Cool Latvian blokes (I)

As people were passing by it was fun seeing them wondering where the hell the sound of flute is comming from.

Fixing it

Observe the gravity or a free fall, or is it all illusion?

Economic crisis in pictures 4

As a result of economic crash police apparently has received more power over Latvian citizens - if you don't have a journalist's license, you will be fined for taking photos of a police officer.

I was told about it from a policeman - have not seen the law.

Economic crisis 3 (Better world)

The plate on the wall says "SKOLA" - that means school. Teachers are hit the most - their earnings are cut to the nearly minimum wage standard - roughly 360$ a month.

P.S. Minimum wages are cut as well and I was told MJ has died. Listen his song Heal The World here.

Economic crisis in pictures 2

Homeless people and even people who had a job few months ago waiting for their free soup. I have a reason to believe it after watching this TV program.

I took this blurry picture on Barona street from my car leaning backwards while driving. Luckily did not crash.

Economic crisis in pictures 1 (series)

More and more old cars are seen in Riga. Of course old LADA's or Ziguli (Žiguļi) as well. This must be either no 1 or 11 from end 70ies or begining of 80ies.

P.S. This particular car belongs to a restaurateur of cars and buildings.

Green tram

The last passenger with a beutiful scarf.

Map in flowers

EU - recognisable only from above. Latvia is a small country sandwiched (on the right in a blue colour) between Lithuania (darkish) and Estonia (dark green).

Velo competition

Hundreds of bikers in Jugla (far east Riga) area. It does not look urban, and the reason is - 5 storey buildings are hidden behind the row of trees. Armands participated in this marathon and writes more about it in his blog here.

Basic instinct

For those who don't know yet - it is rather a complete economic meltdown in Latvia.

Squirrel

There were few of them in Lāčupes (bear river) Cemetery . When they noticed that I have noticed them - they froze.

Gaujas street flyover

Trio having a little rest - probably reflecting on their successful erection of the structure:)

Millionaire

Another day in Spice there was filming going on - by the look at it I guess it is a Slamdog-Millionaire-game. I might be wrong 'cause I am not into TV watching.

Skanstes Virsotnes, Rietumu Banka

We took this one on our way to the Reval sky bar from somewhere beween 10th and 20th floor. You can see "Duntes nami" curved highrise furter behind.

JRT

Fancy a walk above everyone else? The inner yard of New Riga Theatre (Jaunais Rīgas Teātris) has an option for you. For those who are dead serious about it - this is a decorative element - I do not recommend walking on it.

Apsara tea house

No chairs allowed - only pillows.

Rrrr

The first dog walking yard in Riga, as far as I know.

Glass&concrete fits each other

Both buildings look skewed, although only one of them really is. Barrel distortion plays its role. The old highrise, which definitely stands straight, is the Ministry of Agriculture. Right beside is Centra Nams - discussed in media as one of the architecture failures in Riga.

Wavy street

This cobbled Katrinas street is so deformed, because it carries lots of trucks heading to Riga cargo terminal.

C1

This is one of the most safe and comfortable scooter to my mind. There are lots of C1 in Riga, in fact most of them are CITROEN cars, not BMW scooters. That model name was taken over by CITROEN couple years ago.

Circus

Long time, no circus. I hardly remember the last time I went there, but I remember, that it was fun. But takeing into account that everyday we can hear government's monkey-bussinnes news, makes me feel like in circus each morning.

Juice men or public relations

How motivated and well rewarded one should be, to do the job in good faith?

Returning from vacation

AirBaltic returning to Riga airport. Jet engines with fuselage have always reminded me of a sad smiley - :( in the sky, meaning "Returning from vacation".

70

Our South bridge, that is famous for its enormous expenses and foulty outcome. It should be more even and allow more than 70km/h.

Exit and Enter

It is time now to leave the park. Exiting and entering the park through an arch like this makes me feel welcome. Viesturdarzs have had a lot of my attention lately, so I will change the subject.

The hymn

Before leaving Viesturdarzs park take a look at this memorial wall with most famous latvian composers and the latvian hymn with score and words. Go on, try to catch up the melody.

Lake house? No.

Returning to Viesturdarzs park, that I have posted already in recent days, here is the duck family that inhabits the pool by the memorial wall of Latvian Song festival. It will be posted tomorrow.

Skyline

Riga highrises from a distance. To get all this in the view I had to go to Bolderaja, a suburb region close to Riga bay.

Culture and subculture

Unfortunately the ducks have to cope with drifting bottles and beer cans in Viesturdarzs pool. There is a momument for Latvian Song festival 100th year celebration. Images of latvian composers are lined up on that memorial wall, that contains embossed Latvian hymn as well.

Theme: the feet

Have you seen feet like these? Do you think it is easy to control all of them before take off and landing?