Flower POWER

More from Riga, Latvia (right now having quite a miserable rainy day in Moscow).

Thanks to flowers Riga looks pretty and colorful.







Flowers are everywhere

in stones

on windows :)

at the entry


The flowers can be exposed as "trees" - on the streets` stands.



Or - make sort of bushes.

Or - can just make a place more lovely :)



My favorite cathedral there - the Lutheran church of St.Peter. I think it is the highest church in Riga, and definitely has the most elegant bell tower. It was burnt down many times, the last time - during WW2.

More floweres here, but as a background - the Riga Castle, the President`s residence (the lady-President now!).

The Powder Tower, a bit covered with flower.
The War Museum is actually situated there, with a good collection of everytying explaining history of Latvia, as thanks to its position in Europe it was often involved in war conflicts.

The Monument of Independence, built in the thirties before World War II, and it`s almost a miracle how it has survived both German and Soviet times.

June 14th is a Departation Day, to pay homage to 15 thousands of deportees - Latvian citizens sent to the Eastern exile during one night June 13-14, 1941.


More linguistic research: "currency exchange". Compare "Maina" (Lettish) and "Obmain" (Russian), which means "(ex)change"


A big space in the local market is given to flowers.



Some flowers are well organized...

...and arranged.

Some - are of a more free style


Floristic design is quite popular


Even in advertising

So finally it`s true to say that Riga is a lovely town full of flowers

Ciao now! Love, peace and lots of flowers! :)

Cocks and others

Am not sure that a rooster is a symbol of Riga, but a certain level of homage to him is shown in the town.

It also makes the symbol (coat of arms) of the smaller town Madona.

BTW: An example of informative advert - representing all Latvian towns.

According to the tradition that`s how any building may be protected.

Perhaps theoretically a rooster can behave as an alarm if something wrong`s happening.

So the roofs of all more or less important buildings are decorated with this special bird.


But sometimes - with another bird...

...or not even a bird...

...not at all...

...but still quite nice :)