It is a very pretty part of Latvia and just now in early summer it is very green. Our first stop was in Cesis, where there are the ruins of Wenden castle built in 1214 and sacked by Ivan the Terrible in 1577. Side by side with the ruins is the 18thC manor house.
We were supposed to take the cable car across the valley to Turaida but as it was not open we drove around. Not only are there the castle ruins but also extensive gardens and a sculpture park.
The ruins of Wenden castle at Cesis.
The lady who looks after the medieval kitchen garden at Cesis.
You can see the beds of herbs behind her
In the manor house there is a collection of 19thC furniture.
A reconstructed village dating from about 1100 A.D.
A very nice roadside restaurant where we lunched.
The fine dresser behind the bar.
The stork who brings Good Luck to the cafe.
Among the ruins at Turaida
A popular spot for wedding photos.
One of the staff at the Turaida museum park.
Chinese tourists have discovered Turaida.
It is also a sculpture Park.
And home to wildflowers.
Aldis (our driver) and I try out the Kaiser's chair at a famous viewpoint.
Looks like you are having a wonderful time. Love the photo of a Chinese tourist taking a picture of an Australian tourist.
ReplyDeleteThat green and white stripy room would be a bit hard to live with, I think.
ReplyDeleteLove the stork nest - it looks like they have been nesting there for a lot of years.
Kate, you are looking well, a lovely photo of you and your driver. That green striped wall paper, wouldn't want to have too many drinks before looking at it!!!
ReplyDeleteEnjoying your travels and seeing a different part of Europe. Some really interesting history. Love the storks - we came across them this time last year in the Alsace area.
ReplyDelete