the Gutenberg Hotel in Riga and Christmas celebration

Last Christmas we were in Riga staying at the Gutenberg Hotel. Here I'm going to tell you what's it like   staying in Riga for Christmas holidays.

People.  Happy and easy-going regardless the nasty weather there was throughout all the Christmas of 2012/13.

Weather. It wasn't particularly cold, not at all. Actually, for me as a Russian, - 2 to +5 was perfect winter weather. But it was raining. So in case you're planning your Christmas holiday in Riga this year, get an umbrella at the ready.

Prices. Not so low since we stayed at the Gutenberg hotel, boutique hotel.   Right in the centre of Riga, cosy and atmospheric. The Dome Cathedral is next to it and the hotel is situated in the street called Dome street (Doma laukums).

It was a  two-roomed Junior Suite suitable for throwing a party for 5-6 people. Very clean. A bit chilly in the room, though. To my taste, could have been warmer inside so that I would have worn a nice silk gown in the room.

The substantial breakfast included: some champagne if you're not too late for breakfast, salads of different kinds, sweets and buns, cereals.

August rain

Nowadays the weather is back to normal what it has to be in August: drizzling most of the day, the sky is overcast, average daily temperature +17-18 C.

11th, August 7 pm

The weather

The cool and temperate climate of Latvia which I've lauded all the time is no more reality. It's +30 / +37 C, and for August when it can be +14 C, it IS something exraordinary.

I went to swim yesterday evening expecting the sea would be warm. However, since the wind was from the sea, the water was disappointingly cold, let's say "Refreshing."

The chocolate is melting on the plate...

 

A beach near Ragaciems.

The villages near Jurmala along the Baltic Sea beach are incredibly cosy, clean and quiet.
The beaches there are cleaner and less crowded that those of central Jurmala.

Yesterday's evening. Ragaciems. The beach.

Cheap garden flowers

What we haven't got in Moscow, is cheap garden flowers. ONNNly roses: sold at 30 dollars per bouquet.

The flowers old women sell at the market in Kauguri are considerably cheaper, therefore, won't make you a million. However, not less enjoyable.

 

A pleasure at 1.5 lats (about 3 dollars)

Laci: bread and bisquits.

Laci (means "bear") is a Latvian bakery. They produce different kinds of bread, bisquits, cakes. In this post I want to tell you about the company since all their products I've tried are invariably of good quality.

I am particularly fond of bread that contains dried fruit and nuts. We've  been consistent and loyal bakery's customers for two years and luckily haven't been disappointed.

My favourite bread by Laci



Actually we have been very much into these. )))) Only we've overeaten them.