All Change

Last Tuesday saw the farewell drinks for our soon to depart Australian/Latvian J.... ( he with upstanding hair). Given the departure of so many of the village people a good turnout was achieved - see pictures below.I cannot believe how quickly the year has gone by, and in a couple of weeks it will once again be time to visit the British War Memorial in Jelgava, but this time I suspect it will be a journey alone - and for the first time no British Ambassador will attend. This is due to the fact that the previous Ambassador had to return to the UK, due to the ill health of his wife, and no replacement until April 2010. No idea why - I would have thought the Foreign Office must have a host of ambassadorial candidates - maybe I should apply ?

Speaking of Ambassadorial candidates with the departure J..... ( See above) who will act in the interests of all those Australian's here in Riga, as apart from his mainstream business he was of course the the official Australian representative in Latvia - again we can wait and see. But I will give you a clue he in one of the pictures above !!!

Last weekend saw some fascinating Rugby Games - but unlike in previous years only three people to watch the games - me, J.... ( Australian - just SIPing along) and C.... ( English - newly established printer guru). Thought the Irish teams are doing remarkably well !!! - who would thought Glasgow and Edinburgh would trounce Connacht and Munster - no doubt reality will strike later, and what can we say about our favourite Welsh team - The Ospreys - not a lot - sorry S....( Welsh - sadly missed rugby pundit).

So what of Riga you may ask ? - well as in every year Riga is in period change - from the wonders of summer, sunshine - outdoor bars - cheap beer - to the joys of a winter wonderland - but in the middle this dull, dour greyness is creeping over. Frankly it is a bit miserable - however just to keep us cheered up, this week has seen two "major" events.

Firstly we had our world famous meteorite land, which ultimately proved to be marketing stunt by Tele2, to promote Latvia in the news in a positive manor for a change ??? - then yesterday saw Riga come to complete standstill for the best part of 4 hours - why because some young presumably mentally deranged man climbed to the top of the Vansu bridge because he claimed he wanted a better view of the city - but as the authorities decided to close the bridge the end result was total gridlock in the city - absolutely nothing was moving.

Finally some of you may remember my attempts to set up an online book market to sell my old collection of books, which has proven to not be one of my best marketing endeavours - well if I had a problem what about this guy ?

And then there was one ( and a bit)

Well as suspected this week ( yesterday) saw the demise of the last Stars Bar in Riga, with previous one in Lacsplace closing some months ago. So for those of us who remain we are but left with the old faithful Paddies.
Of course there is also Alberts , but unfortunately at least for me they no longer sell my flavour of beer.

It is interesting to note that Paddies was the first pub I was ever in in 1995, and now it appears it will be the last, and in truth of late it was (is) the only pub that felt like a Pub - So Riga has seen over the recent times the closure of De Lacy's - Dickens - Star (Stella) chain of three - I suspect Riga now has the lowest number of "Pubs" in the Baltics. So perhaps for those astute and financially endowed persons now is the time to give serious consideration to opening a competitive Pub in Riga - I think we need one.

Now speaking of dissapearing things - does anyone know what happened to young C.... (English - dealer of sorts) - he has just disappeared - me thinks therein lies a tale. Likewise this month (29th) sees the departure of J.... ( Australian/Latvian - consulate superb) - so if any of you who new him would like to wish him farewell, I am sure he would be great full for a call or e-mail.

Many of you will remember T.. ( American - famed for his hearty laugh and weird candles). Well much against the advice of all he is off to America with his beloved lady S.... (Russian - also into weird candles) to get married. Indeed as I write it may well already have happened. One of the many benefits ? he will gain is an instant family - and for her part she will permitted to reside in the US of A - not sure who is getting the better deal. However notwithstanding my personal misgivings I wish them both well, and trust they prove us all wrong.

This weekend sees the return of Heineken Rugby, so for the small group of us left with an interest in rugby it will a return the village lounge to watch and hopefully enjoy. It is sad to think that not so long ago we had enough people ( 20+) to host a completion to forecast the highest number wins, now at best we would have three people.

