October 2021
Originally, I had just planned to go to Copenhagen, but flying through Riga, Latvia saved me over $400 on flights, so I figured it was totally worth it to see another country. Riga was so cheap because the country was in lockdown. Still a nice city to explore. I would like to go back when it is open.
Latvia is a former Soviet country. These statues and others reminded me of the style used in the Loki series.
Concrete cat
Armadillos are not native to Latvia.
Three languages written on these signs, none of them English. Latvian – Russian – unknown
I am guessing these are sigils from different cities in Latvia.
Riga Nativity of Christ Orthodox Cathedral
Took a day trip to Sigulda, Latvia. It is a small town with some nice trails and old castles.
Local seasonal shop. Riga, Latvia and neighboring Tallinn, Estonia are very attractive capital cities well worth a visit. Both are great value.
From Riga, I headed to Copenhagen, Denmark. Been wanting to go here a long time and it did not disappoint. Denmark is now fully open with no covid restrictions. It was so nice to be back to normal.
Lots of bikes in Copenhagen, great way to get around.
The Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek is a great museum. Sponsored by the Carlsberg family of Carlsberg beer.
It has many sculptures from ancient to modern times. An oversimplification of western culture relating to inspiration: Egyptians –> Greeks –> Romans –> Europe.
Egyptian: Bes, protector god
Greek Philosophers and a conqueror: Socrates taught Plato, Plato taught Aristotle, Plato and Aristotle taught Alexander the Great. SPA – A
Roman: emperors, gods, and nobles.
Europe: Joan of Arc, born a peasant, now a saint. She was only 19 when she died leading a French force against the English in the 100 year war.
A 19th century French sculptor, using Roman style, depicting the Greek myth of Perseus slaying Medusa.
Nordic gods: Odin (father, god of war and the dead), Thor (god of thunder), Loki (god of mischief).
Danish art, mermaid
Lots of waterways through the city.
Atlas (Greek myth), getting some relief from holding up the world.
Even when it is still two days before Halloween, it is Christmas season.
Open face sandwiches are popular in Denmark.
Great park around the Kastellet military fortress.
Artemis, Greek goddess of the hunt.
Had a fun time at Tivoli Gardens. It is a 19th century themed amusement park.
Nimb bar, all of the the drinks are fairytale themed.
Library bar, the name fits.
La Fontaine is the oldest Jazz club in Copenhagen.
Legos (largest toy company in the world) are from Denmark, it was fun to build again.
