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Riga Airport and Money Exchange
Do not change your money before you arrive in Latvia. We found that the best rate of exchange can be had at the cash till inside the Riga’s Airport Passport control area. There was not a queue. Most people were concentrated on getting through immigration control. In the airport passport control money exchange cash desk the rate was better than in the UK.
The arrivals area of the Riga Airport is a bit Spartan. It only had one café and a money exchange desk. (the rate was not as good as the in the passport area). I wrongly believed that the arrivals area would also be devoid of shops and eating establishments. When we left Riga we found that there were lots of shops to keep us interested whilst waiting for our plane. Unlike UK airports most of the shops are before you go through security and passport controls. There are only cafes and food dispensing machines in the waiting area by the departure gates. I was surprised that the prices were reasonable. Normally prices are inflated at these locations in other airports.
Riga Taxis & Buses
When you arrive at the Riga's airport (RIX), most likely, you will be surrounded by peoples offering you a taxi ride. My friendly advice is to avoid them this is now, a very common phishing method for foreign tourists and you will most likely be overcharged. If your baggage is not too big and you have enough time try to use the bus. It is number 22 and it will take you to Central Station and is ridiculously cheap. You have to pay extra for a big suitcase. Once you are on the bus be aware of pickpocket and avoid trolleybus route 15 in the morning as it is extremely crowded and it is the best way to loose your money and your passport. Crime is not a big problem in Riga but just like any big city look after your property.
The taxi drivers of Riga aren't known to be particularly honest - and it is quite common for tourists to be charged a lot more than the ride should cost. Some taxi drivers will refuse to put the meter on and some have meters that run at an fast high speed. Another version is to put on the meter but without it actually displaying the fare. I recommend the red taxis from Rigas Taksometru Parks. I've never had any problems with taxis belonging to this company. Their taxis are always red but not all red taxis are from this company. They are usually Renault Megane Scenic cars with the company name and phone number printed on the side of the car. (Phone number 800 1313) Always make sure the meter is actually running. If the driver refuses to put the meter on, or refuses to let you see the number display, or if the meter's running way too quickly, just get out and find another taxi.
I had heard that Latvian taxis try to cheat you by not deleting the previous customer's payment and it indeed happened to me, when I took a taxi to the airport. Fortunately I looked at the meter and saw 2,50 lats on it, not an enormous sum but why pay more than fare sum?
You can haggle. I needed to get to the city fast so had to resort to using a taxi cab. I asked the first cab how much to go to a particular hotel in the city. I then went to the cab driver behind and asked him. He had heard the first quote and under cut that driver. I went to the third driver who gave a cheaper quote. I wrote it down on a piece of paper to confirm what he said so went with him. The other two drivers were not impressed but I got a cheaper ride.
Riga Soviet Aviation Museum
Before you get on the bus or in a taxi to head into town go and visit the Riga Aviation Museum. It is next to the Airport building. As you come out of the main doors turn left and keep walking for about 250 yards. There is nothing like this in western Europe. This aviation museum is a unique collection of old cold war Soviet aircraft. These were the planes feared by the west. You just cannot see these aircraft in the west. The place is amazing. The idea behind the collection was to enable young pilots to familiarise themselves with the cockpits of different aircraft to compliment their flying lessons. It became a private museum in 1997 without any support from the Latvian state. It is normally open from 9 am to 6 pm. As the gate you have to ring the bell and wait as the staff are normally working on the aircraft so be patient. An entrance fee is charge and it goes towards looking after the exhibits and staff costs. The highlights of the museum include looking inside the biggest helicopter in the world the massive, the MI-6 Hook Soviet heavy transport helicopter. It even has small wings to help the giant jet engines whilst cruising.
I enjoyed seeing the early jet fighters like the Mig-15 and Mig-21. Their basic design contrasted drastically with the more modern looking Mig-23 Mig-25 and Mig-29 flying Fulcrum. Another highlight was getting a glimpse of the once secret Soviet Union Tupolev Tu-22M Backfire supersonic, swing-wing, long-range strategic nuclear bomber.
