In the last day of the summer, Riga held one of the most outrageous public events. Red Bull Flugtag (Day of Flight) is a competition among amateur teams following the steps of the Wright Brothers ;) A-B Dambis gathered more than 50 000 people from around the world.
Latvijas Mobilais Telefons (Latvian Mobile Phone) is oldest and largest mobile network operator in Latvia. This is main LMT office building located in Teika neighbourhood. You can live traffic webcam from top of this building towards VEF Tilts.
Bastejkalns park was renovated during last winter. So, here is the nice result of Invisible workers - artificial tiny brook coming from top of the hill, bordered by granite stones.
Zvaigžņu iela (Star street) looks more like park alley. Nowadays it is one-way traffic allowed on the street, but 50 years ago Zvaigznu street was looking completely different, without such trees, and even buses went through it. Basically, at the end of the street was Bus Nr 34 loop .
Quite rare natural optical effect - double rainbow, which I cought in Salaspils suburb. Between the two bows lies an area of unlit sky referred to as Alexander's band.
Dzirciema iela is the main street in Ilguciems neighbourhood. The name could be translated as Mill Village street. Before Second World War, at this place was no road at all, just private houses and quite curved small path between them, called as Lielas muižas iela (Grand estate street). After private houses demoliton, new broad road was built with a new name - Dzirciema iela.
This sad monument located in Mežaparks area reminds people of brutal regime. Writing on granite stone means Deportētajiem, ceļā un svešumā mirušajiem Latvijas bērniem To deported children of Latvia died on the road and in strange lands During years 1941-1949 about 35 thousands of people were deported from Latvia as part of the procedure for carrying out of Anti-Soviet Elements.
Čiekurkalna TEC I malējais skurstenis (Ciekurkalns Power Plant Nr 1 side chimney) is one of the tallest self-standing buildings in Latvia built in 1952. The Chimney top is 120 meters, the same as Imanta Chimney.
Gaismas tilti (Bridges of Light) is the country wide event devoted to 90 days left before the Independence Day of Latvia. All bridges in Latvia were illuminated all night long by candle flames.
Recently all central park bridges get decorated by flowers. Pictured: Tilts 8. Pasaules Brīnums (8th Wonder of the world bridge) is one of the small pedestrian bridges over Riga Canal.
I found this installation in Kengarags neighbourhood. Looks like a wharf, but boats can't moor here, due slip surface going into river. Maybe somebody know what is for facility? :) See comments for answer.
These funny twin brothers play accordion quite often at Old Riga streets. Despite good sense of rhythm, they are less famous than Dancing Granny or Playing Grandpa. Maybe twins have to play more often :)
Rīgas svētki (Riga City Festival) is a big cultural festival for three days. City Festival has been taking place annually since 2001, basically to celebrate Riga Birthday. It is organised by different Riga residents as a massive entertainment venue. Rigas Svetki takes place in the middle of august at numerous areas and streets across the whole City. Usually it ends with a huge fireworks shaking whole Riga region :)
Guest photographer: Stepanov A Check also photo devoted to Rigas Svetki 2009 and 2010.
Annual boat speed racing event happened yesterday on Daugava river. Definitely that Formula 2000 (aka Formula 2) is sport for rich people only, also there are two Latvian teams which are on top positions. This time first and second speed record belong to Latvians, but it's apity that we have not won.
Tukums Airshow was held yesterday at Tukums air base. Such events are not often for Latvia, but unfortunately this one was overshadowed by small private airplane catastrophe happened just before airshow openning. One person died and seven have severe injury. Thankfully airplane crashed in some garden.
Unfortunately open-air concerts not protected from nature pranks. Empty chairs during Sash! concert at Ogres Estrāde (Ogre stage) is result of rain, but not a marketing failure It should be noted that despite bad weather Sash! gathered several thousands of people.
This forgotten fountain located inside of the park of disappeared VEF factory. Tens of years ago it was full of scientists and engineers around. Nowadays VEF territory is used as office area, storing facility, car service, etc.
Dienvidu Tilts (South Bridge) was tested last week, actually not the whole bridge, but just some entry junctions. Tens of loaded trucks were used as testing equipment :) I hope the bridge has passed its exam :)
Despite Sikhism is one of the largest world religions, it is very uncommon in Latvia. Actually, it was the first time I saw Sikh people in Riga. See also another Hinduism movement Hare Krishna in Riga
This is building built for cash storage. Quite big, isn't? :) Located in Pardaguava on Valdemara iela, just after Vansu tilts, it is a modern fortress or stronghold where even small design details are defending items which contains for example some sensors.
Svētā Jāņa Baznīca (Saint John Church) is Evangelical Lutheran Church in Old Town on Skarnu iela. It is one of Riga sights, located just next to St. Peters Church. The building was built in 13th century and used for many pursposes like horse stable or weapon workshop. Since late 16th century it became as church again and to recover spiritual value, two monks were mured up in church wide wall, where they died after several years of living in darkness and getting fed through small window.
Queue of indigent and homeless people for free food on Kr. Barona Street. This mess opened more than 10 years ago by Riga Hare Krishna community. During this time they have feed about 4 millions people, so it almost 5 times more than Riga population. Of course some of the people come here for meal everyday. Interesting is the fact that all these people enjoy reading. Some of them read higher mathematics or even political news :)
Place where was the oldest permanent bridge over Daugava river is exactly here, next to Railway Bridge. That bridge name was Iron Bridge, and it was built in 1872. Nowadays only Bridge shadow remind us about it. Second World war took it when it was 72 year old.
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