tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79455887685712577932024-03-14T01:55:56.862+02:00Your Friend in RigaA little bit about travelling & tourism, a lot about Latvia & Riga... If you are planning your trip.Kristine F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08553808055212047072noreply@blogger.comBlogger103125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7945588768571257793.post-50864461697071192072014-03-23T15:08:00.000+02:002014-03-23T15:08:07.771+02:00 Art Museum - Riga Bourse<div style="text-align: justify;">
Right in the heart of the Old Town, in Dome Square, you will find a historical and newly renovated bourse building that has become a home for arts - Art Museum Riga Bourse. </div>
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I've heard from tourists that this place is worth a visit and that the price for it is really reasonable, so I checked it on a cold winter day, planning to give to myself about 2-3 hours for a visit (before it's closed at 6 pm). The museum is closed on Mondays, works from 10 am to 6 pm on all other days, except Fridays when it's open until 8 pm.</div>
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There are different halls and you can buy a ticket for specific hall/exhibition, but my choice was getting a ticket for the entire museum: combined admission fee to all exhibition halls costs 6.40EUR. As we were going there 2 persons, we decided that for the next time we are going to borrow kids somewhere, because the family ticket (1-2 adults + 1-4 kids or one large family) for the entire museum costs 7.11EUR. Well, definitely a friendly price for a family. Of course, you can also get a guided tour, but we went on our own pace without it. </div>
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So, there are temporary and permanent exhibitions and if you have a ticket for the entire museum, you get to go to all of them. You can run through the museum in an hour, but it's really too less of time. I guess 3 hours should be enough, but if you love to stand at each painting for more than 2 minutes, yes, you will need a lot more time. Well, these are not just painting there, but they make a pretty huge part of what you see there. In permanent exhibitions you will get to see Western European paintings from 16th to 19th century, sculptures and European porcelain, some furniture and different trinkets from 18th century that nowadays doesn't seem that casual at all. Next to the Western Gallery you will find a small Silver Room (with awesome optical-illusion like floor) dedicated to the beginning of 20th century that is a pretty important time for Latvian self-confidence and getting this country founded. Of course, I loved the most Oriental Gallery (for European it just seems a lot more exotic than everything that's related to Europe). This gallery features art from Middle East and Far East. China, Japan, India, Nepal... Household items, traditional clothes, theater masks, shadow theater, pipes, statues, dishes, porcelain - there is a lot to see. </div>
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Aaaand the building itself from inside is pretty impressive: I already got stories running in my head about rich people having balls there and ladies and gentlemen coming out on inside balconies to speak to their guests in fancy dresses, while someone else is hiding in another room powdering nose or maybe doing something else that should be hidden from curious eyes. </div>
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Art lovers will appreciate this great collection. And if you are not keen and well educated in arts, it's anyway interesting there. You just go there, watch things and try to figure out what were they meant for, and then you find their numbers and read - oh, that's absolutely not what I thought! </div>
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Yes, there is a lot to see, and, yes, the price really is reasonable. </div>
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Check out their website: <a href="http://rigasbirza.lv/en/home" target="_blank">Art Museum Riga Bourse//English</a></div>
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This video shows the stunning grace of the building where museum lives in: </div>
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Any thoughts, impressions or questions? Or may be some comments or advices form those who have been there?</div>
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<br />Kristine F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08553808055212047072noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7945588768571257793.post-55697231035476736382014-02-05T12:40:00.000+02:002014-02-05T12:40:32.991+02:00Two great places off the beaten path: having a drink there can be cultural experience.<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">If it
happens that you are craving for cultural experiences and would love to have a
drink surrounded by those who eat and breathe culture, wear hats, beards and
glasses, and read books there are some really great hipster-places in Riga.
Yeah, I said hipster-places. I've also heard that Riga is hipster capital. At
least this article tells it: <a href="http://www.presseurop.eu/en/content/article/3901971-hipster-capital-riga" target="_blank">Hipster Capital Riga</a></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Well,
whatever, I’m not here to find the definition of hipsterism. I’m here to share
with you info about two pretty enjoyable places that are well known here as
typical hipster-places. It means, you will have to get out of the Old Town. No
worries, both of them are at the city center and really just some 10-15 min
walk away from the Old Town. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span lang="EN-US">Old
furniture, heat from fireplaces, friendly locals, concerts, out-of-the-box
performances and booze, oh, and usually no snobs there as well!!! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US">KKC – Kaņepes Kultūras Centrs <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">This
self-proclaimed culture center in old mansion has real charm. It’s just a 10 min walk away from the Old Town. No chic.
And that’s the best thing about this place – the content and charm comes from
people, performances and attitude. They have even movie evenings and the territory
outside in front of the building is absolutely welcoming in summers, gathering
people like a magnet. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span lang="EN-US">Not just
the bar and stage, but the building itself has stories around, in and
out. It stands there from the beginning of XX century, it has hosted
aristocracy and lived through bohemian times when students lived there and it
has been school of music for children as well. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><b>Address:</b> Skolas iela 15. It’s right on the corner
between Skolas and Lāčplēša streets.
Look for a giant sculpture of a black lion outside on the wall, and fence that draws
a boundary between the street and another world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><b>Who goes
there?</b> Well, definitely not bling-bling people looking for posh and luxury or
willing to get something from you. You will meet there artists, students,
writers, photographers, hipsters, philosophers and lovers of cultural values –
those who are looking for something different and able to find more into less. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Check out
their Facebook fan page to dig into pictures: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Zoo.KKc/photos_stream" target="_blank">KKC (Kaņepes Kultūras Centrs) Facebook Page</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><b>CHOMSKY</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">As you
might have guessed – this place has been named after American philosopher Noam
Chomsky. They are kind of rebels that dare to say out loud – we are not here to
comply with authorities and political correctness. This place is pretty small and you probably won’t
even notice it if you were just walking by not looking for it. It’s in that
part of city center where tourists don’t get so often. When nobody is looking
for ordering drinks, a guy behind the bar pretty often is reading books. That’s
already something that tells about this place. It is a really simple shed-like
place - one more little piece of heaven that proves that simplicity has a lot in it. Old furniture that seems to have lived its life already,
perfectly fits into this place where being who you are is valued a lot higher
than pretending. Oh, and this small place from times to times
have concerts as well that might surprise you with really undomesticated music.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><b>Address:</b>
Lāčplēša iela 68. Look for a portrait of Noam Chomsky next to the
entrance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><b>Who goes
there?</b> Friends and lone wolves who want to have a beer in a shed-like place,
those who want to spend time talking to people, those who can go out without
make-up or their best clothes on, and that-kind of people who go to KKC as
well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN-US">I haven’t lied a word, that’s how it looks and
feels there: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/chomskybar/photos_stream" target="_blank">Chomsky Facebook Page </a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">These both
places are truly welcoming, so if you have a feeling that’s something for you,
I’m sure you won’t regret going there! If these places seem for you suspicious and too strange, you probably don't have to waste your time going there. If fact, these are not just "some kind of places" to have a drink - these are experiences in space-time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Kristine F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08553808055212047072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7945588768571257793.post-16136125924855641042014-01-30T17:35:00.000+02:002014-01-30T17:38:04.754+02:00Your lazy friend just woke up in European Capital of CultureOh my!!! I've been busy enough to forget this blog for... uhm... pretty long time. Not just bolg, my e-mail as well...<br />
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Firstly, I'm pretty impressed how many readers have visited this blog all these months when I didn't drop a line. You guys rock! </div>
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Secondly, I'm terribly sorry for all these e-mails I haven't answered. Well... I have nothing to say to defend myself... The only thing I can do is to get back to this blog - obviously there are people out there who want to read it, so I'm making a promise to myself that I'm getting back to this blog with new info. If I'll leave it again, please grab my ear and pull me back. </div>
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So which country just started to use Euro? Latvia. Since 1st of January. </div>
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And which is European Capital of Culture this year? Riga. </div>
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While I'm trying to get warm running my fingers on keyboard (huh, it's pretty cold here), enjoy this video:</div>
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Kristine F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08553808055212047072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7945588768571257793.post-53165767936741320482013-04-03T14:51:00.001+03:002014-01-30T17:27:18.860+02:00Occupation, Museum and Alcoholic Shot that tells the History <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sE98yIDQAT8/UVwWveHApUI/AAAAAAAAAos/nMtcqn56AyU/s1600/atklasana-372.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sE98yIDQAT8/UVwWveHApUI/AAAAAAAAAos/nMtcqn56AyU/s320/atklasana-372.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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Since every single day I’m with backpackers from around the
world who comes to Riga I’m really surprised how actually the 20 years old Museum
of the Occupation of Latvia is popular among tourists. Almost every day I meet
someone who has been there, is going there or wants to go there, what makes me
