Norge(Norway)

Haven't been to Norway in a few years and now seems like a good time to go. Sunday at two pm my dad and I will hit the road. This will lead to a six hour drive through the hills and eventual mountains of the Norwegian Fjords, eventually climaxing in the city of Trondheim. This time be ready for pictures to follow as I am stealing/borrowing the family digital camera. What are we doing in Norway? Besides the drinking(you know the height of my excessive drinking problem) we will be looking/climbing in the amazing countryside.

Anyone who knows, will know that it was none other than Slartibartfast who designed the coastal areas of Norway(for which he got an award).

Next stop will then be Paris on the 11th of October. Or more correctly Beauvais and a three hour ride to Paris City(Thank you Ryanair).

Stockholm Again

So I am back in Stockholm for a week or two before I again make an attempt at meaningness on the road. All things considered though it is a lot better(at least two times) than meaninglessnss in a single place. When I was in first grade in Säffle my teacher told my parents that I just couldn't sit still and that it was like I had ants in my pants.

I just checked and they are still there by the way. Riga was overall an amazing experience and now that my path has once again led through its cobblestone streets and cathedrals I feel a call or whisper in the breeze(how cliche) that beckons me on to something unknown and therefore amazing in and of itself. If I could have planned every trip that I have taken it would have been simply garbage in the end.

The unknown is what this heart seeks. Edge of the known world. "There be monsters here" as the maps would say. Wind in my sails, food in my belly, and open eyes what else do I need?

Saaremaa

Surfing is officially now possible in Pavilosta, Latvia. Spent the week going to movies at the 18th annual Riga film festival. Best two movies viewed were "house of sand"(Brazil) and "Madeinusa"(Peru). If you can get your hands on those two movies you will not be disappointed. Seu Jorge of "Life Aquatic" fame is in "House of Sand." He is also in "City of God" if you are still struggling.

Spent the weekend exploring the Estonian island of Saaremaa. They have a rocky coastline with a few spots that given the right wind conditions would be extremely nice for a long board session. This is point break territory. Did I mention full wetsuit year round. I opted for booties and no hood first time around. Ouch. Someone broke the window of the surfmobile the morning of the trip and we were forced to drive the four hour trip without a radio. That is why we brought a guitar. Nothing quite as Bohemian as playing guitar on the way to an Estonian surf trip.

Anyone who is reading this blog and is still hesitating and wondering if Latvia would be a good place to visit is missing out. Amazing landscape as well as old towns and buildings. The cafe scene is alive and well. Yes Absinthe is legal. Need I say more...

Riga, Lv

So...

It turns out that there is now a direct flight from Riga, Lv to New York now. How does it go? For 600 dollars US you can fly to New York on Uzbekistan airways. Viesturs made it so that is a good sign.

There is an art colony on Andrejsala and for some reason they have an amazingly mellow miniramp there. Nice galleries as well so if in the area please check it out.

A person I know now owns three of the best coffee shops in town. A.L.L. Cappucino. Usually offer one good vegetarian dish a day besides having amazing coffee and full service bar. Absinthe or Ukrainian firewater anyone?

Have been to two saunas outside Cesis. The Leach center saunas are really jokes in comparison. We laugh at your inability to take heat. Amazing night view by the way. Me skinny dipping outside the sauna under a sky full of stars. Did I mention collecting mushrooms in the woods. No not that kind.

Forecast for tommorow says there will be 1.5 meter waves in Liepaja. I will be in the lineup in full wetsuit. Cau...

The Meaning of Life...

You always talk, you Americans. You talk and you talk and say 'let me tell you something' and 'I just wanna say this'.
--The Grim Reaper


I don't know why but after living in Florida for five years I find this really insightful. Watch the Death scene in Monty Python's The Meaning of Life and try to pick out the American... not too hard.

Weekends

Spent the weekend walking the Old Town and going to the Vasa museum. It's one of those things that still leaves me stoked when I think about that I can take the bus or subway anywhere at any time.

Also checked out a left over, dirt rock band from the nineties. Yes, the mullet is alive and well. It was at the bar Engelen(the angel), the crowd was rather diverse and older(cool to not live in Tallahassee where its strange to not see only college students). Besides terrible music they did have Greven's cider on tap. Improves any scenario.

For any americans it should be noted that 'boot cut' jeans are out in Europe. Next Stop Riga...

Riga Baby

Here is the news: I will be hanging out and skating/surfing in Riga, Latvia should right conditions persist. Its actually amazing that in Europe you can buy cheaper tickets between places than in the U.S. Thank you Ryanair. So if anyone is in Riga between the 13 and the 26th of this glorious month of September, hit me up kids.

Stockholm Sighting

In case those faithful readers of this stupendously interesting blog are still reading well here is the update. I am in Stockholm and yes I am now officially a resident of Sweden and the European Union. I was still wondering if the right decision had been made(this question will probably pop up in the coming months so please bear with me) until I rode the subway into old town and realized that I love living over here even though I do not know anyone or have a job. Plus my neighborhood is priceless. You New Yorkers can think that only you live in a multicultural environment but I dare you to visit my side of Stockholm and be amazed. Now the next issue is what is this kid going to do next? I do believe its a toss up between Copenhagen and Riga as the next destinations. Anyone down? Let me know.