Latvia, Riga, Karavella Hotel

in may of 2003 my friend and i spent the most wonderful 6 days in Riga, the capital of Latvia.highlights included the architecture(i'm reliably informed it has the highest concentration of art nouveau buildings in europe), the people and the prices. for a nation that has suffered so much at the hands of the Russians, the Nazis and then again in the hands of the Russians, the people have a real vibrance and free attitude.Any visitor worth their salt must at least visit the occupation museum so as to make themselves aware of the kind of suffering this nation has endured. public transport is cheap and plentiful , as is the beer. Rigans do like to party and are really friendly and love to converse so be prepared to not see much of your bed while in Riga. hotels are adequately equipped and moderately priced although there is an absence of really cheap accomodation. taxis are very reasonable if you don't fancy the trams or buses.visit Riga now befor it becomes too commercial and the people start seeing you as just a meal ticket