Riga Central Market – Centraltirgus
Next to the bus station, a five-minute walk to the south-west of the Old Town is the Riga central market Centraltirgus. The hangars are huge and impossible to miss. They used to be ZEPPELIN hangars during WW1 - the hangars were moved to Riga from Kurzeme in 1923. The market opened in 1930, and is one of Europe's largest. Unlike many markets, it's not a very touristy place at all. Lots of locals do their shopping here. Inside the halls you'll find mainly food, vegetables, honey, home-made chocolate, cheese, meat, fish, and all things. There are also hundreds of stalls outside the hangars, where you'll find everything from knitted socks, hand-made soaps, candles, cell phones, computer games and general nicknacks The perfect place to buy all those hand-knitted mittens and socks you'll want as souvenirs. Keep an eye on your camera & other belongings while you're here - it's a pretty crowded place, and things might easily get "lost". It is open Tuesday - Saturday 7am – 16pm Sunday - Monday 7am – 5pm.
Latvians
Many tourist websites issue warnings at how unpleasant, rude and unsmiling the Latvians are. We did not found this to be true. A few older people did not thank you for holding the door open but that can happen in any big city. Nearly all the Latvians we came in contact with were very pleasant. It helps if you try to say a few words in Latvian like thank you. This is ‘Paldies’ pronounced ‘Pall-dee-S.’ You get a smile. It is really appreciated that you have made the effort to learn a bit of their language. Most tourists don’t. they miss out because a little consideration can bring dividends. They are happier to talk to you and are more helpful.
Riga is a destination for Stag and Hen parties but there are problems. The Latvians do not like foreign drunks. Some pubs and strip joints will rip off stag and hen parties and present them with huge bills at the end of the night. If you argue and try not to pay the door staff will assault you. Some have guns and knives. My friend at work had a revolver pulled on them. They were forced to pay just under a thousand British pounds for a meal, beer and wine for six. The local police are not helpful. If you are organising a stag or hen party consider a different destination. If you are a normal tourist going for a weekend away you will not have a problem. It is just the groups of drunks dressed up in stupid ‘T’ shirts and silly hats that are not liked.
Tourist prices in the Old Town
Be prepared to pay high tourist prices in the cafes, restaurants and shops in the area around the Doma Laukums in the Old Town (Vecriga) The prices for drinks or postcards are often twice as expensive as in other places. Nevertheless, the centrally located cafes and restaurants are just nice for people watching
Warning
Watch your wallet and what you put in your rucksack as East European pick pocket teams work the markets and tourist centre. Do not give the waiter your credit card to take away. Go with him to make sure he does not swipe the details. Use cash if possible. Only use ATM’s in banks.
Latvian Fashion
Even the local Latvian Tourist newspapers comment on how over dressed and fashion conscious the young women of Riga are compared with other cities. You will see them in the middle of the day wearing party dresses, lots of make up and high heels. They look very pretty but out of place amongst the more sensibly dressed tourists and office workers. The Riga streets are not high heel friendly. Many have cobbles. It is fun to watch these peacocks try to walk down the street without looking too wobbly.
Kaku maja - Cat House
The address is Meistaru 19 In the northern end of Livu Laukums (Liv square) you'll notice a light yellow building, with a cat standing on top of each of the building's two towers. This house is, of course, known as the Cat House, and it is definitely among the most photographed buildings in Riga In the early 20th century. The owner of this building was excluded from the powerful and prestigious Great Guild. Their building is situated just across the street from the Cat House. He was upset by this and ordered the two cats to be turned around, with their rear ends towards the Great Guild Hall as a way of insulting his enemies. It was an unusual of protesting and apparently it worked too, After a long battle in court the guy was admitted back to the Guild, and the cats were turned back.
Livu Square
This is the prettiest square in Riga. It is the ideal place to spend some time with a cup of tea and cake, or a beer and Russian potato pancake whilst watching the world walk by.
The Freedom Monument
Address: Brivibas iela The 42-metre high Freedom Monument on Brivibas iela (brivibas means freedom) right next to Bastion Hill is easily spotted from the eastern part of the Old Town (near McDonald's). The monument was constructed in 1935, designed by Latvian sculptor Karlis Zale, and to the Latvians it is a very important symbol of Latvian independence. The woman on top of the monument (for some reason nick-named "Milda" by the elderly Latvians) is holding three golden stars, symbolising the unity of the three historical regions of the country: Kurzeme, Vidzeme and Latgale. (During Soviet times, the guides would tell visitors that the three stars represented the three Baltic Soviet republics!) Locals are often placing flowers at the base of the monument - which was known as a "travel agent" in Soviet times, since laying flowers there would most likely get you a one-way ticket to Siberia. The inscription Tevzemei un Brivibai on the lower part of the monument means "for fatherland and freedom". A guard of honour stands at the monument from 9am – 6pm, and changes every hour, on the hour - not a particularly spectacular sight, but worth a look if you're in the area.
