November 14
Our team met in the harbour at 6.45 am and started the journey to Riga with enthusiasm. Some of us went through their old school books while others were mentally preparing themselves for the adventure to come. In Tallinn we were greeted by the students of Gustav Adolf Grammar school and with them continued our trip to Riga as the excitement increased. As we arrived in Riga we had lunch in the school cafeteria. After eating we got to change our clothes and freshen up for the spectacular opening ceremony. Unfortunately, we didn’t have enough time to visit the school museum, as we had to change to more formal clothing before the opening ceremony
In the ceremony it was inspirational to see such young talents in the form of several impressive music performances, not only from Riga State Gymnasium No. 1 but also from Gustav Adolf Grammar school.
As the opening ceremony ended, we met our host families at the school. After everyone had parted ways, everyone spent the rest of the evening in their pleasant host families while studying and eagerly waiting for the day to come.
November 15
On Tuesday November 15th we met in Riga State Gymnasium No.1 at 9 am. It was time to compete and take stage in the 29th Annual Science Olympiad. The chemists left the school first and were heading to Riga University. The mathematicians and physicists began their tests shortly after the chemists left and thus the competition began. For the first time in the competition’s history computers were used by physicists and chemists. The experience was certainly interesting and we hope to see more development in that area. The mathematicians went with more traditional means of writing and chose paper. After an endless amount of work and effort it was time to relax and enjoy the tour of the Old Town in Riga and the evening with our fellow competitors. The program in the evening included among other things charades and questions about our home countries. After the informal fellowship night, we returned to our host families.
Joonas, Rasmus, Eka, Santeri, Eero, Denis
November 16
But like all good things, the Science Olympiad too must come to an end. After a final delicious breakfast with our host families we headed to the school for a memorable closing ceremony. In the dimming light of the Olympic flame we witnessed skillful musical performances, touching speeches and of course the award ceremony where the best of the best were rewarded for their efforts – our very own Eero (Physics II) and Linda (Physics III) amongst them. Finally we wished farewell for our newfound friends and begun the lengthy return towards Finland. Luckily the journey was made light by the excellent jokes from a fellow – yet anonymous – traveler. Even though the journey itself has now been concluded, its very memory is sure to last for a lifetime.
