Last full day in Riga. I decide to take the train to the seaside town of Jurmala about 30 minutes from Riga.
If your beach experiences are full of Hawaii and California, then, no matter what proud locals tell you, do not expect too much of Latvian beaches on the Baltic. Actually the town was quite nice. Small and walkable with lots of pleasant streets and the seaside community feeling not too overwhelmed by tourists and hotels. The beach was even pretty nice (although I prefer waves and water temperatures warmer than my refrigerator) with soft fine sand and plenty of room for everyone. While I was here I was able to witness the (not so) famous gerbil children of Jurmala. I took a video for you:
Back in Riga, I visit the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia. It is closed, but they have some outside things I can look at. I have been to the Holocaust Museum's in both Washington and Jerusalem so there is not much more that can shock me, but every time I visit a new country and see how much they suffered I am embarrassed that I need to be reminded again. I also think how much our leaders fail us when they lead us into war and killing and torture. I also think how much atrocity is still being committed right now in places on this planet. The holocaust was terrible and should never be forgotten, but what about all the suffering in Rwanda, for example. Would we stop another holocaust if we saw it happening? I guess not. What the hell are our leaders doing? Making laws that help corporations get richer - including sometimes from the very wars and conflicts that cause the suffering. They are not doing what is best for our people or any people.
I am glad I gave Riga a chance. It is still way down on the list of places i would live, but I am glad I visited.
If your beach experiences are full of Hawaii and California, then, no matter what proud locals tell you, do not expect too much of Latvian beaches on the Baltic. Actually the town was quite nice. Small and walkable with lots of pleasant streets and the seaside community feeling not too overwhelmed by tourists and hotels. The beach was even pretty nice (although I prefer waves and water temperatures warmer than my refrigerator) with soft fine sand and plenty of room for everyone. While I was here I was able to witness the (not so) famous gerbil children of Jurmala. I took a video for you:
Back in Riga, I visit the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia. It is closed, but they have some outside things I can look at. I have been to the Holocaust Museum's in both Washington and Jerusalem so there is not much more that can shock me, but every time I visit a new country and see how much they suffered I am embarrassed that I need to be reminded again. I also think how much our leaders fail us when they lead us into war and killing and torture. I also think how much atrocity is still being committed right now in places on this planet. The holocaust was terrible and should never be forgotten, but what about all the suffering in Rwanda, for example. Would we stop another holocaust if we saw it happening? I guess not. What the hell are our leaders doing? Making laws that help corporations get richer - including sometimes from the very wars and conflicts that cause the suffering. They are not doing what is best for our people or any people.
I am glad I gave Riga a chance. It is still way down on the list of places i would live, but I am glad I visited.
Ray... haven't heard from you in a while... should we be worried??
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