In and Out for Our Christmas ConcertDecember, 2007

This was to be my shortest trip ever, our choir concert in Latvia, then home. Unfortunately, owing to other commitments I had to zoom home just as quickly and couldn't stay for our post-concert recording session.

Still, I couldn't visit Latvia without coming away with photos, regardless how little time—or daylight. My trusty little Fuji F20 acquitted itself well, I thought, particularly given that twilight set in by 4:00, and darkness soon thereafter. (This was my first trip, in 15 years, that I hadn't packed full photo gear.)

December 28th

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Already feeling bit stressed, I was taken aback having to go through customs at our stopover in Berlin en route to Rīga—not a route I had ever flown before. Here, the air control tower as I'm walking outside. Right past the taxi stand, as I recall. If I had more time between flights I could have simply taken a cab into town to sight-see or visit old family friends, the Battigs—two sisters our family got to know well during my childhood.

Already feeling bit stressed, I was taken aback having to go through customs at our stopover in Berlin en route to Rīga—not a route I had ever flown before. Here, the air control tower as I'm walking outside. Right past the taxi stand, as I recall. If I had more time between flights I could have simply taken a cab into town to sight-see or visit old family friends, the Battigs—two sisters our family got to know well during my childhood.

Passing through Berlin on the way to Latvia, surprised I had to go through passport control

Twilight starts to set in at mid-afternoon in winter. I get to the apartment as evening arrives, settle in, and then head back out into the dark to choir rehearsal.

Twilight starts to set in at mid-afternoon in winter. I get to the apartment as evening arrives, settle in, and then head back out into the dark to choir rehearsal.

Days are short

I discover a city decked out for the holidays. The sign by the Christmas tree reads "Sveicam rīdziniekus un novēlam krāšnus svētkus! MAXIMA", We offer our greetings to the residents of Rīga and wish all a resplendent holiday! MAXIMA.

I discover a city decked out for the holidays. The sign by the Christmas tree reads "Sveicam rīdziniekus un novēlam krāšnus svētkus! MAXIMA", We offer our greetings to the residents of Rīga and wish all a resplendent holiday! MAXIMA.

Decorated for Christmas

What could be more romantic than a holiday wedding? For me, this spot between the LAIMA clock and Freedom Monument, where Brīvības bulvāris (Freedom Boulevard) crosses the City Canal, lies at the heart of Rīga. It's only after passing by both icons that I feel any visit has officially begun.

What could be more romantic than a holiday wedding? For me, this spot between the LAIMA clock and Freedom Monument, where Brīvības bulvāris (Freedom Boulevard) crosses the City Canal, lies at the heart of Rīga. It's only after passing by both icons that I feel any visit has officially begun.

A winter wedding

Our intrepid band of singers gathers for the first warm-up and review of our concert materials. Here, members of the New York Latvian Concert Choir and Latvian youth choir Balsis.

Our intrepid band of singers gathers for the first warm-up and review of our concert materials. Here, members of the New York Latvian Concert Choir and Latvian youth choir Balsis.

First choir rehearsal

After 15 years of trips to Latvia, the cobbled streets of Old Rīga and the buildings lining them, still awaiting their post-Soviet make-over, have come to be familiar and comforting friends.

After 15 years of trips to Latvia, the cobbled streets of Old Rīga and the buildings lining them, still awaiting their post-Soviet make-over, have come to be familiar and comforting friends.

The cobbled streets of Old Rīga

Snowflakes float above Vaļņu iela (Rampart Street) as I head home. The dark pointed tower looming in the background is the Pulvērtornis ([Gun]Powder Tower), now the Latvian War Museum.

Snowflakes float above Vaļņu iela (Rampart Street) as I head home. The dark pointed tower looming in the background is the Pulvērtornis ([Gun]Powder Tower), now the Latvian War Museum.

Snowflakes above Vaļņu iela