No sun is shining and the weather is comparatively warm today: - 4 C, no hat needed. I bet the last days it did shine too much for a regular Latvian. As to me, I could say I missed this melancholic weather a bit. On the way I was playing with metaphors in my mind and generated this one: cars are comfortable cages with windows. No doubt they are sometimes practical but only a certain percentage of people use them wisely. [29.01.13]
Recently the river Daugava has become a highly wanted surface. Leaving messages on the snowed ice is the latest trend in communication and advertising. Low costs and the fun of creation make laziness disappear. I have a quick glance over the bridge railings to see if something has been added and if crossing the river by bike is safe... [27.01.13]
Too sunny to be true. This is at least the fifth sunny day in a row. Am I still in Latvia? I hope there will still be some sun left for the Summer. Going through the city very very slowly without music for a change, my own breathing and the sounds of the city is on. Relaxing. [26.01.13]
Happy because high on endorphins. Less happy because my bike hurt me and I am starting to think it has a sense of humor. My middle finger slipped under the cog while cleaning the chain, too dreamy I guess I was. And now I grasp that my fingers have always been quite unlucky (auch! for all those times I hurt them). [25.01.13]
The thaw comes and brings along a hope for the summer to approach sooner, but in the same kit the wetness is included. This wetness only generates sopping bootys and unhappy riders. If the thaw continues, I will be in need of one heroic ass-saver. The moon tonight is full (or nearly) and the pond looks magical, surreal, you should see it. [24.01.13]
There is a pond near to my house, I call it my pond. Riding along it every day eventually a thought of crossing it through the middle sprang in my trouble-seeker's mind. I just had to wait for the ice to get strong enough and for some outer sign or motivation... Today was the perfect
day - the on-ice-fishermen (Latv. bļitkotāji) were on the duty again and it could mean that getting on the ice is safe (not always, as they occasionally get in trouble for fishing on ice when there is no ice); anyhow... the more important sign was that I found a friend having the same quirky desire - go and have fun on that frozen pond. Very excited we were until the water started leaking through the snow, so we jumped off the bikes and ran back laughing panicky. Giving up was not the option, we just chose a path closer to the coast, but the frustration of not being able to cross it in the "middle middle" stays. [23.01.13]
Every time I ride the bike tears come rushing into my eyes. Is it the velocity, the thrill, or the cold? [22.01.13]
