RIGA THE ART NOUVEAU CITY OF LATVIA
RIGA
THE ART NOUVEAU CITY
OF LATVIA
RIGA THE ART NOUVEAU CITY OF LATVIA
Riga is the capital of the Republic of Latvia. It is the biggest capital in the three Baltic states (which includes Estonia and Lithuania). The city of Riga lies at the mouth of the Daugava river where it meets the Baltic sea. Riga the Art Nouveau city of Latvia and Northern Europe, is comprised of over 800 such buildings throughout the city. (Art Nouveau is a 19th-century style of architecture. This is an applied and decorative art, to interiors and exteriors of buildings).
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ABOUT RIGA/LATVIA
Latvia is among some of the poorest European countries (according to its GDP per capita), but not in the top 10 poorest. It is located about 282 km from Estonia and 268 km from Lithuania. Honestly, the city of Riga reminds me somewhat of Vilnius, Lithuania, even some of the foods and weather are similar (see my post of Lithuania). Riga is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its architecture. Most of the architecture are from the 19th century. Nonetheless, its facade of Art Nouveau modern to Gothic buildings, makes the city an interesting one.
Latvia’s most popular sport is Ice Hockey. It can also boast of its 500 km white sand beach at Jurmala, therefore making it a perfect spot for the summer. Latvians take pride its special brew called Riga Black Balsam, it is a drink created from a 17th-century medieval recipe from 24 ingredients. The alcoholic drink is an acquired taste (somewhat bittersweet like cough syrup), it is said to improve overall health. This liqueur is a well-known symbol of Riga and Latvia worldwide.
Like other European countries on this side of the globe, during the winter months, the sun sets early and rises late. It can be very rainy and foggy during this time, so as usual have your compact travel umbrella at all times. Riga has many WIFI hotspots in the and around the city and the speed is one of the best in Europe. Riga is not an expensive city neither is it a cheap city. Hotel and food are reasonably priced, I am not sure if it’s due to the winter period in Riga.
ABOUT LATVIAN PEOPLE
Latvians are very tall especially the women, it seems they are tallest in Europe if not in the top 3 tallest. The people of the Baltic states are medium height to tall, the same I noticed in Lithuania. Latvians are more approachable than some of the other countries I visited. They seem very helpful and outgoing too, at least the ones I interacted with. It may be somewhat strange, but the men seem a bit friendlier than the women in Riga and “chattier” too. I was surprised to learn (from the hop on hop off bus guide) that almost 40% of the population in Riga are Russians.
LATVIAN FOOD
Had I not visited Vilnius before visiting Riga, I would have been a bit more enthusiastic about the food in Riga. However, because some of the foods in Riga and Vilnius are similar if not the same, as previously mentioned, I was not too excited. Nevertheless, here are some of the main dishes of Latvia;
- Grey peas and Speck (Prlekie zirni ar speki) touted as most Latvian. It is made from a sort of dried peas (like chickpeas and pork), might I add I have seen this exact food in Vilnius
- Black Rye bread or ‘coarse” bread (Rupja maize) is one of Latvia’s natural dishes. The Rye bread is fried with garlic and served with mayonnaise.
- Smoked fish
- Bread Soup and Potato Pancakes
- Beetroot Soup (same as Lithuania)
MUST DO/VISIT SITES OF INTEREST IN RIGA/LATVIA
- The Nativity of Church Cathedral, it is the biggest orthodox church in Riga
- Riga Cathedral – (the church organ is considered one of the most historical worldwide)
- House of the Black Heads (Brotherhood of Blackheads, the guild of unmarried merchants)
- The Riga Central Market
- Peter’s Church (highest church tower in Riga, check the city view from the observation deck)
- Rundale Palace and Museum
- The Freedom Monument
- Gutmanis Cave
- Guaja National Park
- Jurmala – Seaside resort (20 minutes’ drive from Riga)
SOME FACTS ABOUT RIGA/LATVIA YOU MAY NOT HAVE KNOWN
- In June, the days are 17 – 18 hours long, the 23rd – 24th are the shortest nights of the year, also in mid-summer the daylight is almost 20 hours.
- Amber is the most popular souvenir in Latvia, it is also referred to as the magical stone.
- Many of the old churches have rooster instead of crosses, I was told these are to scare the devil away.
- Jacobs’s Cathedral and St. Peter’s Church sermons marked the beginning of the reformation of Latvia in 1522.
- Latvia was last the European country to join Christendom, Paganism is still very prevalent in Latvia.
- Latvia holds the 2012 Guinness world record for the longest phone conversation at 56 hours and 4 minutes.
- Latvians love Riga, more than a third of the population live in the city.
- Crocodile Harry (who inspired Crocodile Dundee) was born in Latvia and then moved to Australia.
SUMMARY
I think my stay was a bit too short and would love to re-visit Riga, the Art Nouveau City of Latvia. I got the feel-good spirit in Latvia. Riga is quite a safe country for females and any solo traveller. The currency used in Latvia is Euro and the spoken languages are Latvian and Russian. Would I recommend Latvia to others or re-visit? Definitely!! But preferably in summer or spring.
MUST HAVE ESSENTIAL ITEMS FOR ALL TRAVELLERS
These are my essentials and gadgets I can never do without for a smooth and stress-free vacation. All are available on Amazon for direct links to the products and information and suggested uses .
For MUST-READ BOOKS Think and Grow Rich is an excellent book for those who are looking to improve their life and personally grow and develop. How to win friends and Influence people (#Ad) another self improvement and and social skills development read (excellent read …perfect for long airport layovers and during your flight) or during your free time. CLICK HERE for the entire list of travel essentials and uses/descriptions
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