Haralds Ploks today
After the journey on the Biscaya, Kārlis Ploks’ son Haralds settled down in Brazil. Haralds married a local Brazilian, and they had a son and daughter. Until he retired, Haralds worked at the “Mercedes-Benz” vehicle factory in Sao Paulo. Haralds still enjoys reading Latvian books – especially those which are about events and life in Latvia. On entering Haralds’ home, one immediately notices the works of African art on the walls, which he purchased 60 years ago on his journey with the Biscaya.
Travel map
Further reading
Latvians in Brazil
Latvians have been immigrating to Brazil since the early 1890’s. They were people who hoped to find land for farming, as well as a more prosperous and freer life in the country. Economist Kārlis Balodis (1864-1932) and philosopher Pēteris Zālīte (1864-1939) encouraged Latvian emigration to Brazil.
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Second World War refugees
Reprisals, arrests and deportations during the first Soviet occupation of Latvia from 1940 to 1941 deeply shocked many Latvian inhabitants.
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