Jelgava, Latvia

The above pictures where taken in Jelgava, Latvia. Yesterday was such a nice day, the sun was out, so it made for a nice trip out of Riga. One thing that is interesting is that a lot of the time, regardless of what opening times are posted on their website or buildings, sometimes things close down without any reason. So although we got to see the outside, we didn't get to see inside. However, I did get to be a head of a statue! :)

Another view of Jelgava Palace         St. Anna's cathedral         Jelgava Palace         St. Simeon's cathedral

New friends

Since coming to Latvia, I have made a lot of new friends, both through work and through church.  I thought it might be nice to post pictures of them to my blog because they are part of my travel experience! :)

Time...

You don't realize how quickly time passes unless you have something tracking the days that go by...and this blog does!  Who realized that it's been a month since I last posted anything...boy does time fly!
Riga's weather has been pretty cold and cloudy lately.  It's sad when you don't remember the last time that you saw the sun because of clouds!  So we definitely take advantage of the sun when it's out, like it is today.  My boss said I could take a longer lunch to enjoy it...but I hate to take advantage so I was only gone an additional 15 minutes.  I know he wouldn't have cared if I'd been gone even longer, but you know, I have a work ethic! ;)  I'll take advantage after work...maybe have dinner out and sit on the patio somewhere. :)

New friends that will be missed...

No matter where you live, you come across people that have an impact on your life. During my time in Riga, Latvia some of those people have been the missionaries that are here serving the Latvians. Brother and Sister Carson, were the CES Missionaries for the Baltic Countries (Latvia, Estonia, & Lithuania) and they traveled around bringing gospel knowledge and support to the Latter-Day Saints who are single and new to the Church. They have touched the lives of so many, myself included. They are very loving, supportive and strong in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I am thankful for my membership and that it brings me into such close contact with such amazing people.

Definite Signs of Spring

As you can see...the flowers are starting to "pop" through the ground...a DEFINITE sign of Spring! :) On top of that...the sun has shown for THREE DAYS! Woo-hoo! It's funny how being from Arizona, you kind of take the sun for granted...which was brought home to me during a winter in the Baltics! I also now have a car...so weekend trips to the beach and other beautiful parts of Latvia and surrounding countries, "HERE I COME!" I hope everyone is well...Miss EVERYONE!

Mischa

Spring!!!! :)

Well...I can FINALLY say: Spring is here to stay!!!! Yesterday was ABSOLUTELY gorgeous...the sun shone all day. AND I had both windows at work open, now THAT is saying something! :)

Walking into work, the snow piles are melting, almost gone, and flowers are starting to pop up through the soil, grass is almost all over the park...Let me tell you, I am so excited that spring is here. I'm going to wear skirts and short sleeves shirts everday, on the weekends I'm going to go to the beach or hiking...really take advantage of the nice weather! That's what happens when one spends the winter in the Baltics...you cherish every day of sunlight and ANY day warmer than 50 degrees...sigh...I never thought I'd say that!

:)

Russian Nuclear Bunker Tour

We went and saw the bunker in a little remote area of Latvia. It was in case there was nuclear war and it was kept classified until 2003! It is a fully sustainable environment for 250 for up to 3 months. It has a power facility, water, cooking facilities, and it is 5 meters under the ground under layers of concrete, lead, and other "protective" elements from a  nuclear bomb with "direct" communication to Moscow. When the Soviets left Riga, they left everything. So there is equipment, papers, a suitcase, even jackets! It was incredible! A "MUST" do if you ever come to Latvia! :)