The Dobele lilac garden is the largest of its kind in Europe. When I mentioned this fact to a Riga taxi driver, he didn’t believe me. But it’s true – the Peteris Upitis Garden in Dobele, Latvia boasts more than 200 lilac trees! The garden was started in 1956 by Peteris Upitis, an avid horticulturist and head […]
Beautiful Bergen: Gateway to the Fjords
Nestled in a mountain valley next to the sea, Bergen, Norway is an ideal jumping off point for those wishing to venture into the spectacular Norwegian fjords. But Bergen deserves a visit all its own! I spent four and a half days exploring the city’s charms and could easily have stayed a week. Museums, architecture, cafes, shopping, and […]
Norway in a Nutshell Fjord Tour – Is It Worth It?
When my friend suggested we travel to Norway to see the fjords, I was completely on board with the idea. Norway boasts some of the most stunning scenery in Europe the world, with two fjords included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. But what’s the best way to enjoy them? My friend and I didn’t fancy […]
The Best Bakeries in Riga
Riga boasts an incredible café scene, with a dedication to craft coffee and locally-sourced, high-quality ingredients. In my opinion, the Latvian attention to detail rivals that of the Japanese and Scandinavians. So it should be no surprise that the city is also full of passionate bakers. After much taste-testing, I’ve compiled this list of the […]
Terrific Talsi, Another Jewel in Latvia’s Crown
Last year I visited medieval Kuldiga and proclaimed it the cutest town in all the land. But little did I know that Latvia’s Kurzeme region is brimming with fetching towns and villages. My latest crush is Talsi, a picturesque hamlet of about 9,000 nestled among nine hills and two lakes. Comfortably reached via a two-hour bus […]