A good number of Latvian families that reside in Riga have both a city apartment and a holiday home located elsewhere in Latvia for downtime.
"My mother is a schoolteacher for students in grade five, and my father is a financial analyst for Radisson Hotels. My sister is currently in grade 12 at Riga State Gymnasium One, which I also attended. We do all still see each other quite often."
You read that correctly! Schools in Latvia are referred to as gymnasiums, with each one getting assigned a number. Latvian families are typically close and tight-knit, with family meals being very important.
“Walking is always my go-to if possible. But if it’s really rainy or cold, then I usually take a bus, trolley bus or tram. And of course there is always the option to drive, order a Bolt driver or rent a Bolt scooter. For longer travels, we either drive or take a train.”
The public transport and walkable cities stereotype of Europe is so true for Riga. There are bus stops with regular buses everywhere, and the sidewalks are very well-maintained. Bolt is an Uber equivalent, and you can also rent a scooter through their app. The road rules and car designs are the same as in the U.S., so I can technically drive here…and I have!
“Well, as it gets cold and windy and dark and rainy, I am always sure to have my warm, waterproof boots, my warm rain jacket, my warm hat, my gloves and my umbrella.”
In the colder months here (which are no joke... October through April!), everyone dresses very similarly.
