Eastern Europe is a large area that has its problems, but there is a lot that we can learn from many countries. Also read what we can learn from Hungary.
Croatia is a stunning country, it used to of course be part of Yugoslavia and now shares the former country with Serbia, happily the war over. Located in southeast Europe, it has a fantastic coastline on the Adriatic Sea (bordering Italy) and also borders Hungary, Slovenia, Serbia and Bosnia & Herzegovina.
This is a country that looks after its coastline, and it also contains major rivers including the Danube (the second longest in Europe). There are also protected forests, mountains and nature reserves.
It has its own ‘Lake District’ with waterfalls that cascade over dolomite and limestone, with pretty colours of turquoise or even mint waters! The country is ranked first for the quality of its swimming water by European Environmental Agency, leading its main income to be tourism (it’s the 23rd most popular destination on earth). It’s particularly popular for honeymoons!
What We Can Learn From Latvia & Estonia
Also in Eastern Europe, Latvia is home to one of Europe’s oldest languages. The Venta is Europe’s widest waterfall and again like so many other Europe neighbours, over 50% of it is protected forest with everyone allowed to pick and eat what they want from state-owned forests.
Only a petition by 38 Degrees stopped the UK government selling off remaining forests to private owners. 10% of Latvia is bog, so pack your wellies!
Just next door, Estonia is a fascinating little place that you can reach by ferry from Finland or Sweden, or even by bus from Berlin or Warsaw.
With a beautifully preserved medieval city, nearly everyone speaks 4 or 5 languages, and it’s one of the most forested nations on earth, with all of it protected to preserve the country’s wildlife (lynx, brown bears, wolves, foxes, deer and rabbits).
Despite the ‘natural aura’, it has fantastic broadband services, with nearly everyone paying taxes, registering a business or getting medical prescriptions online. But what’s most fascinating is that despite its historical churches, it’s one of the least religious countries on earth (many people believe in ‘nature’ as their God instead).
And also one of the most peaceful. Yet what’s hilarious is that official religious people visit to try to ‘convert’ the masses, often from countries at war – due to religion!
Interesting Lessons to Learn from Belarus
Belarus is a tiny country sandwiched between many Eastern European countries (including Ukraine) and Russia. Harrison Ford’s maternal grandparents were from here!
40% of Belarus is Trees & Forests
Belarus is known as ‘the lungs of Europe’ due to mostly being covered in trees. Białowieża Forest is the main forest, home to over 800 bison (Europe’s heaviest land mammals) and most of the rest of the country is covered in trees too.
Forests not only provide trees that give homes to native wildlife, but they are good for our mental health, and help to soak in carbon dioxide and buffer wind and floods. Learn of ways to protect our fabulous forests.
People in Belarus are Charming & Helpful
Of course, most people in England are too. But we have seen of late too much of ‘ugly media’ and ‘ugly politics’. Many hair salons now refuse to stock ‘gossip magazines’ after the suicide of TV presenter Caroline Flack.
And at time of writing this post (the day after the General Election), the newly-elected MP Nigel Farage was heckled by someone accusing him of racism. Instead of quietly explaining his politics, he just smirked and yelled ‘boring!’
If that’s what we have come to, we could look to Belarus. Apparently in Belarus, people never talk loudly on their phones (nor listen to loud music, if someone else is nearby). It’s just not the done thing!
People Eat Pancakes for Breakfast
It’s strange that in England, most people only eat pancakes (with lemon and sugar) on Shrove Tuesday (a Catholic tradition to use up leftover pantry ingredients before Lent).
However as in the USA and Canada, pancakes make a wonderfully healthy cooked breakfast if done well. You can make them with plant-based ingredients and serve with fruit, maple syrup and even a dollop of vegan ice-cream.
The city of Minsk houses what some call is one of the ugliest buildings on earth – the library! It has a massive ‘diamond’ on top that makes people say it looks more like a military institution, than a seat of learning.
Lessons to Learn from Albania
Albania is a tiny country situated in south east Europe, home to around 3 million people (the same as Wales). Bordering Greece, it’s mostly known as home to Mother Teresa. It used to belong to Italy until 1943, but now is independent.
If you visit Albania, know that nodding and shaking your head is the other way around. Nodding means no, and shaking means yes!
Albanians Love an Evening Walk
Just like Italians, Albanians like to go for a walk after dinner, to partake in gentle exercise and chat with local people. The shop hours here are rather like southern Europe (open early, shut for a few hours at lunch then open till late), so sometimes these late-night walks don’t end until near midnight.
This is a great idea if we had more walkable communities, to get some fresh air and stretch our legs, rather than just park in front of the TV all night! Some councils even close roads to traffic every evening, so people can take their ‘xhiro’.
Albania’s Capital Has No McDonald’s
This only happens in a few capital cities on earth, and Tirana is one of them. This beautiful city of stunning churches and gorgeous parks has a strong street food culture, so there is no need. Local people sell local food to other local people! So you can order a local Byrek from a street cart – but not a Big Mac!
The Devon town of Tavistock became the first in England, where the local branch of McDonalds had to close down due to lack of custom, and move staff to Plymouth. Known for its farmers markets, one local said ‘We feed our children properly here, so McDonald’s couldn’t survive’.
