Birthday in Riga
Went for a quick trip to Riga, Latvia, for the annual inspection of our vehicle.  It just so happened to be Sister Allred's birthday.  So, for her birthday wish, we went exploring to Riga's Central Market.  There are five historical buildings that house the central market.  They were, at one time, German zeppelin hangars that were used in WWI.  It is Europe's largest market and bazaar.

Riga's Central Market

Inside is a marvelous collection of food and produce that will gladden the eye.  One hangar is totally devoted to seafood.  The others have their emphasis as well.  Here are a few pictures of what we found.  There are rows and rows of produce and other foods.  It is truly amazing.

Produce everywhere

Honey and beeswax

Don't even get me started on the bread . . .

After looking through each building, we went outside and there were more shops that operate outdoors (cheaper rent for sure).  We took a walk over to old town and found a KFC (late lunch).  The weather was quite a bit nippy and a certain someone was getting very cold, so we went back to the hotel and warmed up and then went window shopping at the mall next door.  It was there where we found a place to enjoy a birthday dinner.

The birthday girl enjoying her vegetable soup

Tallinn Branch Christmas Party
The annual branch Christmas party was held December 17th.  It is quite the festive affair with a full dinner, entertainment and a visit from Santa.  In Estonia, children are not just given gifts, they must first redeem them by reciting a poem or singing a song.  All the children went up and performed for Santa as well as the YM and YW organizations.  Sister Allred and I sang Silent Night as a duet with narration between the verses.

Before everyone arrived

The Dinner

More Dinner

Missionary Entertainment

Santa Arrives!

The children singing to Santa