Paul and I have started teaching at the Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music. They have studios at the Music Academy itself which is an incredible stately building, beautiful with its many levels, winding staircases, music wafting throughout the halls. Although the studio is quite small, it really is thrilling to be able to walk through these halls. They also have studios at the Latvian National Opera house around the corner.
The Latvian National Opera is a significant jewel of Riga. There are many studios in this building; P and I need to be escorted because of the potential to get lost within the many levels, hidden hallways and winding staircases. One of the studios we teach in is at the very top level. We pass the theater, the bars, the balconies on the way up - I need to spend some time there photographing the details: the wood, the bars, the coat racks, the goldleaf, the velvet, the drapery, the paintings, the murals... Towards the top, access is only available by ascending up and up increasingly narrow stone stairways.
After teaching class at the National Opera house this morning, P and I went to the Pasts to post our postcards to Mom and Bill/Jean. Next, we stopped off at Gustavs for a couple of pastries and espresso. Then we headed to our local Rimi market for water, bran flakes, milk, kefir, and beer (of course!). After dropping off our goods at the flat, we headed up the street to pick up our TB chest x-rays (had to stand in line today - only 10 mins.)
We then decided to take a slightly different route back to find some lunch. Although it was a lovely street, we didn't spot anything in particular that said "Eat here". Walked past our street to continue on to the Quiet Center, also known for its Art Nouveau architecture, where we had spotted some nice eateries on previous walks. There are a lot of restaurants in Riga to choose from. We went to the CookPot today. As is true of many lunch places, you order at the counter and then find a seat. It was full and there was a line. That said, we ordered. I had chick pea in marsala on rice with flatbread and salad. Paul had a type of chili con carne on rice with cheese and flatbread. Just as we were getting our food, two stools opened up with a view outside. Perfect. The food was incredible and man, they really like it hot. P and I both love spicey and hot. This food made my head sweat. Walked outside and I actually got chilled. Good food makes the body feel good. We then decided to continue our stroll.
Paul was preparing for two interviews tonight so the food, stroll and fresh air was invigorating. We walked to one of the many parks on the way to Old Town, sat and watched birds perched on the bush and men pruning the shrubs, then decided to go home so P could prep.
The Latvian National Opera is a significant jewel of Riga. There are many studios in this building; P and I need to be escorted because of the potential to get lost within the many levels, hidden hallways and winding staircases. One of the studios we teach in is at the very top level. We pass the theater, the bars, the balconies on the way up - I need to spend some time there photographing the details: the wood, the bars, the coat racks, the goldleaf, the velvet, the drapery, the paintings, the murals... Towards the top, access is only available by ascending up and up increasingly narrow stone stairways.
After teaching class at the National Opera house this morning, P and I went to the Pasts to post our postcards to Mom and Bill/Jean. Next, we stopped off at Gustavs for a couple of pastries and espresso. Then we headed to our local Rimi market for water, bran flakes, milk, kefir, and beer (of course!). After dropping off our goods at the flat, we headed up the street to pick up our TB chest x-rays (had to stand in line today - only 10 mins.)
We then decided to take a slightly different route back to find some lunch. Although it was a lovely street, we didn't spot anything in particular that said "Eat here". Walked past our street to continue on to the Quiet Center, also known for its Art Nouveau architecture, where we had spotted some nice eateries on previous walks. There are a lot of restaurants in Riga to choose from. We went to the CookPot today. As is true of many lunch places, you order at the counter and then find a seat. It was full and there was a line. That said, we ordered. I had chick pea in marsala on rice with flatbread and salad. Paul had a type of chili con carne on rice with cheese and flatbread. Just as we were getting our food, two stools opened up with a view outside. Perfect. The food was incredible and man, they really like it hot. P and I both love spicey and hot. This food made my head sweat. Walked outside and I actually got chilled. Good food makes the body feel good. We then decided to continue our stroll.
Paul was preparing for two interviews tonight so the food, stroll and fresh air was invigorating. We walked to one of the many parks on the way to Old Town, sat and watched birds perched on the bush and men pruning the shrubs, then decided to go home so P could prep.
There is a cute little shop that is tucked away below street level just around the corner from our flat. I am attracted to it because of all the wool, linen and pottery I see aesthetically cluttered, lining the basement windows. We walk in and buried in fabric is a lovely woman sewing on her old singer treadle machine. Her work is incredible so of course I bought some pieces. Buried underneath some of her mola like work was a couple of felt pieces that she had made. These, too, I was quite taken by. |