Thursday, May 27, 2010

Springtime in Latvia!

We have really enjoyed the warm, sunny weather here.  It was especially nice as the family Ričardsoni took the train to the seaside city of Jurmala!
Our stay in Latvia has included many "firsts" for the little ladies, including seeing the first beach and lots of first public transportation experiences (tram, train, trolley bus, taxi...you name it).  May 15 was the opening day of tourist season, complete with a parade and lots of activities at the beach.
We also took a fun trip to Bauska with the Retenais family (Iveta, Janis, and Krists) to see Bauska Castle and the automobile museum.
We also spent some time checking-out the Rundale Palace Garden, just a few kilometers away from Bauska.

For May, Bill's Fulbright-related activity included a trumpet/organ recital at the historic Lutheran Church in Jelgava with organist Kristine Adamaite, a repeat performance of Bob Chilcott's "Peace Mass" at a Baptist Church in Riga, a performance at the Anglican Church service, and brass-playing master classes (sponsored by the Latvian Ministry of Culture) in the towns of Cesis, Rezekne, Riga, and Ventspils.  Of course, this is in addition to teaching trumpet students at the Jazeps Vitols Latvian Academy of Music and the Jazeps Medins Riga Music School.  Congratulations to JVLMA trumpet student Janis Ivuskans, who successfully completed his trumpet exam this week!

Here are some pictures:
Kristine Adamaite and Viljams Ričardsons in Jelgava
Sarah's first game of Solitaire...SHE WON!!!!
Riga's Saint Peter's Cathedral
Stylin' and Profilin'
Visiting the Open-Air Ethnographic Museum with Becky and Carl Chaplin

2 comments:

andybharms said...

Bill, these pictures are amazing. Looks like you are having a blast!

Cheers,
Andy

Unknown said...

Great blog and pics! So many awesome experiences for you and your family to remember! Love, Sis