Riga and Stockholm

Dome Cathedral in Riga, Latvia--- the church dates back to the 13th century and the church organ houses close to 7,000 pipes

One of the picturesque sidewalk cafes in the old town of Riga

Riga is known as the "Paris of the North" and the architecture in this old city is splendid to say the least

St. Peter's Church--- which dates back to the year 1209-- much of the church was destroyed by fires during the second world war

Love these color combinations, which can be seen all over the city

Europeans really take their World Cup Soccer seriously-- This truck was set up in one of the main squares for everyone's viewing pleasure

Getting ready for some of the dark garlic bread that Riga is known for-- that is St. Peter's Church in the background

On our way back to catch our boat for the 17 hour boat ride back to Stockholm. The dark and oily waters of the Daugava River are in the background. This river runs from the hills of western Russia all the way to the Gulf of Riga.

One of the many canals in the city.

This freedom tower was constructed in the city in the 1930's-- It symbolizes the freedom that Latvians experienced after the first world war. The country was under German and Soviet control from 1939 until the early 1990's

Great place for a clothes line

Checked out this occupation museum which had poignant artifacts and displays from all the years that Latvia suffered under direct occupation--one memorable display was of a Russian "gulag" or hard labor camp-- where thousands of Lats were sent during this time period

weapons from the gulags-- where conditions were often harsh and thousands perished

More articles from the camps



Now For Some More Stockholm Pics

Wonderful view from the Aquarium on the island of Djurgarden

The Stockholm Aquarium-- Don't think you will find these sort of fish in the chilly waters of the Baltic though

The Nordiska Museum-- A Grand and Opulent Structure, which seems to be the norm in Stockholm

George and Laurie Contreras in Stockholm-- It was great to finally meet the two of them--- Think they will be ready to co-author their very own Lonely Planet Travel Guide sometime soon!

Did I ever mention that I really love Stockholm???

Thought these cloud formations were really unique

The "Vision of the Seas" Cruise Ship in port at Stockholm Harbour

Taken from our cruise ship somewhere in the middle of the Baltic Sea

Kodie and Kamryn on the "Vision of the Seas"

We have been back in Seinajoki five days now and the weather has been absolutely splendid. The kids have been swimming twice this week and outdoor summer activities are at their peak this time of year in Finland. Kaylin hasn't been feeling well since we returned, so we took her to the local hospital yesterday. It looks like she has some type of eye infection that has been accompanied by a sore throat, so now she is on medication and already seems to be improving.

Our team traveled to Turku this past weekend to play the Trojans. Despite missing two more starters on defense due to recent injuries, our team rose to the occasion and turned in our most consistent performance of the season. The game was played in sweltering heat (about 84 degrees by Finnish standards), but our team got off to a quick start and played well in all 3 phases of the game. We had over 500 yards of total offense in our 63-0 victory and the defense held our opponent to less than 50 yards of total offense. It was just one of those days where everything was clicking and my hat is off to our players for turning in such a dominating performance. Great job guys. The road gets even tougher now as the Porvoon Butchers come to town this Friday for a big match up against us. The Butchers are probably our most intense rival and they have won the last 5 championships in a row. They are a physical team with many skilled players and they know how to win. It should prove to be a great test for our team.



Hope you enjoyed the photos of Riga, Latvia and Stockholm, Sweden.

Lights out.