. They became my family.
One month jobless, two months jobless, three... What to do now? Confusions next step getting closer to depression...
Suddenly there shows up one my friend who is living in UK already for few years. She can't listen my sad story and she offers me to come to UK. Promises to help me out. Thinking to say Yes or No. Believe me or not, but living non-stop on somebodies neck is really hard, I am not use to do that. That pushes me down more and more. I want to help people, not people help me all the time. But I couldn't stay there more, I had to leave. Time to move on. I said Yes and I came to UK.
Now I am here and continue to write my life story! This is again one more thing what I can't finish in one day or even week or in year time.
But this is enough for YOU! Wanna know more about me? Meet me!
THE END...? ? ?
[I've decided to not update my story more in my website at the moment, gonna leave it as it is. Short enough and informative enough! Instead I am going to write it on the paper... kinda book type... No, I am not saying I am going to write a book, but somethin close to that! Maybe short biography of me! :) My life is book worth! ha ha
Well, goin just to edit and kinda fix grammar mistakes! (Remember, I am not English, so I write as my english allows)! :p :)
.andrushka.©.
Thank you for reading and understanding.
your .andrushka.©.
This boy was born on September 17th, 1989 in an unknown family. They gave him name – Andris. Shortly after giving birth, boys mother passed away. Father couldn’ t keep this baby, he was scared that he will not be enough powerful to take care about this baby alone, so he decided to run away leaving this boy in hands of destiny. He left him there and this boy ended up in orphanage & he never saw his father again...
Some time past, what I spent alone, without family, without love, in this Liepajas orphanage, where were just few people who changed my baby’ s napkins and fed me. At the same time, somewhere in other side of Latvia was one family who wanted baby a lot! Them already have 7 years old daughter who wants little brother as well! Thanks God, they decide to take baby from orphanage. That day when they came to Liepaja, I was most happiest boy in the world! So, I could say, my real life starts from here... I started my first trip to my new home with my new family, my father – Armans, my mom- Ilze, and my little sister – Anna. Actually my sister is 6 years older than me. My new & real family! My new home was in small village close to capital city Riga, it was beautiful & peaceful place. There my parents owned one restaurant, what was famous with huge and original childrens wooden playground and with delicious food. And they owned one quite big shop with movie rent and one hairdressing salon with solarium, it was like shopping complex. Our family was quite rich to afford almost everything what we wanted, I had wonderful childhood.
Then came time to educate little Andris, and I start to go to kindergarten „Minka”, what in Latvian means „Kitty”. I loved it! If others childrens did not want to go, I was always first one there. Still now I remember teachers names & faces. Sometimes, I wish I could be a little boy again....
Came time to be a big boy! I start primary school in capital city Riga, then my mother start to rent flat in Riga. Me, my mother & sister moved to Riga, but my father stayed in Inchukalns to keep up our family business. I start to study in Rigas Central Primary school but my sister in NDĢ high school. Every weekend we were going to Inchukalns to visit our father and friends. In summer holidays we used to travel a lot. We visited countries like Poland, Lithuania, Denmark, Germany, Norway, Belarus and others. We visited many wonderful places, hydeparks, musical fountains, Lego land, museums, parks and other places. We always did everything together...
Then one day tragedy befall our family... in my parents company was working my mothers brother Janis. That was busy pre-holiday day and suddenly he fell on the floor with haemorrhage of the brain. Ambulance took him to Rigas general hospital, my mother went together with doctors. In few hours my mother called from hospital... he passed away. Still remember his body lying in a coffin at his funeral. It was shock for me & my family, but we continue to live, just with the best memories of Janis.
Life continues and we bought our own 3 rooms apartment in Riga. After 4 years in Rigas Central Primary school I was ready to graduate it, and I did it! I start to study in Rigas 45. high school. Again new place, new friends, new subjects, new adventures. There is so many stories what I could write, but if I will do that, it will take years, cause everyday happens something new & interesting...
After I graduate Rigas 45. high school, I start to study in Rigas Craft school/college, where I got cook (chef) education. Those was my best 3 years at school. At the 1st course I was soooo bad, didn't study anything, didn't go to school, even didn't do my homeworks. At 2nd course something happened with me and I start to study. Became a smart guy. And at last, 3rd course I was the best in our course, my grades was A level. At graduating ceremony I even got diploma for excellent grades. I learned so much new things, I loved practical lessons. We had practical lessons out from school, with what I mean, we should find some restaurant, cafe, or other catering company where to work our practical lessons. That is the best experience. I did work in 2 pizzerias, one cafe, and 2 restaurants, not at the same time ofcourse.
