Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!!

Vērmanes Garden, the oldest public garden in the city of Riga, Latvia

Overnight snow left a fresh covering of the white stuff this morning, which made the cobbled streets of the old town feel very Christmassy...

And that's where we started a guided walk today, that took us on an alternative tour, out of the old town and into the "real" Riga. Our guide was very entertaining and we learned a lot about Latvia's very varied, and turbulent, history. After our tour, we returned to the vast central market, housed in five zeppelin hangars, for a spot of shopping before returning to the old town and its Christmas Market for a warming gluhwein amongst the twinkling lights. At this point it started to snow, perfect timing for the official switching on of the city's Christmas tree lights! Then this evening it was on to another restaurant with Latvian specialties, including the local beer. It's hard work being a tourist!

Ar labunakti!!