Riga Old Town

Today we booked 2 walking tours. Old Riga in the morning and the afternoon one was about the occupations of Latvia. Both excellent and both guides had personal experience with great grand parents and grandparents being sent to Siberia or detention camps. Neither families were Jewish but were suspected of other things. No one was safe. The educated , professionals , people doing well etc were all sent to these hell on earth places where most people died of starvation and disease. Both guides spoke about the rise in anxiety in the community since Russia invaded Ukraine. They look back on life 3 years ago as being care free compared to now. Everyone is worried about what will happen next. They support Ukraine 100% and all over Latvia they fly the Ukraine flag next to their own.

So much pain and trauma lies in the psyche of the Latvians. Their past has been traumatic with either the Russians or Germans constantly invading. The lives of Latvians have been an absolute struggle and yet the 1800’s had been very good for the economy. The streets of Riga, old city and new city are filled with sophisticated architecture which is absolutely beautiful in Art Nouveau style.

Lunch today was in The Fish Cafe. We shared fish soup, baked stuffed herring, and potato cakes with rolled slices of smoked salmon. Absolutely delicious.

After the second tour we were exhausted and went straight to the Raddison Blu roof top bar. Two drinks each later, we staggered home for a bread, pickle and sardine dinner. Exhausted we fell into bed.Read more