The great thing about being invited on press trips is not that you get free meals, or free lodging. It’s the fact that you get to experience places that only few people do, when they travel. And if you are lucky enough to have a knowledgeable tour guide, then you may get a very different perspective on the culture and history of those places. …
Gripsholm Castle – a Royal Fortress Full of Surprises
About 70 km west of Stockholm, in the little town of Marifred in the municipality of Strängnäs, lies one of Sweden’s most prominent and beloved estates: Gripsholm Castle. Of all the castles in Sweden, Gripsholm seems to be the biggest crowd-puller. With its red brick walls and green copper domes, the elegant structure surrounded by the calm waters …
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Guide to Visiting Strängnäs – Sweden Off the Beaten Path
The quiet town of Strängnäs may not be on the list of famous Swedish destinations, but its idilic location on the shores of Lake Mälaren make it a very attractive place to visit. Strängnäs is one of Sweden’s oldest towns. The town dates back to the Middle Ages, when it was a church administrative center.
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12 Romantic Things to Do in Riga for Couples
There is a good reason why Riga is becoming an increasingly popular destination lately: so much to see, so many things to do. Since 1991, when Latvia regained its independence, Riga has flourished like no other city in the Baltic region. The vibrant and cosmopolitan city that that you see today has little to no resemblance to Latvia’s …
Rixwell Centra Hotel – Good Value in the Middle of Old Town Riga
Location, location, location. Set in an Art Nouveau-style building dating from 1884, Rixwell Centra is a budget hotel right in the middle of Old Town Riga, within walking distance from all the attractions. Its proximity to a big shopping mall, museums, great restaurants, pubs and live music bars, make Rixwell Centra a great choice for a visit to Riga. So in case you …
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Interview with Michelle, from “Michwanderlust”
My guest for this month’s “Travel Bloggers Interviews” series is Michelle, the editor, writer and photographer of “Michwanderlust,” a travel record of her adventures. 1. Tell us a little about yourself: Who are you? Where are you from? I’m Michelle, born and raised in the tiny island nation of Singapore. I’m a lawyer by profession and a …
Dark Secrets of the Corner House – Riga’s Museum of Occupation
“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”George Santayana Some wounds should remain open forever so that people can never forget. This was my first thought as I opened the small wooden door of the Corner House in Riga – the former headquarters of the KGB secret police, also known as Cheka. The imposing structure on the corner of Brivibas and …
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Riga’s Architecture: Testimony to the City’s Fascinating History
Riga architecture is very diverse – an interesting snapshot of its tumultuous past. Riga was part of the Hanseatic League during the Middle Ages. It was part of the Russian Empire in the 18th and 19th centuries. And it was part of the Soviet Union from 1940 to 1991. The city’s architectural styles displays a …
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Riga Old Town – What to Visit in Latvia’s Epic Capital
Up in the Baltic region, on the banks of the Daugava River, lies an undiscovered treasure: Riga, Latvia’s long-enduring capital. Riga’s Old Town is one of the best-preserved and most charming historic centers in Europe. But that hasn’t always been like that.
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