Riga 24-hour flower market
Address: On Tertebas iela, next to Vermanes Park Giving flowers is a very important custom in Latvia. You can see people at all hours of the day or night carrying flowers, either having just received them or preparing to give them. Where do they get flowers at 4:00 a.m.? At the 24-hour flower market of course! Small bouquets start at around 1 lat, and the sky is the limit. Want roses, which color? Orchids? Of course. It is open all year round too. So if you have a fight with your partner at any time day or night, you have no excuse not to get flowers, if you happen to be in Riga
Riga Castle
There is a story about this castle, like most castles, and this one is about a witch and her daughter: When Poland gained power in Riga, the Swedes came and wanted the city. The daughter of the Polish king was a real-life witch who climbed up to the tower and sat there in protest. She bewitched all the bullets so that they rolled back and didn't even touch her. At last, a very clever soldier called Peter made friends with the witch's daughter and cheated a secret out of her: how to kill the witch. The only way you could was by shooting her with a silver bullet. Peter found a silver bullet and killed the witch, which actually just turned her into a magpie! The witch sank into the Daugava River, but before she did, she cursed her daughter with these words, "You, tramp, sink a hundred fathoms underground!" It is said that while the witch sleeps at the bottom of the river, not a single magpie will settle in Riga.
The castle was built in 1330, so it is pretty old. In 1484 though, it was pulled down by the Rigans who had conquered it from the Livonian Order. In 1491, the Order came back and ordered it to be rebuilt. The construction was completed in 1515. When the order ceased to exist in 1562, the castle became part of the Riga defense system. Many centuries it has been as a residence to the governors of Sweden, Poland and Russia. Riga Castle today is the seat of the Latvian president and hosts the History Museum of Latvia and the Museum of Foreign Art. I visited the History Museum and it was well worth the admission fee of 1 LVL
Riga Laima Clock
The Laima Clock stands at the corner of Brivibas and Aspazijas (in front of the Freedom Monument). The yellow-brown clock has been a meeting place since it was made in the year of 1924. What is "Laima"? Laima refers to the chocolate company that was founded in 1870. You can buy Liama chocolate all around the city but personally I would avoid it.
Riga Parks
The old moat has been landscaped and made into a series of attractive parks. In one of the middle sections you can still see part of the old castle fortifications which now form part of a rockery garden. If you are walking through the park on a Saturday you may see a number of young brides and grooms having their photographs taken. A tradition is to place an engraved padlock onto the railings of the bridges to show their love will be locked together forever.
My favourite place was the hexagonal tea room near the bridge opposite the opera house. It has the largest selection of tea I have ever seen. You can choose to sit at a table and chair on the ground floor of if you want a better view of the park you can climb the spiral staircase and sit on the carpeted floor on huge cushions.
The Riga Art Nouveau area
Latvia became independent during the 1920’s. This was the age of the Art Nouveau movement in Architectural design. To the North east of the old town just near the park you will find fine examples of buildings built during this period. The sculptures and plasterwork on the outside are impressive. All the guidebooks tell you to walk down Strēlnieku iela and Alberta iela (iela means street). You get neck ache looking up at the powerful designs. A lot of buildings still need restoration and contrast sharply with those that have had money spent on them. I was shocked that at street level the road was shabby. It seems strange that Riga City Council has not spent money in cleaning up this important Riga tourist attraction. But to see what can be done walk down the section of Elizabetes iela between Kalpaka Bulavard and Vilandes iela. Money has been spent by hotels and embassies to completely restore these beautiful buildings.
The Riga Lutheran Orthodox Cathedral
The Lutheran Orthodox Cathedral just north of the independence monument on Btivibas iela near the junction with Merkela iela is amazing. I do not like churches but this place is something special. The shapes, colour of the walls and glinting gold domes are set amongst the green background of Esplanade park. The inside is as breathtaking as the outside. At first I thought it was a catholic church because of the rich decoration and worshiping of the Virgin Mary. All the local women wear headscarf’s. Being used to the plane protestant churches of Britain this cathedral was extremely colourful. The walls were painted in a medieval style and just like the British churches of old there were no pews, benches or chairs. It was like going back in time, visiting a cathedral just before the reformation, and the drastic alterations made by King Henry VIII as he broke away from the catholic church, when all decoration was removed or painted over with white lime wash.
