Ivy

At the latitude 56.97 there are not many evergreen species. I'm experimenting with Ivy. They are growing as ground cover very well, though they struggle to climb up. There are exceptions I have seen and I took some cuts and planted them in many parts of Riga. Here are couple photos of successful climbers - 1. and 2.

The one in picture I planted in November at the front of house where my Mom lives. So far doing just fine.

Night out

Bolero bowling centre is entertaining at has a convenient location - near SPICE shopping mall.

Pernavas iela (street)

We put a car in a car park on Čaka and Pernavas street corner and thought we will walk to the Daugavas stadium, but didn't get there because there was another skate park half way through.

Central Station

What you can see in the background - St. Peters church and Stockmann shopping mall. We are waiting for the train to go to the Livu Akvaparks (water park - click here for more info) in nearby Jurmala resort.

Kaladū

You can find this artwork in Jana Poruka vidusskola (secondary school).

From what I can see it depicts traditional Latvian custom - Ķekatas.

Hangover

Dzirnavu street cuts through the heart of the city centre in North-South direction. The very end of it has this Soviet building with a part hanging over the srteet.

Above

Railway worker approaching the steps that lead to the pedestrian bridge over the railway.

No, he is not!

I checked it myself as I was curious. He is not made of snow, but attracts people and ducks easily. And the good thing is, it is not melting.

Vermanes park

From the distance Mr Snowman looked like he is made from snow, is he?

Denmark

Embassy of Denmark has settled in this building surrounded with surveillance cameras. Pils str. leads to Dome square to the left.

World is changing

Some people say next 20-30 years will be violent and disturbing, the new men that are in constant fear will be created. You never know what they mean with slogans "world is changing" (pasaule mainās).

Something is down there

What do we do, when we see the sign "Do not go!" ? Ooohaaa, the forbidden fruit!

Portrait

I found this painting on building's driveway wall. Quite inspiring to my mind. I would rather see it in some place more public.

Elizabetes 15

Random choice of one beautiful building in Elizabetes str.

Chaos

On the 13th of January due to the riot in Old Riga security squads where unleashed to secure all entrances and to break apart insurgents (mainly drunk youth, who didn't even know why they really came here).

Vandalism

After smashing windows on Smilsu street in Old Town, vandals went on and took a chance to get a free drink in one of the liqueur shops.

More photos of 13th coming.

13. janvaris (13th january)

The protests on 13th of January in Riga developed into violent behaviour. More pics in coming days.
"I don't give a F**K!" - that is a very close translation of what is written on the banner about Minister of Transport.

Tram depot

Tram depot is still lightened with decorations. It is so strange still very pleasant to see such a remote corner tuned up for cheerful atmosphere.

Jurmala

Bulduru prospekts is a luxury street in Jurmala city. Jurmala is an extension of Riga, though not everyone can afford to live there - you know what I mean.

Stoned head

Very unfortunately I haven't got the name of the person represented in this sculpture (shame on me). It is located in Old Riga (Vecriga) on Tornu str.

SEB Bank

Located at one end of the newly built South Bridge it provides nice panoramic scene of Riga from the top floors.

The Small butcher's str.

Not all the buildings are renovated in Old Riga, and not all the people come to have fun here.
By the way, that is St. Jacob’s Catholic church in the background, if you ask.

Brutal

Not very common scene on streets in Riga. This is Miera and Brivibas junction. If translated - The Junction of Freedom and Peace.

What an inspiring place!

Dreilini

Its amazing to realise that commie block era is not over- no, no, no - they are not giving up yet - the Soviet system is gone, but new architecture is accurately shaped like before.

Pedestrian Bridge

Brivibas boulevard exit arc into Siguldas Highway. There is an urban legend that a car have driven over this new bridge - looks pretty plausible.

Pipes

An odd view on Maskavas Street - close to Central Market Place.

The watcher

Could be a nice view from up there to Antonijas str. with its Art Nouveau buildings.

Where is the Taurus?

On the first morning of this year I met five friendly pigeons only! Where is the Taurus, haven't he come yet?