Riga and Latvia are again making news, but let me give to two pieces of relatively good news.
(1) Riga will launch in partnership with Air Baltic a Ls 5m marketing campaign to promote tourism in Riga - called "LIVE RIGA" - let us but hope it successful - and
(2) Finally Riga City council is to crack down on the rip off bars and clubs, as of 3rd October police can shut them down - we can but hope it works

Both stories can be found at http://www.baltic-course.com/eng/tourism/

So there we are disappearing pubs and people, and it looks like this forthcoming Remembrance Sunday I will be making the journey alone, and on the subject of journeys alone - young A.... ( Australian/Latvian - king of Latvian souvenirs) is off to roam the mountains of Lebanon this weekend. He expects to walk around a thousand kilometers !!! Apparently this is annual thing for him to renew his energies - to him I take my hat off and wish him well - it will be interesting to hear his tales when he returns.

To deck or not to deck ?

There can be no doubt that one of the major success stories of this summer has been the "No Problem" outdoor bar in Dome Square - and given the exceptional summer we have had, I can safely state that it became the place for what is left of the village people to congregate, and enjoy a beer and watch the world go by (ok and the women as well !). But I fear that with the onset of Autumn and its imminent closure (11th October I think) , linked to serious drop in temperature, allied to a little rain, it is once again time to think of where to park our rears over the winter months - and it looks as if we have but one choice, a return to the village lounge.

However "No Problem" will re-open in mid December ( or so we have been advised) but this time with an enclosed and presumably heated interior, also the grapevine tells me that for next summer it capacity will be increased by way of building a "second" floor ( not sure where or how) - clearly a sign that financially it has been an outstanding success. It will be interesting to sit outdoors but indoors over the winter months with minus temperatures all around.

Speaking of the village people one of our long term members is about to depart these shores and return to the land of Os - will not mention his name as not sure how many people actually know, but if I say "gates" then those of you in the know will guess the identity. Sad to see another one go, but a sign of the times.

This weekend sees that annual sporting ritual from Down Under - Aussie rules final. This a time when every Australian in Riga crawls out at an ungodly hour ( 7.00am) to watch this piece of sporting mayhem ( well at least to the uninitiated) - In the past we have watched this game at De Lacy's, then more recently at "Franks" but at the time of writing not sure where it will be hosted this weekend, indeed not even sure if we can watch it at all as it appears SKY no longer covers the game and as best I can find out ESPN are the only ones showing the game, and not sure if anyone here gets that channel. - So perhaps another piece of local colour will dissapear.

Speaking of colour with Autumn now approaching, the tress are once again displaying their stunning Autumnal colours, before once again bring the leaf sweeper upperers into action, walking through the various parks it is a joy just to look upwards and enjoy the show of nature.

One of the quirks in old Riga, is the apparent stupidy of the police. It appears that any signage ( and I do mean ANY signage) must be approved by the Riga City council, this includes shop signs, displays in shop windows and to the amazement of the village lounge proprietors the blackboard signs indicating menu's, sporting announcement etc. So this week ALL such signs have disappeared - Now I can somewhat undertand shop signs, etc but notices ??? - so its ok to have strip clubs all over the place, but shops, bars etc cannot announce to customers of attractions to be found inside. No wonder this country / City is in trouble.

Indeed one of more entrepreneurial village members A....(Australian/Latvian) with a penchant for designing and manufacturing custom Latvian souvenirs, has also ran foul of this "rule". His misdemeanor was to place two bicycles at each end of his street where his shop is pointing towards his little shop. net result of thus activity - well todate Ls3,000 in fines, with a good possibility of more to come !!

Net result of this - shop will close at end of this month, landlord will lose out on rent, Country will loose out on PVN income ( ok- not a lot), and visitor to Riga lose out on a very good and unique set of souvenirs, all made in Latvia.

Now I know rules are rules, but I would have thought that a little common sense should prevail, or maybe it just reflects the mentality of those that govern our lives here in Latvia. Obviously it is ok to have a McDonald's directly opposite the countries most famous national monument, but it is not ok for small enterprise to promote it wares. Or is it a case of who you know and how much you pay ?

Well to those ex-village members out there trust you are all well, it would be nice to here from you - perhaps one day we can have a reunion ?

PS - If there are any Irish/Scots/English out there who (a) have money and (b) know how to run a real pub - please get in touch - we NEED YOU !!!

challenging times

The last few weeks have been to say the least "challenging" - what with moving apartments, getting the cat settled in its new surroundings, and of course the somewhat bleak situation in Latvia. ( Like it is not bleak elsewhere !) so my apologies for not exactly keeping the blog updated

But the good news is that during this time the weather has been simply stunning - day after day brilliant warm weather, which has allowed for some perfect evening to sit outside in Dome Square, have a beer, and enjoy some of the best music around, with a different group each night. So to all of you in UK and Ireland - what can I say.

