Recent Articles
Latvia
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Discovering Spilve and the Aviation Heritage of Riga
Contrary to rumours that Spilve Aerodrome outside Riga was abandoned I was delighted to discover that is thriving and features one of the few Stalinist-era buildings in Riga, a magnificent terminal building. Nearby is the unique Latvia Soviet Aviation Museum currently based next to Riga International Airport. This museum has an amazing assortment of MiGs, a rarity in the Western world.
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Latgale and a Journey of Discoveries - Day 2
During a second day visiting the unusual Latgale region of Latvia I learnt about two traditions – bread and pottery. I visited Aglona Basilica, the only basilica in Latvia and tasted bread at Aglona Bread Museum. After lunch at Arendole Manor, I enjoyed some quaint and curious attractions in Preili Village – the Museum of Dolls, the Nestor Custom Moto & Metal Art Gallery and the more traditional Ceramics Studio of Polikarps Čerņavskis.
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Latgale and a Journey of Discoveries - Day 1
Latvia is a land of surprises and none more so than the eastern area known as Latgale. This small region is famous for its many lakes, hence the name. I spent two days exploring Latgale discovering unusual attractions including Vasergelišķu viewing tower overlooking Daugavas loki nature park. I learnt about the Old Believers in Slutišķi, ate a traditional Latgalian lunch at Klajumi Ranch, explored the Kraslava Castle complex and ended the day with dinner at Lielborne Manor.
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Daugavpils in Latvia – a River, a Fortress, a Lily
Latvia is a fascinating and unusual destination. The northern region of Latgale is rich in history, culture and traditions unique to the area. In Daugavpils, I tried the local spirit, Šmakovka, celebrated in a museum. I visited Daugavpils Fortress, home of the famous Mark Rothkit Art Gallery, and toured the historic and unique lead shot factory. All unusual and interesting attractions.
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Tracing the Story of Art Nouveau in Riga
It is difficult to find an all-embracing definition of Art Nouveau architecture. Buildings in this style represent a breakaway from traditional, more rigid styles. In general, it introduced a fluidity of lines in the structure of buildings and decorations embracing the theme back to nature. There are animals, both real and fanciful, plants, fruits and suns everywhere. Art Nouveau blossomed more in Riga than anywhere else in the world as it coincided with a time of rapid expansion and a large number of talented architects ready, and able, to experiment.
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Three Quirky Excursions in the Kurzeme Region of Latvia
Kabile Manor, Ēdole Castle and Ventspils Radio Station based in an old Soviet Radio Station are unique attractions found in the natural landscapes of the Kurzeme region in Latvia. Be enchanted by the songs of the Suiti singers, a UNESCO protected culture.
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Some Joys of Jūrmala in Latvia
The arts and architecture feature strongly in Jūrmala a Baltic coastal town in the Latvian region of Kurzeme. Its long stretch of sandy beaches and proximity to Riga, the capital, have been attracting visitors since the mid-eighteenth century and even more so since the advent of the railway in 1877.
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Beyond the Beach at Pāvilosta in Latvia
Pāvilosta in Latvia – and I quote - is like the border between the man-made world and the primeval forces of nature, authentic and true. Therefore, this place is much loved by people who are looking for true emotion, peace and tranquillity.
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Kuldīga in Latvia and its Seventeenth Century Showcase
Door by door, shutter by shutter Kuldīga in Latvia is restoring its lovely old buildings to their former glory. It is a labour of love undertaken by its residents and supervised by experts based at the Restoration Centre.