to think that really is one of the must-see things in Riga. And definitely the number 1 museum in Riga
visited by foreign guests. </div>
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<br /></div>
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The original building of the museum you can find at the Old
Town – Town Hall square, BUT<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>- due to
renovation it has changed the address for a while. Good news – it’s not very
far from it’s previous location and not far from the Old Town. The Bastion Hill
and the Freedom monument you can find right on the border between the Old Town
and „New Riga” or the city center, and that’s where you can find the Museum of
the Occupation of Latvia as well – at Raiņa bulvāris 7. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Check out their website here: <a href="http://okupacijasmuzejs.lv/en">http://okupacijasmuzejs.lv/en</a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Aaaand here is the virtual tour into the occupation of
Latvia: <a href="http://www.e-okupacijasmuzejs.lv/#!/en/lang">http://www.e-okupacijasmuzejs.lv/#!/en/lang</a></div>
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Oh, almost forgot: if we talk about the occupation and
museums here is some alcoholic entertainment to get to know the history in
Riga.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lately a new shot has concured the
hearts of locals in Riga and it is called „Occupation Museum” (or „Okupācijas
Muzejs” in Latvian). The shot „Occupation Museum” consists of something from
Latvians, something from Germans and something from Russians (that’s already a
lesson in history of Latvia): Riga Black balsam, Jagermeister and vodka. As
bitter as the truth of history. Get it at Shot Cafe located at Jacob's Barracks at the Old Town. </div>
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*picture taken from the official website of the Museum of
the Occupation of Latvia </div>
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<br /></div>
Kristine F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08553808055212047072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7945588768571257793.post-64440903429665325512012-11-05T23:58:00.000+02:002014-02-12T09:22:54.635+02:00Exceptional Experiences in Latvia<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Md5s7b6bdVg/UJg2E9X7mlI/AAAAAAAAAoQ/IpQ28qZvpW0/s1600/26674_140125372670972_1293832_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Md5s7b6bdVg/UJg2E9X7mlI/AAAAAAAAAoQ/IpQ28qZvpW0/s320/26674_140125372670972_1293832_n.jpg" height="320" width="224" /></a></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Checking what's on my computer I found this list of exceptional experiences in Latvia that was made many months ago</span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">for some other website... But it never got published anywhere, so I'm giving myself the green traffic light to share this list with you. Some adrenaline, some adventures, some childhood dreams that can become reality. Take a look at this list and let me know if there is something you can add! </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">1) Spending a night
in a jail</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">In 2009 The Ghost Hunters International team
announced: the Karosta jail in Liepāja is one of the most haunted places in the
world. This KGB prison, where more than 150 people got shot, is one of the most
unusual hotels you can find around the world. Entering this place every visitor
becomes a prisoner, and staying overnight there you will get a real prisoners
cell. It should be noted that this place is not recommended for emotionally sensitive
people. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">2) Flying with no
belts, ropes or parachutes</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">In 1979 Jean St. Germain, Canadian-French inventor,
built the first vertical wind tunnel, and last 30 years<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>‘Aerodium’ in Latvia has been working to
develop this invention and make flying real for any person with no special
previous training. In Sigulda you can fly without safety belts and rubbers, no
ropes and no parachutes – just jump into the vertical wind tunnel to enjoy
adrenaline and taste of freedom.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">3) Song and Dance
Festival where thousands are singing like one</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Since 1873 Song and Dance Festival in Latvia has been
significant event which brings together more than 20 000 performers - singers
and dancers in Riga – all dressed in traditional costumes from all parts of
Latvia. The festival is held in summer once per 5 years taking over the streets
of Riga, concert halls and even the public transport. The next festival will
take place in 2018. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">4) Midsummer’s Night</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The pagan tradition of celebrating the summer solstice
is absolutely alive in Latvia. 23rd of June people are getting to the countryside
to make bonfires at night, to drink beer and</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: LV;"> jump over the fire, to decorate themselves with flowers,</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> to sing and dance, to look for magical ferns in dark
woods at night and run naked around meadows </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: LV;">staying awake until the sunrise. </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">5) Park of modern
arts</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: LV;">Pedvāle Open-Air Art Museum is the area of 200 ha full of original and
surprising </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">sculptures,
installations and art objects created in </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: LV;">workshops for specific place using mostly locally available materials. Be
ready to spend your day in meadows, forests and hills on the banks of the river
Abava observing wildlife and interaction between the nature and modern art
where every step in the trail can bring new surprises.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">6) Bobsleigh for
speed lovers</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">1420 meters long bobsled track where high-level
competitions are held is available also for non-professionals to enjoy
adrenaline when </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: LV;">bob curves down in landslides with a speed of
100kph. Accompanied by athletes, visitors can enjoy winter bob, summer bob on
wheels or special tourist bobs in the track built in 1986 and regularly
bringing here bobsled professionals from several countries for their trainings.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: LV;">7) The Secret Soviet bunker</span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: LV;">2000 sq m large bunker 9 m underground has been a secret since it was
created in 1980-ies</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">. It is located in Līgatne,
<span class="hps">and the veil of secrecy has been removed only in 2003. </span>Soviet
memorabilia, projections of what would happen in case of a nuclear war,
telecommunication unit for communication with Moscow Kremlin and more original
features you can see there now. For brave visitors there is a possibility to
participate at the reality game.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span class="hps"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">8) Latvian Sauna</span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span class="hps"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Traditional Latvian sauna is a real trip
into the world of power of nature: right herbs and branches of trees into sauna
open the world of aromas and natural healing, jumping into the water of pond or
lake (even in winter) right after sweating in the temperature of up to 100</span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">° C</span><span class="hps"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> strengthens body, and a massage with
leaves and herbs (which looks more like hitting a person) removes the stress
better than any spa.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span class="hps"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">9) Off-road</span></b></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> <span class="hps">driving with</span> <span class="hps">Russian military cars</span></span></b><span class="hps"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: LV;">Off-road park in
Saldus district near the lake gives the adventure of off-road driving through
forests and rivers in Russian military jeeps in the former military landfill
Zante. There are special tracks for several difficulty levels, and after the
training and orientation rides groups are also invited to challenge everyone's
driving skills in a competition.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: LV;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">10) Lonely beaches
and naturally blue cows</span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Western part of Latvia – Kurzeme offers to enjoy
beautiful, quiet, lonely beaches on the Baltic Sea – for hiking, bird watching,
nude swimming or being alone with the wild nature.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This part of Latvia is also the only place to
see naturally blue cows. The secret of this natural color is nothing else than
the water of the sea.</span></div>
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Kristine F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08553808055212047072noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7945588768571257793.post-38430707140667153282012-10-05T01:38:00.000+03:002012-10-05T14:15:06.416+03:00Moscow Suburb: don't go there in Riga. Or better - do it! <div style="text-align: justify;">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-intu1oT9Ch4/UG4KRnDJavI/AAAAAAAAAm0/2p3FlwVbXf4/s1600/DSCN7414.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-intu1oT9Ch4/UG4KRnDJavI/AAAAAAAAAm0/2p3FlwVbXf4/s200/DSCN7414.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rg3N9QIvxNg/UG4K54D5GyI/AAAAAAAAAnY/HuusXRg31WY/s1600/DSCN7428.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rg3N9QIvxNg/UG4K54D5GyI/AAAAAAAAAnY/HuusXRg31WY/s200/DSCN7428.JPG" width="200" /></a>If there is a district in Riga locals are telling tourists to stay away - it's Moscow Suburb - that shady place with old wooden buildings, black market and every second house selling illegal drugs. And now it's time to be honest - I live there. I've been walking around there at daylight hours and totally alone at nights as well. Nothing ever happened to me. Nobody even tried to harm me or my street-walking peace there. I'm sharing apartment with two other people and nothing bad ever happened to them as well. My intuition is whispering that this district is not that bad. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wRBU4B6_Qzw/UG4K_75O7eI/AAAAAAAAAng/Agkz3cGFtoY/s1600/DSCN7433.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="138" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wRBU4B6_Qzw/UG4K_75O7eI/AAAAAAAAAng/Agkz3cGFtoY/s200/DSCN7433.JPG" width="200" /></a> </div>
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Ok, here is something not so nice - you will see old haunted wooden houses, drunk people on streets, some stray dogs, you will probably witness drug dealing, someone might ask you a cigarette and the main language spoken there is not Latvian, you will hear Russian. If it sounds scary to you - don't go there. </div>
