When I started blogging back in March 2003, I had no idea where it would go. The driving force behind it at that time had been a lack of English-language information about a small country on the shores of the Baltic Sea. And homesickness.
I’ve written most of the entries from my new-found home in the Midwest of the United States. I’ve been watching what’s going on in the Baltic States, Latvia in particular, from afar for four years off and on.
Later today, I’ll be moving closer to the action.
It’s a temporary move. But relatively long-term compared to other trips.
The summer, however, doesn’t promise to be dull in Riga as the third annual Gay Pride parade is likely to take place in the city late May-early June. Last year, the pride parade ended up being a crap fest, as you may recall. Equipped with the holy water and dog-poop, a group of religious zealots picketed outside the Hotel Latvia where gay activists were meeting. It was an embarrassment.
Later in June, Latvia’s Parliament will vote on who will replace the outgoing Vaira Vike-Freiberga, whose term expires in July, the same day Latvians will vote in a referendum regarding two national security laws she declined to sign.
In other words, lots of fun to be had.
Judging by some comments I received from people, I’m also going against the grain, as most Latvians are now moving away from Latvia to work in the greener pastures of Ireland and the United Kingdom.
But I’m going home nevertheless.
If you’re in Latvia, don’t hesitate to contact me. Additional contact information will be provided as it becomes available.
Visu labu,
Aleks
Best of luck with your move! From what I keep hearing from folks here in Tallinn, Riga’s pretty hot right now (as far as culture is concerned).
Thanks Rachel. Yeah, from what I hear, Riga is like New York City of the Baltics. It’s as cultural and self-involved as the Big Apple. And as with NYC, if you haven’t been there, you should come for a visit. It’s a lovely place.
How long are you going to be in Riga? I am planning to move back myself later this year.
Best of luck to you in Latvia! I hope you won’t abandon your blog, now that you have the opportunity to report directly from the Riga office – it will be a busy summer season in R?ga.
I grew up in the Hudson Valley, but my father’s from Queens so I’ve spent lots of time in NYC. But for now, Tallinn’s home.