Hello 🌻
I and @hallmann recently travelled to Riga. It was my third visit to this beautiful city, the last time was in 2018. So after a couple of years, I had the pleasure of discovering old streets as new. I am genuinely stunned by Vecrīga, a lot of art nouveau vibes around, old buildings - those wooden, and mansions, the closeness of the Baltic Sea.
The Three Brothers
Architectonical detail on of the mansions at Vecriga
Jurmala, Baltic Sea
We spent 5 days walking in Latvia, went two times to a beach and admired sea stories. Walking around, I took many pictures of the architectonical details, I'll be writing a different post about art nouveau vibes. We have been at Elizabete Iela, Albert Iela - nearby secession museum. It was my first time discovering Kara Museum - with a good exhibition about the I World War and gaining freedom. This part is completely new for me, as I have not known the history of Latvia in the 20th century. The exhibition itself has a good narration - items are well presented with descriptions, as well as the scenery - it builds a good visual story. The other thing that I was positively surprised by was highlighting women in history. As we know, the First World War changed the perspectives in Europe and women joined the fight.
Russian saddle and rifle
Red Cross artefacts
Drawings from a diary
Elza Žiglevica - click
Valija Veščunas-Jansone click
What is also fascinating about Latvia is its design. The modern one collaborates around the folk, Scandinavian simplicity and colours. Nothing there is boring - starting from ceramics, jewellery, candles, clothes, basically all fine art. Nearby we lived, at Miera Iela, I have found 2 ceramic studios. Miera Iela is also a great spot to discover great cafes and stores - M50 and just near The Design Studio.
Design Studio at Miera Iela
Also, just around the corner of the Brotherhood of the Blackheads, there is a shop where the lady handmade classical Latvian gloves. She also sews folk costumes and makes jewellery.