This year I have been very blessed to have been able to have the opportunity to spend Easter with Czech, French, German and Latvian friends in Riga, Latvia. My exchange mates Arturs (& his GF Evita) hosted us at his apartment and, together with Martins, showed us around their country's capital Riga!
Our flight was in the afternoon and so I thought I had the luxury to prepare myself a super comforting lunch before the trip. But as usual, I underestimated the time I needed to cook, eat and wash the dishes and dress myself. This meal cost me to miss the feeder bus to the Central Station where we needed to be to take the coach to Nyköping Airport to catch our Ryan Air flight to Riga.
THANK GOODNESS HENDRIK CALLED TO RUSH ME TO HURRY UP. AND THANK GOODNESS I MANAGED TO CATCH THE NEXT BUS. I ARRIVED QUITE LIETERALLY JUST ON TIME.
Curry instant noodles with chic. breast, poached scrambled eggs, baguette and my daily coffee.
DO NOT EVER EAT THIS BEFORE A FLIGHT!
HAHA!
My bed buddy for the trip. Super accommodating Paul. The first time I saw him I actually didn't know that he was travelling with us. I was hyperventilating and exclaiming in exhilaration to the group because I had ran from the Central Station to the bus stop where the coach was waiting. Yes, I was so happy that the bus was still there. He was standing with the group and was smiling at me with astonishment. (maybe he was thinking that I'm such a little nuts). I didn't care. I was so happy that the bus and my friends were still there waiting for me. HAHAHAHA!
Riga Int'l Airport.
Hendrik (far right) and I. Our first haircut in Riga. My very first haircut in Europe! hehe.
I was told that it translates to 35 Köttbullars (Swedish), which means meatballs. o.0
Our breakfast on Saturday morning. Easter egg prepared by Evita and Arturs. So pretty right?
Our even prettier beds. I was so happy that I was given the sleeping bag with the Swedish flag colours. HAHA. #CheapThrill
After breakfast, Martins brought us for a tour around downtown Riga. and it was SNOWING. I WAS SO EXCITED AND HAPPY. HOW OFTEN DOES ONE GET TO EXPERIENCE SNOW DURING EASTER. IT WAS A FIRST FOR ME! My European friends were slightly annoyed by the snow but I was sooooooooooooooo happy! HAHAHAHAHA!
Martins with his cheeky pose.
Architecture.
Eastern Orthodox church.
Freedom Monument.
The first McDonalds restaurant in Latvia. And as a fan of the establishment I had to snap a photo of it for remembrance.
=)
Riga market.
Non-alcoholic beer beverage that the locals claim to be very good for health!
National Opera House.
Fortifications from medieval times.
Construction works in progress.
Next we took a train to the seaside to check out the FROZEN BEACH. OH MY GOD LA!
FROZEN BEACH!
I'm standing on the FROZEN SEA! INCREDIBLE! BUT look at my face. TRYING TO HIDE THE FEAR THAT THE ICE WOULD SUDDENLY GIVE WAY AND I'D BE DROPPED INTO THE FREEZING WATER. HAHAHAHAHA!
After that we climbed a tower that gave us a panoramic view of the surroundings. I was "a little" fearful of heights. HAHAHA. Anyways... enjoy the pictures of the snowy weather!
An outdoor museum where we got to check out some traditional Latvian activities and games.
Easter eggs. We got a chance to decorate, spice and boil our own Easter eggs in a wood burning fire pot.
Me demonstrating my ability to walk on snow and not slip and fall.
-.-
O M G. I AM SO EMBARRASSED BY MY "LAME-NESS" (or lack of... pardon the pun).
Latvian Sauna. Check out the plant/ weapon. Apparently, that thorny branch is used to "massage" people at the end of a sauna session. OUCH.
The Hendrinks. Hendrik O (black) and Hendrik B (blue). Sleeping bags have all been packed up. Out stay in Riga was coming to an end.
=(
Our last meal in Riga. At some burger/ burrito restaurant. If you remember that I
twitted/
instagrammed my first tweet about having supper at some restaurant after we landed. Yeap, same company, different outlet. Whether intentional or not, I find it really interesting that our trip has come full circle.
stay tuned for part 2 where there will be MORE PICTURES of our journey from Riga-Stcokholm via ferry!
Until then,
♡
Because love is greater than you and I.
