Day 291: Travelling at Last

Weather Update: Sunny with cloudy periods

Elevation: 1 to 11 Metres

Hello, fellow adventurers! Andrew here, and I'm thrilled to share another chapter from my ongoing journey, a journey that, as many of you know, is about more than just seeing the world – it's about experiencing it, connecting with its pulse, and raising awareness for Arthritis in New Zealand. This time, my compass pointed me towards the enchanting city of Riga, Latvia, a destination that truly surprised and delighted me with its unique blend of history, vibrant culture, and welcoming spirit.

For those of us who have accumulated a few more years and perhaps a few more stories, the idea of travel can sometimes feel daunting. But at Inspire Seniors Travel, we believe that age is merely a number, and the world remains an open book, waiting for us to turn its pages. My recent experience in Riga perfectly embodies this philosophy, proving that with a little planning and an open heart, incredible adventures await.

The Journey to Riga: A Scenic Route and a Test of Wits

My trip to Riga began with a FlixBus journey, a mode of transport I've come to appreciate for its practicality and the opportunity it offers to truly see the landscape unfold. The countryside was a tapestry of greens and browns, dotted with charming hamlets where each wooden house seemed to tell its own story, weathered by years of sun and snow. It's these quiet moments, watching the world go by, that often become the most cherished memories.

Upon arrival, the real adventure began – finding my hostel, Cinnamon Sally Backpackers. Now, I'm a seasoned traveller, and I've navigated my fair share of tricky directions, but Riga decided to test my mettle! The hostel was supposedly within 500 meters of the bus station, a distance that seemed perfectly manageable. After a quick stop at the Aussie Backpackers Pub for a refreshing beer (Aussies Loved Travelling In A VW) and some local intel, I set off. Following my tracking, I arrived at the supposed destination, only to find no signs, no obvious entrance. I walked up and down the street, both sides, a growing sense of bewilderment creeping in. Had I been scammed? The thought, however fleeting, was unsettling.

In a moment of mild desperation, I ducked into a McDonald's for some Wi-Fi, hoping for a fresh perspective online would reveal the secret—still nothing. I stepped back outside, the same story. Stumped, I decided to re-enter McDonald's through a different entrance, and there it was – Cinnamon Sally Backpackers! It turned out the building housed two tenants, with McDonald's downstairs and the hostel's access cleverly tucked away within the same structure. A small challenge overcome, and a good reminder that sometimes, the solution is right under your nose, or rather, through another door!

Cinnamon Sally: A Haven of Charm and Community

Stepping through the doors of Cinnamon Sally, any lingering frustration melted away. It hit me straight away: this wasn't just a place to sleep; it was a place brimming with charm and a community spirit I hadn't encountered in a long time. The atmosphere exploded into my senses – a warm, hospitable, and genuinely engaging welcome, something many hostels struggle to achieve.

One of the things I truly appreciate about places like Cinnamon Sally, and what aligns so well with the Inspire Seniors Travel ethos, is the emphasis on comfort and connection. They offered free tea and coffee, fresh fruit, with a proper breakfast. These small touches make a world of difference, especially for senior travellers who appreciate a good start to the day without having to immediately venture out. The hostel was vibrant, full of travellers from all walks of life, open to sharing their experiences. It's a testament to what a hostel should be: a melting pot where stories are exchanged, friendships are forged, and in a few days, new faces take their place, continuing the cycle of shared adventure.

My first evening was a delightful blur of chatter and shared ideas. We ended up playing charades, a lively horse racing game (where sips were taken instead of shots, a sensible adaptation!), and a round of Pass the Pigs – a game my family and I have enjoyed for years. It was a wonderful way to unwind, connect with fellow travellers, and truly immerse myself in the communal spirit that makes hostel stays so rewarding. For those of us who might be travelling solo or simply enjoy meeting new people, a well-run hostel like Cinnamon Sally offers an invaluable opportunity for social engagement and a sense of belonging.

Day 292: Exploring Riga's Heart, Rain or Shine

After a truly restful night's sleep (despite a bit of a revolving door situation with the bunk above me!), I woke up around 8 am, ready to tackle the day. Breakfast was a feast: waffles, warm rolls, an assortment of cheeses, fresh tomatoes and cucumber, hot coffee, and orange juice. A perfect start to a day of exploration, fuelling me up for what lay ahead.

I set out around 10:30 am, with my first destination being the iconic Freedom Monument, a short and pleasant walk from the hostel. The route took me past a beautiful tributary of the River Daugava, flanked by manicured parks and gardens. These green spaces are a real gem in Riga, offering tranquil spots for a stroll or a moment of quiet reflection – perfect for senior travellers who appreciate accessible and beautiful outdoor environments. The path was mostly flat, making for an easy and enjoyable walk, even for those with limited mobility.

Freedom Monument:

The Freedom Monument symbolises the idea of independence. The 42.7-meter-high monument is made up of 56 sculptures, divided into 13 sculptural groups on four levels, which depict Latvian history and culture. At the base of the monument, the motto For Fatherland and Freedom is inscribed. At the top of the monument’s obelisk is the nine-meter symbol of freedom – a young woman holding three stars above her head, which symbolise the three historic provinces of Latvia, and national unity. Today, a two-man honour guard stands at the base of the monument, symbolising Latvia’s sovereignty. During the Soviet occupation, any gathering at the Freedom Monument was strictly forbidden. But with the Reawakening, people gathered here to honour the establishment of the Republic of Latvia, the War of Independence, the occupation and repression. After Latvia's independence was restored in 1991, the honour guard was again deployed at the foot of the monument. The two soldiers at the foot of the monument stand absolutely still for 1 hour, and then they are changed, and the process begins again from 10 am to 4 pm, every day, plus there is an officer overseeing the proceedings from the side of the road.

Next Stop Town Hall:

The day, however, had its own plans. What started cloudy with a threat of rain soon turned into a proper downpour by early lunch. This is where adaptability comes in handy when travelling! Instead of letting the rain dampen my spirits, I made my way to the Kiwi Sports Bar, a cosy refuge where I could watch the F1 motor racing. It kept me inside for most of the afternoon, a pleasant change of pace and a chance to experience a different side of local life. The only thing missing, for a true Kiwi experience, was a TAB – the Totalisator Agency Board, for those unfamiliar, is where you place your bets on races back home in Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. It was a small, humorous reminder of home in a far-off land.

By tea time, the weather had cleared, but I decided to head back to the hostel. Another evening unfolded, filled with lively chatter and experiences garnered on the road. It was there I met Finbar Culley, another Kiwi from Pukekohe – only the third I'd encountered on my extensive travels overseas! These chance encounters are the magic of travel, creating unexpected connections and shared moments that enrich the journey.

Join me on my journey, follow my updates, and let's continue to explore the world, one incredible destination at a time. And if my adventures inspire you, please consider supporting my travels or donating to arthritis research through the links on the website.

Andrew @ inspireseniorstravel.com