Starting from the Baltics

A country with a past that most would rather look to the future. Latvia's history in the last 100 years have been peppered by conquering countries who have seen the importance of this Baltic state. Since its independence in 1991, it has been trying to claw back lost time, especially with the inclusion into EU in 2004, when it recorded one of the highest growth since, although it has not been spared by the current economic crisis affecting the whole world. Since opening its doors, streams of travellers have been trickling into its capital, especially with the help of budget airlines that have started to fly to Riga in the last few years. So strange it was that there was no immigration when I landed at the airport via Warsaw, although there were only 2 luggage belts in the arrival hall of the entire airport!

Getting into town was a breeze, jumping on the local bus that goes into Old Riga, costing a very cheap 0.4 Ls (1 Ls is about £1), dropping off beside Gaugava River where I booked 2 nights with Friendly Fun Franks Backpackers Hostel. Old Riga is a real charmer, with its winding cobbled streets and historic cathedrals dating back to the 13th century. Make sure you try out the local Latvian food delights in Lido (ask for Alus Seta) or one of the local cheap eats. Vegetarians will struggle to find anything decent as Latvians are geared for meat, whether it is a simple pork chop or Russian dumplings (Pelmeni XL) wrapped with lamb or chicken.

There aren't many museums worth mentioning but a visit to the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia is highly recommended if you like to understand more about its history. Make sure you time your visit with an English guide, for free! The change of guards at the Freedom Monument is also worth a mention although the 2 guards are never going to have the same impact as what you get at Buckingham Palace.

Guidebooks highlighted the Art Nouveau district in the New Town, which showcased buildings that were built in the 19th century that embraces the decadent and expressive - which for me, wasn't something that I was able to appreciate easily. There is also a big local market beside the bus and train station, selling everything from fruits and vegetables to fresh meat and pastries which are very fresh and reasonably priced. For folks who need a caffeine fix like me, head for the coffee chain Double Coffee, which serves reasonable coffee. If your hotel/hostel does not provide breakfast, this place offers very cheap breakfast deals which serves the purpose.

During winter, head across the impressive Vansu Bridge and watch the locals sit on the river ice, drilling holes into the thick layer and fish. Make sure you have plenty of warmth as it can be a very long wait before anything comes up :)

Will be heading to Sigulda tomorrow and maybe even have a go at bob sledging! After which I cross over the borders into Lithuania for it's capital Vilnius.