"Mid-December: I learned the hard way that snow-covered surfaces are not always what they seem. I approached the water's edge, treading on what I thought was snow-covered sand. Suddenly I punched through a crust and felt the shock of frigid water rushing into my 12" high boot. Fortunately the water was shallow! Dropping to my knees, I crawled back toward the dunes, and soon encountered terra firma."

"Do you do Art Nouveau? This well-kept building lines Kurmala Prospects, a prominent street extending from the posh downtown toward Jurmala (Seaside) Park."

"During my visit to Latvia, the city built this display downtown. It honors Kristians Dals (1839-1904), polar explorer from Latvia. Since the 19th century Liepaja has been home to multiple schools of navigation. More information is available at http://www.li.lv/images_new/files/pdf/Seafaring_in_Latvia.pdf"

"The entire area appears so clean."

"Ah the true heroes of this earth."