Saturday in Riga

Today was one of those days that I absolutely love. It's Saturday, I have nothing planned, no urgent work, a semi-clean house, and it isn't raining! So, I slept in a bit and then took off for the center of the city. Have I said before "I love Riga!"? I do - it's architecture and art in general. The great historical significance of the Old city always amazes me. So many layers of history to learn and to use to understand the people and the culture. I headed to Melngalvju Nams (House of Blackheads). In the past I've been so fascinated just walking around that I've hardly stepped inside any of the museums. Today I went in and I'm so glad I did. Again, the history surrounding the building is incredible - everything is older than anything in the US! And the layers of war and occupation are very evident in this great building. I asked one of the guides about a small sculpture in Latvian "Kas tas ir?" or what is that? She fell for it and began a whole history lesson in Latvian. The wonderful thing was that I understand at least half. And when I had to confess ignorance, she thought I must speak Russian. It may not seem like such a big deal, but I love the moments when I am not automatically identified as American. She kept talking in Latvian and we had a lovely time. She urged me to look through the rest of the building where there are sculptures, paintings and lavish banquet rooms, too. And apparently, there is some African significance to the title. I didn't realize it before, but there are pictures and all kinds of artistic works of a black man named Maurice. I have to get that story because that is not like anything else in Latvia. From there I went to Dome Square and wondered around the Dome Cathedral. I couldn't go in because there was a wedding, but they had a cool stained glass exhibition and lots of relics around the inner court. That ended my sightseeing - I went shopping at the Stockman's Department store - very American and there are a couple of things I like to buy there once in a while. It's also a fun place to hear all of the languages spoken there - everyone non-Latvian or Russian eventually ends up there, as do many locals. I bought just enough to fill my backpack then headed home. It's a good walk and it was a nice, cool but not cold day. Perfect for walking. After unloading the backpack, I got my hair cut - always an adventure. This time a man cut my hair "Gunars" - he was great. As far as I could tell the only English word he knew was 'short', but that's what I needed so we were just fine! I returned to welcome home Graeme, Zoe and Sian from their vacation. Now, I'm fixing a nice meal and plan to read or watch a movie for the rest of the evening. I'm a happy girl!