Freedom

Just some funky 6th century BC ceramics at the British Museum.

It's been two weeks since my last high school exam and its consequential delicious freedom. I'd like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the four institutions that have shaped me during the past twelve years:

1. I have the fondest memories of the four years in my primary school, Senamiesčio pradinė mokykla. There I felt so safe, made my first friends and got married.

2. Even more dear were the three years at Kaunas Jesuit Gymnasium. I was part of easily the best class in the year - amazing people I came the closest to 'rebelling' with, and still see every time I go back home.

3. Having finished Year 7, at the age of thirteen I moved in 2005 with my family to London. The first nearly-eight months were spent - painfully! - school-free, as it took us a while to find a permanent home (this is when I started drawing).

Within the first few weeks of living in Neasden, my brother and I were put by the Brent council into Claremont High School. Things changed. On the first terrifying day I had to write with the class a physics test to determine the science set I'd be put in. I also spent an hour in the set 1 German class, knowing not one word in the language. And while they soon appropriately put me in set 3, for some bizarre reason I stayed in set 1 English! I no longer felt safe. For the next two and a half years I felt I was the black sheep in the herd that was the school, or - like Lithuanians say - the white crow.

I'm the one with the leg in the air.
Don't ask.

4. Getting into North London Collegiate School, where I recently took that symbolic last exam (Higher Level German!) I didn't really plan for. But it happened, and there I spent my latest two years. Completely shook my academic confidence, but socially I now feel much more able. Sometimes I still wonder - did I really study here?


What a LIFE it's been, so far. The years haven't at all passed that very quickly, for I feel like I've lived for decades. And to think that in just a few months I would be writing about my first impressions of university life... Someone please wake me up!

What a relief!

Despite the initial distressing reports of a violent and disturbed scene, it appears that the Baltic Pride was a success after all! Yes, there were attempts by radicals and even MPs to disrupt the march; the police in places used tear gas and arrested some 19 persons; but I do not for a moment doubt the long-term positive effect this historic event will have on Lithuanian (in)tolerance.

The first step has been taken, discussion begun; but most significantly, it has been proven to many there that gay people are in fact more normal than their aggressive haters, who supposedly represent family values. Lithuanians have for months been questioning and protesting against the need for such a pride, and I hope that the eyes of at least some have been opened!

Erica Jennings, Irish-born vocalist of Skamp

BBC News article

Baltic Reports article

Baltic Pride

With the UK election fuss of the past hours (go Caroline Lucas, first green MP in history!) international affairs must not be forgotten.

For several months now I have been following the restless build up to the Baltic Pride, scheduled to take place tomorrow, 8 May, in the Lithuanian capital Vilnius. A few days ago Lithuanian courts suspended the permission to hold the demonstration for LGBT rights.

Sorry, what?

edit: Back on, it seems!