Latvia Highlights

• Sunset on the Baltic sea. It was spectacular and one of the most special things we experienced as a family. Everyone loved it!
• Mosquitos were exactly as bad as I remembered them from childhood. 
• Sigulda was cool (other than road constructions everywhere). Turaida castle and Gauja river in the background:

• Jurmala was fun and very nice (and a lovely place to walk around). Husband and kids went to the water park in Jurmala - the kids loved it (I suspect my husband did, too).
• Meeting up with a friend from grad school days and catching up on life; having dinners together and exploring places on foot. 
• Meeting up with school friend from childhood (it's been 31 year since we've seen each other), catching up on life. Also having our kids hanging out together! Also seeing her mom and sister again and visiting her home. 
• Swimming in the Baltic sea - finally I could enjoy myself and just float in gentle waters without being constantly knocked over by waves or swallowing tons of super salty water. Yes, the water was on the chilly side, but not too bad. 
• Riga was beautiful. The organ at the Dome Cathedral - spectacular. Roosters on the roof! Also in Riga - the Freedom Monument and the nearby park are beautiful (the park is a very nice spot to relax).
• An older guy playing Raimonds Pauls on saxophone near the train station. 
• Military planes doing their routine exercises near Tukums at the repurposed former Russian base.
• Market place in Riga (near the train station, in old zeppelin hangars) - omg, food!!! This is no tourist attraction - this is the real deal.