Riga
The beautiful Riga! We stayed in Old Town at the Forums hotel. The room came with free daily breakfast and had a perfect view of the cobble stone streets below. It was such a welcoming city with old world culture and hip vibes.
The narrow streets were filled with medieval-era architectural gems and various styles of colorful buildings.
O. M. G. The food. Or should I say dessert.
The food really was out of this world. Every meal looked like a work of art... that you could eat!
"House of Blackheads" in town hall square.
We visited Europe's largest open air market that is housed in old German hangars. There were halls with seafoods, meats, vegetables, fruits, nuts and more. It made Haymarket in Boston look like a corner store!
Love is in the air at the lock bridge in Riga.
There was almost no space to put our lock with all the love birds that visited the bridge!
The parks in Riga are magnificent, filed with funky trees and yoga statues.
Speaking of yoga... a pose I like to call "rainbow dancer" ;)
Jurmala
Beach town of Jurmala is just a $2, 45 minute train ride from Riga.
We (of course) had our fill of desserts.
Cute little bakeries and cafes line the beach town.
Cesis
The city in the forest! A beautiful mix of medieval history and modern culture. Complete with a 13th century castle!
Naturally I had to do some yoga.
I can't say enough about the food. That right there is a THREE dollar work of art that you can eat...minus the birds nest.
Untouched nature makes up HALF of Latvia. Perfect for exploring.
These are the doors to someone's home! The lay out of Old Town Cesis has been preserved since the middle ages.
13th Century castle ruins!
I was too scared to go down into the dungeon, but Adam went down to check it out! They literally let you roam the whole castle with just a candle lit lantern.
Although cold to sit on, this was a perfect spot to get a quick meditation in.
Takeaways
Medieval-era architecture
Amazing, artistic, and affordable food
Colorful cobble stone streets in old town
Friendly, trusting, and welcoming culture
Beaches, parks, and untouched forests
Rich culture and castles
Eco-Friendly Tourism
Largest European market and bazaar
You should make reservations at most of the restaurants
Restaurants Muusu and Domini Canes are absolute musts in Riga, and Izsalkusais Janis in Cesis