KLM has delayed us from boarding the plane. For a very unique reason, too.

I have had delayed boarding due to all sorts of reasons – cleaning not done, attendants not arrived, pilots not arrived, plane not arrived, mechanics are still working on a problem, lightning outside, airport closed temporarily, Air Force Two flying in (happened to me once!!) … but never this…

We are all standing inside the terminal in the AC area because apparently inside the plane is too hot now (28 C / 82 F)!!!

I wonder how they will cool down soon. The engines are off (the plane is at the gate). The auxiliary units will take quite some time I presume. Of course, my late dad’s usual suggestion while facing such situations – “open up the doors and windows” is not going to work much either!!

And as we scream down the runway, that is curtains down for this Latvian trip

Freebird!! I wonder how their airfares are.

It suddenly became overcast while we were on the boat. The glowing bulb created a nice contrast against the mean looking clouds.

Came back from the beach and now got on to a boat down river Daugava to check out the shores of Riga

I could not taste any difference (liked both of them) but I understand that the Latvian version has marinated beet (instead of chopped beet) and is not usually had with boiled or fried potatoes like they do in Lithuania. This Pink Soup, served cold, is becoming a favorite of mine. (I have been a big fan of beetroot ever since I was a child)

You may remember from my Nov 2023 visit to Nida in Lithuania how angry and cold the Baltic Sea was. Today, in Jurmala, it was as docile and inviting as it could be!

The beach is fairly hard and the sand was quite tightly packed. There are dense forests on one side of the beach and the Baltic Sea on the other.

On this Sunday morning, a soccer match was in full flow on the beach. The average age of the players was clearly 50 or above. For some of them, the jersey could not get past their beer belly. But when it came to soccer, they were all too serious and were giving it their all. Loved the spirit!