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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a day in the life of a latvian mom 
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 . . . :)!
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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!
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It sounds as though you have the best of both worlds!
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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.
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