It would be fair to say that the new outdoor bar in Dome Square is proving to be an outstanding success, both in terms prices -- 0.95 centimes for a beer and quality of food and service. If you remember L....... (Latvian - waitress superb) from De Lacys, then she is working there. There is even talk that part of it may stay open during the winter with the aid glass wall panels and a strengthened roof. If this proves to be the case it will give the indoor pubs a run for there money.

Alberts is still alive and well, but one thing is very noticeable in all the pubs, a complete lack of ladies - all of them seem like just "manly". Of course the real reason is that unlike the early days of de Lacys - none of them really make women feel comfortable, whilst all of the outdoor bars are evenly matched between men and women clientel. A lesson for for the others to follow perhaps - as in autumn and winter where do they go to socialise ?

Since my last entry we have seen a visitation from our former landlord supreme J.... ( Irish - lacking a backside), accompanied by his wife and child. Needless to say I did not see him - but I do ask if it was mere coincidence that at the same time a fellow Irish type person was also in town - M...... (resurrected banker) - time will but tell............

Speaking of the Irish - J...... ( Irish - with poor taste in socks) may well be visiting these shores in late September or early October - will be nice to see him back in town.

If anyone knows what is happening to our former Irish village members, or if they are reading this and would like to give me an update, it would be appreciated.

But however difficult the challengies we are all facing one way or another, it is important too have a laugh and keepp smiling, so now courtesy of J.... ( Australian - just sips along !) - well it made me laugh

Airport security event
Customs Official : 'May I know your name?'
Passenger : 'Batman'
Customs Official : 'What's your name!?'
Passenger : 'My name is Bat-man'
Customs Official : 'Trying to be funny? What's your surname?'
Passenger : 'Super-man'
Customs Official : 'So you're telling me your name is Batman Superman?'
Passenger : 'Yes'
Customs Official : 'Arrest this guy...

When they had him in custody, he was asked to show his identification card:


And also possibly the best name ever


(must be the moustache)

I knew it the minute I put on the blog that the weather is - has been stunning - I read that for the next 7 days it is going to rain !!!!! - last time I do that.

For those at work or play who fancy watching a movie on line for free- check out

http://www.justin.tv
or
http://www.movics.org/index.php

Enjoy -- links courtesy of avery busy Australian executive - who for obvious reason I cannot name

And finally I would like to say a big thanks to the blog readers using NTL.com ( Neath) and techniumvpn.co.uk (Swansea) for their unflinching efforts in checking out the blog - you are true scotinriga diehards !! ( thanks A & S)

Hope to be back soon with some good news

Calling Saldus

Ever since I started this blog I have received many comments, some good some not so good. Some have indicated who they are, or at least used a name by which I can recognise who the originator is.

However of late I have received a number of so called "Anonymous" comments from Saldus in regards to my breakfast (1) and Alberts Pub (4). Now whilst none of these have been malicious, they are less than complimentary.

So to Mr Anonymous of Saldus, unless you are prepared to put your name to your comments, be advised that I will immediately delete any future comments.

If you have nothing positive to say, regarding people who in these difficult time are doing there best in trying circumstances may I suggest you keep your views to yourself, and do not use my blog as means to expressing your personal opinions.

As to my own view of Alberts Pub, well whilst it is farshort of being the perfect pub, at least those behind it are prepared to offer their best efforts,and apart from the fact that the beer choice is on par with any other Riga Pub, there Fish & Chips are par execellance !!

Whats in a name ?

Now this should have been a world exclusive, but as my internet connection has been down these last two days - then it is no longer so - pity

Anyhow to the news, as I mentioned a few weeks back a new Pub is opening, actually as of yesterday it has opened. Owned by M...(Swedish web man) and staffed by I..... ( Latvian - ex de Laceys, Stella/Star) + other former Paddy Whelans bar type person(s)had its official opening last night at 7.00pm.

Located in what was the Stella Pub in Dome Square, it has been decorated in rustic red, including the toilets, which many of who will remember for there colorful graffiti - Multiple television screens and all new tables and chairs. Being the first night it was a little chaotic, however it did have my favourite beer, but to be honest it seemed a little lacking in pub atmosphere.

