Latvia Archives - Bucket List Publications

5 Best Luxury Resorts

Posted on April 9, 2014 by Lesley | 1 Comments

After 2 years of extensive luxury travel around the world, I’ve chosen my five favorite luxury resorts. These establishments stand apart for their personalized approaches, creativity, extraordinary physical attributes, impeccable standards of excellence, and extensive amenities. They are the ultimate in luxury and sophistication. I’ve only included resorts that I’ve visited in the last two years. While there are thousands…

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The Naughty & Nice List for Airlines

Posted on April 5, 2014 by Lesley | 9 Comments

In the last month, I’ve used more than a handful of airlines. At the top of the “nice list”, Air Baltic offered exceptional service, quality food, and friendly, personal staff. At the top of the “naughty list”, Air Berlin might have been the worst staff experience in my history of flying. Air Berlin, unless you can fly on the coal…

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Did You Ever Consider Latvia as a Beach Destination?

Posted on March 28, 2014 by Lesley | 2 Comments

I wanted to visit Latvia since I learned about its strategic war location in high school. I figured as the heart of Europe, it would have a diverse culture with even more diverse architecture. It wasn’t a wrong assumption and Riga’s role as the European Capital of Culture this year is proof. What I didn’t realize is that it’s home…

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Best Hotels in Riga

Posted on March 27, 2014 by Lesley | 2 Comments

Riga, Latvia, brimming with culture, history, and art is the gem of the Baltics and the hotels in Riga are as diverse as its offerings. The Radisson Blu Elizabete Hotel, Dome Hotel & Spa, and Gallery Park Hotel are stunning hotels that place guests in the city centre, where they can explore the variety of activities in Latvia’s capital. Regardless…

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Bucket List Item: Bobsledding – ✓

Posted on March 23, 2014 by Lesley | 12 Comments

The thought of actually accomplishing some items on my bucket list scares me to my very core. One of them is bobsledding. In Sigulda, Latvia the track is 1420 m; it features 16 curves and allows for a maximum speed of 125 km/h. That’s insane. Who says, “I want to get into an open-aired vehicle and zoom down an ice…

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Welcome to Riga – The European Capital of Culture 2014

Posted on March 19, 2014 by Lesley | 5 Comments

Each year the EU selects two cities to share the title of capital of culture. The European Capitals of Culture in 2014 are Riga in Latvia and Umeå in Sweden. Riga is the Latvian capital and with its population of about 700,000 it’s the biggest city in the Baltic region. Riga was founded in 1201 and the oldest part of…

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A Day Trip from Riga: Rundale Palace

Posted on March 17, 2014 by Lesley | 2 Comments

Rundale Palace is a true treasury of Baroque and Rococo art in Latvia. The palace and the adjacent French Regular park were designed by a famous Italian architect Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli in the 18th century as a summer residence of the Duke of Courland Ernst Johann Biron, the favorite of the Russian Empress Anna Ioannovna. Although the palace suffered severe structural…

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Turned On by a Woman at the ESPA, Riga

Posted on March 16, 2014 by Lesley | 0 Comments

I’m no stranger to massages. I’ve had more than a handful in the last two years. Normally, I lay on the table wondering if I should have established a safe word. The answer is usually “yes.” No need this time; she knew exactly the way I like it… maybe even a little too much. Admittedly, I was turned on by…

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5 Best Tourist Sights in Old Town Riga, Latvia

Posted on March 16, 2014 by Lesley | 4 Comments

Today, I got lost in the labyrinth of narrow, cobblestone streets of Old Town Riga, Latvia. Luckily, I had a guide to lead the way when I got turned around. I can imagine, as a tourist without a local guide, it could be a bit frustrating visiting the town. With so many sightseeing opportunities and so many activities, it would…

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