Being in Riga for a work conference feels a little strange in the best possible way. It’s work, yes, but also not really just work. It’s one big mingling event between colleagues and clients — conversations flowing from reports and dashboards to travel stories, coffee, and life in general.
Yesterday evening I had such a lovely time with my colleague Marika — yes, that Marika, the one who once visited me by bicycle all the way to the countryside. Read here:
We had a lovely dinner, warm long talks, delicious food, and a nice walk back afterwards. Those simple evenings are often the ones that stay with me the longest.
There is something special about seeing people outside the little squares of video calls. You remember why you enjoy working together in the first place. The conversations become softer, more human, less rushed
I’m also realizing again how important it is to step outside my usual routine sometimes, even when home feels safer and quieter. I miss home, of course. I miss my tea, my blanket, the countryside silence. But moments like these remind me that there is value in meeting people face to face too.
Now I’m sitting in the hotel room trying to slow down after a full day of conversations and impressions.
Still, I’m glad I came.
Ilze
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Ilze -I am truly happy for your chance to come into the big smoke for a day or two – a glance at city life, meeting up with friends and having a city meal forgetting about planting tomatoes in a county greenhouse . . . do have a happy time . . . :)!
Thank you so much 😊 It really does feel a little like stepping into a completely different world for a few days. And yes — tomatoes, greenhouses, laundry, and countryside life suddenly feel very far away for a moment. 😄 Did you enjoy visiting bigger cities sometimes too, or did you mostly prefer staying closer to home?
How lucky you are to have two parallel lives – one as an introvert in the country and one more extraverted in the city! Both at hand when you need them, the tranquillity of the garden on the one hand and the buzz of business on the other. Make the most of your chances!
That is such a beautiful way to describe it — two parallel lives 😊 I think both sides help me appreciate the other more. I’m not going that often. Do you enjoy city life yourself, or are you more drawn to quieter places?
It sounds as though you have the best of both worlds!
It really can feel like that sometimes 😊 Though usually I mostly notice the exhausting parts of trying to balance everything. 😄 But these little trips remind me how good it is to occasionally step outside my usual routine. Do you enjoy travelling for work or events, or do you prefer staying home?
Some years agon I stayed in Riga for a couple of days during my Grand Tour de les pays Baltes. I liked the city a lot, the inner city of course but also the wonderful Art Nouveau houses a bit out city centre. Out of curiosity I ate a very humble and cheap meal in the Market Halls, and it won’t come as a suprise that the Italian meal with your friend looks slightly better. 🙂 It’s good to breath some fresh air sometimes, although the real air at home probably is a lot fresher.
Riga really is a lovely city for wandering around 😊 And yes — the Art Nouveau buildings are probably one of my favourite things here too. The Market Halls are such a Riga experience though! Honestly, some of the simple food there can be surprisingly good. 😄 And you are absolutely right — the air back home is definitely fresher. Did you have a favourite place during your Baltic trip? Also, now we all love Āgenskalns reagion in Riga more then Old Riga 🙂
At first in my innocence, or maybe I should say ignorance, I had the the idea that all the Baltic capitals would look alike. How wrong I was! Talinn, Riga and Vilnius are very very different cities. I liked them all for their very own charms. The Medieval Talinn, the Hansiatic Riga and the Baroque Vilnius. Maybe Vilnius suprised me the most. It was wonderful blue weather after the rainy days in Riga, that could have played a roll. But also the vibe, that was optimistic and ahead to the future. I came by ferry from Finland and went further by bus. Back home from Vilnius I flew by a propeller airplane, wich was a treat by itself. It was a great trip!
That is wonderful! Enjoy your getaway.
Thank you 😊 It does feel a little like a small getaway mixed with work. I’m looking forward to coming home again too though. Are you someone who enjoys short trips, or do you prefer longer holidays?
A change of schedule is good for us. I’m happy you enjoyed the trip, Ilze.
Change is good! And now for the big one—school is out, and the kids are officially on summer break. Ninety days (three whole months) of summer begin now! 😊
Stepping out of your routine for just a little while is often a good thing! Sounds like it was a wonderful trip 🙂
It was! I can’t believe it wasn’t hard to step out 🙂