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So called Moscow Suburb is the oldest district in Riga (right after the medieval Old Town) and its history starts dated back to 14th century. So, Russian district, then Jewish district, the poorest district in Riga... If you are interested in history of this part of Riga (and some more pictures), check here: <a href="http://www.russkije.lv/en/lib/read/the-moscow-suburb.html" target="_blank">Russians of Latvia</a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZMnUib30654/UG4KnfFEaWI/AAAAAAAAAnI/mjIyXCKHTbo/s1600/DSCN7424.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZMnUib30654/UG4KnfFEaWI/AAAAAAAAAnI/mjIyXCKHTbo/s200/DSCN7424.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fDtMDfaso0g/UG4LKMLHyYI/AAAAAAAAAno/FtLi-IpkM1g/s1600/DSCN7435.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fDtMDfaso0g/UG4LKMLHyYI/AAAAAAAAAno/FtLi-IpkM1g/s200/DSCN7435.JPG" width="200" /></a>Talking about nowadays: as I mentioned before - I can perfectly deal with this district where haunted houses are displayed to view but private palaces are hiding behind high fences. I even find it somehow romantic place... Start your tour with <a href="http://friendinriga.blogspot.com/2011/07/from-zeppelins-to-food-riga-central.html" target="_blank">Riga Central Market</a>, then head to the Soviet skyscraper <a href="http://friendinriga.blogspot.com/2011/05/see-riga-from-hight-of-birds.html" target="_blank">The Academy of Sciences</a> and "dive" into Moscow Suburb with Jewish memorial places, Grebenshchikov Church - one of the largest congregations of Old Believers in the world, independent theater, small shops and other things to wonder about. </div>
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Oh, you can find there the most amazing flea market I've seen - Latgalīte - it's just awful at a first glimpse, but definitely a place where you could find even Devil if you were looking for it - you can find there everything. As we joke - if you have lost something in Riga, you can buy your things at this flea market. (Note: it won't hurt to watch your pockets and bags if you go there). </div>
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Posh and shine is staying away from Moscow Suburb- it still is the poorest district in Riga. Well, probably this district looks also a bit sad and depressive in rainy days, but it has it's own atmosphere and historical breath. And shiny, colorful autumn seems the most suitable season for this district. That's something you don't get to see at the city center. </div>
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P.s. You can click on pictures to enlarge them.</div>
Kristine F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08553808055212047072noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7945588768571257793.post-64805169432309432372012-10-04T03:28:00.000+03:002012-11-06T00:02:37.403+02:00Warm Relationship with Riga Black Balsam on Cold Season<div style="text-align: justify;">
I usually don't get that excited to write 4 tweets about the same thing in 15 minutes. But it happened to me today and I guess that's a sign I should write a blog about it... In fact, I already did it... a year ago... Here: <a href="http://friendinriga.blogspot.com/2011/11/where-to-get-best-medicine-ever-honey.html?spref=tw" target="_blank">Where to Get The Best Medicine Ever - Honey, Herbs and Riga Black Balsam? </a></div>
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The thing is that this story will be about that one magical ingredient - Riga Black Balsam. </div>
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I know I've been lazy (again) and I actually should write a blog about my Poland - Italy trip, but there are some obvious reasons I feel I should write about Riga Black Balsam today.</div>
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1) My Riga Black Balsam season has started exactly today</div>
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2) Riga Black Balsam is one of the best things in Riga</div>
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3) 2 days ago I tried (yes, the first time in my life) Riga Coffee (with the same magical ingredient) - although home-made coffee with balsam has been my love for several years</div>
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4) With my flatmates today we discovered a new recipe to fight cold (with the same magical ingredient)</div>
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5) I discovered @RigaBlackBalsam on Twitter</div>
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And here come some explanations:</div>
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Riga Black Balsam season lasts from around October to March, so - cold season. No,that's not any kind of official season, that's my personal season. This beverage is good on summer with ice-cream too, but there is one big reason why cold months of the year is Black Balsam season. I've got out of all winter colds and sicknesses without any strong medicine for 2 winters because I use this magical ingredient. No, it doesn't mean I've been walking around drunk. It means that if I say that remedy for everything is Riga Black Balsam - I really mean it.</div>
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My flatmate caught first awful autumn cold, and we are not people who have medicine at home. I'm usually the one people ask how to get out of cold (probably my old traditional recipes that do not include medicine you get at your doctor or pharmacy work well and do not hurt wallets). You already know my answer for cold season, so we were running to shop to get it. Well, since today at least all cold season we will keep it at home as I've done it for previous winters. </div>
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And here comes our new recipe to fight cold:</div>
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Mix together hot water, honey, Riga Black Balsam, some pieces of lemon, a bit of cinnamon and black pepper. Ehm... That all to taste... We find it not only delicious, but also extremely helpful hot drink. (We invented it today, just in case if someone else hasn't discovered it before us although I'm not so sure about it).</div>
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My German friends totally love Riga Black Balsam, but two days ago I met a guy from Brazil who told me - "Oh, you mean that strong dark brown drink! Well... Some shots with it was my mistake last night, so I was totally wasted..." I didn't ask how many shots he drunk, but talking about me - I definitely feel much better having coffee with Riga Black Balsam especially when the central heating in Riga is not on yet and cold is knocking on windows.</div>
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So, if you are coming to Riga - at least try it! You can get it in almost every shop, cafe and bar. I don't ask you to drink it plain, try it in cocktails or coffee - it is delicious! </div>
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Kristine F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08553808055212047072noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7945588768571257793.post-76301163585427462802012-09-12T15:53:00.000+03:002012-09-12T15:53:28.617+03:00Walking on Borders project - discovering the differences between Eastern and Western Europe<div style="text-align: justify;">
I have just returned from "Walking on Borders" project where 12 people from France, Portugal and Latvia met in Poland (supported by Youth in Action) to make a trip on the historical border of Eastern and Western Europe to discover the differences between these parts of Europe. Mostly we were traveling in small teams of 3 people - hitchhiking,taking buses and trains (in situations when nobody want's to take us in cars), staying at couchsurfers places and interviewing people we met on our way. We met thousands of people, and in fact, we really discovered a lot. Poland,Germany, Czech Republic, Austria, Slovenia, Italy. </div>
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Every small team had different routes, but every 2 days small teams met to switch their travel buddies. The project was initiated by French youngsters - I truly love all the hard planning work they did for the project and I'm glad I was a part of it. </div>
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My personal trip includes 2 homeless nights, 2 magical nights in a forest with drinking water from river, no tent and no knife, surprisingly amazing houses and hosts and a lot more... You will find my personal story sometime soon in <a href="http://friendinriga.blogspot.com/p/your-friend-travelling-around.html" target="_blank">Cross the Border</a> section. My route looked like this:</div>
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Getting back to the official story - check out the trailer of upcoming movie that should be online in October: </div>
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Kristine F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08553808055212047072noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7945588768571257793.post-24492405746340141332012-08-18T03:22:00.001+03:002012-08-18T03:23:11.085+03:00Invitation to read about Riga while I'm walking on borders<div style="text-align: justify;">
Tomorrow I'm leaving for the trip of this summer - time to leave the comfort of my home and it feels even more comfortable than longings for traveling. 3 weeks I'll be on the road.</div>
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Here is the plan: tomorrow I'm leaving to Poland (bus ticket Riga - Poznan). From Poznan I'm getting to Szczecin and the journey can start. I'll meet my travel buddies in Poland where we are staying 4 days learning from each other: I don't really know what experiences the rest of participants of the project are expected to share and teach others, but my part is a hitchhiking class (that I'm going to prepare in the bus to Poland). As far as I know there are just some main things hitchhikers should take in account: smile, walk and talk, but of course there is more than enough to talk about up to 3 hours (what I'm expected to do). I'm excited to meet others who have similar experiences, although I'm kind of surprised that I was chosen for making hitchhiking class.</div>
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So, we will be 12 people there from 3 countries: Latvia, France and Portugal. Don't ask me - why, I don't know how this EU project was prepared, but I'm glad to be part of it. As far as I know the idea is discovering the differences between the Western and Eastern Europe, so we will be crossing that border all the way hitching and hiking: Poland, Germany, Czech Republic, Austria, Slovenia and Italy. By the end of the project we are expected to meet in Trieste making a movie about the trip. I hope we will make a nice (although non-professional) movie, so I can show it to you too when I'm back. (No, this time I'm not hitchhiking also the way back, that will be Ryanair from Milan that will take me back). Oh, and we will travel in small groups of 2-3 people, meet in different cities on our way and change our travel buddies every 2 days. It sounds really great to me. </div>
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Before I leave: <b>there is something you can read about Riga while I'm away</b>. <a href="http://destinationriga.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Destination Riga</a> blog I discovered when a blogger from America - The Count - who is running this blog contacted me to meet somewhere in Riga. I'm glad he did it, because these were really nice two meetings I truly enjoyed. Latvians, you should at least try to be a little bit friendlier! It's clear that on loud weekend parties when the romantic Old Town turns into the world's party center (ok, I know that's a little bit too loud to say "world") we are open to everyone, but... there is something missing in daily life... The Count is in Riga now and sharing his daily experiences in his nice blog. Of course, I can't avoid telling you that the article he posted after our first meeting is warming my heart: <a href="http://destinationriga.blogspot.com/2012/08/finding-friend-in-riga.html" target="_blank">Finding a Friend in Riga</a>.</div>
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While I'm not here to report you what's going on in Riga, <a href="http://destinationriga.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Destination Riga</a> is a great chance for you to discover things I couldn't tell you simply because I see Riga by the eyes of a local, not tourist. For those who are willing to visit Riga - <a href="http://destinationriga.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Destination Riga</a> might be really useful. </div>
