Well, we have left Latvia and have had a great stay. Based ourselves in Riga, by the river and right near the bridge to the Old Town. Strolled around the streets in this area and it is really lovely. By far my favourite building was the House of Blackheads. The building had numerous sculptures and the coat of arms from many cities. It's a lovely reddish colour and a unique shape. Loving the architecture everywhere we go...a bit of an interest after I loved the Chrysler Building in New York. There are a number of churches, cathedrals scattered around the lovely old, cobblestone streets. This is fairly typical of everywhere we go. And at times the plain...or grand...exterior does not reflect the beauty (or simplicity) inside. I must add though, the cobblestones are starting to have an effect on my leg. They are so uneven it pulls my knee in all directions. I am also scuffing my right shoes at the toe. However, they do look beautiful. One of the things we really enjoyed was heading to Bastion Hill park and the freedom monument. The monument was very impressive and clearly holds a place of pride for Latvians...honouring those killed in the fight for Independence. The park was a lovely respite from buildings. Beautiful gardens, sculptures and bridges are along side the canal. Decided to rest and went on an hour ride through the canals and the river. The English commentary was entertaining...and it would seem that Latvians have the oldest, best etc in THE BALTIC. Even global time is apparently based on the Riga clock. It also mentioned that the spire on the cathedral was the highest in the Baltic, but also added that the Estonians would lay claim to this title. It would appear that Latvia likes to beat Estonia. The commentary went on to mention that Estonia claims to have a bigger square and market, but then added "they don't; the only thing they have bigger are bears". Very amusing... Though we were the only ones who laughed. We did stroll through the markets...AMAZING. They are situated in 5 relocated and repurposed Zeppelin hangers left over from the war. You can buy all sorts of amazing fresh food...veggies, meats, cheeses, spices, fish...biggest delicatessen I ever seen.
I must say...the food has been amazing here. Have eaten the most spectacular grilled salmon...lol NO CABBAGE...and salad. I don't think I can eat Tassie salmon again...Atlantic salmon has sooooo much more taste to it. BR had a baked veggie and salmon dish and has rated it up with his best meals EVER.
We also managed to do a couple of day drives in different directions. Headed out to Sigula and Ceces to see a bit more of the landscape. Did the cable car...pretty basic, but over the river and explored a few castle ruins. Went on a few short walks through the bush...the trees are really nice. They have a reddish tint to the trunks. Ceses was lovely...and actually had the biggest and quietest roundabout ever seen...signalled by a few trees in the middle of the road. Castle ruins were amazing and the park lovely. The second day trip was out to the coast to a beach town Jurmala. Very trendy, very pricey...but the beach was really good; though we were intrigued by how many people were riding bikes along the sand near the water. We realised why when we walked down...the sand is rock hard, like cement. Also noticed as I dabbled my feet that the water was brown. Little off putting, but many enjoying their day in the sun. Surprisingly or interestingly, very few hats, lots of naked children and lying in full sun in bikinis...bit scary at times. No apparent sun safety. As we left Latvia for Klaipeda in Lithuania we called into Liepaja, where Arija was from. Another beach town. Really lovely. Walked along the very civilised beach, pizza for lunch, attacked by mozzies.