Riga Swedish Gate and Town wall
Address: End of Aldaru iela. The Swedish Gate is in the northern part of the Old Town, in the area between the Powder Tower and St. Jacob's church. I really liked this gate & the houses here for some reason - I think it looks really pretty..! The Swedish Gate was built into the the city's fortification wall in 1698, when the Swedish ruled here - the gate was simply cut through an existing house. Only a very short stretch of the wall that formerly surrounded all of the Old Town has been preserved, and the Swedish gate is the only gate that has survived through the centuries in its original form. Walk through the Swedish Gate onto Tornu iela to see the only part of the town wall that's still standing. The wall was built between the 13th and 16th century. There's a story saying that a rich merchant had the gate cut through a building he owned, because he didn't want to pay tax every time he brought goods into town - might be true, who knows.
Riga - The Small Guild Hall
Address: Amatu 5. You'll probably notice this little greyish-white castle, near Livu square right in the middle of the Old Town - the building is quite fairytale-like. This was the Guild Hall of the craftsmen & artisan's guild, which was established ca 1350. The Guild Hall was built in the fourteenth century, and reconstructed several times. The former building was completely torn down when the present Small Guild Hall was built in 1864-1866. The building is now used for conferences, discos (!), classical concerts and various other arrangements. I thought the Small Guild Hall looked the most interesting by night, when it's illuminated - it lost some of its charm in the harsh daylight.
Riga House of Blackheads
Address: Ratslaukums 7 The quite striking, very colourful building called the House of Blackheads is in the southwestern part of the Old Town - a few seconds walk to the west of St. Peter's Church. It's an easily recognised building, popular with tourists - but definitely not my favourite one among all the lovely buildings of Riga. (It looks so *new* - and it actually is, it was (re)built from scratch in 2001!) Still worth a quick look, though. The Blackheads was an organisation of unmarried foreign merchants - the rather unusual name of the guild comes from their patron saint, the black st. Maurice. The building was first mentioned in 1344, it was then owned by the Great Guild. The Blackheads rented this building from the 15th century, and bought it in 1713. The building was partly ruined during World War II, and the ruins were completely destroyed by the Soviets in 1948. The House of Blackheads was rebuilt in Gothic style for Riga's 800th anniversary in 2001. Open to the public daily, 10 - 17, except Mondays. Admission: 1,50 Ls
Riga Three brothers
The tradition that members of one handicraft live on one street was in full
force and effect in medieval Riga, too. So we can find three dwelling-houses
surviving from the former Backer Street side by side to each other, perhaps this
is the reason why these houses are called Three Brothers. The oldest brother was
built at the end of the 15th century, it is the only premise that survived
originally from that time, the next house is dated from 1646, but the last
building is from the end of the 17th century. With the pediments facing the
street these houses present the main principles of medieval building manner.
Riga St. John's church
St. John's church was built in the Dominican monastery after 1234, first intended as a chapel. After expulsion of the Dominicans in the period of Reformation, the building was privately owned – it was used as a furniture workshop and later as a weapon arsenal. In 1582 it became a part of the Latvian parish. In 1587-89 the eastern part of the altar was added. In the 15th century two monks were immured here of their own free will. Only a small window in the wall to pass them food and drinks was left. The spot where the monks were walled up, and subsequently buried, can be easily seen today, marked by a cruciform barred aperture in the wall.
Riga Pulvertornis - The Powder Tower
Address: Smilsu iela 20 The Powder Tower, built in the beginning of the 14th century, is the only tower of the city's old fortification system that's still standing. The original tower was ruined by Swedish troops in 1621, and rebuilt thirty years later. The Powder Tower got its present name in the 17th century, when it was used to store gunpowder and cannonballs - and there are still 9 cannonballs embedded in the 2,5 m thick walls, remnants of battles with Russia. The tower is situated in the north-eastern part of the Old Town, just across the road from Bastion Hill, and it is now part of the Latvian War Museum.
Riga Museum of the Occupation of Latvia
Address: Strelnieku laukums 1 A visit to the interesting Museum of the Occupation of Latvia should not be missed. The museum is in the south-western part of the Old Town, a few seconds walk from St. Peter's Church - right next to the impossible-to-miss House of Blackheads. The exhibits in Latvian, Russian, German and English will teach you more about the Nazi and Soviet occupations of Latvia from 1940 to 1991, and what the Latvian people went through during these years. Walk into a reconstructed gulag barracks, and get an idea of living conditions in a Siberian labour camp. There's a small book shop in the lobby. The museum is open 11 - 17 (18 in summer) - closed Mondays between October - April, open daily in the summer months. Entry is free, but a donation is of course appreciated. There's a donation box by the entrance, and several inside the museum.
