Back at the Albert Hotel... I pack my clothes in my suitcase and sort through all my power converters, adapters and chargers. I stuff my boa and wings into the front panel of my suitcase and finally - after replaying the night's show in my head - go to bed. I stop by the breakfast buffet in the morning for a quick bite and bid "adieu" to the Albert Hotel. Zigis drives me to the Riga airport which seems surprisingly pleasant today - I have quite a different attitude then when I arrived here …
First Gig in Riga – the Corporate Party -Ladies in White
Zigis informs me that I will have a dressing room at the gig so I decide to carry my ensemble and change on site. I dress in jeans and drag it all downstairs to meet Zigis who is waiting at the Club for me to "make food" then depart for the gig which is a bit of a drive away in a resort suburb of Riga called Jurmala. Jurmala is located by the now frozen Baltic Sea. I am sure that in the Summer it is gorgeous but in the cold dark of Winter, it is just cold and dark. The event is being held at …
The Flight to Riga: Code Name – Hell Ride
I am so exhausted that I can not think straight as I make my way to the gate for my flight to Riga. I keep thinking that I've lost my passport though it is in my handy passport/ ticket/ wallet holder that is hanging around my neck. I've been up about 24 hours at this point. Boarding is announced and I dutifully follow the lead of my fellow passengers down the frigging stairs. I am lugging my carry-on (which at this point weighs 2000 pounds) to the outside. Remember, Stockholm is freezing! …
Seven Hours at Arlanda: Stockholm Airport
I felt so lucky to have an international phone. Being able to call my BFF from the cell without pushing a bunch of numbers is thrilling for me. I proceed through Customs and after the obligatory questions: Why are you visiting Stockholm? How long is your stay? Business or pleasure? I wheel my carry on as I search for the nearest toilet. I take my first photo inside Stockholm. There are an abundance of Olympic rings represented all over the place. I don't expect we will see a lot of that …
The Flight to Stockholm
Terminal 5 looked deserted and my departure gate is totally empty. And this made my heart leap for joy after my major disappointment at not finding noiseless headphones. And besides, I threw my old beater headphones in my suitcase for good measure so I knew that all was not lost. However, the thought of an empty flight to Europe was more than I could hope for. I was mainly praying for an empty seat next to mine. Nothing worse than my bulk being squeezed in between people on an eight-hour …