a rollercoaster called Riga

Well, I'm now composed enough to fill you all in on our latest jaunt into eastern europe, the highs and lows of which i've never experienced in all my travels.
Firstly, the opportunity to catch up with far flung friends- High.
The chance to visit a very old, very beautiful town on the Baltic- High.
The realisation that the town is still very much under state control, as a friend is piled into a paddy wagon, just because he climbed on the base of the 'freedom monument' so that bear could take a photo- Low.
Swimming in the mirky waters of the Baltic sea- a chilly High.
Celebrating our first aniversary with dear friends- Emotional High.
Saying farewell to some of those friends the next morning as they jetted back to far flung regions- Low but High.
Wil and I placing hand engraved locks on lovers bridge in honour of our partners and relationships- Huge High.
Enjoying a top notch japanese feed for our last night- Absolute High.
Going out for a last drink and finding the cheapest bar in Riga- Dizzy High.
Coming home to find our cameras, plus Mezzy's wallet and phone, missing from the room- Incredibly low Low.
Realising all my photos of all these fantastic experiences were gone forever- Even Lower still.
And that was the catalyst..... at that point, the dreads came off. Afew tears were shed from each eye, as 12 years hit the floor one by one. It was a crazy event. I'm still getting over the shock.
They were born in travel, and they have died there too. The decision was made for me. And thats the only thing I can tell you.
I'd love to show you all the photos of this rollercoaster ride, but some scoundrel (not my word) in the marketplace in Riga is deleting them right now.
And thats it.
Thanks to Mez Isa Rusty Mel and Nat, Paul Markus Wil Greg and Lucas for sharing this ride... rest assured, it's one I'll never forget. Thanks for your support. Love youse all. And special thanks to Nat and Isa for helping dismantle and clean up my head.
A tentative cheers.
bsr