When I was 17 years old, my mother left me alone in our flat in Riga. She moved to live in Cyprus. My sister already some time lived together with hers boyfriend and hers son Kristofer. I lived in this flat with my dog, his name is Lord Bushmil. Its brown Irish seter boy, very clever and nice dog. I lived alone in 3 rooms flat, so imagine, how often there were parties & parties & again parties! Probably, that was my best time in my life, i had choice to live independent life. To start everything almost from 0, from nothing... Those are my best memories. My mom has lived in Cyprus for some time, when our family tragedy befall again. Died my grandmother, my mothers mom. My mother even couldn’t come to hers funeral, the same like me. In that time I was working, and my boss didn’t let me to go to my grandmothers funeral. But maybe it was better, it’s very hard to look at the people in coffin... We said goodbyeand buried her in our hearts.
Then came my big day – graduation ceremony. I finished Rigas craft school/college with diploma. I was the best student from our class. I was so so so unbelievable happy! Big amazing graduate party and then just relax... summer! Then me and my siter, we got bored in Latvia... and we said: „if our mother can go to Cyprus, why we can’t?” And very soon we bought tickets to Cyprus. At 27th august of 2008 our plane landed in Larnacas International airport. At that moment, when I came out from plane, my life turned 360° degrees around! Changed everything!
My first days in Cyprus was shocking, amazing, wonderful, exciting and there could be much more words to describe it!
Serious? You eat karpouzi (watermelon) with Halloumi (cheese)!? Cyprus - place what changed my way of thinking. They even drive on the left side! So many new things came over my head, couldn't understand everything from beginning! To be honest, still there is many things what doesn't make point to me. Weird island, weird people, but lovely weather.
When some parts of island was discovered, it was time to settle down. My mom lived there already for one year, and she lived together with two indian guys and one chinese girl. Interesting huh? Me and my sis, we knew where we are going, but still it was so strange, that we gonna live with Indian and Chinese people in one apartment. Don't get me wrong, I am not racist at all, exactly opposite! We were excited to meet new nationalities and learn from them. Amazing experience. We lived near Larnacas downtown, Phinikoudes, walking distance took 7-10 minutes, depends of the heat! August was the worst time to leave the house in day time. You literally get cooked, baked, call it as you want, but you get dry and wet and the same time! And to find a shade was impossible, sun was exactly over the heads, always there up! Only way to not collapse on the way, just run into every periptero (small markets) where is A/C and buy some refreshing frozen drink. So we were leaving the house at the nights. From first sight town in the night was adorable, and people so beautiful, only it's really weird fashion for girls. That is another story, maybe some day I will tell You, or better just go to Cyprus and discover it on your own!
Alright, this should be story about me, not Cyprus, even I love it! <3
I was a lucky boy, after a week being in Cyprus I found a job in "Evento" cafe, located in Phinikoudes, (Let's call it: "Larnacas Heart") I started to work there as cook assistant. Had colleagues from Slovakia, Georgia, Czech Republic, and many others! One big international staff. I loved those people, they were so friendly, kind and positive. In kitchen I worked with one guy from Slovakia and Georgian women, and both of them knew Russian, so if I didn't understand smth in english, they used Russian. In one and half month I became cook, not assistant! My duties were more important and responsible. One an half month more and I was working alone in kithen at morning shift. Preparing food for the rest of the day and making breakfasts to customers and staff. Staff loved me, I always knew how to make them happy and communicate with them. Our collaboration was great, no missunderstanding, no mistakes, no bull***... Respect and good team work! :)
After my third month there I didn't receive any benefits. Employer promised growing benefits every month, which was only words! He even did not sign my contract yet. So after I received my 3rd month salary check, straight way I went to his office and started interesting conversation which became as fight where he did lost. I quit.
After almost 4 month in Cyprus I already got some friends, like Marios, who helped me out with job. He invited me to work with him at his brothers company - typography. I said definitely Yes, but when I said it, I didn't had smallest clue what the hell is that monster!? At the same day, he took me to check it out. Now it was clear, it's printing company. Some time ago I did visited one in Latvia, because my parents were designing local newspaper, so once I was taken with them. But no more information what and how things goes here. So all of my new colleagues promised to teach me. I started my new exciting job in printing factory. Starting with some small jobs and every week my experience and skills grew and I became main worker of company. Not that people trusted me most responsible jobs, but they asked me for advice. After one year they fired my colleague from Bulgaria. As excuse they said it's crise, and they can't afford to pay that much people. Sad and scary, was I next one? Since staff was less, I got more jobs to do. We had one worker from Bangladesh who did all small and simple jobs. To be honest, you couldn't trust him to do important things, he always knew how to screw up everything. Dunno why boss still kept him, instead of getting new person. Christmas was our most busiest time, then we really needed help from out, so this guy from Bangladesh was asked for help from employer side. At Christmas time he took five till ten friends to help us out. Crazy time, working like 14-17 hours non-stop per day with bunch of Bangladesh guys. Funny and great experience.
