Tag Archives: Latvia

The Baltics and Poland

I have written seven books about the history of places I have travelled to. I travel because my own father always said he would travel after he’d retired, but he never got the chance because he died from cancer when he was 49. I travel for him when I go to places as well asContinue reading “The Baltics and Poland”

The Baltics and Poland

I have written seven books about the history of places I have travelled to. I travel because my own father always said he would travel after he’d retired, but he never got the chance because he died from cancer when he was 49. I travel for him when I go to places as well asContinue reading “The Baltics and Poland”

Churches of Riga

The church of St James in Riga, Latvia, is the seat of the city’s Roman Catholic archbishopric. It occupies an important position opposite Latvia’s Parliament. The first reference to St.James’s Church was in 1226. The first few centuries of its history were uneventful as it served as a local church. Then, after the Reformation theContinue reading “Churches of Riga”

Rundale Palace – Latvia – Part 3

This extract is from ‘Travel Tales from Exotic Places like Salford’ I returned to the stop at 14:30 and the 14:34 bus was already there, so I ran towards the vehicle and luckily the driver waited for me. This time the fare was lower – a different bus company. It didn’t matter though as the destination was still theContinue reading “Rundale Palace – Latvia – Part 3”

Rundale Palace – Latvia Part 2

This extract is from ‘Travel Tales from Exotic Places like Salford’ The Rundale Palace has been almost totally restored and looks good. You can wander around on your own and there is excellent information available in English in every room. Some rooms were excessively opulent and decorated in just one colour; for example, the Duke’s bedroom was aContinue reading “Rundale Palace – Latvia Part 2”

Rundale Palace, Latvia – Part 1

This extract is from ‘Travel Tales from Exotic Places like Salford’ To reach the wonderful Rundale Palace from Riga, travellers should try going via public transport. The first leg is from Riga to a place called Bauska and then the next leg is from Bauska to Pilsrundale. The bus station (autoosta) in Riga is to the south-eastContinue reading “Rundale Palace, Latvia – Part 1”

Riga – European City of Culture – 2014

Along with Umea in Sweden, Riga is the European City of Culture for 2014: here is one writer’s view of the city http://www.theguardian.com/travel/2014/apr/06/riga-latvia-city-of-culture-2014 My finest memories of the place are the Art Nouveau buildings, particularly 10a and 10b Elizabetes Street. The central market, near the bus station, is worth a visit on its own. I onlyContinue reading “Riga – European City of Culture – 2014”

The Holy Grail

If you’re not such where to find the Holy Grail here are a number of suggestions: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/spain/10737177/The-Holy-Grail-trail-pilgrimage-sites-around-the-world.html