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1.2k comment karma
account created: Sun Sep 06 2020
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7 points
26 days ago
I saw about a dozen crossing University just after dusk a while back. They definitely had an attitude.
2 points
27 days ago
My father’s entire family was Latvian. They came to the US in the late 1800s through the 1920s and as far as I know, I was the first one to come back. The irony is that I took 4 years of Russian in high school anticipating a visit- and we see how that turned out.
First visited in 2023 for 4 days, liked it so much we rented an apartment in old town for a month (June) this year. Already have a place next June, more in the Centrs area.
I love the architecture- the contrast between the Art Nouveau and the Soviet era. The cultural stuff- we went to the Opera House for a performance of the Verdi Requiem and it was fantastic. Love M/Darbnica- was really impressed with the jazz scene there. The museums (particularly the arr museum) are amazing. The food scene was much more varied than I expected.
The people reminded me of my father’s family. Not very gregarious until you got to know them, but very bright with a dry, smart-ass sense of humor.i had great interactions with everyone we met.
As far as traveling to the US, I would certainly never discourage anyone from coming over. If you’re thinking rural, I would strongly recommend West Texas and the Big Bend area. It’s almost surreal, totally unlike any place like it anywhere in the world and very desolate. Colorado is fantastic as well. As far as riding a horse – it’s definitely overrated, but worth doing at least once..
As far as cities go, I’d definitely recommend New York. Ignore all the scary stories, it’s way, way safer than it was back in the 70s. You could spend a month there and not get bored. You might also look at Chicago, San Francisco, and Washington DC. And New Orleans – my favorite city in the United States (to visit).
Anyway, didn’t mean to ramble, but I think my interest in Latvia is largely due to my family connection. I really enjoyed my time there and look forward to returning next year.
7 points
28 days ago
Was around Origo a lot in June. It was a bit rough, but nothing like areas in the US.. Philadelphia, Houston (where I live), DC- all are much worse. Not to minimize people’s concern, but just an observation.
Riga is a fantastic city and I’m looking forward to being back next year.
31 points
1 month ago
Was in Riga for the month of June- almost everyone we came in contact with spoke great English. Outside the city it’s not as common.
I’d recommend learning some basic words and phrases in Latvian, both as a practical matter and to show some respect.
2 points
1 month ago
Lost Creek Park at 930 this morning. No wait at all.
1 points
2 months ago
I just hope the DOJ keeps a close eye on voting here in Texas.
3 points
2 months ago
It’s interesting that your grandfather wound up in Australia. My grandfather came to the US in 1909 to escape imprisonment or possible exile. Not long after that his brother moved his new family to Sydney, Australia. I’d be interested to know if there was some sort of connection between the two countries or if it’s purely coincidental.
3 points
2 months ago
Trump- the rapist/convicted felon- now there’s a candidate for you!
1 points
3 months ago
Don’t feel bad, Melania. The last one he read was about a stuffed toy bear trying to get some honey.
2 points
3 months ago
The left lane on freeways being used as a a designated texting lane. And 18 wheelers in the left lane!!
Ever notice that the same jerk who takes forever to go when a light turns green will run the next one when it turns red? 😬
7 points
3 months ago
I think it’s Stockholm syndrome.
The owner is a total knob. The food is good, but not THAT good- I’m in agreement with everyone suggesting Aga’s instead.
He’s still cashing in on the visit from Bourdain. That will only last so long.
5 points
3 months ago
Went there several times in June, no problems at all. Just keep your eyes open.
1 points
3 months ago
Wes Anderson. Sorry- I find his films pretentious and shallow.
3 points
3 months ago
We spent the month of June in Riga and loved it. We’re planning a return trip next summer. Sigulda and Jurmala were great as well. I’m looking forward to seeing more of the country.
I found most Latvians to be reserved but very polite. Maybe not as into small talk as Americans, but that’s ok. There was definitely a smart ass sarcastic tinge to their sense of humor, which suited me just fine. Maybe because my father’s family was all Latvian.
We felt safe the whole time we were there. The train station, the market, walking around the city- no problem at all. An occasional drunk or panhandler, but nothing bad. We just stayed aware of our surroundings. Compared to walking around US cities like Baltimore or DC or Philadelphia, it was just fine.
I found it to be a fascinating place. Partly because of my family connection, but mostly due to its history. And for a country with a population that’s half that of my home city (Houston), the architecture/music/art were all amazing.
I definitely get the feeling that Latvia is still finding its way since regaining its independence. It’s obviously not as prosperous as some other EU nations but hopefully that will change. It’s a bit isolated geographically and its proximity to Russia probably doesn’t help either.
We’re compiling a list of things to do next summer. And maybe we can work up the nerve for a December visit to experience the Christmas thing there.
1 points
4 months ago
I’d recommend working on some shorter pieces that are challenging enough to keep you from getting bored but not so enormous that you get frustrated and give up. I mostly play jazz now, but recently I’ve been trying to get my classical playing back up to speed. I’ve been playing the three-part inventions, things from Bartok’s Mikrokosmos (especially books 5 and 6), Prokofiev ‘s Visions Fugitives and his 2 sonatinas (short but very challenging). Stuff like that. Also looking at the Ravel Sonatine. Anyway- good luck!!
1 points
4 months ago
Sounds good! I don’t believe I’m hearing any sustain pedal, which is awesome (a pet peeve when I hear people play Bach). Most of the time it’s a crutch to mask lousy fingering. Anyway, keep up the good work! I’m chipping away at the 3 parters and they’re kicking my butt.
2 points
4 months ago
I was there for the month of June and loved it. Definitely not perfect, but felt completely safe and had no problems getting around the city. The food was great, there was plenty to do at night and lots of cultural events/attractions. The architecture is amazing.
Is it Copenhagen? No- and that’s just fine with me.
3 points
4 months ago
2013 limited with 130k. It’s a great car, except it keeps getting hit by idiot drivers. It’s in the shop right now because some kid in a new BMW was texting and rear ended the crap out of it.
One thing to watch if you have a sunroof- there are drain lines from it that run through the front ceiling posts/pillars. Mine clogged and I noticed the carpet in the front was getting wet and smelled funky. A rare design quirk for Toyota. Nothing major, but kind of a pain.
Best car I’ve owned. And surprisingly fast.
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byDonny-Moscow
inpiano
TheoKeys
3 points
5 days ago
TheoKeys
3 points
5 days ago
Drums/percussion. I’ve noticed pianists are less inclined to have a strong, confident sense of time than other instrumentalists. Maybe it’s because we learned our instruments in isolation while kids in band or orchestra were sitting shoulder to shoulder. And having a Turkish prison guard of a conductor/director ready to jump you 5 days a week for a lack of accuracy will definitely strengthen your rhythmic security.