Out the window to my left, the turrets of a medieval-style building materialize from the mist at the end of the narrow cobblestone alleyway. A street sign reads “Skunu iela” and an Audi A6 with Latvian plates is parked at the corner. The maroon and white of the Latvian flag waves sedately in the thin November breeze.
Before the solemn face of the ancient catholic cathedral, a man, clad in rags and playing a wooden flute, is seated in a half-moon doorway. Pigeons perch on his arms and waltz on his head.
All sorts of beautiful people walk the sparsely populated streets, wearing winter boots and warm scarves and going about their Tuesday afternoon business. Speak to them in English, Latvian, German or Russian. They know it all. Quadrilingual. No big deal.
The thick glass door of the coffee shop pushes open ahead of two guests, bundled in checked scarves and wool coats, cheeks pink from the biting cold. The girl behind the counter greets them in Russian. I understand “da!”, “nyet!” and “spassiba”… I’m smart.
Inside, the coffee is warm. Banquet seats by the window are stacked with pillows and cushion my crossed legs. Coffee, wine, tequila, carrot juice. You name it, you can get it here.
I am in love with Old Riga.
Words of wisdom from the inside of an elevator.
Spectacularly Dr. Seuss-ian :)
Just reading his paper in the rain…
Is there a better name for a supermarket, ever? ^^
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Been to Latvia twice. Great place, great people. Old Riga rocks! The architecture dates back hundreds of years and it is a mix of styles from around the Baltic Sea. Oh, and the country side is beautiful. Although, I may be a bit biased being Latvian myself.
I’ll admit – I never knew much about the country until I arrived. But I absolutely loved it. I’ll get to it in another post or two, but Latvia (and specifically Old Riga) was the reason I forfeited my flight to London in favour of staying longer in Eastern Europe. You’re lucky to call this place “home”!! :)
I know nothing about Latvia….except now what you have just posted! Great pics. And quadrilingual? siiiigh. I wish!
Claire recently posted… On Big Bellies and Beautiful Beaches
Thanks, girl! I don’t think the pics even do it justice, but yes – it was gorgeous! As for quadrilingual… I KNOW. I struggle enough with English as it is! ;)
We are thinking about taking a casual stroll through the Baltics: Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania…would love some deets :)
Definitely! One of my favourite areas of all time. Let’s chat! :)
Awesome photos. I’m in love with Riga too. Went there for 4 days last summer…and stayed for 2 months!
Roy Marvelous recently posted… How To Stay Ridiculously Good Looking While Traveling (Fitness & Nutrition Tips From 30 Travel Bloggers)
Thanks Roy! The days were grey but some of the photos still managed to turn out ok. It’s a great place, isn’t it? That’s fantastic that you stayed for 2 months! And here I was, thinking that turning my 3 days into two weeks was a big deal ;).
Wow, these are some amazing shots, the buildings of the place look very magnificent and speak of their unique architecture style. Am surprised people here can understand and talk in 4 different languages. Have never been to Latvia, but I love to travel and am adding it to my travel destinations for sure.
Rita Kunnan recently posted… Bluehost 3.95
You will love it, Rita! I was blown away by the language thing too. I wish beyond wish that I could speak 2 languages fluently… let alone four!
I have not been to Latvia but based on this article, I think I’ll give it a shot and visit there. What’s the best thing you did there? Anyway, thank you so much for sharing this information. The pictures are also marvelous.
You should! Latvia blew me away. I’d love to go back in the summer one day :) The most amazing thing I stumbled on there was the remembrance day celebration…… totally unexpected and thoroughly beautiful.
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