Gauja National Park｜Sigulda, Latvia

 My decision to take 6 am early bus and stay one night in Sigulda (my 1st stop in Latvia, my 80th country) allowed me to finish all the highlights in sunny and cool weather, although it’s one-post bus stop looked deserted at the 1st sight. 

The train rides into Sigulda would have taken whole day due to limited schedule, while bus via Riga have more options. Even my early ride from Tallinn old town to Tallinn center bus station was a bit confusing. 

Sigulda (known as the 'Switzerland of Latvia') is 53km away from Riga yet Situated in the picturesque Gauja River valley (also a national park) with steep banks and cliffs.

I got on the tower of Sigulda New Castle (built in the end of 19th century) to get overlooks of the area. BALTICA music festival concerts were in Sigulda region from 6 to 10 July.  Latvian band “Bermudu divstūris” concert was on tonight July 10 on the Newcastle. “The group “Bermudu divstūris” is one of the most sought-after party groups in Latvia, which can move anyone and any age.” Unfortunately, the tickets were sold out and I was too tired anyway. 

Then visited Gutman's cave (Latvian: Gūtmaņa ala) lies half-way between Sigulda and Turaida castle and has a little creek flowing from it. A legend states that the water in the creek emanates from Gutmanis' tears. Next was the Turaida manor estate complex now houses exhibition space and views over the valley and the river.

The last site was Krimulda Manor (Krimuldas muiža) that houses a rehabilitation institution which aims to evolve into a tourism and recreation complex. I also walked to the nearby Ruines of the actual castle of Livonian Knights, blown up in 1601.

I spotted a pilgrim Camino/way sign en route, and googled to find out that in addition to well-known routes of Camino De Santiago in France, Spain and Portugal a new – official extension of this road – Camino Latvia is being created.  It will start at border with Estonia and lead through Latvia, continuing in Lithuania, Poland, Germany, France and Spain. 

I stopped by two supermarkets on the way back to fix a quick dinner. Time for a good sleep after all the bus rides and walking.

Tallinn medieval festival Day 2

 I walked 2 miles to Kadriorg Park that is full of beautiful gardens and woods, including a concert area, a children’s park, the people’s park and the Japanese garden.

I also checked out the nearby ocean front park and Russalka monument, a memorial in classic style to those who lost their lives on the Russian navy vessel of the same name. “The sculpture, created by Amandus Adamson in 1902, was placed by the sea where the promenade from Kadriorg Palace comes down to meet the Bay of Tallinn. The monument depicts an angel pointing an Orthodox cross in the direction of the sunken ship.”

While I was looking for the Lounge24 at Radisson Blu Tallinn for its open-air deck view. The fitness staff center on 26th floor kindly informed me the hotel moved and remodeled without such deck, yet allowed me to take photos from the windows of the high end fitness center. 

I then went back to Tallinn medieval festival for knight fights, medieval belt dance, court dance, and the final touch of a medieval pancake. 

I took a free walking tour on Communist Stories of Tallinn in between, which made me sleepy so I bailed out early to get back to the festival. I then visited The Linnahall Soviet-era Structure on my own that is along the harbor, just outside of the Tallinn Old Town – a gigantic slab of Soviet-era concrete (originally named V. I. Lenin Palace of Culture and Sport). “The massive structure, which reportedly can be seen from outer space, was built in 1980 for the Summer Olympics sailing events held in Tallinn. The building is covered in graffiti and mostly abandoned.” 

BTW, Tallinn is the Silicon Valley of Europe, like Skype, as well as up-and-comers like MeetFrank. 

I am taking early morning bus to Riga, Latvia. Bye, Tallinn.

Tallinn medieval festival Day 1

 The raining weather forced me to cancel the plan to hike in Lahemaa National Park (Kuusalu); however, I bumped into the annual Tillman Medieval Days in Tallinn Old Town, to enjoy Medieval circus, music (very unique instruments), and the fun market place. I worked hard to help a craftsman to make a rope which became my souvenir. I also tasted 2 bowls of Medieval chicken vege soups on site.

I then walked to Kalamaja – Tallinn Hispster District to see the colorful houses, handcraft shops the Telliskivi Loomelinnak area, and then Balti Jaam Market with a flea market and a big supermarket inside. I got a 1kg bag of strawberry yogurt for only 1.19 euro.

The last act of the day was a Medieval feast in a restaurant which costed 69 euro, so I only followed the parade to the front door of the restaurant.