Kronvalda park,

I send this hart to all the homeless people that are being fed for free in parks around the world.

The noon

Location: between National Opera House and Freedom Monument (statue). Monuments are built for things that do not exist - I hope there is still some freedom in Latvia.

Kronvalda park

For those who don't know yet - autumn brings feeling of calmness to Riga.

Opera square at night

Another place to chill at night - Opera square with fountain. It is by the Riga canal, between Opera house and Freedom monument.

Part of community

Grab your rollerblades, skate or BMX and join the part of community that chooses to spend free time in an active manner on Pernavas str. by Grizinkalns park.

Lapene, Pagoda in Kronvalda park

This far East looking shed in Kronvalda park, actually, is a gift from Suczhou (China) to Riga.

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.

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.

Sunny day

On sunny days like this almost all park benches are occupied. Here you can recon some common options how time can be spent.

Arch

This garden has been changed and renamed many times, but everyone in Riga recons it as Viesturdarzs (Viesturs' garden). Anyway the place is really calm, with lots of different trees and built objects, such as Alexander gates, pool and memorial of Latvian Song festival.

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?

Vermanitis

Riga is very green city (as you can see :D) with many green oasises and a double belt of parks around the Old City.

"NO leaving behind" - theme

As for the theme day "NO-signs" here is my version. Dogs and humans both eat at home, just on different ground levels, but the real difference between these two beings in our modern world is where they "relieve". Dogs do it always outside the house (at least the ones with good manners), humans normally use the toilet. In Riga there is a public law, that master of the dog has to clean up after his pet, you know what. Only the homeless dogs are free to do their nasty thing wherever they like, without cleaning it up. So in the park named Ziedondarzs I found these green buckets with the sign. Do not know, if the bullshit fits in there as well.

Destiny's child

Is he a poor destiny's child or a victim of low self esteem? Is he just a drunk father of a decent family or homeless stranger? Should he be brainwashed or beaten, cured or euthanazed? If he is lost, how could he be found again? Using alcohol is no "fracking" excuse, but it will keep him warm at least.

Have You seen it before?

Some three weeks ago Aigars posted a fountain at night. It changes colours of lighting during the dark hours and is probably more attractive at night than in daytime. Anyway I was passing it and decided to show the place in a sunny way. Unfortunately those yellow leaves remind of Autumn.

Garden of Light

The Riga Festival '07 was an amazing event for the citizens and tourists who were here these days. The programm was plenty of breathtaking events. One of the most fantastic was Garden of light that was set up in Kronvalda park. Many light installations, lasers and candle lights attracted masses of people. The show was accompanied by ambient tunes that filled and enriched the fabulous atmosphere.
For detailed info on Riga festival click on the post title.

It was just before midnight.

Riga canal is virtually separating Old Riga from the rest of the city. The bright spire of the Opera House marks the beginning of Old Riga that rests on the left side of the canal