Riga Saint Peter's Church City Viewing platform
Address: 19 Skarnu street This is the one of peeked towers which rises above the Old City. Saint Peter's Church firstly mentioned in the year of 1209 and at that time it was one of the main churches. The church is rebuilt many times so as the tower. Firstly during rebuilding the tower crashed down, but after that it was built one more time, than the tower suffered by thunder, and after some time it was rebuilt once again. During WWII the tower and church was really damaged. Around the 18th century the church was the highest wooden building in Europe. Nowadays the tower is about 123 meters high and there is a lift which allows you to get to watching platforms. Actually tourists can get to one of the platforms which is on the highness of 72 meters. There is a bell in the tower, which rings every hour and sounds a music "Rīga dimd" (Rīga resounds) five times in a day, which I think is quite interesting. The indoor of the church is in gothic style. The look unnoticeably turns up, where you can see vaults and mild colour harmony. I suggest you to go upstairs where you can catch Rīga from bird's eye view. Entrance ticket costs 2 Ls. Directions: If you go from Town Hall Square, you must go by a House of Blackheads to Kungu iela. Then turn to the right to mentioned street and go straight. After some meters you'll see Saint Peter's Church.
Riga Convent's Yard
Address: Skarnu street The Convent's Yard (Konveta Seta) is an ensemble of about 9 medieval buildings in the quaint Old Town of Riga (Vecriga). The houses were built between the 14th and 16th centuries and are among the oldest parts of the city. Nowadays the area houses a 3-starred hotel. Directions: The Convent's Yard in situated in the heart of Riga's Old Town (Vecriga) just north of St. Peters Church. This place in a hotel complex now, but you can just go inside the small yards to see how nice narrow streets and cousy houses are in this place. It seems like a medieval buildings complex still left in Riga old town. You can go to this object through Skarnu street near the St. John's church. Enter the small gates and when enjoy collidors of streets
Latvian Railway history museum
If you like old trains or you are visiting Riga with young children you will enjoy a visit to the Latvian Railway history museum. www.railwaymuseum.lv/ritosais-eng1.htm. It is only a 10 minute walk from the old town: walk over the main river bridge to the west bank and it is on your left about 200 yards from the river. The museum is on the street called Uzvaras bulvaris at the junction with Valguma iela. It is a rare opportunity to see soviet trains and rolling stock. There is also a colourfully restored class 52 steam train built at “Henschel & Sohn GmbH” works in Kassel, Germany in 1942. during WW2.
Latvian landscape
I had a shock when we flew into Latvia. I knew that Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania are flat low lying countries. I expected to find large wide open farmer’s fields planted with lots of different crops. I was wrong. The Latvian landscape is very similar to neighbouring Scandinavia. The countryside is mainly forested with small fields and villages in the clearings. It is very attractive. There are some areas that are an exception. The coastline has miles of sandy beaches with hardly any commercial development. Behind the beaches you normally find acres of forest
Riga Day trip to the Baltic Seaside resort of Jurmala
Go to the seaside. Take the Jurmala coast line (pronounced = Your-mal-A) get off the train at Majori (pronounced = My-your-E) It only takes 30 minutes to arrive at the Baltic seaside resort of Jurmala (pronounced = Your-mal-A) by train from Riga’s central train station. Jurmala is the name for the costal region not a town. It only costs 1.25Lats return. It is so cheap. The main railway station is near the main market held in the WW1 Zeppelin Hangers. We had a problem finding the entrance until we realised that it was near the tall modern looking tiled clock tower on the main street called Marijasas iela. It is on the other side of the road from the park and backs onto the railway line. The Station entrance looks like the entrance to a shopping centre rather than a railway station, but look for the big sign that says ‘Central Stacija’ (central Station). Go to one of the ticket desk numbed 7 to 12 and say Jurmala Majori paldies (pronounced = Your-mal-A My-your-E pall-dee-S).
The train always goes from platform 3. Look for the sign that says ‘Perons 3’ The trains leave every 30 minutes and run from 6am to 10.30pm even on Sunday. Keep your ticket handy as each coach has a ticket inspector who will want to stamp your ticket. Be careful getting on and off the trains. The platforms are at ground level so you have to climb up a steep ladder to get into the carriage. If you have a baby push chair be ready to take your child out of the seat and lift the push chair onto the train before you climb up the ladder.
