Skiing in Latvia?

Yes! It might be just as flat as Kansas, well, not quite, but they do have some small ski hills. :) It is true. I ventured out with my friend Ilze and three of her students. I skied of course, but most Latvians like to snowboard. It's a bit more convenient considering what places they have to do this sport. I was just happy because I had the chance to work on some of my skills. Gabe, Andy, Ryan, Layne, and Kyle would be able to go down the hill in about 5 to 10 seconds. For me I did it in about 15-20. It was still a lot of fun and it was nice because it was snowing the whole time. So, if any beginning skier would like to have some practice, come to Latvia. It is the perfect place. :) Today, I'm sore.

Was it my fault?

I get another package at the post office. The only thing is, I have to walk there. I'm not complaining, just saying. :) I decide to take the tram because the weather is getting colder and I'm getting lazier. I get on the tram, pay my ticket and take the easy way out. On the first stop a group of people were trying to get out, not sure what the driver was paying attention to, but it wasn't the passangers exiting the vehicle. As they are walking out, the driver (who is a woman),closes the doors on them. They "yell" at the driver and as they are continuing out the doors the lady is either yelling back or just thinking out loud. :) So on the way to the next stop there is this old lady sitting behind me. I accidentlly put my foot on top of hers and she scorns at me and says something either in Russian or Latvian. Not sure which one, but it wasn't nice. Body language is very universal. As I am paying attention to her I notice that we are at my stop. I try my best to hurry off the tram but my little feet couldn't get me their quick enough. The doors started to close, but it was where I needed to be and I started to panic because I wasn't sure where the tram will go next. So, my intincts came into play and I stuck my foot inbetween the doors to keep them open and the lady started to yell at me too. Oh well. I wasn't embarrased. I just turned my head to see if anyone was following behind, because then I could say that I helped someone else get off the tram. That was not the case. When I finally arrived I found out that the package I went to get I had already gotten the previous day. The slip was a reminder to pick up a package. I have to learn how to read Latvian!

Thanksgiving

It happened! I was able to not only celebrate Thanksgiving, but two Thanksgivings! I wouldn't have believed it but it is absolutely true.
A great guy who works for the embassy knew that I had some non turkey plans for this special holiday and he decided to invite me to their family dinner because they had an extra seat. We had homemade rolls, stuffing, mash potatoes, green bean casserole, and of course turkey and even pumpkin pie. There were also children there to fill the large room with noise. It was a great evening. Your normal everyday Thanksgiving dinner. :)
My second dinner came unexpected, especially for the simple fact that it happened just this month. I attended a birthday party and there I met a couple of girls. One is from Canada and the other from the U.S. They were both very nice, and apparently they thought the same about me. They invited me to join their dinner. It was great. I got to meet a lot more people. Some more Canadians and a few Latvians. What a wonderful dinner and how lucky for me. :) Check out the grub on my picasa web album.