It was bit like stepping into a new house, everything is there but it lacks a lived in look.

Clearly over time this will hopefully change, and it will develop its own character - we will but see.

As for the name Alberts, well it transpires he was the first bishop of Riga and indeed founded what we now know as Riga - history lesson to follow

Albert of Riga or Albert of Livonia (Latvian: bīskaps Alberts; German: Albrecht von Buxthoeven; c. 1165 in Bexhövede, a part of Loxstedt – 17 January 1229 in Riga) was the third Bishop of Riga in Livonia. In 1201 he founded Riga, the modern capital of Latvia, and built the city's cathedral in 1221.

Albert headed the armed forces that forcibly converted the eastern Baltic region to Christianity, in the nature of a crusade that was undertaken while the Fourth Crusade was sacking Constantinople.

Albert and his brother Hermann were members of the powerful Buxhoeveden family from Bexhövede, now a part of Loxstedt, Lower Saxony. Because of this he has also been known as Albert of Buxhoeveden (or Bexhövede, Buxhövden, Buxhöwde, Buxthoeven, Appeldern).

Albert was a canon in Bremen when his uncle Hartwig, Archbishop of Bremen and Hamburg, named him Bishop of Livonia (today Latvia and southern Estonia), provided that he could conquer and hold it, and convince the pagan inhabitants to become Christians. The patent was granted March 28, 1199, and by the beginning of spring 1200 he embarked with a Baltic fleet of 23 vessels and more than 1,500 armed crusaders. He had the support of the Hohenstaufen German King, Philip of Swabia, and the more distant blessing of Pope Innocent III.

Together with merchants from the Baltic island of Gotland, Albert founded Riga in 1201, where a small community of Hanseatic traders from Lübeck held a tentative trading encampment. He successfully converted many Livs under their leader Caupo, offering them protection against neighboring Lithuanian and Estonian tribes; Albert also converted some Latvians later on. The conquest of Livonia in full occupied almost three decades of his life.

Albert created a military order, the Livonian Brothers of the Sword, and began to build his cathedral in 1215. King Philip made him a Prince of the Holy Roman Empire, with Livonia for a fief, and thus Albert became a "Prince-Bishop". In 1225 King Henry VII of Germany confirmed the title of Prince for Albert and his brother, Hermann. Albert declared his diocese independent of Bremen, and later Riga was raised to an archbishopric.

A first-hand account of Albert is in the contemporary Chronicle of Henry of Livonia (Henricus Lettus').

Albert died in Riga in 1229, but, as a Catholic Bishop, left no descendants. He was venerated as a Catholic saint until the Protestant Reformation. The present-day "von Buxhoeveden" are descendants of his cousin Johannes von Buxhoeveden. Albert's brother Theodoricus is the progenitor of the family de Raupena (de Ropa, known today as "von der Ropp") that founded manors in Livonia and Courland.

A street in Riga, Alberta iela ("Albert Street"), is named after Bishop Albert. It is known for its Art Nouveau apartment buildings, many of them designed by the architect Mikhail Eisenstein.

Not sure what he would thought about having a pub named after him.

The weather for much of this week has been overcast, however the threatened bad weather had failed to materialise, indeed as I write the sun is shining and the annual Ligo Fair in Dome square is basking in the sunshine with all sorts of Latvian goodies for sale, including being to buy what looks like half a tree which you must wrap around your head on Ligo. I know Latvia has acres of forest, but at this time of the year they must take quite a hit.

and finally take a look at these images, taken buy one of many roving reporters - thanks A.... ( English - with south western accent)

See Anything strange ?

Anything Yet ??

Got it yet ?

Now you are getting it

Now you have got it - but the real question is what are they putting up ? and how did they get down ?

As ever Riga will be deserted next week with Ligo and Jani - so lets hope the sunshine stays and we get hot days and warm nights - but history tells us otherwise.

Boys will be "girls"

Now there are many strange sights to be seen in Riga, particularly at the weekend, with the arrival of the stag parties from the UK. But in my new found role as the Riga Breakfast King, I saw last weekend up close and personal, at least for me one of strangest.

First of all who have to picture my arrival at F..... Fun Hostel, ready and willing to cook breakfast for all and sundry. But there at reception ( which is quite small) and overflowing into the bar area, were what appeared at first sight a group over 20 ladies, the vast majority dressed in pink, but two in clearly their wedding dresses.

