Sunsets, Solstices, and Saying Goodbye

I’m writing this the morning after the summer solstice celebrations. My friends and I spent the night on the beach, dancing to Latvian music with flower crowns in our hair, and the scent of bonfire smoke lingering in the air.

My eyes feel a bit heavy this morning, but there’s a quiet sense of contentment underneath it all.

Today’s about wrapping things up: grabbing a few of my favorite local products, finishing the packing I’ve been putting off, sending the last postcards, and taking one final stroll through the city I’ve called home these past months.

As I go about these last few tasks, flashes of everything I’ve lived here drift in and out — small details, big moments, things I didn’t realize had left a mark. There have been all kinds of adventures — some incredible, others tough — but in the end, I’m holding onto all of them, because they’ve shaped this experience into something unique.

I’m genuinely grateful to Liden & Denz for this opportunity, and to the teachers who guided me along the way. Thanks to them, I’ve reached a point where I finally feel like I can speak Russian with real freedom and confidence.

I’m going to miss the late-night Russian conversations with strangers — and maybe even more, the quiet walks home afterward. Those early mornings, when the city is still asleep and the streets are so empty, it feels like I’m the only one left in the whole world.

I’m grateful for all the amazing people I met through this experience — from my friends at Liden & Denz and my lovely flatmates, to the locals who made everything feel so much more authentic.

I’ve grown so fond of this little corner of the Baltics that I can’t help but hope I’ll find my way back one day. But for now, other chapters await — so goodbye, Riga. Thank you for everything.

And thank you, dear reader, for following me on this adventure. I’d love to leave you with some photos from last night. Enjoy!