Holy Toledo!

I saw a Rick Steve's episode about this city and always wanted to go, so when I found out that I would be able to take a day trip there I was so excited. It was only 30 mins on a high speed train from Madrid and well worth the visit! They call it the city of three cultures because there are mosques, synagogues and churches there, remnants from the three religions that have been practiced in this city at one time or another throughout its long history. Here are the photos to show you how beautiful it was.

The city is surrounded on many parts by the Arab wall and you have to climb up the winding streets to be able to get to the main part of the old city on a hill.
Me and one of the bridges that is still intact.
An old mosque (now a museum)
A cool looking church
Another gate to the city
Me and yet another gate..on a bridge that was never taken.
Me and Toledo!
Another view of the city.

Madrid

In addition to attending the conference I got to take in some of the sights! Even though it was very very very hot, sunny and humid, I braved the conditions to see Madrid and some great art museums. I even learned that Spanish women really do use those fans to cool themselves on hot summer days. Here are the photos from my adventures.

Me and the Plaza Mayor (the main touristy I mean town square).
The Palacio Real (Royal Palace) and me.
Me in the gardens of the palace.
Close up at the Parque del Retiro (I wanted to jump in the pond I was so hot)!
Me and the Madrid Gay Pride Parade 2008 (I just followed the music and happened upon it).

El Rastro, the street market with lots of bargains every Sunday.

Women's World

I was lucky enough to secure funding to attend the largest Women's Studies Conference in the world (3,500 people) called Women's Worlds/Mundos de Mujeres 2008 at the Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain. I learned a lot about the interdisciplinary field of Women's Studies, presented my final paper research for my Fulbright, and got to meet feminist academics from the states and around the world. It was really a great opportunity for me and great closure to my year long research project.

The opening ceremony of the concert with traditional Spanish music.
A panel about human trafficking and prostitution.
Me and the slogan for the conference.
The closing ceremony in the botanical gardens of the university.

Independence Day.......American Style

I heard the entire year about the US Embassy's legendary Independence Day bash and I was very happy that it was scheduled for the end of June instead of actually on July 4th (because I will be in Spain then). It did live up to its reputation of free food, beer and a huge American birthday cake! There was McDonald's and gourmet hot dogs from the Raddisson hotel..but the longest line was not for American food but for šašliks, a skewered meat on a stick that is originally from the Caucuses but really popular in Latvia. It was such a huge event that I think I also saw almost every American I know living in Latvia so it was a great time to catch up with everyone before I leave. I also talked briefly with the US Ambassador who mentioned that he enjoyed reading my blog, so I guess I do have a dedicated (and famous) readership after all!

Happy Birthday America!
The Ambassador giving his Independence Day speech.
A balloon display that spelled out USA (if you can see it through the other person who was taking a photo).

Strategic Days

Right after my family left I went on a Strategic planning Retreat with my Marta Centre colleagues as a kind of a last hurrah before I leave to return to the states. It was in a very beautiful location on the Daugava River and nice to spend some time and relax with everyone before I had to say goodbye.

Lolita, Lena two of my colleagues and me.
Zanda and me (looking very tall!)

Jaņi

Jāņi is a Latvian festival held in the night from 23 June to 24 June to celebrate the summer solstice, the shortest night and longest day of the year. The day of Līgo (23 June) and the day of Jāņi (24 June) are public holidays in Latvia, people usually spend them in the countryside and Riga is empty. We decided to go to the seaside with a couple of my friends to check out the festivities there.

My sister and I and the beautiful sunset.
Lighting the fire
People jumping over the fire which traditionally people jump over to ensure prosperity and fertility.
My friend Kristina and I and lots of smoke!

Eugene Onegin

I took my mom and sister to see an opera of one of my most favorite Russian Stories (title above) by Alexander Puskin the Shakespeare of Russia. The opera was in Russian instead of Italian but they had both Latvian and English descriptions of the sings which made it much easier to understand. We drank Rigas Champagne and hung out on the balcony of the National Opera. It was all very glamorous!

My sister, my friend Jill and I with the Brivibas Monument in the background.
My sister and I
Me and the inside of the Opera.