But as the picture clearly shows the "ladies" were in fact robust young men, but decked out in what was clearly a coordinated fashion statement, that PINK was in.

They then all trooped out to "do" Riga, now bear in mind this was about 10.30am in the morning, so God only knows what the members of the public thought of this group of deranged persons as they made there way through the old town.

Needless to say they did not indulge in in one of my famous breakfasts, but they did return to watch the Lions rugby game.


Now you ask, where would such a group hail from ?, surely from an urban area where dressing in such attire would not impinge upon there manly image. So we can rule out all the Celtic nations, or can we ? given that it is the Celtic nations, or at least some of them, with Scottish and Irish wearing Kilts in their national dress. So could they be English - regretfully I have to advise our long lost and sadly missed Welshman S..... ( retired cat flap maker) that they all hailed from Wales, and not any part of Wales, Port Talbot !!!!!!!

Now to be fair they were well behaved, and as they said just having a good laugh - mind you this was at 4.00pm - what they were like at midnight when visiting the Riga night clubs - -may well be another matter.

I mentioned some time ago that the village lounge was being "modified", thanks to J... ( Australian SIP king) I show below the current state of affairs, in the rear of the building. It is claimed that they will "terrace the new larger and open rear - we shall but see. But with the disappearance of toilets on the first and second floors, there are some seriously wasted "patrons" having to make there way to the third floor to relieve themselves.

Having experienced some glorious weather two weekends ago, the weather of late has been rubbish, and so the joys of being able to sit out in the sunshine and enjoy a beer in one of the squares will have to wait until sun finally makes an appearance.

Finally a story forwarded to me by J... (Australian - see above) - Has a ring of truth about it. - Enjoy !!

INTERESTING HISTORY LESSON

Railroad tracks. This is fascinating

Be sure to read the final paragraph; your understanding of it will depend on the earlier part of the content.

The US standard railroad gauge (distance between the rails) is 4 feet, 8.5 inches. That's an exceedingly odd number..

Why was that gauge used? Because that's the way they built them in England , and English expatriates built the US railroads.

Why did the English build them like that? Because the first rail lines were built by the same people who built the pre-railroad tramways, and that's the gauge they used.

Why did 'they' use that gauge then? Because the people who built the tramways used the same jigs and tools that they use d for building wagons, which used that wheel spacing.

Why did the wagons have that particular odd wheel spacing? Well, if they tried to use any other spacing, the wagon wheels would break on some of the old, long distance roads in England , because that's the spacing of the wheel ruts.

So who built those old rutted roads? Imperial Romebuilt the first long distance roads in Europe (andEngland ) for their legions. The roads have been used ever since

And the ruts in the roads? Roman war chariots formed the initial ruts, which everyone else had to match for fear of destroying their wagon wheels. Since the chariots were made for Imperial Rome , they were all alike in the matter of wheel spacing. Therefore the United States standard railroad gauge of 4 feet, 8.5 inches is derived from the original specifications for an Imperial Roman war chariot.. Bureaucracies live forever.

So the next time you are handed a specification/ procedure/process and wonder 'What horse's ass came up with it?', you may be exactly right. Imperial Roman army chariots were made just wide enough to accommodate the rear ends of two war horses. (Two horse's asses.) Now, the twist to the story:

When you see a Space Shuttle sitting on its launch pad, there are two big booster rockets attached to the sides of the main fuel tank. These are solid rocket boosters, or SRB's. The SRB's are made by Thiokol at their factory in Utah . The engineers who designed the SRB's would have preferred to make them a bit fatter, but the SRB's had to be shipped by train from the factory to the launch site. The railroad line from the factory happens to run through a tunnel in the mountains, and the SRB's had to fit through that tunnel. The tunnel is slightly wider than the railroad track, and the railroad track, as you now know, is about as wide as two horses' behinds.

So, a major Space Shuttle design feature of what is arguably the world's most advanced transportation system was determined over two thousand years ago by the width of a horse's ass. And you thought being a horse's ass wasn't important? Ancient horse's asses control almost everything... and
CURRENT Horses Asses are controlling everything else.

A trip down memory lane

Well long time no blogging, and the reason is simple life in little old Riga for me this last few weeks has shall we say been "challenging" However as we now burst into summer, and with outdoor cafes and bars now all alive and well, indeed with some new ones on show I thought I would take a trip down memory lane on behalf of the those village people who have long since departed these shores. The photographs are my little trip from Alunana iela into the old town and back via the Freedom monument. Many of you will need no explanation as to where the various shots are, but where I felt a little comment was needed I have added same.