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I'm returning on 10th of September and planning to live these 3 weeks without checking my mails daily and without tweeting. Not a big deal, but I just wanted to add that you can still message me although most likely I'll answer only when I'm back.</div>
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Wherever you are, whatever you do - enjoy it! That's what I'm planning to do these 3 weeks. </div>
Kristine F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08553808055212047072noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7945588768571257793.post-42027887661184338372012-07-31T04:17:00.000+03:002012-07-31T04:19:54.197+03:00Folklore? What's so special in it?<div style="text-align: justify;">
One folklore ensemble in Latvia, who are celebrating their 60 years anniversary the next year and has poor online presence, kindly asked me to make for them a simple blog, so they could announce their news and also put online the history of the ensemble online. For every work you do there is some music that can help you, and, of course, today my music was Latvian folklore, post folk and sounds of Latvian traditional music instruments. I simply can't avoid telling you about Latvian relationship with folklore, although take in account that I'm talking from a very subjective perspective.</div>
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First of all, acquaint yourself with traditional Latvian music instrument called 'kokle' in this nice piece of music by Latvian musician Laima Jansone (I'm a little bit in love with this music): </div>
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I'm pretty confident to affirm that every Latvian has danced traditional dances and sung folk songs. It is everywhere here starting from the kindergarten. We are proud of our traditions and old folk songs. While there are many people "fighting" for preserving our traditions, especially because there aren't that many Latvians (ehmm... 2 million people?), our traditional culture and old traditions really are ALIVE comparing to other European countries! Latvians at all ages are passionately dancing traditional dances, voluntarily involving into folklore ensembles, learning traditions from elders and creating modern improvisations based on the elements of traditional music and choreography. Of course, our post-folk and folk-rock is loved among Latvian youngsters. </div>
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I have also heard that there isn't more superstitious nation in Europe than Latvians. Ok, we can argue about it, but, of course, we know that if you put your keys on the table or pour out salt there will be argument at that home, if a fork or knife falls on the floor you will have guests, if you put your hat on the table your head will hurt, if at the dinner table you sit on the corner that means 7 years you will not get married and... and the list of small things that are part of our daily lives goes on... Different beliefs coming from different parts of Latvia. </div>
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Once per 5 year huge song and dance festival (included in the UNESCO world heritage site) brings together people from the entire country in Riga to sing and dance together (<a href="http://friendinriga.blogspot.com/2010/12/land-that-sings-best-enjoyed-slowly.html" target="_blank">read here</a>) and Midsummer's night every year makes everyone to remember at least some of our traditions (<a href="http://friendinriga.blogspot.com/2011/06/midsummers-night-summer-solstice-all.html" target="_blank">read here</a>).</div>
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What's so special about folklore in our daily lives? I don't think I can describe it so easily... The words of strength, solace and happiness - that's in Latvian folk songs. Philosophy, natural rules, the art of living - that's what we find there. That's true - you have to know something about it and look into symbols to be able to read that all... We have incantations and spells in our folk songs. Here you are allowed to laugh at me, but, for example, there is a folk song that you have to sing to scare away the rain - more people are singing it, more powerful these words are, and I've checked it. It worked.</div>
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The problem of folklore not living into everyone's life is pretty simple - we live in cities, we are getting away from the nature and the rhythm of life that is actual for rural people doesn't find its' place in cities. And here is what keeps the traditions alive, makes people interested in them and helps people to understand the treasure of folklore - musicians (and other artists & performers) who are able to make folklore attractive for modern people.</div>
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Check these:</div>
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If you are interested in folklore and traditional culture and it happens that you are coming to Riga, here is what you should visit (main places, but not the only):</div>
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<li>Latvian Etnographic Open-Air Museum - one of the oldest and largest open-air museums in Europe with over 100 historical buildings, permanent and temporary exhibitions and festivities that honor Latvian traditional culture.</li>
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<li>Sena Klēts - traditional costume center (it's like exhibition & shop) right in the heart of Riga (at the Old Town, near the <a href="http://friendinriga.blogspot.com/2011/07/town-hall-square-blackheads-house.html" target="_blank">Town hall square</a>, Rātsalukums 1)</li>
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<li>Folk-club "Ala" - great place for your evenings and nights (<a href="http://friendinriga.blogspot.com/2012/01/where-locals-have-fun-iii.html" target="_blank">read here</a>) </li>
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<br /></div>Kristine F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08553808055212047072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7945588768571257793.post-1839786183628621072012-07-27T16:39:00.000+03:002012-07-27T16:43:59.597+03:00Summer Festival You Deserve<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://labadaba.lv/wp-content/themes/twentyten/images/logo190x190.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://labadaba.lv/wp-content/themes/twentyten/images/logo190x190.png" /></a>Your friend in Riga last months has been pretty lazy on this blog... Let me apologize for this silence. But of course I have excuses, everyone has excuses for everything - for not traveling, not eating healthy and even for not having fun. </div>
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Summer in Latvia is in it's peak. The streets of Riga today are almost melting and beaches are crowded. Every weekend comes with festivals outside Riga, music and beer seems to rule the world. From folklore festivals to entertainment for mainstream lovers - whatever your heart is longing for. Folklore festival Baltica 2012 has already left the streets of Riga, one of the coolest Latvian festivals Positivus in Salacgrīva (with 25 000 visitors), Fonofest close to Cēsis and others are behind... But some festivals are still in front of us: my summer festival vote goes for LabaDaba - international music festival on August 3-5 (2012). Friendly and positive festival with the name that could be translated as "Good Nature". That's what the organizers say on their website about the festival: </div>
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"LABADABA would like recall that the world is colorful, hospitable and free.</div>
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LABADABA – for people who make the world turn around!"</div>
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This festival has something to do with <a href="http://friendinriga.blogspot.com/2011/01/where-locals-have-fun.html" target="_blank">Nabaklab </a>(located at the Old Town) and something to do with the only non-commercial radio station in Latvia - University of Latvia radio "Naba". Yap, these are the same hands and brains working also on this festival. No pop-music there. On the menu of this festival is reggae, etno-folk, rock, electro... - pretty interesting music to enjoy on five stages - Bear's stage (that's the main stage), Dog's stage (barn), Hedgehog's stage (world, reggae, folk), Raven's aerie (electro, Dj) and <b style="font-weight: normal;">Chillout stage ”Green owl’s lair”. I guess for many visitors the most waited performers are Chinawoman from Canada, but this definitely is not the only interesting band you will meet there - Spiritual Seasons from Ukraine, Dub Syndicte from Jamaica, Bombillaz from Estonia, Clubroot from Great Britain, Skafandr from Russia, Adolescents from USA, Dr. Ring Ding from Germay and the list goes on. From the huge list of Latvian performers there are some you definitely have to see - Auļi, Iļģi and Dzelzs Vilks with their folk, post-folk and folk rock programs are truly amazing! </b></div>
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<b style="font-weight: normal;">Besides the music many other activities are waiting for you there - geocaching, bathhouse (sauna), different creative workshops, getting henna tattoos, a tent for curious people, kindergarten, cosmic swing, mail art exposition, cinema house, different sports, discussions, yoga, theatre and the list goes on...</b></div>
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<b style="font-weight: normal;">After a long period of non-stop work I think I deserve it and if you are in Latvia on that weekend, you have to check out their website now to make the right decision: <a href="http://www.labadaba.lv/?page_id=22&lang=en" target="_blank">LABADABA.lv</a></b></div>Kristine F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08553808055212047072noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7945588768571257793.post-78880547520516809442012-03-10T17:09:00.000+02:002012-03-10T17:09:38.360+02:00The Color of the Day: Gray<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CM-wD5tVZIU/T1trvmV_EmI/AAAAAAAAAlo/dx4jQQ_d-oQ/s1600/Image1057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CM-wD5tVZIU/T1trvmV_EmI/AAAAAAAAAlo/dx4jQQ_d-oQ/s400/Image1057.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">For more pictures of Riga in other seasons and with more colors than just gray posted on this blog previously </span><a href="http://friendinriga.blogspot.com/search/label/Photo" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" target="_blank">click here</a>.Kristine F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08553808055212047072noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7945588768571257793.post-42951056063771963222012-03-04T22:29:00.000+02:002012-03-04T22:29:10.167+02:00How Can It Be That Latvia is The 2nd Greenest Country in The World?<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:RelyOnVML/> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>LV</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/> <w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/> <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/> <w:Word11KerningPairs/> <w:CachedColBalance/> </w:Compatibility> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4NDGpj9iRfM/T1PK58fR55I/AAAAAAAAAk0/8eedzq8AAig/s1600/Picture4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="162" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4NDGpj9iRfM/T1PK58fR55I/AAAAAAAAAk0/8eedzq8AAig/s200/Picture4.