RIGA, LATVIA

                              Today we are in at the city of Riga in the Baltic country of Latvia.

Background Info:

        This is the capital and largest city of Latvia with a population of nearly 700,000.  It is the largest city of the Baltic states and home to more than 1/3^rd of Latvia’s people.  Riga lies on the Gulf of Riga at the mouth of the Daugava River and was founded in 1201 by a German bishop.  

        Riga is a key economic and financial center of the Baltic States.  Interestingly enough, roughly half of all jobs in Latvia are in Riga.  The biggest exports are wood products, IT, food & beverage manufacturing, drugs (medicines), transport, and metallurgy.  Tourism is also a large industry here.  The average monthly salary here is $1000.  There are many new modern buildings along the river but our tour was of the old city of Riga.  I think you will enjoy the photos as it is a clean and colorful place.  We really enjoyed our visit here. Restaurant prices and the prices of the chocolate candy we bought was VERY reasonable.  About half of what you would pay in Norway or Sweden.  I like that! 

        Like Lithuania, Latvia was invaded by the Nazis in 1939 and Soviet Russia in 1944.  They also gained their independence from the Soviets in 1991.  About 1/3 of Riga was destroyed during WWII.  

        A couple of notable residents were German composer, Richard Wagner, and Russian dancer, Mikhail Baryshnikov.  Dallas, Texas, is its “sister city” in the USA.

        The coldest months are January and February with average temperature of 23F but does get as low as -13F on the coldest days.  The summer average high is 70F but can get up to nearly 90F on hottest days.  It was 90F today for our visit.  The humidity is normally high here also.

        It is now 4:00pm and we are departing for Helsinki, Finland.  Again, we loved our short visit in Riga. 

          We sailed up the river several miles to get to Riga and shore was lined with shipping operations.

                                             A Chinese ship being loaded with coal.

              Our dock was next to this bridge and just a few minutes walk to the old part of Riga.

                                               The view our our balcony today.

                                                                   Our tour for the day

                           Half hour drive around the Art Nouveau area of newer part of Riga.

 The old KGB building where during the Soviet times people who were brought here were either killed or sent to Siberia.  They were not seen again.

                                    One of many parks in Riga.  20% of the city is park area.

                                                   The Russian Orthodox Church

                                                          Academy of the Arts

                                           Congress Hall during the Soviet Russian times

                                                            Academy of Science

                              There is a huge market area that takes up probably 1/2 mile area.

 This is part of the market.  Five old Zeppelin hangers that house different market, ie, seafood, vegetables, ect.

                                                   The City Hall on City Hall Square

 "House of the Black Hats".  Years ago there was an organization of single merchants that met here.  The original building was destroyed so this is reproduction.

 The tallest building in Riga is this:  St Peter's Church at 380 feet to steeple.  Has burnt down several times as lightning kept striking the high steeple.  Last time it burnt down was during WWII.

                                                            Steeple of St Peter's

                                                        St John's Church

                                                       Girls playing old Latvian instrument

                                                                              St John's

                                                          Woman making dolls

 You're wish is suppose to be granted if you touch these animals.  I think the girls were wishing for more sugar free chocolate ice cream!!

                                                Restaurant in small alcove off the street

                                                        Our guide who was very good.

                                 Part of the only remaining wall that use to circle old town.

                           After 20 days on the cruise ship, this is what we look and feel like!!

                                                           Canal Park

                                                           National Opera House

                                                     Opera House again

                                                 Yes, that is the golden arches

                 Freedom Monument--During Soviet Russia days over 100,000 people sent to Siberia

                                           I just happen to notice a lot of cute girls today.

                                             Shops set up one one of the squares

                                         The sign on it said it was the "Amateur Theater"

                                                Music hall building on right

 We found a chocolate shop.  Prices here and on restaurant boards around town today were very reasonable.

                                                  Some very nice shops here also.

 Our guide says "Balzams" is national liquor with 45% alcohol.  We did not have time to come back here.

                         Originally this was a bank but now something to do with Latvia radio.

 Largest church in Riga, the Riga Cathedral.  It's organ dates back to 1800's and still playing with original parts.

                                     "Swedish Gate" that was entrance to the old walled city.

                                                       Old warehouse with winch at top

                                                        St Jacob's catholic church

                                 Latvia's parliament building--they are now a democratic country.

 Talk about ingenuity, these guys started playing "The Star Spangled Banner" as we approached.  I generally do not give money to people like this but did these guys.

                                    The old castle that is under going extensive renovation.

                                           A small beach across river from out balcony.