Baltic in Riga

The trains no longer go from Lithuania into Latvia so a change in mode of transport was required. Surprisingly the four hour trip went quickly thanks to Mr Cruise and Top Gun II, Maverick.

Arriving in Riga and more than chilly, brought reality to the phrase “It’s a bit Baltic”!  The wind rushed down the widest open grid-like streets with many concrete structures.  Initial impressions were not great; a cold, windy, grey city!  Space was clearly in an abundance; this city felt huge and different from anywhere we’d been and a lot blooming colder.  (We even had to stop on route to the hotel to add an extra layer!)  The hotel when we arrived was pleasant, but no time to waste we headed into the city as we had less than 18 hours to see Riga!

Little did we know we’d arrived on another national holiday, yes, that’s right another celebration of independence from the USSR on the 4 May 1991.  Wandering through the city centre park area we were surprised at the wonderful atmosphere, it was almost like the whole city had come out to celebrate, some in national costume but many were laying flowers into the shape of Latvia at the foot of the Freedom Monument. 

Again a monument erected in 1935 which celebrates the lives lost in a struggle against an oppressive Russia 1918/1920 then considered for demolition by the Russians when Latvia was annexed in 1940.

The old town Riga is picturesque and full of wonderful architecture and more cobbled streets which seems to be the norm across Eastern Europe. 

The atmosphere lively and welcoming, beyond the old town Riga is large and feels very much like a thriving city. 

18 hours was plenty of time to visit and see all the main landmarks of interest.