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-GB">This year on January new study of EPI (Environmental Performance Index) placed Latvia as the 2nd greenest country in the world. That was a huge surprise for us and for others as well. Nobody really believes when a Latvian tells about it to foreigner. </span></span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-GB"> </span></span> </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-GB">How is that possible that Latvia is the 2nd greenest country in the world??? In 2008 Latvia was the 8th on the list, on 2010 Latvia was the 21st and now - the 2nd??? The 1st is Switzerland. So that means Norway, Germany, France and Sweden are behind Latvia??? Yes. Just don’t scream. I’m not going to apologize for it; I’ll just give some explanations for you to understand what is happening here. </span></span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-GB">Latvia doesn’t look like the cleanest country in the world, we are not very aware of separating garbage etc. although the situation here is not so bad and we are doing a lot to improve it. Collective country cleanup lately has become a new great tradition and people everywhere in Latvia are keen on such activities widely supported by media and local authorities. </span></span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-GB">After the results of this EPI study appeared the joke that Latvia is clean because there are no people living was spreading around very fast. Well, that’s not really true... Our demographical situation is not very positive, but there are still around 2 million people living in this country. What we do not have here is industrialization and huge manufactures (ehmm... ok, so unemployment is easy understandable factor now). The biggest city in Latvia is Riga with around 1 million inhabitants. So the other half is spread around the rest of the territory of Latvia so, yes, the countryside of Latvia is pretty calm and peaceful. While others can be proud of their modern cities, we can be proud of Riga and our nature. Biological diversity, clean water and air – that’s what we really have here. </span></span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-GB">What you can easily enjoy in Latvia is our green gold – woods, bird watching and hiking on long lonely beaches where you don’t have to be scared to swim naked. The food we grow here for ourselves is pretty ecological and usage of local natural cosmetics is definitely in the boom phase here now. This country is green – no doubt about it. We just have to learn how to keep it this way. </span></span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-align: justify;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pfw1AoAc8k8/T1PK3wIWyxI/AAAAAAAAAks/qspInfCS4Vc/s1600/Picture3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pfw1AoAc8k8/T1PK3wIWyxI/AAAAAAAAAks/qspInfCS4Vc/s320/Picture3.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-GB">The snow is melting, the spring is coming and soon it will be green again! :) </span></span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 12pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-GB">Oh, you can check here some pictures of the countryside of Latvia: </span><a href="http://friendinriga.blogspot.com/2011/06/getting-away-in-latvia-absolute-peace.html" target="_blank"><span lang="EN-GB"> </span>Getting away in Latvia: absolute peace and simplicity. Part I</a>, </span><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://friendinriga.blogspot.com/2011/06/getting-away-in-latvia-absolute-peace_06.html" target="_blank">Getting away in Latvia: absolute peace and simplicity. Part II</a></span></div><h3 class="post-title entry-title"> </h3>Kristine F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08553808055212047072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7945588768571257793.post-88647074161377136442012-01-26T17:01:00.005+02:002012-07-31T13:09:18.805+03:00Don't Joke with it in Latvia!<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">In every country there are some prejudices and hot topics to talk about and be careful talking about. Here are some things which, depending on the local person you meet, in Latvia can be offensive and unpleasant to hear or talk about. </span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US">Latvia vs. Lithuania</span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">There is no problem between Latvians and Lithuanians, we are friendly neighbors with similar languages, history, architecture, traditions and problems, even the names of these countries sound similar in different languages like Lettland & Litauen, Lettonia & Lituania, but... The same as Germany & Austria with the same language or Slovakia & Slovenia with similar names, Latvia and Lithuania are<b> two separate countries</b>. If you are in Riga and tell that you are glad to be in the capital of Lithuania, the face in front of you might change from friendly smiling to truly disappointed. Although it is not a big deal, but it is happening pretty often that foreign people being in Latvia keeps calling it Lithuania. The capital of <b>Latvia</b> is Riga and the capital of Lithuania is Vilnius. As a small country fighting for its identity and recognition, we just want people, who are visiting us, to know where they are. </span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US">Latvians vs. Russians</span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">You probably know something about the history of Latvia, you see in the map that Russia is our big neighbor and have heard something about Russians in Latvia. What’s the problem? It’s the BIGGEST problem for a lot of people in Latvia now. Just 20 years have passed since we have got the independence from Russia and there is a huge percent of Russian speaking inhabitants in Latvia, referendum about accepting Russian as the second official language in Latvia, Soviet time memories that are still alive. You don’t know you are meeting Latvian or Russian and both sides are quite nationally minded. If you discuss this topic with Latvian you will get a version of stupid, cruel, rude, uneducated Russians. If you talk with Russian you might get a story about stupid, racist, heartless Latvians and that Latvia actually is Russian country not Latvian. We are just all the time incited against each other by politics and mass media. Don’t say that Latvians and Russians have no difference between them. In fact, there is no problem for Latvians and Russians to be good friends, but if you meet some especially nationalistic person with strict opinion about what is happening and how it should be, this conversation can become never-ending and pretty uncomfortable.</span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US">Sex-tourism</span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">A lot of inhabitants of Riga would throw eggs or tomatoes on me just because I mentioned it here. Stay calm: I’m not promoting Riga as sex-tourism destination! Riga has sparkling nightlife, more girls than boys and open-minded girls what leads to what is called "sex-tourism" here. You might also face people considering that every male tourist in Riga is sex-tourist. The word ‘sex-tourism’ in Riga is not used meaning the same as in Amsterdam or Thailand – it’s not about prostitution. This 10 minutes Youtube video gives some explanations: </span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US">Freedom Monument</span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">If you are in Riga there is no way you could miss seeing Freedom Monument – it’s 42 m high monument separating the Old Town from the new city centre with the majestic opera house on one side and the Bastion hill on the other side. We are all extremely sensitive about <b>any</b> joke you make about it. Mass media also have told us that many times foreign people find this almost holy place for relieving natural needs behind the monument. You get a penalty for this. Just don’t do it even if the police doesn’t see you (what is pretty impossible there in any time of a day). This monument is embodiment of Latvian strength, history and identity. Read about it here: <a href="http://friendinriga.blogspot.com/2011/05/monument-freedom-flowers.html" target="_blank"> Monument, Freedom & Flowers</a></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">At the end I should say that Latvians have sense of humor and they love joking about themselves (of course - we can joke about ourselves but are sensitive when others are joking about us - as anyone else). The picture below shows the world through eyes of a Latvian. :) </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qdbL9SbaX0s/TyFolA3E2iI/AAAAAAAAAj8/P2TQJFA_ufU/s1600/LAtvians.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qdbL9SbaX0s/TyFolA3E2iI/AAAAAAAAAj8/P2TQJFA_ufU/s400/LAtvians.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">If you have other observations, questions or something to add to this post - feel free to comment here! <br />
</span></div>Kristine F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08553808055212047072noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7945588768571257793.post-87157195784080425982012-01-09T20:08:00.001+02:002012-01-09T20:23:59.875+02:00Discovering Nature without Going Into The Wild<div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l8znS3dGgsw/TwsuMcrI_WI/AAAAAAAAAjw/OYKcnOQBz4w/s1600/DSCN5765.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l8znS3dGgsw/TwsuMcrI_WI/AAAAAAAAAjw/OYKcnOQBz4w/s320/DSCN5765.JPG" width="240" /></a>There are people always keen on visiting museums, but if it is not some really famous museum or something you have a special interest in, would you go there on a sunny summer day if it is not an open-air museum? Majority of us would say - noooo.... But autumn/winter season is just perfect for visiting museums!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I remember myself as a child: I didn’t live in Riga, but my grandmother was living close to Riga. Natural History museum was a place where my grandmother took me almost every time when I visited her on school holidays. I’m not so sure about the correctness of my own childhood memories to remember how many times she took me there, but I was never bored there and always happy that I’ll go there again. Natural History museum of Latvia is a place for people in all ages and just perfect for visiting it together with the children. It is located right in the centre of Riga, close to the Old Town & Railway station on K. Barona Street 4. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Their website says: „The Natural History Museum of Latvia is the largest and one of the oldest complex museums of natural history and sciences in the Baltic States.”</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Entrance fee: pupils (7 – 18 years old) 0,50Ls, students & seniors 0,80Ls, adults 1,50Ls, family ticket (1-2 adults with 1-2 children under 18) - 20 % off admission (proof required - student card, senior card etc.) For temporary exhibitions there will be extra charge, but half an hour just before the closing time you can visit for free permanent exhibitions! Working hours: Monday & Tuesday – closed, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday 10AM – 5PM, Thursday - 10AM – 19.AM (with 2 happy free admission hours from 5PM – 7PM). </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
<b>Try virtual tour in the Natural History museum of Latvia <a href="http://www.dabasmuzejs.gov.lv/media/360/index.html">http://www.dabasmuzejs.gov.lv/media/360/index.html</a></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Check out also these articles and places: <a href="http://friendinriga.blogspot.com/2011/11/winter-in-riga-what-to-do.html" target="_blank">Winter in Riga: What to do? </a>, <a href="http://friendinriga.blogspot.com/2011/07/town-hall-square-blackheads-house.html" target="_blank">The Town Hall Square: Blackheads House & The Museum of The Occupation, </a><a href="http://friendinriga.blogspot.com/2011/04/wonders-of-art-nouveau.html" target="_blank">Wonders of Art Nouveau</a>, <a href="http://friendinriga.blogspot.com/2011/07/botanic-garden-for-family-holiday.html" target="_blank">Botanic Garden: For Family Holiday and Nature Lovers</a>.</div>Kristine F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08553808055212047072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7945588768571257793.post-2513076558766121012012-01-02T17:32:00.000+02:002012-07-31T04:03:13.518+03:00Where Locals Have Fun III<div style="text-align: justify;">
