Monthly Archives: November 2019

Riga, travelling and photography

I have been very lucky. I did a very nice journey to Latvia, a country with so much history. And as you know, I love history. Maybe it was not the best time of the year to travel since there was no sunshine. But refreshing to read some history and also see some museums. Since Latvia is famous for spas, I went for swimming and sauna as well. To reflect is important, and my impression of Riga was a mixture of a modern city with medieval influences. As I saw in a newspaper:

“We have what it takes to live like the Swiss🇨🇭. It is now up to us to make good use of these opportunities”

Latvia’s future will probably depend a lot on the geopolitical development in the world, where eg China, Russia, the USA and Europe play important roles. A geopolitical balance. Latvia is a member of both the European Union and NATO, and the presence of € gives Latvia a European touch.

I am very found of photography and couldn’t resist to visit a photography museum. It was a very quiet museum, and there were a few photos from the first world war. It was also interesting to see the mini spy Minox camera invented by Valters Caps. In 1940, when Latvia was occupied by the USSR the production was changed. The Soviets replaced “made in Latvia” with “made in the USSR”. An elderly woman explained about the very first cameras, and how photos were made in the beginning of 20th century. I have always wondered why people are so serious in the photos. But now I understand, when I was at the arranged photo session area, I couldn’t smile either.

Snowy countryside

First snow. Always fun. It is nice to stay outdoors for a few hours, and then stay indoors infront of an open fire. I went for jogging today and then walk with sweetie. She is getting to know the new dog Molly. Molly is too little to go for walks on the road, she is in the forest instead.

It is difficult with names. Morris was suggested, but that is a male name. Then I thought of Morissa, but it is too long. Then Morran came up. Morran (or Mårran) is one of the characters in Mumindalen. However, Molly is her name in the passport that she was given in Tirana, Albania. This is now the most popular name for dogs in Sweden. And Lady & Molly sounds good. Both names have the letter L. Easy to call for them.

They are now very good friends.

History of Serbia

Tomorrow is a big and emotional day in Berlin: the fall of the Berlin Wall in 9th of November 1989. I was in Berlin a few years ago (see my instagrams) and I have very strong memories from that journey. I spent quite a lot of time in the historical area of Berlin. Like Checkpoint Charlie, dividing east from west. When I reflect, I mostly remember that it felt so close in time, and that several countries were involved. This was not only a German issue. It was like staying close to World War II.

To know history is rather important because you can better understand what happens in the world today. A battle in the past can get emotional, even thought it is a long time ago, and generate new conflicts today as well as in the future. Old wounds are not easy to heal. Like the shootings in Sarajevo that was the start of World War I. Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria and his wife Sophie were assassinated by Bosnian Serbs. Subsequently, Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia which led to instability and war between most European countries, later also involving Russia.

History is by no doubt interesting. I am now off for two weeks, and I will spend some time studying history and languages. Trade is interesting, and trade wars have occurred during centuries. But trade may also generate peace. Like the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) after World War II. These weeks I will learn more about the Hansa trade union in the Baltic sea, that started in the 11th century. Of course I will spend a lot of time with sweetie and cutie. They need a lot of attention. As always.

New family member

Yesterday ended very well. I found a new friend for my sweetie. An Albanian Cocker. She has travelled all the way from south of Europe by car, and she has her own passport so she can travel. I think I got inspired by all dogs I met this summer. My sweetie has a new friend and they are now arguing about who’s bone is who’s. They are setting rules – things that only dogs can understand. Sharing a photo.

Cocker Spaniel

I am happy, tomorrow I am going to Uppsala to see a Cocker Spaniel puppy. It has taken a lot of time, and I feel I cannot get too eager in advance. Anything can happen. But however, it is a step in right direction. My sweetie is so sad and she needs a fellow dog puppy. She is too old to have puppies on her own. Whenever she meets another dog she plays. Wish me good luck!

Global health challenges 🍬

I am very concerned about health, and I believe strongly that good health is highly dependent on what you eat and exercise. No big news but anyway. I try to stay healthy by doing sports and having home made cooking. But sometimes it just feels good to have a pizza or a hamburger. Or like yesterday, some trick or treat candy.

I like sweets, and I know it is some kind of dependence. When you feel a little tired it is easy to have something sweet that gives you energy again. This week I will read some about how to replace sugar. My challenge this week. What is your challenge?