Monday, November 1, 2021

Next Assignment: Riga, Latvia!

We have our next post assignment:  Riga, Latvia!


We transfer from Phnom Penh, Cambodia to Riga next summer.  We're excited as this will be our first time in the Baltic countries, Eastern Europe, and our first posting in the European and Eurasian Affairs Bureau (EUR).  We also get to shop for new sweaters!

Latvia is one of three countries referred to as the "Baltic States":  Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia.  Each has its own history, culture, and language, but also have much in common.  Formerly part of the Soviet Union (not by choice), the Baltics have been independent countries again since 1991.  




My position will be regional to include Tallinn, Estonia and Helsinki, Finland.  That means regular travel among the three cities, so even more opportunity to get to know the region.

How did we end up with Riga, you ask?  That is a good question and brings up the topic of "Bidding" in the Foreign Service.  I'll leave that for another blog post.