Time to get to know other places where locals are having fun, in other words - places for your evenings and nights in Riga. Previously I took you to <a href="http://friendinriga.blogspot.com/2011/01/where-locals-have-fun.html" target="_blank">"Pulkvedis", "Greenwood", "Nabaklab"</a>, <a href="http://friendinriga.blogspot.com/2011/07/where-locals-have-fun-ii-shot-leningrad.html" target="_blank">"Leningrad" and "Shot Cafe".</a> </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m9upmGQuC3o/TwHNjH4nX5I/AAAAAAAAAjo/5sFSIJl9Bxw/s1600/PB200155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m9upmGQuC3o/TwHNjH4nX5I/AAAAAAAAAjo/5sFSIJl9Bxw/s320/PB200155.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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If "Pulkvedis" is a place with 16 years experience in making people to dance, then here is one other place with huge experience - <b>"Cuba Cafe"</b> - coctail bar in the heart of the Old Town, on the same street with other bars like Spot Cafe and Greenwood next to the Dome Square. "Cuba" cafe doesn't give you a huge dancing place, but still - their DJs will make you to move. Quite romantic place, often filled (or really crowded) with tourists and locals. Kind of a place for tequila and heating the dance floor. </div>
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One of newest most interesting places in Riga Old Town is <b>folk club "Ala"</b> on Smilšu street, close to the Powder Tower (War Museum). This place takes people in the journey around the world: folk bands from around the world are performing here, and when there is no foreign artists, you will be invited to join joyfull Latvian folk dances. This place in the basement is really charming - the first and only traditional music bar in Latvia. Dancing evenings are great here: you can watch traditional Latvian dances and get into the dancing like Latvian. If you are in Riga, I hope you will get there in one of these dancing evenings. </div>
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<a href="http://friendinriga.blogspot.com/2011/01/where-locals-have-fun.html" target="_blank">Where Locals Have Fun I</a><br />
<a href="http://friendinriga.blogspot.com/2011/07/where-locals-have-fun-ii-shot-leningrad.html" target="_blank">Where Locals Have Fun II</a>Kristine F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08553808055212047072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7945588768571257793.post-68486731706920929002011-12-14T18:42:00.001+02:002012-01-02T17:33:44.801+02:001 YEAR HAS PASSED!!! What the Next Year Will Bring?<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_xdkz9iIgKM/TujRjQtmKzI/AAAAAAAAAjY/UVNO2p2Q8tA/s1600/DSCN6248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_xdkz9iIgKM/TujRjQtmKzI/AAAAAAAAAjY/UVNO2p2Q8tA/s320/DSCN6248.JPG" width="236" /></a><span lang="EN-US">Let me be honest – I didn’t believe that I’m able to do something for so long time, but - it’s birthday of this blog today! One whole year has passed since the first post!!! I know it’s not so long time, but still – here we are. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US">What makes me happy in doing this: there are people reading it, enjoying it and finding it useful. THANK YOU!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-US">Here is a little help for planning your trip to Latvia in 2012 – dates of some events you can enjoy if you are in Latvia: </span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US">10.02 – 12.02 14th International Festival of Ice Sculptures in Jelgava</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US">10.02 – 12.02 „Balttour” in Riga - <b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-weight: normal;">the biggest travel tradeshow in the Baltics annually opening the new tourist season</span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-weight: normal;">23.04 – 30.04 International Baltic Ballet festival in Riga - from classical to avant-garde</span></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-weight: normal;">19.05 – International Museum Night – everywhere in Latvia (and behind)</span></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-weight: normal;">26.05 – „Go Blonde” festival in Riga <a href="http://friendinriga.blogspot.com/2011/05/worlds-largest-blonde-festival-no1.html" target="_blank"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Read about it here</i></a></span></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-weight: normal;">02.06 – „Sigulda Jazz 2012” – smooth jazz, funk and big band outdoors in Sigulda</span></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-weight: normal;">15.06 – 17.06 – Riga Opera Festival </span></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-weight: normal;">16.06 – 22.06 waiting for the magical Midsummer’s night streets of Riga will be filled with before-solstice events with traditional dances, folklore and markets</span></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-weight: normal;">23.06 – 24.06 – Midsummer’s night all around Latvia. (Have you seen the movie „Midsummer’s Madness”? This is where you can get some impression of what the Midsummer’s night in Latvia is) <a href="http://friendinriga.blogspot.com/2011/06/midsummers-night-summer-solstice-all.html" target="_blank"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Read about Midsummer’s night here</i></a></span></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-weight: normal;">06.07 – Music festival „Summer Sound Liepāja” – 4 stages right at the beach – rock, hip hop, ambient, electronic and pop music in Liepāja</span></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-weight: normal;">06.07 – 10.07 International Folklore festival „Baltica” ir Riga, Ikšķile, Madona, Ērgļi</span></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-weight: normal;">09.07 – 15.07 6th International sand sculpture festival „Summer Signs” in Jelgava</span></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-weight: normal;">11.07 – 14.07 Ancient Music festival in churches at the Riga Old Town and the most impressive baroque palace in Latvia – Rundāle: back to medieval, renaissance and baroque music</span></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-weight: normal;">13.07 - 14.07 “Positivus” festival – definitely the biggest rock and pop music festival in Latvia, one of the top 10 summer festivals in Europe</span></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-weight: normal;">14.08 – 15.08 – Catholic festival in Aglona which brings together pilgrims of all confessions from all around the world.<a href="http://friendinriga.blogspot.com/2011/08/where-roads-in-latvia-goes-every-year.html" target="_blank"> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Read about it here</i></a> </span></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-weight: normal;">17.08 – 19.08 – Riga festival: Riga city birthday party everywhere around the city </span></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-weight: normal;">08.09. – Contemporary Arts forum "White Night" <a href="http://friendinriga.blogspot.com/2011/08/riga-is-going-to-take-you-away-to.html" target="_blank"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Read about it here</i></a></span></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-weight: normal;">15.11 – 18.11 – “Beaming Riga” – festival of lights<a href="http://friendinriga.blogspot.com/2011/11/that-surrealist-place-beaming-riga.html" target="_blank"> Pictures from Beaming Riga 2010</a>, <a href="http://friendinriga.blogspot.com/2011/11/festival-of-lights-riga-2011-little.html" target="_blank">Pictures from Beaming Riga2011</a></span></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-weight: normal;">01.12 – 15.01.2013 – Festival of Christmas trees <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_202173225"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Read about it here</i></a></span></b><a href="http://friendinriga.blogspot.com/2011/12/path-of-christmas-trees-find-your-avant.html" target="_blank"><span lang="EN-US"></span> </a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">02.12 – 10.01.2013 – Christmas markets and events </div>Kristine F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08553808055212047072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7945588768571257793.post-51628743163177556172011-12-14T00:51:00.001+02:002011-12-14T00:53:19.790+02:00"Path of Christmas Trees" - Find Your Avant-garde Christmas Tree!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-47yrJ7HzeyM/TufSkuJ7UUI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/mwMFEYYWxaY/s1600/PB280136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-47yrJ7HzeyM/TufSkuJ7UUI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/mwMFEYYWxaY/s200/PB280136.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-47yrJ7HzeyM/TufSkuJ7UUI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/mwMFEYYWxaY/s1600/PB280136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span lang="EN-GB">Last year there was 500 years celebration since </span><span lang="EN-GB">the first tree in Christmas was decorated in Riga in 1510</span><span lang="EN-GB">, but this year Riga is full with traditional and absolutely avant-garde trees - the festival „Path of Christmas Trees” is in Riga – one of these artistic festivals in Riga turning the urban environment in the miraculous place of wonders. Of course, the best time to see these objects is dark hours of the day. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB">42 different objects in the urban environment – free to see, enjoy and get inspired until 15th of January. 14 of these objects are made by new artists of Latvian Academy of Art. All objects are copyrighted and unique created for this festival-competition. The first festival „Path of Christmas Trees” was the last year and there is a promise that it will be in Riga every year. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://friendinriga.blogspot.com/2010/12/christmas-miracle-lights-and-trees.html" target="_blank">About first Christmas Tree</a> </span><a href="http://friendinriga.blogspot.com/2010/12/christmas-miracle-lights-and-trees.html"><span lang="EN-GB"></span></a><span lang="EN-GB"></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><b><a href="http://www.lma.lv/downloads/Ziemassvetku%20eglu%20cels_karte_med.jpg" target="_blank"><span lang="EN-GB">To find your favorite tree use this - Map of „Path of Christmas Trees” 2011 </span></a></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB">What else you can do in Riga at this season? See previous posts: <a href="http://friendinriga.blogspot.com/2011/11/winter-in-riga-what-to-do.html" target="_blank">Winter in Riga: What to do?</a> & <a href="http://friendinriga.blogspot.com/2011/11/christmas-markets-nutcracker-your.html" target="_blank">Christmas Markets & the Nutcracker</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB"><br />
