My second panoramic photo (please use horizontal scrollbar to see the whole picture) of the abandoned border-crossing point between Latvia and Lithuania called Būtingė - Rucava, which was visited during my trip to Nida.

This is a Latvia's exit point, therefore the last photo of this trip in this blog. Please check next photo at Klaipeda at my Vilnius' blog or go back to Liepaja

Labels: abandoned, buildings, cars, coastline trip, government, kurzeme, lithuania, lithuanian, roads, signs

Olaine celebrates its 45th anniversary this year. Usually town's festival takes place in the last weekend of Spring.
On the picture: The town council of Olaine with a huge banner Olainei 45 hanging on it.

Labels: ads, birthdays, government, offices, olaine, spring, towns

The protesters' camp which was pitched in front of Council of Ministers has been demolished this weekend.
The winter photo of people living on the street was starred in my blog because visitors were shocked about brave unemployed who decided to live in tent until they will find a job.
The record was reached in February when 12 tents were setup. Last weeks there were only 2 guys who still were living on Brivibas alley.
At the some point, one of them went to swim in a river, but another left camp to toilet for a couple of minutes. Almost immediately police gabbed all their unattended stuff.
Juris, the guy smocking cigarillo, told me: Police actions were illegal and this is not the end!

Labels: camps, center, events, government, people, persons, politics, poverty, shame

Despite such a freezing weather (-17°C or 2°F) since several weeks these people are living in tents in order to protest against current government's actions or more precisely inactions.
The camp of more than 10 tents is based right in front of Council of Ministers.
In the very beginning it was just one small tent, but the community of desperate people is growing very fast.
They don't care about us...

Labels: bicycles, camps, events, government, jobs, people, politics, poverty, shame, snow, starred, weather, winter

Latvijas Republikas Ārlietu Ministrija (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia) building has remarkable nice night illumination after recent renovation.
It's difficult to write anything more about this institution, except it should protect Latvia's interests on a global level.
Foreign Ministry's work remains to be invisible for local people. I guess it is more visible from abroad.

Labels: buildings, cars, center, foreign, government, international, lights, night, police, politics

Rīgas apgabaltiesa (Riga Regional Court) is the master piece of Latvian architecture located on Brivibas iela.
This building was built by first Latvian architecture Janis Fridrihs Baumanis in 1889. In fact Baumanis was the first Latvian man ever who got higher education.
Interesting fact is that this building was initially designed in shape of Russian Emperor's Crown.

Labels: baroque, buildings, center, first, government, law

Military parade of Latvian Army at Riga embankment in honor of 91st Independence Day.
It seems that recently Latvia has visibly improved its armed forces with new equipment. I wonder why...
Also I always wonder why forested country has army wearing desert camouflage uniform :)

Labels: cars, events, government, helicopters, holidays, independence, jobs, military, people, streets, transport

This metal doors of the former NKVD building (later KGB) is untypical monument, which will always remind to people how many victims were tortured and killed because of wrong political views during the early Soviet times aka Stalin's era.
Today is the Monthly theme, which is Doorways. Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

Labels: buildings, center, criminal, doorways, government, history, monuments, police, politics, soviet, windows

1st May is synonymous with International Workers' Day, or Labour Day. It is public holiday in Latvia as well.
There is a very patriotic law in Latvia, that every building must be decorated with flag of Latvia on all public holidays. Otherwise building owner has to pay a big fine :(
It is very democratic law at same time :)
On the picture is decorated Rigas dome, which resides in Rathaus.

Labels: flags, government, holidays, latvian, politics, symbols

Military parade of Latvian army on Lāčplēsis Day showing Latvian forces.
It could be compared to Red Square Parade :)
Even for me, patriot of my country, it is funny to see those lumbering cabriolet technic waddling on Daugavpils streets.
From whom they could protect us? What kind of great power they want to show?

See also wall of candles ceremony in Riga, and Lacplesis day in 2007.

Labels: daugavpils, events, funny, government, holidays, independence, jobs, latvian, military, people, transport

Rīgas pils (Riga Castle) is a major sight in Riga and the official residence of Latvian President.
Castle was founded in 1330. It was rebuilt and renovated many times due the rule of different powers like Germans, Polishes, Lithuanians, Swedes, Russian, Soviets and of course Latvians itself.
Pils was always very important stronghold over the whole Baltic Region.
Hotel Latvia can be seen on the Right.

Labels: buildings, castles, churches, daugava, government, medieval, presidents, sights, skyscrapers, towers, vecriga

Rigas Dome (Riga Town Hall) rebuilt in 2003 after destroying in Second World War.
Town Hall rebuilt just few years after Blackheads House, which located across the square.
Riga City Council work in this building now.
See also Rigas Dome more closer.

Labels: buildings, government, offices, vecriga