Quick editorial comment for my US friends...As an Orioles (That's baseball to those outside of the USA) fan, I am anxiously waiting for them to clinch the AL East. After many years in the darkness, it is good to see the team being competitive again...Thanks Buck!
As for my other favorite team, the Redskins...oh well, there is always next year. That being said, I'd have to say that RG3 doesn't look like he is the future of the franchise which is a comment that should generate some heated debate. ;-)
Back to travel now..
1) More sightseeing (In Riga)...I ended my last blog with some comments about the sights and food/drink in Riga. The beauty of Riga is that it is fairly small and easy to get around in. There are a number of specific sights that should be included on your list if you visit. The outdoor attractions are free, those that are indoors generally run in the 3-5 Euro per person range. I'd check out the following, take the tour bus first to get an idea of where everything is then walk to the sights at your convenience.
-House of Blackheads.
-St Peter's Church (Photo in last blog).
-Freedom Monument (Located in main park next to canal).
-National library (across the river, very nice brand new building).
-National Opera.
-Presidential palace.
All of the above, with the exception of the library, are located in, or near, the old town. There is a nice park that is to the east of the old town...you can take a tour on the canal that runs through the park (cost is approximately 10 Euros).
There is also a very odd and macabre museum, the KGB museum, which is at the eastern end on Brivibas Bulvaris. It has some very disturbing history and is privately run. Unfortunately, the museum has seen better times and is expected to close mid October 2014. It is a shame as it does provide an insight to what the Nazi's and the Communists were capable of doing.
Hints/Tips:
Take in the sights in old town first then work your way east...the old town should take a couple of hours max. Grab a coffee and some lunch at Double Coffee (waitress) or Lido (cafeteria style) across from the park (15 Euros for two people including beer) then swing Northeast to visit the Orthodox Cathedral. After the cathedral you can walk east to the KGB museum (if it is still open) and grab a nice muffin at 'Muffins and more' before heading back west through the embassy district.
2) Shooting in Riga...Okay, I hinted that I do like to go shooting in my last blog.
Me firing an AK-47 in Sofia...
Me with the lead character from 'the hills have eyes' in Riga...
We tend to use 'King of Shooting' which is company that specializes in shooting packages. It is worth noting that they cater to Stag parties and their approach to range safety is a bit suspect (see the web site). It is a bit more expensive than shooting in, say, Las Vegas, but it is one of the few options that you have to shoot in Europe. The selection of weapons is okay with the focus, for some odd reason, being on ex-Soviet equipment...heck, you can even throw a grenade for 60 Euros....!
King of Shooting-Main site..
The company uses a large building on the West side of the Daugava river, about 10 minutes from the old town district. It was pretty hurried which I attest to us not being a large stag party. If you are interested in a stag event then they offer all kinds of add-ons (I'm talking steak dinners, strippers and even purpose built 'stag hotels').
Hints/Tips:
Definitely worth a try for those who have never fired a gun. It is a worthwhile experience...
The next, and final blog on Latvia will cover trips outside of Riga to Sigulda and Jelgava. I hope that you're finding these blogs useful..
love you all,
Ian
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