A distinctly Dutch city of snobs and wealthy people, one of the most expensive in the country. But very well-kept and refined - a city for enjoying life, with countless shops, cafés, and art salons.
A historic village reflecting Dutch everyday life of the 18th–19th centuries. Essentially an open-air museum with several still-operational windmills, traditional residential houses that have largely been converted into shops, cafés, souvenir stalls, mini museums, and craft workshops. And a picturesque view of the waterway, against which one simply cannot resist taking selfies.
If you're tired of the traditional mashed potatoes with a cutlet and cabbage or beetroot salad - here's an idea: a quick and quite delicious dinner with tiger prawns, Japanese sauce, basmati rice, and vegetables.
We had been planning this trip to the Netherlands since early summer, so we were well prepared, having researched transport and accommodation options. This definitely helped save both time and money, as the country - and especially the cities of Amsterdam and Haarlem - is quite expensive. I am happy to share impressions and useful tips for those planning to go "on their own."
Just as weddings in Latgale, so city festivals are celebrated for three days. We only managed to enjoy one day of Ludza's festival programme, but otherwise rested, enjoyed ourselves, and swam to our hearts' content in the warm lake waters.
I don't believe in miracles, but I believe in what I think is much more powerful: every person's own commitment and responsibility. That is also our Icarus as an example. He will fight, he will not succeed, but he will try again and again until he achieves his goal. He certainly does not wait for a miracle. That moves me the most: when someone fights for what they believe in.
Openness and transparency are good - don't be afraid of them. Give up your unnecessary privacy. Technology will protect you if you don't protect or care for yourself. It will prevent you from dying in accidents, it will monitor your heart rate, treat diseases and balance your diet and physical activity, protect you from evil and differently-thinking people. You will live in a circle and be part of it.
Today, at the H2O6 architecture and media centre, the fourth Responsible Ideas Market took place - and the first one I attended. An event conditionally divided into two parts: the first - official addresses, welcomes, and presentations; the second - practical, real-world-tested ideas from companies that have introduced something new and useful not only for their own company but for society as a whole.
The thermometer had almost climbed to +30 degrees, and visiting a museum in such weather is more of an exception than a usual occurrence. Yet it turned out to be a thoroughly engaging and pleasantly surprise-filled outing. Let us start with the fact that last Sunday the permanent exhibition at the renovated Latvian National Museum of Art and at the Riga Bourse could be viewed for free.
This Wednesday, Susan Harmsworth, the founder of the ESPA brand, visited Riga. A charming, 72-years-young lady full of vitality and at the same time thoughtfully accumulated life wisdom. Her philosophy, reflected in ESPA hotels across every corner of the world, is mindfulness. What exactly does this mean and how does it relate to appearance?