trip down Memory Lane

It's amazing what turns up in life, I have returned to my old Sony Ericsson P900 - at least for the next few days, and on inspection came across some pictutes taken last year.

As you will note they are of one of Australia's finest food connesiers, well at least when it come to hamburgers.

This is a man who would repeatedly visit the Hesburger bar in Old riga, for a unique dining experience - but with the sun out last year and the opening of the No Problem outdoor bar/restaurant he decided to taste the hamburger on offer to ascertain if it met his high standards. As much time has passed since those days I cannot remember his comments - but perhaps the pictures ay it all !

first get prepared -and do not forget the napkin

Then gently cut into the hamburger - mmmmmmmmmmmm

Finally - The tasting

Well we will never know as I obviously did not take any more pictures - perhaps the man in question will let us know if he ever reads this blog.

One can only hope that such good times and the weather will return soon, as today (Friday) has seen a brief return of snow !!

Well it now Wednesday 28th April, and Monday saw me and few others V... (Autralian - anybody need a builder ?) - V..... (Mexican - practices on pig eyes ?) - F.... (Australian - soon to be landlord) - A....(Bristolian - another about to be landlord) - S....(Irish - man about music) - and C....(English - prints a lot) - and we enjoyed what was the first warm and sunny evening in the square -Wonderful.

Regretfully since then it has stayed sunny but chilly -but hey ho - we can but hope for this weekend, when Latvia again will celebrate its independence.

Finally a word to S.....(Welsh - famous for his Thales of rugby) - trust the "nose" is better and the better half enjoys her nights. (This an in joke and should not be misinterpreted !!)

And to all of those wishing on an update on the "new" pub - it will informally open this Saturday ( or so I am promised) - with the official opening later in the week. Its name and location will be revealed later.

But a clue its name rhymes with qui ( French) but sounds like a down under bird

All quiet on Western Front

Anybody looked up in the skies of late trying to see the this mysterious ash - but nothing - but the consequences are amazing - just look below

(click on image to see full image)

This was taken from www.flightradar24.com at 15.4 on Sunday 18th April - as you can see only two planes in the sky - and as I write Riga Airport is still closed.

Now I know this causing untold mayhem for all those who wish to fly, in the case of Riga either to get home, or indeed to get to Riga.

However there is an upside ( at least for me) -no cretins in town - however this is very self centred of me as Riga needs tourists, both good and bad - as they all spend money - so hopefully this will resolve itself in the near future - but at least for now there seems no end in sight.

Saturday did however have one highlight for me - a beer outside in the New Problem bar, and still at 0.95c. The sun did try and shine, and when the wind dimished it was really pleasant, but by 5.30pm it was seriously cold - so meandered back home, to some wine and dinner and of course warmth. One comment re No Problem, in comparison to last years the toilets are much smaller, only four cubicles for ALL - remember this place can accomodate hundred's of people.

Took a few (sorry about the quality) pictures in Livi Square on the way into Dome Square, and as you can see the bars are open - and this year Alberts has an outdoor area - for details see www.albertspub.lv

and just to show Riga is moving into its Summer coat, spot the first sighting of the reknowned Dancing Lady in the picture below !!

As you will noticed not exactly mobbed as yet, but it will - and even the bicycle taxis are back - ok one !

A have a major life changing on Monday - but you will have to check the blog later on Monday for details -but you will need to be eagled eyed to see what it is - so to all have a good week.

And finally to all blog readers who are Newcastle United supporters ( so that makes one) - congratulations !! - lets hope you can stay up in Premier League.

Final word on Winter

A few blogs ago I mentioned one of the most beautiful winter scenes that I had ever come across, we all have seen the wonderful images of snow lying in the woodlands with the branches nearly breaking under the weight of snow.

Well this is somewhat different, during one of those seriously cold snaps ie -20+ , when suddenly overnight for what ever meteorological reason a heavy due formed on the trees, which then immediately froze leaving the leafless trees looking as if they had suddenly turned pure white. In truth my words cannot convey the beauty of it all.

Regretfully I never did manage to capture an image of this event, however thanks to the leading hostel in Riga -- Franks Fun Hostel - www.franks.lv or perhaps one of there guests - I have managed to retrieve one image - see below

Quite Amazing - just like a winter wonderland !

Back to now, and this weekend sees the return of the Heineken Cup, so with no Scottish interest, we will all be rooting for the Ospreys to qualify for the semifinals - we can but hope.

No great goings on this past week, but Riga is definitely beginning to put on its summer coat - and I here that the "No Problem" outdoor bar is hoping to re-open this weekend, I shall take a wander into town later today to check it out.

Message to J.... (Irish - he with poor taste in socks) - I have been frequenting your apartment, using my electrical skills to try and repair the hot water boiler - regret so far with no success - suspect you might be in for a bill to (1) replace thermostat or (2) at worse replace the boiler - have a nice day !!

A question of Irish

During my walkabout a came across a strange connection between Latvia and Ireland - A TREE !! - not just any tree, but one planted by the former President of Ireland during her visit to Latvia - so the question all the ex- Irish Members of the Village people ( and anyone else who is interested)

what was the tree planted and where ?

A clue the fruit of the tree is great with a G & T, and the place is where you can see where Latvians fishing techniques were developed ???

Now what kind of fish would you catch with this ??

Apart from that Easter has ended with a temperatures over 18 degrees, and now it is back to hopefully a warm Spring and Summer ( I hope)

Trust you all had a great Easter break, and now it is back to the real world.

And finally may I congratulate the Alberts Pub for getting a beer I can drink, Boddingtons !! - many thanks to my roving pub goer J... ( Australian - Guinness is better on the first floor !) and as I close on Easter Monday - Reading have won at home, but London Irish are in danger of loosing out this season after the defeat by Wasps - but as ever we shall but see.

Back to serious rugby next weekend - any bets on Ospreys ??

PS All answers re above send via comments - first one with both correct answers will win a serious prize - which will be revealed on the next blog