Five and a half weeks. That's all we had back in the States and we tried to cram in as much as we could! It was VERY hard not to see everyone we had wanted to see and we were so grateful for the people who did take the time and inconvenience to pin us to a date and time. Swooping in and out of the lives of people we love is not our idea of good relations. We owe you.
Our fourth year at the International School of Latvia -- time flies when you're having fun!
I got a nice eyeball-roll from Jackie when I told her that as tempted as I was to shoot a picture of her freshman class, I resisted the urge. Kevin Joseph, on the other hand was whisked away by his 4th grade teacher for the photo op. and proceeded to skip to class. The first day of school in a different country with multiple languages bouncing around the playground has become old hat for our kids. Hard to believe.
It's always a little overwhelming to see so many faces that we know as everyone at school gathers around to hear Kevin greet all the family and students. There is expectation and hesitation, introductions and reunions and we all know that for the expat community, we are in for another year of working it through together. This year Kevin greeted 10 new staff along with a new director who will essentially be Kevin's boss and captain of the helm. It's been a very good transition and Kevin is really excited about learning new things from a seasoned pro. What Kevin can't offer in management, he can make up for in travel tips and restaurant reviews. The school opened with it's largest student body to date, 221 kids! When we first arrived, 162 kids were attending. For such a small school this is pretty darn exciting and the school is bursting at the seams.
We are still in the same house where we lived last year in the seaside resort of Jurmala, where the school is located. We spent our first two years in the wealthy and urban capital city of Riga and now we walk the streets of the mega wealthy district of Jurmala. There isn't a Honda or Nissan to be found, only Porche, Lexus and Bentley. You have never seen so much heavy metal in your life. I get to take the train, tram, bus, my bike or hitchhike wherever I go. Oh the privileges of being in education! Kevin still drives 'the beast' -- the school's 9-passenger van. Anyone need a lift? -- we have room! Our gas prices are twice as high as back in the States so we feel your pain.
What we are most excited about is the upcoming visit of Kevin's parents who will be arriving on September 16. We are thrilled that they have decided to take the leap over the Atlantic and see what Eastern European life is all about. I was thinking of maybe breaking them in with dinner at the Bull Restaurant. It's specialty, bull's balls. No joke. We thought it was a typo. We've seen 'chicken spit' (instead of 'chicken strips') so how were we to know?? Not to worry though, we want them to love being here as much as we do.
Stay tuned as I update information and photos. Maybe there will even be a few stories along the way. This was my maiden voyage for a blog site. Admittedly it's taken me all day and I really do have to get on with things like making dinner and doing laundry. Have a great rest of your summer!