Game of Thrones and Philosophy and Latvia
Game of Thrones leads me to think about my place in the world. What is my identity? What is my culture?
The Latvian Winter Solstice
A Very Pagan Christmas On this Christmas Eve eve, I am pondering much about this wonderful world that we are all a part of. It is an amazing feat of imagination to stop and think for a moment about all the people you know, have ever met, and —even more incredibly– the ones you have …
Election Day 2018
6 October 2018 UPDATE! The results are in and the Harmony/Saskaņa won the overall election, but to have any power, a party has to have a coalition since no party won the majority. I am not sure what it means, but I think I feel a little disappointed. I do like that all these parties …
America: Summer 2018 Part 2
Colorado to Chicago Welcome to Part 2 of the journey from Latvia to Ireland, America, London and back to Latvia. This post starts in Granby, Colorado a tiny mountain town. Quite frankly, I just need to publish this. There may be mistakes and not all the photos are perfect. June 5-7: Granby Instead of taking …
Nameja Gredzens: The Pagan King
The Pagan King I finally saw it! This is the Big Movie for Latvia’s 100th anniversary! It is named Nameja Gredzens in Latvian and for some reason, they translated it to “The Pagan King” in English. The Namejs ring is a common symbol for Latvians, and many of my Latvian American acquaintances. It was my …
Winter Musings 2017
I will not call this my Christmas letter or epistle or whatever. I am just sitting here on a Sunday night thinking that I should really probably be writing something. There is this interesting phenomena that I have noticed happening when you disconnect from people. When you are in the immediate circle of intimacy with …
When Cultures Clash: Spain vs. Latvia
Spain vs. Latvia One great thing about being an American in Latvia is that I get to sit back and just observe the way the world works with a whole new perspective. I get to watch people, like an anthropologist, and make notes about what I see. Today, I witnessed the clashing of tribes—a showdown …
Piektdiena: Krex, Brex, Fex!
Krex, Brex, Fex! Friday, 4 August 2017 What a day! Sometimes these days seem to last and I do more than I ever thought possible… I am sitting in my lovely little cottage with wi-fi (story to follow) on a Friday drinking a Tērvete beer and getting ready to watch some Netflix before I finally …
From Como to Lugano
Alpine Drive: July 28th As many of my friends know, I have a bit of a notorious reputation as a driver. I was an avid risk taker back in my younger days, and I tend to enjoy a spirited adventurous driving style now and then. This trip to Italy was my chance to experience European …
Riga: A Night at the Opera
Riga: Die Fledermaus Thursday, January 5 Because life loves me sometimes, I was given the opportunity to attend the Latvian National Opera. If you ever go to Riga, this building is one of the landmark treasures that you see any time you go to Old Town or walk through the main parks. It looks beautiful …