Congress Nams

over the canal bridge

into Dome Square 13 Chairs converted into 150 chairs !

The NEW terraced bar with beer at 90 centimes a pop if you go to the bar yourself, otherwise DOUBLE if served by waitress/Waiter !! - Wondering about the fire engine ?

Looks and is pretty good, absolutely beautiful when the sun is out

Still desolute !! - very sad

Velvets has reopened without being re-furbished, apparently ran out of money

Wondering what they are talking about ? - well it appears that P.....s ( Senior marketeer) sent a few Irish lads around to S.....s ( Indian restaurant guru) last weekend and they how shall I say "misbehaved" and were "asked " to leave !!

From Pub to Hi fashion store to shut - all in six months ! - what the Dickens is going on ?

Livi Square

back thought the park via Freedom monument ( And McDonalds - sorry but I was hungry

Want to know how many wedding this year ? count the padlocks - hundreds !

The only fountain working this year ! - I suspect because it sits in the canal and can use canal water, all the others need a fresh water supply and domestic water is now expensive in Riga

and finally............

You may need to click on the picture to read the poster for a new show in Riga - but I wonder who the genious was that came up with a title like that. Do not think they would be allowed in UK.

If you are wondering about the fire engine in Dome Square, believe it or not it is a stage !! - Every the musicians climb up on top and play their music - well it is different. and just for the record they are good - the downside is they play the same music every night.

Finally one little bit of gossip - but true, there will be a new Pub opening in the very near future, located in Dome Square, and with a lady we all know and love behind the bar. No names at this time - but keep watching when all will be revealed.

Finally I now have a new nickname - Riga Breakfast King - do not even ask why !!!!!!! - and one last point of note to the team that play in zebra strips based in England's North East - do not blame B..... ( English - 35 years in pain) - he has absolutely nothing to do with the demise of the team this year - or at least that's his version of the situation as can be seen from his recent comment left on the blog. As for me can it really be a coincidence that a team that has never been out of the top flight of English football suddenly get relegated the same year as he returns to the UK and then actually goes to live and work in the same city - hmmmmmmmmm - does make you think.

Is it just me ?

We all know about the financial madness that is/was sweeping the world, but have you noticed that there are other weird things going on. Now these weird things do not get a great deal of publicity, but they do indicate that there is a growing number of happenings around the world givings signs of change and unrest - for example - down in sunny Wales.............

Dispute between Neighbours - this a true story

A town councillor in Wales - Mark Easton, had a beautiful view of the mountains until a new neighbour purchased the land below his house and built a new home. The new home was 18 inches higher than the planning department had approved, so Mark, mad about his lost view, went to the local council to make sure they enforced the roof line height. The new neighbour had to drop the roof height at great expense to himself.

Recently Mark called the planning department and informed them that his new neighbour had installed some vents on the side of his new property.

Mark did not like the look of these new vents and asked the planning department to investigate. When they went to Mark's home this is what they found

The local authority said the vents can stay as there is no planning law referring to vents

And then yesterday in Benoni ( where the h..ll is that you may ask ?)

Now can anyone explain how Afghanistan managed to get a cricket team together ? where do they play ? and how do they get the cricket helmets over the towels they wrap around their heads ? and if they have to prey to Mecca four/five times a day, does that mean they have prayer breaks instead of tea and lunch breaks ?- Oh and just for the record earlier this week they beat Ireland - next thing it will be the Afghanistan curling team !

As an aside details of the Afghanistan Cricket board can be found at http://www.cricinfo.com/link_to_database/NATIONAL/ICC_MEMBERS/AFG/

and it is interesting to note one of the boards aims in promoting cricket in Afghanistan is , and I quote "The aim of the ACB is to get all Afghanistan Men to choose cricket bats instead of guns" to which I am sure the Scottish team must be eternally grateful - just think what the score would have been if they had chosen guns !!

Now we all know that there are some weird place names in the world, but this one has to be near the top of the unreal list


Now for those of you expecting updates on the goings on in Riga, then as you might gather not a lot is going on. Last weekend saw a feast of good Rugby and reasonable weather which permitted me for the first time this year to sit in the park, and quietly read a book, and as I write the weather is bright and sunny if a just a little chilly.