You might also enjoy these<a href="http://friendinriga.blogspot.com/2011/11/festival-of-lights-riga-2011-little.html" target="_blank"> pictures of "Beaming Riga" festival</a> which changes the urban environment in November</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB"> </span><a href="http://www.lma.lv/downloads/Ziemassvetku%20eglu%20cels_karte_med.jpg"><span lang="EN-GB"></span></a><span lang="EN-GB"></span></div>Kristine F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08553808055212047072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7945588768571257793.post-59589475752646400492011-11-25T21:46:00.003+02:002011-12-08T01:49:59.058+02:00Winter in Riga: What to Do?<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xyNjyw53FLg/Ts_uF4hgINI/AAAAAAAAAjI/zZdgsJbuz-o/s1600/PB200092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xyNjyw53FLg/Ts_uF4hgINI/AAAAAAAAAjI/zZdgsJbuz-o/s320/PB200092.JPG" width="240" /></a>Winter is not just about Christmas, although that’s what we all think starting from November till first weeks of December. Till the middle of December majority of us is already tired of Christmas on every corner. For those, coming to catch Christmas mood in Riga, see previous post about <a href="http://friendinriga.blogspot.com/2011/11/christmas-markets-nutcracker-your.html" target="_blank">Christmas Markets and the Nutcracker</a>.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">But! </div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">What about other winter activities in Riga? Ok, it’s cold here, so you walk around get into some cafe to warm up, walk again and get again in some random cafe. Nope, it doesn’t have to be like this. Here are some options for you to enjoy winter in Riga: </div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b>Day of Museums!</b> The best time to visit museums is winter, for sure! <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Art</b> lovers, you have a lot to see here – huge collection of Latvian Art history in a permanent exposition you will find at the Latvian National Museum of Art (K.Valdemāra Street 10a) and walking through the Old Town, you will find a lot of small art galleries. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">History</b> lovers, check the Occupation Museum at the <a href="http://friendinriga.blogspot.com/2011/07/town-hall-square-blackheads-house.html" target="_blank">Town Hall square</a> and War Museum at Torņa street with impressive medieval Powder Tower or huge Museum of the History of Riga and Navigation at Palasta street 4 (Old Town). The sunniest place in Riga is Sun Museum at the Old Town – different Sun items from different places in the world, the most playful place – Doll Museum, the hottest museum (just opened in Riga) – Museum of Erotic. Maybe <a href="http://friendinriga.blogspot.com/2011/04/wonders-of-art-nouveau.html" target="_blank">Art Nouveau</a> museum? </div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b>Skating!</b> (Skating rinks are not opened yet, but will surely be there as soon as real winter is here). It’s a great option to warm up in winter! You will find one skating-rink at the Old Town, one in the last stop of the Tram nr. 11 – Mežaparks (with natural ice) and many more. The most pompous shopping centre in Riga - Galleria Riga - invites to the skating-rink on the top of the building! On the 7th floor above the roofs of Riga city center you can skate while enjoying panorama of Riga! <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">/I’ll let you know as soon as winter is here and open-air skating-rinks open/</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Some other winter sports? Take a day trip out of Riga - to Sigulda (around 1 hour drive from Riga) and get to know <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">bobsleigh</b>! Get to know it closer – not just watching, but also putting yourself into the place of a bobsleigh sportsman! Bobsleigh season has already started! You can go there on your own, with your friends or join organized tours – almost all travel agencies are oranizing tours to Sigulda, or ask at your hotel or hostel – a lot of them are really keen on it and glad to take Riga’s visitors to bobsleigh in Sigulda. By the way, Sigulda is also famous with its' beautiful nature and castles.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Nightlife in Riga? No changes there: Riga’s nightlife in winter is as active as in summer. Some cozy places for dancing and getting to know local people see here: <a href="http://friendinriga.blogspot.com/2011/01/where-locals-have-fun.html" target="_blank">Where Locals Have Fun I</a>, <a href="http://friendinriga.blogspot.com/2011/07/where-locals-have-fun-ii-shot-leningrad.html" target="_blank">Where Locals Have Fun II</a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i>Picture: The Entrance of the Latvian National Museum of Art </i></div>Kristine F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08553808055212047072noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7945588768571257793.post-86271133956656165232011-11-22T13:18:00.004+02:002011-11-25T21:55:52.316+02:00Christmas Markets & The Nutcracker. Your Travel Destination in December: Riga<div style="text-align: justify;">Already the next week December will be here and if you are coming to Riga on December, I’m glad you will catch our Christmas mood. Do you know from where comes the tradition of decorating Christmas tree? The tradition spread all over the world comes form Northern Europe: the 500 years old story of decorating the Christmas tree comes from Riga!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">I’m pretty sure one of the first places you will want to see will be the Old Town where Medieval architecture lives side by side with Art Nouveau houses. And that’s the right choice – that’s where you will find Christmas markets filling cobbled streets with goods from Latvian ecological farms and hand made knick-knackeries (starting from 1st of December), that’s where you will be able to warm up with hot tea or wine. Do not forget to taste unique <a href="http://friendinriga.blogspot.com/2011/11/where-to-get-best-medicine-ever-honey.html" target="_blank">Riga Black Balsam</a>, which you can get almostly in every cafe/bar with hot coffee, hot blackcurrant juice or in different coctails. One of options to enjoy it, is Black Magic Bar (since 1752) where you will be able to get to know almostly everything about Riga Black Balsam (except its’ well kept secrets).</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Another market: an old-fashion fair at Bergs Bazaar (at the city center) will be opened on 10th and 24th of December from 10am to 3pm at The Bergs Bazaar (Elizabetes Street 83/85) </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">To enjoy <a href="http://friendinriga.blogspot.com/2011/05/see-riga-from-hight-of-birds.html%20" target="_blank">Riga from height of birds flight</a>, you can choose St. Peter’s church at the Old Town, you can get out of the city center to the <a href="http://friendinriga.blogspot.com/2011/04/highest-tv-tower-in-eu.html" target="_blank">TV Tower</a> or enjoy lights of Riga from the 27th floor of Radisson Blu hotel „Skyline” bar (working from 4pm, free entrance from Monday to Thursday). TheTower of the Academy of Science is closed during this season. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">For enjoying Christmas atmosphere with good Latvian food, Latvian music and people dressed in Latvian folk costumes you should get out of the city centre to visit <a href="http://www.lido.lv/eng/" target="_blank">‘LIDO’</a>. If you are here with kids, it is a really good option: you will find there a lot of activites not only for you, but also for your kids: skating rink, place where to play with other kids (with a person who will look after children) and other attractions. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">For those looking for entertainment with arts, you should check what Latvian National Opera (LNO) can offer you! Opera is also one of these things Latvia is famous aborad: Latvian opera singers are highly appreciated worldwide, singing on all famous stages of the world and great foreign opera singers are performing on LNO stage in Riga, historical building with pompous interior. If you like ballet, in December 2011 LNO offers you to enjoy „Anna Karenina”, „The Sleeping Beauty” or (what can be better than this on December!!) „The Nutcracker”! Want opera? Here you are: „Don Giovanni”, „Madama Butterfly”, „Turandot”, „La Traviatta” or Latvian opera (also interesting for kids) „The Bird’s Opera”. Ticket prices from 1.50 to 18.00Ls. <a href="http://www.opera.lv/en/all-repertoire/" target="_blank">Check the calendar here.</a> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://2.gvt0.com/vi/L3claI_kVuI/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/L3claI_kVuI&fs=1&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/L3claI_kVuI&fs=1&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>More options for your December in Riga on this blog coming soon! Feel free to ask, share your questions and impressions or experiences! </i></span></div>Kristine F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08553808055212047072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7945588768571257793.post-64741091927630408342011-11-21T17:20:00.002+02:002011-11-21T17:24:02.436+02:00Festival of Lights, Riga, 2011<div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4OsyJ5LzrfM/TspVGR7UnnI/AAAAAAAAAgw/dxlqC-gsNDE/s1600/PB171133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4OsyJ5LzrfM/TspVGR7UnnI/AAAAAAAAAgw/dxlqC-gsNDE/s320/PB171133.JPG" width="240" /></a>Holiday in Latvia with Independence Day and Festival of Lights "Staro Rīga" (Beaming Riga) is over. Now Latvia too will switch to Christmas mood. Festival of Lights is growing every year bigger and bigger. This year there were 85 objects around the city. In these 4 days of festival (17. - 20. November) I didn't manage to see all of it. Lights and sounds these days have been making people dizzy. You know - it's not possible to put in a picture live light, video projection and feelings, also - this is just a simple camera which in dark makes wonders :) Beaming Riga/ Staro Rīga - festival of lights which changes the streets, parks, gardens of Riga in darkness with lights - from small candles till big installations and projections changing the appearance of buildings. </div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">This object looked calm and quite in the urban environment. Like other people I was smiling seeing how nice this object looks and attached to discovering how it has been made, but thanks to a small child who was explaining his vision to his parents I also was able to see what it is - these are not lamps, but that's how a city with its blockhouses looks at night!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LDQmYHy79lA/TspVULtdIfI/AAAAAAAAAg4/TXrzSmaZycY/s1600/PB181107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LDQmYHy79lA/TspVULtdIfI/AAAAAAAAAg4/TXrzSmaZycY/s400/PB181107.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Riga channel is always surprising with light & water games in the city center, but I have never been able to make a good picture of it, well - I guess you just have to see it with your own eyes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kmrgDws6_9U/TspVgZECPpI/AAAAAAAAAhA/16n_d2eApDg/s1600/PB181119.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kmrgDws6_9U/TspVgZECPpI/AAAAAAAAAhA/16n_d2eApDg/s320/PB181119.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Public toilet! It was standing there like any other day - quiet and simple. Then it started to whisper: "Please, look at me!" And then it turned into the Coliseum!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WLIsGSZoZ38/TspZao62CWI/AAAAAAAAAhs/F8SGFR-Tny8/s1600/PB190006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WLIsGSZoZ38/TspZao62CWI/AAAAAAAAAhs/F8SGFR-Tny8/s320/PB190006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The Bastion hill was filled with candles and flying ships:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NxABPhyTah0/TspZqEB_UAI/AAAAAAAAAh0/CcK1fHTJjBo/s1600/PB190014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NxABPhyTah0/TspZqEB_UAI/AAAAAAAAAh0/CcK1fHTJjBo/s400/PB190014.JPG" width="280" /></a></div>Door to imaginary reality:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gqb3yQge8J8/TspZ53liTmI/AAAAAAAAAh8/M57eAZsjEx0/s1600/PB190059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gqb3yQge8J8/TspZ53liTmI/AAAAAAAAAh8/M57eAZsjEx0/s400/PB190059.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5DYfzcg39xs/TspaKiJG0HI/AAAAAAAAAiE/ESCsxDKywIs/s1600/PB190088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5DYfzcg39xs/TspaKiJG0HI/AAAAAAAAAiE/ESCsxDKywIs/s400/PB190088.JPG" width="280" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m0p2WVITlQQ/TspaOkAiHKI/AAAAAAAAAiM/CzzImCGs0VQ/s1600/PB200096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m0p2WVITlQQ/TspaOkAiHKI/AAAAAAAAAiM/CzzImCGs0VQ/s400/PB200096.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8Z592Y_90cM/TspaYEktSHI/AAAAAAAAAiU/VHqBKkGi34I/s1600/PB200151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8Z592Y_90cM/TspaYEktSHI/AAAAAAAAAiU/VHqBKkGi34I/s400/PB200151.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-etoVSxV28Vs/Tsph5Wu7D7I/AAAAAAAAAic/4iZ-Mh0cw2s/s1600/PB171145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-etoVSxV28Vs/Tsph5Wu7D7I/AAAAAAAAAic/4iZ-Mh0cw2s/s400/PB171145.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n48obJYWXk0/TsplnCp66XI/AAAAAAAAAis/WYbpvNSttsI/s1600/PB190002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n48obJYWXk0/TsplnCp66XI/AAAAAAAAAis/WYbpvNSttsI/s400/PB190002.JPG" width="286" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">And at the end enjoy some fireworks from Independence Day - 18th of November right after singing national anthem - thousands of people together at the river Daugava.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><object class="BLOGGER-picasa-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-tX1kVWIhNd8/Tsph5zt2SsI/AAAAAAAAAig/2VF9EbWPvq8/s1600/PB181138.AVI" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?videoUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fv14.nonxt8.googlevideo.com%2Fvideoplayback%3Fid%3Dfcedaf1fa62e538a%26itag%3D18%26ip%3D0.0.0.0%26ipbits%3D0%26expire%3D1321907784%26sparams%3Did%2Citag%2Cip%2Cipbits%2Cexpire%26signature%3DCB8A28A94AE3618AB40FE803584AAEFB9375D681.271480B9911A8008EF0907571997F80205BD87E0%26key%3Dlh1" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?videoUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fv14.nonxt8.googlevideo.com%2Fvideoplayback%3Fid%3Dfcedaf1fa62e538a%26itag%3D18%26ip%3D0.0.0.0%26ipbits%3D0%26expire%3D1321907784%26sparams%3Did%2Citag%2Cip%2Cipbits%2Cexpire%26signature%3DCB8A28A94AE3618AB40FE803584AAEFB9375D681.271480B9911A8008EF0907571997F80205BD87E0%26key%3Dlh1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object></div><br />
