The Colombian Hugo arrived in Lithuania with a love story, but the feelings soon ended: today he works in a nursery and has something to advise his parents

– Tell us how you got from Colombia to Lithuania.

– The Colombian capital, Bogotá, has a population of over 9 million, and is where tourists come every year. This city is characterized not only by many contrasts, tastes, colors, cultures, but also by incessant violence and insecurity. This city is like a heavy rock song. I lived in Bogotá for many years, working in the field of education as an artistic theater teacher and actor in an independent theater group, until one day, when I returned home from work, I met a charming Lithuanian woman. From that moment, my life turned upside down. Guided by my instincts, I went to Lithuania. I had no idea what it was like through the holidays, but in that moment instinct and love made me go that way. Now I am happy with my choice and even though the love is over, I have discovered even more.

– Tell me, how do you live here?

– I work in the kindergarten “Mažųjų valdos” in Vilnius, sometimes I contribute to various acting projects. I live here with my sister and her two children. Of course, there are difficult moments when it seems that inside, so much confusion, when you just want to lock yourself in the dark, but finally you realize that those moments, mistakes are what teach us, strengthen us and allow us to rise up. Therefore, you rise again, you fall again. That’s life. Finally, one day you realize that you have to accept something in order to start changing. Then you find the right people, the way of life becomes clearer. All this period, that I live in Lithuania, allowed me to open up, understand myself. I am grateful for fate and the woman who brought me here.

– I can’t ask: how did you adapt to our climate, winter?

– Humans are adaptable animals, despite the difficulties, we end up adapting to the different environments in which we find ourselves. I use a strategy of not complaining, not coming into conflict with the air, if it’s cold, it’s cold, there’s nothing I can do to be otherwise. When I hear people complain about the cold and ask if I am not cold, I answer that the weather is as it is and that I have no problem with it, it is my friend, not my enemy.

– What were the biggest challenges here at the beginning?

– One of the biggest challenges I faced was communication. Such a difficult period lasted almost 8 months. Although the relationship between the Lithuanian and I broke down, we continued to communicate. His family and friends invited me to the meetings, but he did not speak English or Lithuanian. So those meetings, dinners were a real challenge. But I learned to be patient and not push myself. That helped.

– Now he works in kindergarten. In Lithuania, it is still common to see women instead of men in kindergartens. How is your country?

– We must understand that this period is a time of change. A new generation of kindergarten parents and leaders is coming, there are many innovations in the field of education and the way of life is changing. However, it is important to maintain traditions but not follow stereotypes. I don’t think anything should surprise men who work in kindergartens. In my home country, it is a job that can be done by both men and women. The kindergarten employs people who have graduated from college. I had the opportunity to work in kindergarten, elementary school and high school, where I met both men and women, from whom I learned a lot.

– Didn’t this stereotype bother you?

– I don’t waste time thinking about stereotypes, I prefer to spend time playing with children.

– What reactions do you get when you say you work in kindergarten? What people say? Are you still surprised?

– When I talk about where and with whom I work, I do it emotionally, with passion. I am happy to do what I do. If I meet a surprised or negative person, it does not affect me. When you know what you are doing and why you are doing it, you find meaning in it. I believe that no matter what other people think, it is important to do what you love, live it and enjoy it. If your activities bring you happiness, what more could you want?

– What do you do with the children in kindergarten?

– The main purpose is that I speak to them in Spanish. I give some lessons on a specific topic. I accompany the children in various activities of the day. It seems to me that my most important task is to allow children to be. I love seeing its natural potential. They have fantasy and spontaneity, they are free. The children create a great play space in which I also participate. That’s when they learn.

– How does this job enrich you?

– The biggest asset I can find is a game overflowing with children’s creativity. It seems magical to me, his imagination is incredible. This activity also helps me connect with my inner child. I discover the joy of playing that adults often forget. As an actor for me, he is a real bar of gold. Children are masters of the game.

– Maybe you have some advice for parents on what to do when you lack patience?

– Education is a living science, it is constantly improving. We are constantly learning to raise children, many times we make mistakes, we lose patience. But I can share with my parents that the great virtue of parenting is patience. We must always demand this of ourselves to find the right tool in difficult times.

– Is education very different here and in Colombia?

– Parents both here and in Colombia want the best for their children. And there are differences, but I am not interested in delving into them. Lithuania and Colombia have different histories, contexts, cultures and different social situations of families. There are a lot of differences, but one thing I notice is that this new generation of parents is really amazing.

– How do Lithuanians surprise you so far?

– I wouldn’t say it’s surprising. I like to know the Lithuanian culture, its folklore, traditions, history, which has a lot of driving force. There are many women, men, grandparents, young people who are looking for music in the field of art.

– And the traditions? Did you manage to take care of some?

– I like your folk songs, conventional calls, instruments like kankles, as well as – annual Kaziukas fairs, traditional costumes. I like the way some people interact with nature, the people, the simplicity and humility of these people.

– What food? What Lithuanian dishes do you like?

– I like everything. I love the pink soup with eggs and potatoes. Your kitchen is simple, but there are creative people who give it some secret touches and everything becomes delicious. I believe that the flavor of a dish depends on the hands and the love of the person who prepares it. Also, I like your bread and the traditions to prepare it.

– What language? Is it difficult to learn?

– The Lithuanian language is not easy to learn, it is amazing. I have heard that there are no bad words in him, that these bad words come from the Russian language. So far I am trying to improve the English language, Lithuanian is still in the forefront.

– You work not only in kindergarten, but you are also an actor. Tell us about your experience in this field?

– I taught an actor in Bogotá and here in Lithuania I had the opportunity to participate in the Emilis Vėlyvis film and in various commercials.

– Do you think Lithuania is already your last stop or do you still plan to travel to another place?

– My life is here right now. You never know what will happen tomorrow. Perhaps the time will come when I once again listen to my inner voice, which will say that I have already completed this stage of my life. At that time, as always, I will follow my intuition.