Having left Riga behind and before heading to Tallinn, taking a detour to Jurmala, an expensive, pretty and mythical resort, was a must. Each residence is remarkable, characteristic of the Latvian architecture - end of the 19th century and beginning of the 20th century - and original at the same time. There are more than 4,000 with specific architectures. Many rich people live there and despite strict regulations in architecture, all buildings look different, somehow. Even though, sometimes it was not easy to find the differences among them. I wandered around in Jurmala like in Venice, admiring the seascapes, the few monuments as they come and breathing the atmosphere..
The payment of a car permit to go through that particular town was something very new to me...
The visiting card of the city is the main pedestrian street where one can look at others and show oneself!!!
Already during the Soviet period, the processions of the popular resort's festivities went along it.
Already during the Soviet period, the processions of the popular resort's festivities went along it.
The beach seemed to be nice but unfortunately I was there right at the tail end of the summer, so I was not able to take advantage of it.
From there a quick stop at Tukums, a small town that is said to be a romantic place. I didn't find it much so. However, I enjoyed wandering through its winding cobbled streets lined by ornate doors made by local craftsmen...a relaxing stroll, indeed.
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Above, you see the local Holy Trinity Lutheran Church (1644) whose restored clock strikes every quarter hour... I found it a little bit unpleasant.
One more stop - this time at Parnu - prior to return back to Tallinn and take the plane to fly back home.
Parnu is a tiny health resort in Western Estonia, famous for its mud spa and fine sand beach.
Travelling is the element of my life that I'm most passionate about, however it's the hobby I find the most difficult to blog about due to the time taken to put a post together. I am fortunate enough to have travelled to every continent (Oceania excluded) whether it was on family holidays when I was young, or on my own since the early years of my adulthood.
Every year, I try to visit a new country and I spend hours upon hours looking at maps and planning new trips. At this moment, I haven't any clear idea, yet, what my destination will it be in 2015, however, I know if I am in fine health condition, I'll take a plane and land somewhere...
I could not put an end to this series without mentioning how I was really pleased to have you following me over all the journey. Without you, it wouldn't have been as much enjoyable as it actually turned out to be. Thank you!
Enjoy the last stage of my hopping through the Baltic Republics...
Enjoy the last stage of my hopping through the Baltic Republics...
My word that was a journey and a half and must admit I enjoyed it as much as you did. Love the old buildings, doors, beaches, and scenery. Didn't feel the bad weather so much, don't mind a breeze but cold wind, no no no. LOL
ReplyDeleteNow you can rest, relax, and take your time planning what, or should I say, where; it will be next! (by the way darling, I AM keeping my fingers crossed you will get the time and energy to post your weekly questionnaire. Hope I am not being too greedy. :-)
Take care of yourself and try to slow just a little bit.
Huggles.
Hi Shayna! Good to read you enjoyed the journey. In fact, though the three countries have many common aspects, they have their own idiosyncrasies, which contributed to make the journey very interesting.
DeleteThanks for having joined me...
Oh, just magnificent. I must go back and look at the other legs of your journey. The green building is wonderful as is the woodwork on the building above it. I am so impressed by your ability and willingness to travel. You are such a good model for me.
ReplyDeleteHi Benni! The traditional architecture in those resorts was very nice and if I had had more time, I would have taken more photos...
DeleteTravelling, like many other things, requires practice, and once you get it, all becomes easy..
I appreciated your visit. Thanks!.
ReplyDeleteAs always, I view your slide shows in full screen to savor the details ~ there were some truly amazing photos in this bunch! I love to research and plan my trips also, it takes a lot of time to put it all together, and so does the blogging of it all. You lead a very terrific life with your travel and your skill in documenting it all for us! Very wonderful, thank you Belita!
Hi Monica! Reading your comment I feel my efforts rewarded... Thank you,Monica!
DeleteHi Belita. I am kind of sad this journey has come to an end. I've really enjoyed this tour of three countries I previously knew very little about. I feel I know them a lot better now through your wonderful photography. The architecture of Jurmala is something to be admired, lots of wonderful individual buildings, each with their own character. The Baltic Sea appeared to be quite rough even though it was only late summer....one imagines it can be VERY stormy when winter sets in!! Tukums is an interesting place. 'Romantic' is not the word I would use. It seems to have an air of 'old and shabby', with many of the buildings needing attention or restoration, but there is something still indefinably attractive about the place. Thank you for a wonderful tour.....I'm already looking forward to finding out where you will go next time!!
ReplyDeleteHi Mitch! Every journey comes to an end, though we sometimes would like it to last longer... I am glad to know the series of posts has unveiled something that you didn't know much. It's really rewarding to be said about it. In fact, the Baltic Sea has nothing to do with any other sea or ocean I have seen before. I wonder I would like to swim in that sea, unless in summer the waves are not so rough as they were on the day I was over there. I smiled with some irony when I heard from a local that Tukums was a romantic town. I tried by all means to see, breathe or feel something that might remind me of romance but I could not find it....Thanks, Mitch, for your kindness all over this journey...
DeleteIt is clear that you love to travel, and this passion is visible from your photos and your posts :)
ReplyDeleteThat's why it is so easy to follow your story with your notes about the places and personal comments, and I do know it is a great effort to put together all the pieces to create something to share with others but... the results worth the effort!
We have characteristics that we can't conceal even on this cyber stage.. I'm pleased to know that you, Edoardo, have realized how much I love travelling. It means that the lines, the in-between the lines and perhaps the photos, inclusively, altogether are like a window open to my personality...
DeleteThanks, Edoardo, you have been a nice 'companion' in each stage of my trip.
It was most interesting to see the contrasts, Belita, for that was what captured me when I was there. I'm now refering to the houses. From the most wonderful, decorates ones, to powerty. Yet, I'm sure all are prescious homes to someone.
ReplyDeleteWhen speaking of 2015, consider to take a trip to the "far north"!
You OK, Belita? Long time no posts. I do miss the riddles.
ReplyDelete