“Latvia has some of the world’s worst drivers. It’s not that they can’t steer or press the break pedal, although for some reason Latvians can’t master the art of parallel parking, it’s more likely a reckless streak that allows grown men and women to act like children behind the wheel. Passing on blind curves is shockingly common, red lights are ignored by most BMWs and pedestrians on crosswalks tend to become targets for wannabe F1 drivers in tricked out Mercedes jeeps. If, like many locals, you enjoy operating an automobile while intoxicated, you should bear in mind that all perpetrators, including foreigners, face a mandatory ten-day jail sentence and a 500Ls fine.”
You can imagine how excited we were to be driving in Latvia after reading this quote! Unfortunately they lived up to their reputation and we awarded them 'The worst drivers' in the Baltic award!
Our first stop in Latvia was Riga for three nights. We did another 'free'( pay what you can afford) walking tour' with Tours in Riga. Tom was our gorgeous and extremely entertaining guide showing us around the old town.
“A century ago, Riga, just as other European cities, was swept away by a style of architecture and living inspired by longing for creative freedom and daring opulence: art nouveau. By learning from nature, delighting in bunches of flowers, ornamentation, sinuous and undulating lines, relishing in antique beauty, fantasising about sphinxes, gryphons and Cerberuses, art nouveau rendered Riga more lavish, mysterious and seductive. Raise your eyes upwards and discover Europe’s most beautiful art nouveau buildings for yourself!”
In Latvia, it's a tradition to fasten a lock to a bridge on your wedding day and throw the key in the water to symbolise an unbreakable marriage.
' When construction was completed in 1930, Riga’s Central Market was one of the largest and most modern marketplaces on the European continent. Seventy years later, four of the five pavilions, which were used as zeppelin hangars during WWI, still serve their original function as meat, fish, produce and dairy markets.'
Riga in your pocket
We stayed at Central Hostel in Riga. One of our highlights was going to an ice hockey match to see the local team Dinamoriga play. No cameras were allowed in. Nick almost lost his head when the puck went flying by.
We left Riga and headed for the coast.
So, we had done our research, reading not only in the Lonely Planet but also in a few other places that the traditional way is to do the whole thing naked. Picture our horror when we were asked to change into our swimming costumes, with our response being, “We don't have any and thought we'd do it naked!”
Coming soon – the third exciting installment of Our Baltic Bonanza!
Emily says:
Wow! I have just spent the evening reading about your travels – – love it! love the words, photos are amazing, what a year you are having!!