My Home City - Riga (Latvia)

As some of you may or may not know, I am originally from Riga in Latvia. For those of you who don't know where that is - it's in Eastern Europe. This amazing city is over 800 years old and is a fantastic combination of both medieval and modern. There are well preserved heritage sites which offer great experiences to those who are interested in history and architecture. Thanks to its prime location right on the Baltic Sea, at the mouth of the River Daugava, Riga offers a wide variety of water activities, from canal boat tours to beach swimming.

The Old Town is the place to be in Riga, with cobbled stone streets, old churches and cathedrals, coffee shops and restaurants, beautiful hotels and historical buildings are all waiting to be explored. If you choose to stay in one of the hotels in the Old Town, everything will be within walking distance. You don't need a car in Riga, as the public transport is great - trams, buses, trolleybuses and of course taxis. You need to have a special permit to be able to drive inside the Old Town, and to find a parking there, is not that simple, so pack your walking shoes and explore those streets filled with many hidden treasures. Don't forget to visit Riga Market. What an experience! You will find anything you want (food wise) - from meats to sweets, to all the local fresh products. You must definitely try the dairy products, and the local pastries and cakes. As a South African citizen you will need to apply for a Schengen visa prior to departure at the Hungarian Embassy. The currency used in Latvia is the Euro. Just as most of the European countries, Latvia is fortunate to have 4 seasons. Each season offers a unique experience. It might be rainy during Autumn (September to November), but what an amazing colourful time it is, this is when most of the trees change their colours. My Tip: If visiting in Autumn - go and sit in one of Riga's parks and enjoy the scenery. Spring (March - May) - this season will bring you joy and a sense of a New Beginning as you catch the aroma of the fresh blooms of the trees wafting through the air. Winter (December - February) - during this season you can enjoy the snow, however lately, with the climate changes, it is not an every year event, but you may be lucky enough to make a snowman :-).

Summer (June - August) – this will give you an opportunity to explore everything and everywhere. Generally it is not very hot during (June - August), and the average temperature is between 25C and 30C.

One of the biggest attractions in Latvia is Jurmala. The Baltic Seaside with its long stretch of white sandy beaches, and it is only 20 minutes away from Riga by train. The sun is not as strong as it is in South Africa, so, you can spend hours on the beach without burning to blisters. Children's play areas and Volleyball nets are scattered throughout the beaches. After a nice sunbathing session, go and have come lunch or a cocktail in one of the local coffee shops or restaurants.

Speak to me if you would like to plan a trip to this beautiful city.