Reviewing holidays in Latvia

One of those places you hear about and think, Okay, I know where that is, is Latvia. It is in Europe. Somewhere. Perhaps around that other nation with too many consonants. But as soon as you get here and inhale the pine-scented air, you wonder why you did not arrive earlier. Or, at least, why dinner gatherings never discuss it. Perhaps individuals wish to keep it under wraps. Sorry, Latvia, but I am about to ruin everything if this is the case.

Usually, the first destination is Riga. It is a town where a fairy tale married a Scandinavian IT start-up, and they chose to raise a family among Art Nouveau facades. The Old Town is beautiful in that way that you keep turning corners and believe the last street was your favourite until you come across the next one. Though the cobblestones are lovely, they also have a personal grudge against your ankles; therefore, pick your footwear carefully. And yes, everyone photographs the Black Heads' House in the same way. Essentially, a rite of passage is what it is.

After that, there is Jurmala. Imagine a beach vacation with fewer inflatable unicorns and more sophisticated wooden villas created for a writer running from deadlines. The sand is soft enough to fool you into believing you're viewing a commercial for very expensive sunscreen. The Baltic Sea's chill is quite welcome. That's a courteous way of saying that once you run into it, you'll rethink your decisions. But later, you feel oddly proud, as if you have just completed a task in the adult video game.

Should you desire forests, Latvia boasts vast ones. Limitless ones. The type that has you wondering if you ought to have brought a compass even if your phone has three navigational apps. The air is peaceful and smells like pine needles. Depending on how many actual crime podcasts you have listened to, you can walk for hours without seeing anyone, which is either very tranquil or a bit weird. Either way, it is lovely.

The culinary scene also merits consideration. Latvian cuisine has a comforting, grandmother-approved heartiness. Consider rye bread that could likely survive the apocalypse and potatoes that seem to have life purpose. Say yes should someone provides kvass. It's a little weird, a little sweet, a little fizzy, and definitely part of the experience.

Latvia is fascinating particularly for its ambiance. It is tranquil without being dull. It is beautiful without going overboard. Its culture makes it proud, but it does not broadcast it from the rooftops. Travellers come seeking a peaceful getaway and depart feeling as though they have found a fresh niche in Europe that everyone else missed whilst debating about more well-known locations.

Latvia is ready if you wish for a vacation combining architecture, woodlands, beaches, and an unexpected lot of fresh air. Simply avoid telling too many people. We have to keep at least a little bit of mystery alive.