Temporary Riga photos are being published not in a regular manner due to blog author has moved to Vilnius.

152 Days

152 Days
Somebody may think that Latvians are obsessed with Christmas, because we are already counting the days left till the New Year.
The big reason to expect Christmas and New Year eve is the celebration of 500 years since First Christmas tree was placed in Riga.
152 days are left till the fifth centenary of Christmas tree, which is already installed in Old Town.
See photo of counter in winter.

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Baltic Bike

Baltic Bike
BalticBike is another service of AirBaltic. 11 bicycle dock-stations were opened last week in Riga and Jurmala.
although the price to rent a bike is quite high comparing to other European cities. Price per hour is 1Ls.
For example Velib in France offers first 30 minutes for free.

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Triumphal Arch

Triumphal Arch
Triumphal Arch was built in 1815 in honour of decisive Russian victory over French army of Napoleon I.
The memorial has official name Alexander Gate, because initially it was built on Alexander street, next to present VEF Bridge. Nowadays it is located in Viesturs Garden.

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Bolderaja Beach

Bolderaja Beach
Bolderaja Beach is closer to Riga center and has the same landscape as beaches in Jurmala, but it isn't so popular.
The beach is technically located in Daugavgriva area, which entirely was a military base, therefore this zone has no any resort infrastructure at all.

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Старая Рига

Staraya Riga
Cafe Старая Рига (Staraya Riga means Old Riga) is another sign of Riga's spirit outside Latvia.
It is located in Moscow, in a quite prestigious Basmanny District.

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Black Magic

Black Magic
Black Magic place has nothing to do with the powers of darkness, or maybe it has :)
It is a cafe shop, which is offering Melnais balzams (Black Balsam), the traditional Latvian alcoholic drink.
80-proof balsam made with herbs and spices and often being served mixed with coffee.

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Ligo in City

Ligo in City
First time ever Riga city hall have thought about people who are going to celebrate Ligo in Riga.
Several stages, stalls, fires were built on 11. Novembra krastmala, although not so many people came as was initially expected.

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Fake Sun

Fake sun
An optical effect called Sun Dog or Parhelion was taken on the road to the Airport. Sundog is rather commonly encountered atmospheric phenomenon, which creates two mock suns beside the real one.
In Riga 3 suns can be observed in the summer evenings, when the sun is going low and slowly above the horizon.
Today is Ligo, a national holiday of the Sun and devoted to the longest day and shortest night in the year.

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Kronbergs & Čukste

Kronbergs and Cukste
Kronbergs & Čukste is our own copyrighted Latvian Ernst & Young (Don't confuse with Ernsts un Jangs :))
By the law auditors and lawyers must be separated, so if Ernst & Young is taking financial consulting, then Kronbergs & Cukste is involved into legal counseling.

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Arhitektu iela

Arhitektu iela
Arhitektu iela (Architect Street) is one of the few small streets which connect Raina blvd and Merkela st.
It carries one-way traffic towards Merkela st between Latvian University and Latvian Society.

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Brāļu Kapi

Bralu Kapi
Brāļu Kapi (Brothers' Cemetery) is a military cemetery in Ciekurkalns area, which is the last home for more than 2000 soldiers who had fought for the independence of Latvia between 1915 and 1920.
Cemetery was officially opened only in 1936, when grand memorial structures and garden decorations were ready.

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Lielupe Beach

Lielupe Beach
Lielupe Beach is the most east beach in Jurmala, basically it is where the resort town starts.
It is quite remote from Jurmala central part, and hence quite empty.

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Piens

Piens
Nightclub Piens (Milk) is famous for its bohemian public and very friendly atmosphere.
Although it is quite difficult to get into the club. Bouncer must know you, otherwise there is no way in.
Luckily there is next door Kefirs club, which has no such strict rules to enter.

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Centra Nams

Centra Nams
Centra Nams (Centre House) is located, obvisously, in the very center of Riga, in historical area of Citadel.
It was built in 2005 as the first premium apartment building in Riga.

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House-Building Combine

House-Building Combine
Ēku celtniecības kombināts (House-Building Combine) was built in 80s in the place of old shipyard in Ilgucimes.
Typical Soviet architecture style of this office building is very similar to another Soviet masterpiece Press House.