Albanian Buses Don’t Use Timetables
. Unlike here (where our often infrequent or nearly non-existent buses have complicated timetables at bus stops), in Albania, the bus system is pretty good, but the buses simply turn up and then set off when the bus has enough passengers. It may seem daft, but it seems to work better than here! Read more on how to make bus transport more appealing.
Albanians Refuse to Pay Fair Taxes
In 1995, local people in Shkodër were asked to pay a £13 traffic light tax, even though the city has no traffic lights! So they simply refused. They may have to pay soon, as the city is soon to gain its first set of traffic lights.
Before that everyone used roundabouts. Albanians are not known for their sensible driving (most people own Mercedes) so always look both ways, before crossing the road!
Albania Has a Third of All Europe’s Flowers
Unlike our sporadic ‘Britain in Bloom’ projects, in Albania there are flowers everywhere. Mostly in its national parks, which bloom all year round. Our public parks could do with more pet-safe flowers, rather than skateboard parks.
Albanians Can Take Their Boozy Spirits!
Raki is the national (aniseed liquorice) drink (also in Turkey) and it’s extremely strong. Commercial versions are usually strong enough, but most people who try the homemade version made in local villages are out cold after just one sniff! Even the coffee is so strong that you may find it gives you the jitters!
Interesting Lessons from Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan is a small country (that used to be part of the USSR) between the Caspian Sea and Caucasus Mountains (bordering Armenia, Georgia, Russia and Iran).
Spanning both Europe and Asia, the inner city is a medieval walled architectural masterpiece, where you’ll also find the royal palace with the dominating Maiden Tower.
It’s often known as ‘the land of fire’ due to natural gases spewing from the earth, to create ‘natural fires’ that never go out.
They Know How to Make Carpets
Known for its beautiful handmade carpets and rugs, these are worlds away from our chemical-laden carpets in superstores. Learn more on how to choose the most sustainable flooring.
People Take Afternoon Tea with Jam!
Unlike us who usually take tea with scones and jam, they serve tea with just jam on the side. It’s more like jammy fruit that you keep in your mouth, while you drink a small cup of strong tea. The idea is then you don’t need sugar, and you also are offered a slice of lemon after, if it’s all too sweet!
It Leaves Native Wildlife in Peace
This country is home to some of the Caucasus Mountains. Packed with wildlife from brown bears and lynx to roe deer and venomous snakes, this is home to Europe’s highest mountain (Mt. Elbrus in Russia).
However many ‘human violence’ (aka wars) have led to this area suffering, as it straddles several borders including Georgia and Russia. Lying alongside the Caspian and Black Seas, this forms the dividing line between Europe and Asia.
Still like years ago, the country makes use of its huge oil reserves, and continues to drill to make profits for oil (it used to supply half the world with the black gold, during World War II). Read of ideas on how to create an oil-free economy.
Interesting Lessons to Learn from Armenia
Armenia is an historic country, sharing borders with Turkey, Iran, Georgia and Azerbaijan. With around 3 million people, it’s located in southwest Asia (though is officially in Europe), just south of the Caucasus mountains. People with Armenian heritage include Andre Agassi, Cher and Kim Kardashian.
Armenia Has Some of the World’s Oldest Churches
Armenia was the first country to adopt Christianity as the national faith, and as a result has hundreds of ancient churches that it protects.
Although England has many ancient churches (especially in the East of England), many have since been turned into luxury flats or office buildings. Many people visit Armenia to go on Christian pilgrimages (walking faith holidays).
Armenia is One of the Safest Countries on Earth
. In Armenia, both locals and tourists often happily walk along the street at night, without fear. You can (usually) even as a local person at night if you are lost, without any worries. The country also has uniformed police officers everywhere, so you’re never far away from finding a bobby on the beat, if you need one.
Armenia is ‘Home of the Apricot’
Although we also grow apricots in England, they are not as revered and celebrated as in Armenia, where they eaten frequently both in curries and for desserts.
Even the duduk musical instrument, is made from apricot wood. Many people in Armenia also enjoy a tipple of apricot brandy.
Interesting Lessons to Learn from Turkey
Turkey is a huge country bordering Eastern Europe and Asia. But aside from if you’ve been there on holiday, little is known about it. So what can we learn from this fascinating destination?
Bordering the Black Sea, there is not much to learn of the country’s human rights or animal welfare, but here we’ll focus on the positive.
The country has 40 national parks and many more nature preserve areas, and is trying to protect its remaining endangered species, since the Caspian tiger went exist late last century.
Its natural temperature and being one of the world’s top emitter of fossil fuels is leading campaigners to hopefully wean the country off Russian oil and onto greener forms of energy. This will help reduce the frequent floods, heatwaves, droughts, wildfires and storms the country has suffered in recent years.
In 2021, Turkey had heavy floods and wildfires that killed many people, and the sea saliva ended up choking sea life. Of course this all also impacts on its very important tourism industry, which is why alternative solutions are urgently being sought.
Turkey could become ‘water-scarce’ (not enough to meet daily needs) by 2030 so even it’s for self-serving (rather than planetary reasons) action is now being taken.