Riga

I almost did not write this and instead picked up the voice memo recorder. It’s tempting. I am getting overloaded with information and impressions, it seems all too much to convey in writing. So how about a short version. I am currently in Riga.

Geography: 

Riga is the capital of Latvia, which is surrounded by Lithuania (see previous post), Estonia (await next post), as well as Belarus and Russia (no posting allowed). The city was build by the Daugava river, not the sea.

History:

Founded 800 years ago by the Germans, the city and country have seen their share of foreign powers (Soviet Union, Nazi Germany, Russia, Sweden, Poland, Lithuania). They were independent from 1918-1940 and again since 1991 to present, joined the EU 22 years ago and have been using the Euro for 12 years now. They are modern people with lots of baggage.

Architecture:

Riga is globally famous for having the highest concentration of Art Nouveau-architecture in the world, making up roughly a third of all buildings in the city center (UNESCO) plus a blend of medieval Gothic, Baroque, and Hanseatic styles. It’s difficult to look where you step instead of up toward the buildings all the time. Most buildings have been beautifully restored. Some have not and the difference is sad. So much art went into the design and construction.

Anti-war stance

Riga is a brave defender of Ukraine and they have done something absolutely brilliant in addition to signs, flags, flower color choices: 1.) they renamed the section of the street that houses the Russian embassy to “Independent Ukraine Street” which will have to be used for official business, stationary, etc. and 2.) the building across the street from the Russian embassy is owned by the medical history museum and they hung a huge (not so healthy) depiction of Putin in plain view.

Me? I am having a great time and am just getting more and more inspired by my fellow travelers. Onwards to Estonia tomorrow.