BLACK CATS, BEER AND BLACKHAWKS

Stylish buildings are everywhere in Riga

According to Edward, a bartender at Kafejnica Amplua in Riga’s main square, Latvia’s best beer is Tervete. 

A rich honey lager we had to agree with his recommendation.

As the tasting continued, he picked up on our Canadian roots and the conversation turned to ice hockey. 

A walking tour is the best way to take in the atmosphere
and study the varied architectural styles

Edward, who spoke English, Russian and Latvian,  knew all about the National Hockey League telling us about his favourite players as well as the team he supported - the Chicago Blackhawks. We explained why this was misplaced loyalty but parted on good terms.

Active waterway in a pleasant city park   

Riga, capital of Latvia, is a city full of surprises.  Just as old as Tallinn in neighbouring Estonia, Riga was founded by the same people but doesn’t have Tallinn's medieval atmosphere. 

That said, Riga is fascinating - full of beautiful art nouveau and art deco buildings, it also has its share of medieval treasures.

The cobbled streets wind awkwardly around the old town’s churches, cathedrals and medieval towers. It was a pleasant place to walk.

The House of Cats is the much photographed building in Riga's main square.  Its origins derive from a story of a wealthy tradesman who commissioned the building and was then refused membership in Riga's Tradesman Guild. 

By way of payback, the offended tradesman commissioned two copper statues of angry looking cats with arched backs and raised tails. Installed on his building's roof, the cats' rear ends were positioned towards the Guild.  Not too sure of the dividing line between fact and fantasy on this one! 

The House of Cats!

Latvia has had a troubled past with a laundry list of occupiers over the centuries.  But walking through Riga and talking to some of the locals, it was hard not to be impressed by the peoples' optimism and their sense of pride and hope for the future. 

But really, the Chicago Blackhawks? 

Trevor has a lot of work to do.