Today I tried to catch up with all the things I wanted to do and see before I head out of town tomorrow.
The area of Riga that is worth exploring is not very big, so getting around has been pretty uncomplicated. I haven't used public transport except to get from the airport to the city. The terrain is pretty much flat, as well, so other than the cobblestones walking has not been a problem.
I get the sense that Riga has yet to "make its debut." There is a lot of construction, demolition, and renovation going on, and I am assuming it is in expectation of the hoped for wave of tourism that will follow. Right now, it's just a work-a-day town trying to play catch up with its destiny.
Since I've been here, I've noticed there are a lot of tourists coming and they are coming by the boat load. There was a huge ship pulled in near the docks, and literally hundreds of people descended to do some sightseeing. Likewise, on my first full day here at the hotel, the breakfast room was packed with people who had spent the night and were on their way to another destination via tour bus. So there is obviously some buzz about this place as a tourist destination.
I found that most of the museums listed were on the small side (expecting to grow), and the three major venues were all under reconstruction - the Art Museum, the Royal Palace, and one of the major churches - there is scaffolding everywhere and lots of work going on. Likewise, a lot of the town center and touristic attractions all seem to be undergoing some kind of transformation. Maybe in about two or three years, everything will be ready (or there will be new projects....) - who knows.
Not that it isn't interesting to visit right now. It is a great little city to walk around and enjoy. There is still a lot going on, and there are some smaller cities within an hour's drive from here that are reported to be good day trips, so off I go tomorrow.
Today, I started out near the hotel. I left just wearing my t-shirt, and quickly came back to my room to put on something warmer. It was really cold today and windy and overcast. It started to rain a bit, but nothing to worry about. Luckily I had my umbrella on hand just in case.
I remember coming into town the other day and thinking that this place reminded me a bit of Mexico. Well, today I hit the market place - the place where the regulars go to do their shopping. It's a huge complex of buildings and outdoor stalls that resembles a Mexican mercado and a flea market combined. You can find almost anything you could need or want here. One entire section was devoted to fresh meat and another to fresh fish - I found the one with the fish a little more interesting (since desert people don't really see it that often). Anyway, I took a lot of pics to show you what you are missing at your local Smith's or Costco - here in Riga, it's called the Central Market: http://www.wikiwand.com/en/Riga_Central_Market
Here are some of the goodies you can buy:
I was also surprised by how many people spoke (or wanted to talk to me in) English - my tourist costume must be a dead give-a-way. No sooner would I walk up to a stall, when the proprietor would start explaining to me in their best English what it was I was looking at. Of course I knew I was looking at honey, but the nice lady wanted to make sure I knew that the label said it was honey from "the meadow" or from the "plant in forest" -- really sweet people. Even the lady selling amber jewelry wanted to remind me that amber was "Latvian Gold."
It was a dose of reality after Stockholm. There were several individuals, mostly elderly women, standing in various parts of the market holding and selling women's hosiery - nylons? - They each seemed to be holding their own little bundle. I also saw several men with missing limbs sitting in the archways asking for or holding their cups out for money. No one intruded or forced themselves on you, they just sat quietly. You don't see this in the other parts of the city, but you do see a lot of public "entertainers" - people playing various instruments or singing for change.
I mentioned it was a change from Stockholm, but I forgot to add that while there, I did see a lot of what I would consider gypsies (as I have seen them "dressed" in other countries I've visited) soliciting money or selling trinkets.
In any event, the market was a great learning experience. It was nice to be among the natives and experience an important part of their lives as opposed to the touristy stuff one mostly gets exposed to.
I also stopped by the local train station which was nearby, to see how things worked. It all looks pretty simple. The bus station is also nearby, and I stopped there yesterday to ask about traveling outside Riga. It all seems very simple and straightforward (famous last words???).
Near the Central Market and along the waterfront is an area called the Creative Quarter of Spikeri -
http://www.riga-guide.com/sights/spikeri/
It was kind of early, so everything was closed until 11 - I thought I might come back if I had time. Here are a couple of pics of the area.
There is a statue and a plaque dedicated to him on the waterfront.
While I was walking down by the river, I noticed there were some "river cruises" available, so I got myself scheduled and took a ride. Here are some pics from the water:
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| There were people dangling from this contraption! |
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You can tell from the pics that the weather was having a variety of mood swings, but it was still cold, and I had my vest and a sweater on. Being on the water just made everything colder.
After the hour-long trip, I was back on dry land, and finished off my day with another walk through the Old Town.
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