Riga, Latvia March 2005

(in English)

Day 1

Wednesday March 9th, I went to Riga (Latvia) for 5 days. Together with my sister in law, Jelena and my nephew, Ayrton, 4 months old. They are staying longer untill April 5th. My brother will visit then in between. For me Latvia was a new experience, a new culture, a new language.

Riga is the capital of the Republic of Latvia and the geographical centre of the Baltic States. The city's cross-roads location between Western Europe and huge Eastern markets has always been - and still is - one of Riga's attractions for business activities. It was foundend in 1201 and has a long history as a trade cente. I saw Riga from a Russian perspective since Jelena's family is Russian in origin. They speek Russian at home an not Latvian. Russian an Lettish people have a different perspective on history in this country.

We went by KLM and arived in the afternoon. Temperature was -5 degrees when we arrived. Getting all our lugagge in the car was a bit difficult, but we managed ;). Then to Jugla, a suburb of Riga, where her family lives. In the north of Riga. Grandma really loved Ayrton.

Day 2

Thursday our family and shopping day. We bought a bed for Ayrton and I could not resist a toy ;). We made a walk down the suburb, the Jugla Lake and went and ate at Jelena's Sister and family.

Day 3

Today a trip to Old Riga with Jelena. Ayrton stayed with his family. I did a guided tour in English. The guid was Lettish. A strange type... Riga is a beautiful city with history. I had great fun. It was just a little bit cold ;) Our coldest day with -8 Celcius.

  and

Day 4

Allmost home again :( Today a went tot The Pauls Stradinš Museum of the History of Medicine with Maxim. We had fun! He translated some for me and I told him horrorstories aboud Medicine. Afterwards we went to a big modern mall to eat something. A small trip back to te city and a nigt out at the Lido. An experience for me not to forget lightely.

a family picture

as a bunny lover I had to take a picture. Here were 4 bunny's with a lot of space :)

waving goodbey to Riga, Jelena's Family and the snow...

Day 5

Again back to home. Fast taking some pictures for dad of his son. And back on the plane! I had a great time! I ate new and different things, had great friends in a great country and city. I am coming back again with Jeroen!!