After 2 years working there I was quite bored of this place and colleagues attitude. As I was doing my job great, fast and qualitative, people just started to use me and the throwed me more and more jobs to do, but at the same time, they were chilling out. My nerve system couldn't stand it, besides I was so tired that after job going straight home and doing nothing made me kind of weak person. Came rough time, orders were so much, but people didn't want to pay those prices. Company has to reduce expences. What obviously concerns me! They did one more reduction of staff, it was my time to leave. This was end of my performance in typography "Pressline".
Again I was jobless boy, confused and scared. Thanks God I had few amazing friends what helped me out not only in material way, but they kept me up, when I was sinking. At this time I was living with one Latvian girl in downtowns apartment, exactly in the "Heart of Larnaca". Also this time I had my Love next to me, which made me strong and able to survive. Can't thanks them enough.
I couldn't find a job in Larnaca. Seems it was time to try something new, I decided to move to Nicosia, capital of Cyprus. With my all friends help I tried to find a job in Nicosia, what was going to be the same as in Larnaca, almost impossible. Finally one day I receive e-mail: "We are opening new bar in Nicosia, would You like to come to interview for barman position?" Of course my reply was "Yes". I should catch up first thing what comes, it was quite long time without job and I was broke already. So, I went to job interview, what was successful. I was employed again, what a nice feeling! :)
Bar was located in the heart of town, next to some pubs, cabaret style pubs. Our bar couldn't compete with bars next doors. We didn't had girls who entertain customers, so we didn't had customers. I spent a lot of lonely hours sitting alone in the bar and playing with pc and making drinks to myself. As we all know, where is no money there is no movement. The bar should be shutted down! No more reason to lose money. My career was finished here. To be honest, it was great experience & memories.
While I was working there I was staying over friends places all over island. My salary was not enough to afford to rent my own place. Had time when I had to sleep even in the bar over night. I went trough difficult times. But as people say: "What doesn't kill us, it makes us stronger" And I completely agree with this saying! Ohh, now I remembered one opportunity what came up from one friend. One my friend, girl offered me to stay over hers place while she is going abroad. Offer was quite well, it was 250 euro per month, as I use only one part of apartment. Apartment in the old town, 2nd floor, and the enter to roof. Unforgetable time, sitting on the roof at evening with friends and drinking wine, playing guitar, chatting. Lovely memories. On this apartment roof I celebrated my 22nd birthday with my closest friends. Now I want to go back...
P.s. Had a chance to stay in this apartment more longer than was planned and God was with me and I didn't pay any money for staying there. And huge thanks to my adorable girl! :)
After all this my tough times just started! Jobless and homless there I was! My best friend helped me out with home. I became part of his family, such a adorable people. Even thought they were Turkish speaking Cypriots we found our way to communicate. Every single week I stayed there I in loved them more and more. People with so open heart and incredible positivity. I in love everyone and everything in this house. They became my family.
One month jobless, two months jobless, three... What to do now? Confusions next step getting closer to depression...
Suddenly there shows up one my friend who is living in UK already for few years. She can't listen my sad story and she offers me to come to UK. Promises to help me out. Thinking to say Yes or No. Believe me or not, but living non-stop on somebodies neck is really hard, I am not use to do that. That pushes me down more and more. I want to help people, not people help me all the time. But I couldn't stay there more, I had to leave. Time to move on. I said Yes and I came to UK.
Now I am here and continue to write my life story! This is again one more thing what I can't finish in one day or even week or in year time.
But this is enough for YOU! Wanna know more about me? Meet me!
THE END...? ? ?
[I've decided to not update my story more in my website at the moment, gonna leave it as it is. Short enough and informative enough! Instead I am going to write it on the paper... kinda book type... No, I am not saying I am going to write a book, but somethin close to that! Maybe short biography of me! :) My life is book worth! ha ha
Well, goin just to edit and kinda fix grammar mistakes! (Remember, I am not English, so I write as my english allows)! :p :)
.andrushka.©.
Thank you for reading and understanding.
your .andrushka.©.
