Latvia, the middle one of the three Baltic states (if you don’t know where to place it), was a renowned tourist destination before being forced into the Soviet Union. The most famous was the area of over 30 kilometres of the coast, along which there are many smaller settlements. They’re known under the common name Jurmala. Many miles of sand beaches become centres of fun for young and old during the summer. Along the coastline, just a few steps away, in nearby streets, are many bars and the shopping enthusiasts will love the over-a-kilometre-long-pedestrian-shopping-street, with many boutiques and restaurants. For vivid action there are also many cultural and sporting events that liven up the beat of the summer destinations from June to September.
Also the more than a century old wooden houses give a special feel to Jurmali. There are over 3.000 of them in various places in the pine forests, most of them refurbished. Some of them have boutique shops (some even from the Soviet era). Apart from camping, accommodation in the Youth home Riga Beach Hostel, part of the HI, is the most budget friendly. It’s only a few minutes away from the beach and a bit more from the lively part of the town. the location is excellent, for it’s not far from the bus and rail station – and all who arrive by car can park right in front of the hostel.
Beside running the Latvian HI for 11th year in the row, Armands is also experienced with tourism oriented projects. At the moment he’s involved in high school with the international project EDEN. It’s a project of promoting less known tourist destinations with great potential they wish to use in accordance to sustainable tourism.
We were talking about the tourist potential of Latvia and Jurmale in the garden of a nice restaurant with excellent Latvian beer, listening to their national music. „Brainstorming is great!“ Armands was excited and I had to agree. I suggest you visit their web site!
Armands also has an unusual hobby – he collects cups, people once used to drink mineral water out of in spa’s. He has about 500 of them and has already presented them in public exhibitions. He hasn’t got any Slovenian examples yet, but that’s why he’s planning to visit Rogaška slatina. Apart from that, he’s familiar with Slovenia, for he has visited us twice.
Jurmala is just 20 kilometers from the Lativan capital Riga. Artmands – as many others – prefer to live here and is comuting to work by rail. That’s a great choice, for the rail connections are great! The main station is on the edge of the old city. It was heavily bombarded during WWII, but was later rebuilt or even once again built the historically important buildings. Riga has a river connection to the sea, by river Dungava and was a busy trade port and one of the most important hansa cities. The narrow city centre is small enough to explore on foot, but if you wish to see the broader area, with colourful Art Nouve buildings from the early twentieth century, you’ll have to use the public transport. If you also plan to visit some museums, we suggest buying a Riga city card (www.rigacard.lv). It allows you for free travel around the city and free entrance to most museums, as well as discounts in some of the restaurants, shops and other discounts.
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