Mum, Linda and Kathy's visit

Mum's favorite- AmberLunch at John LemonHappy to be together :)The ladies in St. Peter's Church towerIn the countrysideAt the Baltic Sea

I just had a wonderful visit with Mum, Linda and Kathy. I am so happy that they came to Latvia. They arrived on Thursday morning and left on Saturday evening and we took advantage of every minute that we had. We all agreed that it felt like they were here longer than three days because we saw so many places and things.

On Thursday we saw a few sights in Riga, went to the occupation museum, had lunch at my favorite restaurant, did some grocery shopping, had supper with Zane, Raimonds and Irbe at Lido and went to sleep at the hostel. The weather was quite cold and rainy, but our spirits were not dampened.

On Friday we were greeted by a sunshine and blue sky! We walked around Old Riga, and had planned to go on an alternative tour of Riga, but decided to go on Emma’s alternative tour of Riga instead because we were all hungry. We went into a restaurant that I have never even noticed before and had delicious food that was presented beautifully. Then we went up the tower of St. Peter’s church for a great view of Riga.

Then we went to the central market to check out the assortment of things that it offers: vegetables, pig heads, piles of sauerkraut, seeds and much more. Then we walked to the art nouveau district to admire the beautiful architecture. It was time for a rest and so we relaxed and had some tea at my favorite little tea house and then rushed to the hostel to pick up our rental car. Makonis and I acted as Mum’s co-pilots and our flight was successful! We almost missed an exit on the highway and Makonis made a great comment about Mum’s driving: “You just seemed so sure of yourself that we thought you knew where you were going!” We arrived in Rimeikas and were greeted by many smiling faces and delicious food. Later in the evening, more people arrived and we had a wonderful night around the fire with singing, food, laughing, drinking, and talking.

On Saturday we got up early and drove to Rujiena, the town where my grandmother, Mambu, grew up. I had never been there before. We saw her church and went to the cemetery to try and find her mother’s grave. We were unsuccessful in finding it, but it was nice to walk around the beautifully kept cemetery. We then drove on towards the Baltic Sea. Then we took a quick stop in Old Riga so that Linda, Kathy and Mum could buy some amber and then it was time to go to the airport and say good bye!

Their trip was very memorable and I will forever be thankful that they came to visit me in Latvia. We had a fantastic time together and when I return to Canada and talk about my life in Latvia, they will know who and what I am talking about. I think that is really meaningful.

And so I had a quiet evening to relax on Saturday, work on Sunday and on Monday (tomorrow) I am flying to Germany and after a very long wait in the airport, I will be on my way to Morocco. I am looking forward to the hot weather and sight seeing. Morocco is different from anywhere else I have traveled and I have taken, and will take, many precautions. Then, I will be going to Germany to see Monica :) After my adventure I will add some more photos and write again.