Latvian train stations are strange. There are no name signs to help you know what station you have arrived at. Normally only the station office has a sign on it. If your railway carriage is at the back of the train you wont be able to see the sign. There are no seats on most platforms and no cover from the elements. Always try to sit in one of the newer looking railway carriages as they have cloth seats and a digital sign that announces what the next station is. If there is no room and you have to sit in one of the older carriages you will find the seats are made of plastic and are therefore a bit hot and sticky to sit on in the summer. These carriages do not have the digital station name display device so you have to use a map and count how many stations you have passed.
When you pass over a big river you know that you only have four more stops until you have to get off at Majori. On the other side of the road from the station there is a grass area with a statue of St George killing the dragon and a path that leads to an attractive 1920s hotel. Most of the train passengers will head that way. Just follow them because you want to turn right down the road in front of that hotel. It is called Jomas iela and is the main shopping street. It is very long and in the summer full of interesting restaurants, stalls, bars and seaside shops. It is a very pleasant place to stroll and people watch. The whole resort is built in a forest. There are trees everywhere. At the end of the road turn left along Turaidas iela until you find the beach. Where the forest ends the beach begins. In the summer local restaurants and bars pitch marquee tents and sell food and drink. There are toilets and changing rooms available. The sand is good quality and ideal for making sand castles. Beach volley ball is very popular. Take your shoes and socks off and go for a paddle in the sea. Turn left and head towards a large modern hotel complex in the distance. Walk past it and then take one of the next exits off the beach. Head back towards Jomas iela the main shopping street and then walk back to the Majori Railway station.
Leaving Riga Airport
When leaving Riga International Airport, do keep an eye open for gate changes, which seem to happen at a moments notice. Our gate was changed twice in the space of 15 minutes, and the screen was not always updated. Another flight that was departing to Berlin changed 3 times in the same space of time.
History of Latvia
Latvia has been occupied and attacked by many different nations. Germany, Poland Sweden, Russia and France. In the 20th Century German and Soviet Armies fought over ownership of Latvia. Latvia has only been independent for a total of 29 years during that century. The first time was between 1920 until 1940 when the Red Army invaded. The second time independence was declared was in 1991. Hopefully this century it will remain independent.
Riga is first mentioned in historical documents in 1198. The German bishop of Bremen lays the foundation of the medieval town in 1201 and it joins the Hanseatic League of Baltic trading port towns. Although the town was multinational the majority of the population were German. Germanic Knights returning from the crusade in the holy land turned their attention to converting the pagans of the Baltic coast to Christianity. They became known as the Teutonic Knights and took over most of northeast Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. A Polish back revolt lead to Poland controlling Riga from 1581. In 1621 the Swedish army occupies Riga until 1710 when the Russian Tsar Peter the great conquers the city. In 1812 Napoleon’s army comes close to the city and burn it’s suburbs down, thus creating conditions for the present grid street planning and construction. The French retreat pursued by the Russian Army. Most of Riga’s old town defences are dismantled in 1857. Riga is prosperous and is now one of the most important towns in Russia where industry and trade flourish. In 1914 Russia declares war on Germany and the front line moves towards Latvia as the Russian army suffers defeat.
The Russian revolution in 1917 leads to the independent state of Latvia being declared in 1920. During world war two as part of a non aggression agreement with Germany the Red army marches into Latvia and Riga.in 1940. The communist Soviet system is established in Latvia and the first wave of mass deportation of Latvian citizens to work camps and death in the cold of Siberia begin. German troops attack Russia and occupy Latvia in 1941. At first they are greeted as saviours but then deportations to German work and death camps begin. The Soviet Red army recapture Latvia in 1944. The second wave of mass deportation of Latvian citizens to work camps and death in the cold of Siberia start in 1949. The communists transport large numbers of Russian settlers into Latvia to work in the new factories that are built. Latvians feel like they are second-class citizens in their own country. After the Berlin wall falls in 1989 the dream of independence is again realised. In 1991 Latvia declares itself independent and later joins the EU.
Today 42% of the population of Latvia are of Russian origin and 42% are of Latvian origin. The remaining minority are made up of Poles, Ukranians, and Belorussians. Latvia’s history has left its with problems. You will meet Russian speaking Latvians in Riga. They maybe second or third generation Latvians. Their family may be of Russian origin but they consider them selves as Latvians not Russians. They went to Latvian schools where all the lessons were in Latvian. The Latvian’s do not consider the Russian Latvians as true Latvians. This is where the potential for conflict exists.
Other Websites by the Craig Moore
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