On Thursday I flew to Charlotte, then drove to Blowing Rock, NC.  We own land in a neighborhood there, and several additional lots will be auctioned on June 1st.  Armed with camera, plat, iPad, and a questionnaire RBD created, I set off on my first real estate site survey.  We plan to build soon and rent out the cabin to vacationers from Raleigh and Charlotte.  That trip involved planning for our future.

Sixteen hours later I headed to a different airport, met mom, and flew across the Atlantic.  I sit now in Gatwick, behind me are loud Americans.  We are waiting to board the flight to Riga on Air Baltic, the Spirt Airlines of Eastern Europe.  (It cost 30 pounds to check in at the airport.  Per person.  Which is insane.)  We will have traveled for about twenty-two hours and 4,100 miles.  Contrasting to Thursday, this trip involves my family’s past.

As I soared over the ocean on an Airbus A340, its massive four engines churning cold air through them, the contrasts of my life and my Latvian great-grandmother juxtaposed in my Ambien drugged head.  

Mina sailed over on a ship, which took weeks.  Our flight took seven hours; we arrived early.  She worked as a servant, escorting a wealthy family’s daughter.  I drank free Prosecco served by charming flight attendants with fun, British accents.  She emigrated through Ellis Island and was subjected to a process Americans today would deem, at best, degrading.  I, a white man, scanned my American passport and was immediately granted entry without any human intervention.  Mina left Latvia and never saw her home again.  I will pass through England again Friday and stay the weekend only because it’s more convenient than flying direct.  Also, I was here last October.  I may be back next October.  

The resources my mother and I have access to would be inconceivable to Gram.  She lived through The Depression.  Contrastingly, I am annoyed at Air Baltic for nickel-and-diming me, somehow forgetting I just flew over an ocean while being filled with free Prosecco.  The contrast of it all is hard to reconcile.     

Tomorrow, Sunday, we will head to Dobele to see the acclaimed Lilac Festival.  Supposed to be amazing, the entire town does a thing with a lot of concerts and dancing. Monday we bop around Riga.  Tuesday I booked a tour with a local guide to discuss the Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Wednesday, more Riga.  Thursday we rent a car and head to some of the palaces and castles in the area outside Riga.  We conclude with dinner with friends of mom; they live here in Latvia.    

Friday we jet to London, see a show on the West End, Come From Away, and tour the city.  Saturday, more pavement pounding in London, which mom hasn’t been to in 40 years.  Sunday we fly home. 

It’s going to be a whirlwind. 

Glad you’re along for the ride.  Strap in.  (Funny story, seat belts on Air Baltic are an extra 50 quid.  I’m opting to risk it.)