Finland Russia Baltic Day 13
Finland Russia Baltic
Trafalgar Tours - Day 13 - October 15, 2008 - Wednesday - Riga, Latvia
We stayed in Riga for two nights so our morning was more leisurely because we did not have to have bags out early! We woke up at 7:00, had our showers, and then a great breakfast. This chain of Reval Hotels is very good - clean comfortable rooms, great food, and free internet!
At 8:30 we met our group for a tour of the city of Riga. Our local guide Juris gave us an overview of the local history of the city, founded in 1201. Riga was a booming industrial port and international trading center.
The local citizens were scurrying to work and to school. The day was crisp and clear. It was 49 degrees with 83% humidity. Juris told us that Latvia was ruled by everyone but Latvia until 1991.
War and struggles for independence caused the death of the economy and the death of its citizens for centuries. Only in 1991 did the country gain true independence. After these 15 years of dynamic development there are signs of economic progress typified by a thriving McDonald’s!
We had a lively walking tour of Riga in the shadow of the 14th century castle of the Livonian knights. We visited St. John's Church and the Dom Cathedral dating back to the 13th century, and saw the State Art Museum.
Riga has long been one of the most successful cities on the Baltic. Within the extensive Old Town are narrow medieval streets, Gothic and Baroque Churches, 19th century municipal buildings and Hanseatic warehouses. In 1997 Riga was added to the UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Our last stop on our walking tour was the Castle of Riga. We met Nikolai who took us back to the hotel. We had 20 minutes to use the rest rooms and then we got right back on the bus.
Our next adventure was an optional tour of the showpieces of Latvia’s cultural heritage; the Latvia Ethnographic Open Air Museum in Bergi. Situated in a pine and hardwood forest on the banks of the Jugla Lake there are over 90 authentic and traditional buildings.
We were able to walk through farmhouses, fishermen’s houses, and churches which have been rebuilt here. We had our included lunch in the travelers’ inn and sat around primitive wooden tables.
The sun was bright and the sky was deep blue, a perfect fall afternoon. The temperature was up to 53 degrees so it was nice walking in the hardwoods.
At 2:15 we were back on the bus for our short jaunt back to the hotel. We stored our backpacks and set out with a map of the city to explore on our own.
Riga is a very green city. There are parks everywhere! We spent almost three hours walking along the city streets, strolling through the beautiful parks, and taking more photos of this busy city.
We came back to the hotel and typed the journal and checked our mail. At 7:00 we had dinner with our group in the hotel. We try to sit with different people so we can talk with new friends and learn about their countries and customs.
Accommodations: Reval Latvija Hotel - - - Meal: B, D
Comments
Sounds like you guys are having a great time!
Not only was the seesaw great but Gennie's shoes matching her coat was wonderful. Vic, get with the program!
Post a Comment!loved you guys on the see saw!
Juris, our Local Travel Guide
Old Town Riga
Latvia Ethnographic Open Air Museum
Gennie and Vic at the Open Air Museu...
Pilsetas Kan, in One of the Many Par...
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