Rehearsal was a success. I am more tired than I have ever been in my life. I check into my hotel. Finally. It's well before 9p.m. I know if I go to sleep now there will be a chance that I will wake at four or five a.m. and then fret all day about getting a nap in before my gig Thursday night. I can not be tired for my first show. And so I decide to stay up as late as I can so that I will have a full night's sleep and (with hope) awake at a normal morning hour and be back on line for the …
Introducing: Bites Blues Club & The Latvian Blues Band
Zigis, who I immediately adore, gives me a verbal tour as he drives the 15 minutes to the club. My hotel sits literally across the street, and it's a narrow street. Close but yet so far... …
Hell Ride Continued…
The plane takes off and sounds like what I can only describe as the Empire State Building being dropped into a cement mixer. After about four years, the heat kicks in with the smell of alien fossil fumes. And then, as if on cue, …
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 …