Our last full day was one of rest and farewell. Actually, rest for Peters, that is! Silvija, well... she had a self-made tradition to uphold.

Since the (blessed) end of Soviet times, Silvija's family would rent an apartment for most trips -- a lot more spacious and convenient than being cooped up in a hotel. (It's really not fair to descend upon relatives who simply don't have enough room!) Latvian relatives being who they are, whenever Silvija visited, they ran around buying every Latvian delicacy they knew she loved, treated her to wonderful, hours-long meals, and basically, spoiled her rotten. (And since we married, it's been a double dose of relatives each trip! But we digress.) Several years ago, Silvija decided that turnabout was fair play. She returned the "favor" by hosting a "last night in Riga" celebration where she and her dad were staying. In keeping with the manner accustomed to (taking a cue from her relatives), Silvija put out a spread to feed an army. Or a batallion, at least! It was a great idea... have everyone come over for one last evening of comraderie -- relax, eat, drink, and be merry, while the happy travellers could join in -- and pack at the same time.

It became an instant tradition. We were only there for a few days this trip, but we still had to bid a fitting farewell to our (united) community of relatives and family friends. Food and drink abounded. But we were all so preoccupied (eating, drinking, chatting -- and packing!) that we nearly didn't take any pictures! Still, the tone of the evening was more than evident. Family, friendship -- and knowing we'd all see each other soon again. A far cry from the Soviet years, when travel was more cumbersome and Silvija only managed to get to Latvia every other year, if that. During those times, the last evening was usually one of sadness, knowing her next trip was at least two years away, knowing none of her relatives could leave to visit. (Or in Peters' case, not ever even meeting his relatives until independence!)

Now that we go at least once a year, there's no more melancholy to mar the festivities. It's just that...

As we mentioned at the outset, our flight left early the next morning, so we couldn't carry the celebration into the wee hours (although Silvija remembers doing exactly that during Soviet times, never quite sure when she'd visit next... Ah, to be young again!) It wasn't much after dawn that Zina and Anda returned to escort us to the airport.

The flight home was uneventful. We did wait for a cab for nearly as long as we spent crossing the Atlantic, but that's New York for you! We reflected that our time in Riga had been far too short. As much as we enjoyed London and our alone time, nothing is more important than being with family. We had fulfilled our promise to visit for Erna's 100th birthday celebration -- attending a centenary event was a first for both of us! Of course, that event centered around family, friends -- and food and drink -- as well. One of Silvija's fondest recollections was Gaida's story about her mom Erna asking over and over the day prior to the party, "But how are you going to entertain with nothing to put on the table?" Not seeing Gaida busy in the kitchen, Erna anticipated the worst: an empty table! Nothing to fear, of course. Friends and family had already taken care of all the food preparation to allow Gaida to decorate the house, care for her mom Erna, and to spend quality time with her on her birthday, the 9th (the day before we all got together).

We took away fond memories of the love of family and friends, of our too-full bellies, and the joyous and unique sound of Latvian singing -- made all the more special by the centenary we celebrated.