Delphinus

After a few days in Klaipeda the rally split, some boats heading on the longer route to Riga and others, including ourselves opting for a short hop up the coast to the Latvian port of Liepaja. From there taking the 3 hour bus ride into Riga for an overnight stay, were we found a great apartment in the old town. We wandered around Riga taking in the party atmosphere and were soon to learn that Latvia is one of the few European countries where, just like hundreds of years ago, Pagan traditions celebrate the summer solstice or Ligo (pronounced Leegwa). The build up to Ligo is wonderful and we had arrived just days before the 21st June, what amazing timing! We joined the celebrations in the local park, watching the locals singing Ligo-themed folk songs and dancing. Women and girls wear crowns of fresh wildflowers, and traditional dresses, while men wear a crown of oak leaves, there was a table full of flowers which Lily and Paul used to make their own headdresses. Bonfires were built and the men handmade Jani cheese (with caraway seeds) in the traditional way, this is usually accompanied by large quantities of home brewed beer! The following day was rainy and Lily and Jayne visited the fabulous Sun Museum whilst Paul and Jonny went to the disturbing Latvian Occupation Museum before heading back to Liepaja.