I just wanted to share our Christmas adventures in Riga, Latvia. I like to blog our trips so that we have the memories, so that other people have info on the locations, and so that our 3F's can keep up with our travels. I planned for us to do Christmas in Riga, Latvia back in October because we were so close (just a country away), and we have such fond "pre-baby" memories from there. As you all know, my husband played basketball in Latvia in 2013 and we LOVED it there. ((Christmas 2013 pictured below))
The weather was crazy cold of course, but there were many beautiful cities we got to explore and learn the culture of. Riga, the capital city is really one of my favorites in Europe to date. Its so rich in history and gorgeous in architecture too! ((Riga Center pictured below)).
My favorite part of Christmas in Europe are the markets. Although Latvia had a Christmas market, it didn't come close to the markets in France and Germany. They really can't be compared, I guess because they don't really offer the same things. I really loved the German markets because of their mix of different foods and flavors to indulge in. The markets in France boosted amazing handmade ornaments and the best sweets I've ever tasted!! ((Riga market pictured below))
The markets in Lithuania and Latvia were quaint, well decorated, but food wise there was the traditional mulled wine and crepes...thats about it. I did not find any hand made ornaments, which was pretty disappointing for me. I collect them from every country and was hoping to find some at the markets. The Vilnius Christmas market was named the top 10 in Europe. At first I really couldn't see why, but I believe because the market is surrounded by an incredible lit up tree, a gorgeous church, and one of the prettiest Nativity scenes I have seen. (Vilnius market pictured below))
We enjoyed the "Riga Zoo Lights" as well for a treat for Logan. Now, I am from Houston Texas where the Zoo is actually incredible and the Zoo Lights are amazing! Both Zo and I expected something similar....and well...that wasn't really the case. They did have the zoo lit up but it wasn't lit up all over. Some of the animals were in the dark and you had a hard time seeing them. The trails were also not well lit so it wasn't easy to let Logan roam free. The zoo cost $2 a person....so honestly, we can't complain! They give that special price for the Zoo lights adventure. We did enjoy ourselves and plan to go back in the spring when its warm and well lit! :)
We did get McDonald's which is a serious treat for Zo, Mo AND Lo....so that was fun! :)
Next trip??? HOUSTON TEXAS!!!! Thats right! Logan & Mama are headed to Houston in 2 weeks! WHOOP!
As you know, we bought a home in May and have not had a bunch of time in it. There are a few things we want to get done with the house and also just give Logan a little time back at home and with some normalcy. We also are having a rough winter here in Eastern Europe. Its freezing, everyday, most days have snow and no sun. It gets light at 9am and dark by 4pm, so with Zo's schedule its extremely hard to get Logan outside for some activities and the town is pretty small where we live. We decided since Zo will be traveling a ton in January and February with Eurocup top 16 (Russia, Germany twice, and the Lithuanian league), its a great time to beat the cold and enjoy home for a bit. We will stay several weeks and hope to see everyone!! We will head back across when its a little warmer and Zo's season will last until June.
What I am so excited for....
seeing friends and family of course!! and the RODEO!! Growing up this was a huge thing for me. The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is amazing and so much fun. We never missed a year growing up and I haven't been since 2012 and Logan's NEVER been. To say I am excited is an understatement!!
Catch ya soon friends,
-Morgan
Riga must have been a nice city to celebrate Christmas. :)
ReplyDelete