Finally, after crossing the deserts, hiking in the canyons and in the mountains, walking among the mighty sequoias, we arrived at the coast. The first thing we did after unpacking was, of course, heading to see the ocean. It was magnificent! Even though we are used to the vast expanse of water - we live... Continue Reading →
Our big American adventure – a road trip across Nevada, Arizona & California / Part 2
It took me a while, but here it is, the second part of our big journey across the American Southwest. After the red deserts of Arizona, we drove almost 1000 km to see a different natural wonder – this time, bathed in green. The aim of our US trip was to see what we can’t... Continue Reading →
Our big American adventure – a road trip across Nevada, Arizona & California / Part 1
This year, a Dream came true. In June, I finally travelled to America. It was a journey of a lifetime in so many ways, not only for me but for my husband as well that I feel the trip report needs to be preceded by some backstory. For both my husband and myself, visiting the... Continue Reading →
Witchy stories about a witchy place
Do you like witchy stories? I will tell you a few. Besides, they are not simply stories. They were inspired by the place with the mysterious name. We drive past that place regularly, and its name never failed to ignite my interest. It is not a common name for a locality in Latvia. So, it’s... Continue Reading →
Ghost stories and juicy bits of the most beautiful palace in Latvia
Rundāle Palace is a magnificent baroque palace, originally the residence of the Dukes of Courland. Its name comes from the German Ruhenthal, which translates as Valley of Peace. Alas, the beautiful edifice’s history was anything but peaceful. It started with a manor that had stood where Rundāle Palace now stands. The mention of that manor... Continue Reading →
Three castles that stand at a cannon-shooting distance from each other
Have you seen many places where three castles stand at a cannon-shooting distance from each other? Welcome to Sigulda area! Built in different centuries, by different rulers, three magnificent edifices, solemn witnesses of the times long gone, still stand on the banks of the Gauja River. · Castle of Livonian order or Sigulda Medieval Castle... Continue Reading →
Tragic story of Latvian Juliet
Turaida Castle is over 800 years old. Still, despite its impressive age and versatile history, it is most famous for the tragic story of Rose of Turaida. It was the year 1214 when a man with huge influence in the region, Albert, Archbishop of Riga, decided that he needed a proper castle in place of... Continue Reading →
Dear Diary,
I was raised by two feminists. Of course, neither my mom nor my aunt ever considered themselves as such, but the fact remains. They both were strong, independent women, and didn’t follow the rules society imposed on them if it didn’t suit them. They didn’t do what was expected from them, while at the same... Continue Reading →
Dear Diary,
I have never been afraid of flying. For the first time, I boarded a plane when I wasn’t even two. I travelled regularly until I started school at seven, and despite the experience wasn’t always smooth and easy – if you flew in propeller planes in the 80ies, then you know – when I climbed... Continue Reading →
Dear Diary,
“Lots of people want to ride with you in the limo, but what you want is someone who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down.” Oprah Winfrey has nailed it. Besides it’s being true in general, it is like this specifically for indie authors and their friends. To be honest, dear Diary... Continue Reading →