You should know now, Riga is CUTE!! 

After a 4 hour bus ride where I sat on a work call for most of an hour we arrived in Riga. 

The bus dropped us off miles away from our accommodation, it was raining so we caught an Uber….turns out we’d arrived into Riga on their busiest week of the year, right amongst the Latvian Song and dance festival that only happens once every 5 years and for which people from every corner of Latvia descend upon Riga to celebrate their cultural traditions from each region through song/dance and amazing costumes. There was a parade going….it was 4pm, it had already been going 6 hours (it carried on for another 3!!) 

We gave up on the Uber who could not find a way around the parade.

So loaded up with all our gear we stood in the rain and watched for a bit, then when a gap came we sprinted across the road. Oh what a sight we must have been.

Found our accommodation, checked in and went to get food! We could hear the festivities still going. Ladies had ditched their very wet shoes. But on the whole, everyone was very happy and not at all concerned it was pouring with rain! Absolutely chucking it down! 

We spent the next couple of days enjoying the festivities. The weather thankfully cleared. Walked Mum round on FaceTime seeing the sights, shops, markets, parks. 

RK and I had a little cafe date without the boys, we bought more luggage to help with our overflow and to replace an older suitcase that was breaking and not keeping up with the (fast) pace! Fortunately we left NZ with very little luggage so had the capacity to add,. You all know this isn’t my first rodeo, I’ve dragged this family round Europe before! I know what happens – they buy stuff! (ok ok, and i buy stuff too!)

We did a walking tour and learnt a few things. Enjoyed the architecture. 

It was lovely to be staying so central.

My favourite colour is burgundy so I loved their flag and lots of merch / clothes in that colour.

After a few days it was time for the final bus journey of the trip