We arrived in the morning and checked into the Marriott without issue. A slight departure from Matt and Britt's M.O. of Airbnbs, but I have grown accustomed to enjoying the Bonvoy benefits. By coincidence (again), there was a beer festival a short walk from our hotel in the Vērmane Garden so off we went!
After a few beers, we found a nearby (indoor) rooftop at the Skyline Bar in the Radisson Blu hotel. We had some small plates, drinks, and even dancing as we enjoyed the sunset over Riga.
Jenn is always seeking attention so I thoughtfully appeased her wishes.
The waitress taking our picture called me out for my stupid faces. They don't like jokes I guess.
28 May 2022
The weather was not great on Saturday, but we put on our "May" coats and made our way into old town. Passing the Kristus Piedzimšanas pareizticīgo katedrāle (Nativity of Christ Orthodox Cathedral).
Brīvības piemineklis (Freedom Monument)
Restaurants in old town
Melngalvju nams (House of the Black Heads) where bachelor merchants in the Middle Ages came to do weird stuff
Rīgas Sv. Pētera baznīca (St Peter's Church)
View from the church's observation tower which was pretty windy and rainy during our brief time up there.
I like the trams of Europe...particular in former soviet states
Beers at one of the brewery stands in Rīgas Centrāltirgus (Riga Central Market)
What perfect weather for a bike tour!
And just like that, there was sun! This is an old soviet-built radio and television tower and the tallest in the European Union (third in Europe after towers in Moscow and Kyiv). The Latvians are debating on taking down all monuments and iconic structures from their neighbors and former rulers due to recent events.
The former Jewish ghetto where the nazis gathered Latvian Jews leading up to the massacre of nearly 28,000 in the nearby Rumbula forest in late 1941. Among the 5,000 survivors were men who could perform hard labor and women who could work as seamstresses.
Stag party with a grafitti-ridden camper van looking for a good time
Riding into the nicer part of town with Jenn refusing to get off of her seat when stopped
Jūgendstils Rīgā (Art Nouveau architecture) in the area near our hotel and populated by many embassies
Of course the most popular embassy was Russian with lots of colorful gifts left for them by the Latvians
Pilsētas kanāls (City Canal) is the old moat that used to protect the medieval fortress. Now it's a highway for little electric tourist boats.
Latvijas Nacionālais teātris (Latvian National Theater) where Lativa declared its independence in 1918.
Newer tram
Latvia sign and Freedom Monument
Post-ride drinks in old town while waiting for our boat ride
Our "sunset cruise" started with some heavy hail before we left the dock, but the ride up the Daugava River to the mouth of the Baltic Sea turned out quite pleasant and the drinks were cheap!
Post-hail rainbow
Someone cut her off already
I always enjoy boat rides
Matt appears less impressed
Poor Britt always has to model for Matt. She's not an object for goodness sakes!
Then she had to worry about Jenn sneaking up on her...poor thing.
Lighthouse not doing its job
I was attacked by a Baltic Sea monster
Longing for the sea
Friends!
Rain over the Baltic
Lazy lighthouse
I thought I was alone, but there's always a creeper lurking.
Last call
Post-boat pizza
Goodnight Riga
29 May 2022
We couldn't get enough time on the water, so we opted for one of Riga's canal boat rides.
What is this, a house for ducks?
So excited
Rebeka
When will people stop vandalizing in public property? Or believing in "love locks?" Or just love?
More great weather!
Time for some more food and drinks. We found a Belgian pub and ordered some Kwak beer.
We meandered through the afternoon and found a little rooftop for dinner.
Walking off the wine
Trīs brāļi (Three Brothers) are some of the oldest dwellings in Riga. The oldest (on left) dates from the late 15th century with Gothic and early Renaissance details. The center one dates back to 1646 in the style of "Dutch Mannerism..." whatever that is. The newest (right) is from the late 17th century in the Baroque style.
Yet another attack. Where are the police in this town?
Night cap
30 May 2022
There were no issues getting out of Riga other than waiting on the weirdos who didn't have enough airline status and had to go through security with the gen pop. Paldies Riga!
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