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Here you can find <a href="http://friendinriga.blogspot.com/2011/11/that-surrealist-place-beaming-riga.html" target="_blank">some pictures from Beaming Riga 2010</a>Kristine F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08553808055212047072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7945588768571257793.post-68589297539342006972011-11-16T02:25:00.001+02:002012-10-04T02:40:49.854+03:00Where to Get The Best Medicine Ever - Honey, Herbs and Riga Black Balsam?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jPw_srjaJlc/TsMCY1qN2JI/AAAAAAAAAgc/VMQrzIs_KvI/s1600/PB161127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jPw_srjaJlc/TsMCY1qN2JI/AAAAAAAAAgc/VMQrzIs_KvI/s320/PB161127.JPG" width="227" /></a></div>
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Inspiring #TTOT (Travel Talk on Twitter), cold and dark November outside and my own home pushed me to write about it (finally). When I say that remedy for everything is Riga Black Balsam - I really mean it. (And everyone is laughing at me). So here is my Latvian recipe of surviving cold and dark period of the year - the content of my Latvian medicine cabinet: honey, herbs and Riga Black Balsam. </div>
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You probably are aware of medicinal properties of honey (I mean real countryside honey made by real bees from real nectar from flowers). Our ancestors knew it and used it and we keep doing the same. Such a nice medicine - even children love it! If you are in Riga, here are some places to get ecological Latvian honey: for example Honey Room next to St. Peters church in the Old Town. </div>
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Another important thing - herbs for tea. I have no idea how aware of all this herbs thing you are, but in Latvia it's a must in summers to go to meadows and woods and gather herbs for yourself, dry them and use. A lot of magic in Latvia is around <a href="http://friendinriga.blogspot.com/2011/06/midsummers-night-summer-solstice-all.html" target="_blank">Summer Solstice and Midsummers Night</a> - it is also the best day to gather powerfull herbs. Using the right herbs at the right time will save you from all disasters of cold and winter viruses. If you've been lazy on summer and haven't picked herbs from meadows, you can get them at <a href="http://friendinriga.blogspot.com/2011/07/from-zeppelins-to-food-riga-central.html" target="_blank">Riga Central Market</a> or at one of these small eco-shops which are growing in Riga like mushrooms after the rain.</div>
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Honey + herbal tea is almost perfect combination. But there is 3rd component not less important than previous two: Riga Black Balsam. It is petty strong – made in Latvia – herbal liquer since 1752. Add it to your herbal tea with honey, to your morning coffee, mix it with backcurrant juice, enjoy it in cocktails and party with it. You can get it everywhere around Riga, everywhere in Latvia.<br />
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Now I have told you all 3 secret components. All of them tasty separated and tasty together. I have them all at home. I really avoid useing pharmaceutical drugs and this combination of 3 (including a lot of variations of herbs) - is the key to say happy "Hi!" to cold season and enjoy it! </div>
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To tease your taste buds get to know Latvian food at <a href="http://friendinriga.blogspot.com/p/taste-place.html" target="_blank">Taste The Place</a></div>
Kristine F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08553808055212047072noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7945588768571257793.post-2702307642889453932011-11-13T00:59:00.002+02:002011-11-20T18:23:20.488+02:00That Surrealist Place - Beaming RigaI guess I've told you about this event already twice. "Beaming Riga" (Staro Rīga). This year the event will take place form 17th to 21st on November. You just need to get to Riga and the lights and sounds will guide you through the city which will surprise you with colors, lights, music, technology and CREATIVITY.<br />
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So I found some pictures I took at Beaming Riga last year. Well, these are definitely not the best pictures because of darkness, bad camera, snow etc., but anyway might give you some insight of this event.<br />
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If you have attended Beaming Riga and have some great pics, I would be glad if you share them with me! You can post the link on comments, tweet (@friendinriga) on Twitter or send me the mail. While I don't see your beaming pictures, enjoy these ones from 2010!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t-Bm1fr_UDg/Tr74FDc7OdI/AAAAAAAAAf0/-caihUCMjPU/s1600/DSCN4662.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t-Bm1fr_UDg/Tr74FDc7OdI/AAAAAAAAAf0/-caihUCMjPU/s400/DSCN4662.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GvIwxV3uVlg/Tr74G1Ko7AI/AAAAAAAAAf8/CTK0q3hFjts/s1600/DSCN4671.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GvIwxV3uVlg/Tr74G1Ko7AI/AAAAAAAAAf8/CTK0q3hFjts/s400/DSCN4671.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b8LYPFjuWH8/Tr74IziPaaI/AAAAAAAAAgE/uMjQuZuh9Z0/s1600/DSCN4684.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="313" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b8LYPFjuWH8/Tr74IziPaaI/AAAAAAAAAgE/uMjQuZuh9Z0/s400/DSCN4684.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Kristine F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08553808055212047072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7945588768571257793.post-78282132473392180002011-11-10T13:25:00.001+02:002011-11-28T19:03:38.722+02:0018th of November: Through National Songs and Lights of Beaming Riga<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--G9G78BYBkM/Truzg8r1N0I/AAAAAAAAAec/lJ2KBhgXXHk/s1600/18_Nov_Riga_Freedom_monument.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--G9G78BYBkM/Truzg8r1N0I/AAAAAAAAAec/lJ2KBhgXXHk/s200/18_Nov_Riga_Freedom_monument.jpg" width="166" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">When that dark season is already arrvied here – empty trees, dark streets, no colors of golden autumn and no snow yet, Riga gets into celebrations. 18th of november – the national holiday – birthday of Latvia – proclomation day. What we do on this day in Riga? </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">1) We go to watch National Armed Forces parade on the first part of the day at the river Daugava with the orchestra of Latvian armed forces. (11:00)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">2) We go to concerts, church, make family dinner, put flowers at our freedom monument – it depends on family traditions</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">3) Evening part comes with the celebration event at the freedom monument with Latvian folk and choir songs and the most important – the President’s speech</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">4) We all are hedding back to the riverside (where we started our day with the parade) to watch fireworks over the River of destiny – Daugava.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--cF_orkP2pU/Truz77lQ8dI/AAAAAAAAAek/Srj-i7L5Rpo/s1600/DSCN4553.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--cF_orkP2pU/Truz77lQ8dI/AAAAAAAAAek/Srj-i7L5Rpo/s320/DSCN4553.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">If you are in Riga on 18th of November, you might be surprised seeing that partriotism and national consciousness which is in the air these days in November. You are welcome to join on this celebration! </div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Another big and worth seeing event - Beaming Riga. The city has been changed through colors, lights and music, technology and creativity every year around 18th on November. This year Beaming Riga is form 17th to 21st on November – in different places all over the city. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Let me find some pictures I made at the last years Beaming Riga and I’ll share them with you in my next post.</div>Kristine F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08553808055212047072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7945588768571257793.post-43241720626254346342011-11-01T15:12:00.000+02:002011-11-01T15:12:21.780+02:00What's in a jar in Latvia?<div style="text-align: justify;">That's it: no more food in fields, woods and gardens. Winter is just a step away. Those who worked and picked up different goodies the nature gives us, will get their healthy summer portion in winter too. Those who didn't... ups... those who didn't will have to hope that they will be invited to enjoy goodies in a jar by some nice family in a countryside. If for some people <span class="" id="result_box" lang="en"><span class="hps">salting</span><span class="">,</span> <span class="hps">marinating,</span> <span class="hps">boiling</span> <span class="hps">jam</span><span class="">, </span></span><span class="" id="result_box" lang="en"> <span class="hps">preparing </span></span><span class="" id="result_box" lang="en"><span class="">winter</span> <span class="hps">salad etc is just a hobby, for some people it's lifestyle. People at the countryside of Latvia has always kept this great habit, and of course economical crisis have made a lot of people to come back to the wisdom of our ancestries and take again in their hands grandmothers receipt notes. </span></span><span class="" id="result_box" lang="en"><span class="hps"></span></span><span class="" id="result_box" lang="en"><span class="hps">What's in a jar in Latvia?</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K0ViJ6rCoCI/Tq_rsAqlfrI/AAAAAAAAAeU/OFbwAQPR9wU/s1600/Picture1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K0ViJ6rCoCI/Tq_rsAqlfrI/AAAAAAAAAeU/OFbwAQPR9wU/s400/Picture1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="" id="result_box" lang="en"><span class="hps">And not only that. As you know - it depends on family traditions and taste buds. Add to the list of these goodies mentioned before - potatoes, carrots, cabbages, honey and herbs.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="" id="result_box" lang="en"><span class="hps">Old Latvian wisdom says "</span></span><span class="short_text" id="result_box" lang="en"><span class="hps">Make</span> <span class="hps">the sled</span> <span class="hps">in the summer and</span> the<span class="hps"></span> <span class="hps">wheels in winter". Isn't it a nice quote?</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="short_text" id="result_box" lang="en"><span class="hps"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="short_text" id="result_box" lang="en"><span class="hps">More about Latvian food: <a href="http://friendinriga.blogspot.com/p/taste-place.html">Taste The Place</a></span></span></div>Kristine F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08553808055212047072noreply@blogger.com0