I’ve been in Latvia now for a couple of days. The entire country has been in the middle of a heat wave with temperatures soaring 20-30 degrees F above normal. And the humidity has been high as well. Alan and I have been drinking lots of water. There is literally no place that’s cool – the hotel stays about 77 degrees F and we can’t get our room any cooler than 80 degrees F. Cold showers are about the only way to bring down the body temps.
There is a huge upside to it all though – the conference has been insightful and very productive. I’ve met many people in the field of special education from around the world. And the enthusiasm about the Hocus Focus Project has been overwhelming. The generosity of so many professionals in offering their assistance has been incredible. Now, more than ever, I’m hopeful and motivated to move forward with the further development of the curriculum.
After two full days of sessions, Alan and I took a break late this afternoon to stroll further into Old Town Riga. We wandered into the marketplace where locals go to buy their produce and meat. It’s a huge place with vendors located inside four large hangars that remain from WWII. The meat market was filled with some amazing delicacies as well as traditional cuts of meat.
I was especially drawn to the “fish jerky” though, I have to confess, I didn’t try it. I know – after eating crickets, grasshoppers, and water bugs in Southeast Asia, you would think I could handle a little fish. But I just couldn’t give it a try.
After a stroll through the market, I had a chance to talk with Cindy for a bit. We had only moments here and there these last few days to catch up on things at home – sometimes by Skype, sometimes on our cell phones. I love hearing her voice when I’m so far away from home!
Riga is the home of the “Christmas Tree” – celebrated here for more than 500 years. It is a part of their heritage that can be seen throughout the city.
It’s difficult to “gear down” here because the sun doesn’t seem to set – it doesn’t get very dark! At 10pm, it’s as bright as it is in Virginia at 5pm. And Old Town Riga is filled with street performers, vendors, sidewalk cafes, and a mix of locals and tourists.
I’m off to bed now but it means drawing the blinds, the blackout shade, and “pretending” it’s actually dark outside!