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Chimney sweep

Chimney sweep
Albert is the name of the bronze monument devoted to Chimney sweepers.
The monument was opened less than one month ago on 22 Skolas iela.
In Latvia it is considered lucky to see Chimney sweep, so now you know where you can always find one ;)

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Sunset and Sunrise in Imanta

Sunset Sunrise Imanta
The shortest night in Riga is on 23/24 of June, which lasts about 4 hours only. And by the middle of June there is almost no darkness anymore.
These two photos were taken at yesterday evening at 22:00 and today at 5:00 in the morning on Anniņmuižas bulvāris, which is one of the most urbanized streets in Riga.

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Jurmala Orthodox Church

Jurmala Orthodox Church
Свято-Владимирский храм в Дубулты or Pareizticīgo Sv. kņaza Vladimira Dubultu baznīca is the first Orthodox Church in Jurmala located in Dubulti and named after Vladimir I of Kiev, the Grand Prince of Rus.
The church was built in 1867 and hence it is the oldest Orthodox Church in Jurmala.

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Purvs

Purvs
I've heard many drastic stories about this place, but I never knew that it is located in the very center on Matisa iela.
Purvs (Mire) is a nightclub for sexual minorities, mostly for lesbians and gays. Purvs with its dark room has the reputation of the most lecherous place in Riga.

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Football

Football
Today is the beginning of Football World Cup in South Africa. Waka Waka, this time for Africa!
Unfortunately Latvian team couldn't get into final part, hence I'm going to support North Korea this time :)
What team do you support?

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Souvenirs

Souvenirs
The best souvenirs from Latvia are amber stuff, flax clothes, black balsam and of course fridge magnets :)
What else would you recommend to buy in Latvia?

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Skatepark

Skatepark
Monster Park is the biggest indoor skate park in Baltic States.
It is located next to Zemitani railway station on forgotten Kronu iela.

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Alfrēds Kalniņš

Alfreds Kalnins
Alfrēds Kalniņš is one of the most famous Latvian composers. During his life he used to work in many cities, including New York.
His sculpture was erected in 1979, on his 100th birthday. Initially the statue was in front of Opera, but now it is looking towards Opera's back.

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Patent Office

Patent Office
Latvian Patent Office located in Citadel area has a long history, which is split by Soviet times.
Initially Patent Office was opened in 1920 and was very productive since the very first days.
Nowadays approximately 200 national inventions are being registered annually.
I hope at least one of them will make Latvia world famous one day :)

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Jelgava Orthodox Church

Jelgava Orthodox Church
Елгавский собор свв. прав. Симеона Богоприимца и Анны Пророчицы or Jelgavas Sv. Simeona un Sv. Annas pareizticīgo katedrāle is Russian Orthodox Cathedral in Jelgava town, which is located in 30 km from Riga.
Initially the church was built in 1774, but then it was expanded and its current look is the same since 1892, except Khrushchyovka building on the left side, of course :)

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McDrive

McDrive
McDrive is another way to entertain yourself or your girlfriend during boring night.
Photo is taken at McDonald's at Krasta, which is opened 24/7 and could be considered as part of Riga nightlife

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Samurajs

Samurajs
Samurajs (Samurai) is one of the many sushi bars in Riga.
This particular one is famous for being radiatively cheap sushi place in Old Town. It is located on Kungu iela.

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Рижский вокзал

Rizhsky vokzal
Рижский вокзал (Riga Railway Terminal) is one of 9 railway stations in Moscow.
It is terminal station of Train Riga - Moscow, and hence it is directly connected with Riga Central Station :)
There are not too many objects outside of Latvia, which contain word Riga in its name, so I guess I have good chances to cover them all in this blog as well :)

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Enjoy Tea

Enjoy Tea
Baudiet Nesteidzoties (Enjoy sipping) is the name of another Apsara Tea House, located in old town.
Tea drinking is extremely popular in Riga, but the drinkers' preference is changing constantly.
Nowadays the person who drinks black tea with white sugar (as everybody did several years before) is a rarity.

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Funny Signs - Monthly Theme

Funny signs
I nearly forgot about the monthly theme Funny signs - Click here to view thumbnails for all participants.
Walking home I took a photo of the famous side street in Old Town allowing only pedestrian and bicycle traffic.
A paradise for bicyclists, but very short one :)

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Riga Photos, Top Stories, Wonderful Sights, Remarkable Places, Typical & Famous People, Travel Guides & Official Information, Shopping, Party & Nightlife, Glamour & Fashion Clubs, Sport & Crowdy Bars, Alternative & Underground Pubs, Luxurious & Cheap Hotels, Live Webcams, News, Vague Rumors & Wild Facts about the biggest City in Baltic States