The outdoor bars and cafes are springing up all over the place , and just opposite to where I live a new Italian restaurant has opened. In a previous incarnation it as know as The Diplomat, then The Chez Bar, but now it is Rossini's. Not exactly the best time to be opening a restaurant, but I can butt wish them luck, as they have spent the last two months seriously refurbishing the interior.

Still no sign of life from the trees, no buds - no blossom, at least not in Riga.

On bit of news re the village lounge, in the very near future, the rear of the building, both upstairs and downstairs will be torn down, likewise the very rear of the building, which housed offices. The reason I am told is that the owners have permission to remove the rear buildings, as it is only the "front" of the building which is protected. So presumably at some time they will build a new building, but for this summer it would appear there will be huge open courtyard, bearing a close resemblance to a building site I suspect - but we shall see.

Of course this now means that there will be no toilets on the ground and first floor, but as I write new toilets are being built on the second floor, previously sealed behind the red door. So for anyone using the ground floor bar, they had better give themselves plenty of time to climb two flights of stairs !! - I suspect we might well see a few "accidents" on route.

And finally it is my birthday next Sunday so all charitable donations will be gratefully accepted, ,and I am totally open to surrender my pride and let you buy me a drink ( or two !)

The "B...." is back in town

It must be spring !! - the outdoor bars are opening - the sun is shining and young B....(English - teacher of language) is back in town or at least for a few days. Now a resident of Newcastle and apparently teaching Arabic youths to speak English or is it Geordie ? He is looking surprisingly well but is obviously determined to pack as much into his brief stay as is possible - and not just alcohol !

This is the earliest that I can remember for the outdoor bars to open, but in Livi square there at least four open, with the biggie under construction, and in Dome square 13 chairs has suddenly become 113 chairs. So hopefully the sunshine will last through until the Easter weekend.

Now you may wondering why I am not showing pictures of these happenings - well unfortunately some months ago I was "burgled" and apart from taking my wallet. mobile phone, they also took my camera - so no pictures until I replace, as the one phone I have left takes only low quality pics.

As ever it is kind of weird to be talking about Easter, when there is not one sign of Spring to be seen, the trees are still bare, there is spring flowers in the gardens, and the grass is still a dirty brown colour. But no doubt before April is out we will catch sight of the first blossoms appearing.

A small but significant step was made in recent weeks with the discovery that we can indeed watch the UK tv channels, albeit via your computer - by registering with www.ukproxyserver.com (sorry it costs money £9.99 per month) one can obtain an UK IP address, which then permits you to watch a number of UK channels. So for at least one technically challenged individual P..... (English - king of waste management) he can now keep uptodate with Eastenders (sad I know) as well as watch his beloved horse racing. For those of you already in the UK then all you have to do is point your web browser at www.tvcatchup.com and voila tv on the pc !! - and to think the whole purpose of the revelution of compuetrs in business and at home was to make us more productive in our work and private lives. So now we can watch tv on our PC's - whatever would John Logie Baird think.

On the same subject why do cable & satelllite TV broadcasters insist on making available radio stations as one of the channel selections ?? - Do you know anyone who switches on their Television and listens to the radio ??

PC's to watch TV
TV's to listen to the radio

The world is going mad !!

In this age of the internet suddenly we have become addicted to sending to all and sundry our latest in jokes. Well I am indebted to a lovely lady in Wales A....(Welsh - long suffering wife of never to be forgotten cat flap maker) for sending me this gem. Personally I think this should be issued to all cretins arriving from UK (or anywhere for that matter) and that they obliged to where them thoughout there stay in Riga. They no doubt will think that they are being amazingly funny and original whilst we as onlookers can see what they really are P....s !!


Now just for the record whilst my disdain for many of the visiting brits is well known, it only fair to say that in recent times they have noticable by their absence, and even those who I come across seem "reasonably" well behaved, but then again what happens in Riga after 8.00pm is and always has been a complete mystery to me.

And finally I am delighted to olet you know that the British Embassy in Riga has finally admitted that I exist. I have received an invitation to attend the embassy to celebrate St. georges day on april 26th !!!!!! - what happened to St. Andrews Day ?? - or should we simply rename the embassy as the ENGLISH EMBASSY

So to all of you there have enjoyable easter - not to many chocolate eggs