A Picturesque Adventure Through Estonia And Latvia

A photo gallery by Sonja Stark

SSS 8054 — Villa Ammende in Parnu, Estonia is also an upscale hunting lounge. Ask for the room with the built-in Banya on the top floor.

SSS 8060 — The fascade of the Villa Ammende is a marvelous example of Art Nouveau architecture.

SSS 8090 — Come hungry for a copious morning breakfast of rich cuisine in the Salon Cafe at the Villa Ammende in Parnu, Estonia.

SSS 8113 — Animal lovers beware, the Villa Ammende is not for the faint of heart. Walls and ceilings are adorned with hunters trophies.

SSS 8416 — Kihnu Island folk costumes are normal attire for ladies who carry on the culture. Bring euros for unique handcrafts and fragrant soaps made by the folk legends.

SSS 8438 — Travel by boat to Kihnu Island for overnight stays and catering offered by several folk farms.

Folk customs and traditions are part of everyday life on the island of Kihnu. Women play a key role in preserving the culture. LINK: http://www.visitestonia.com/en/holiday-destinations/the-islands/kihnu-island — Folk customs and traditions are part of everyday life on Kihnu Island. Women play a key role in preserving the culture.

SSS 8513 — The women of Kihnu Island provide tours of their island including a museum, church and a climb to the top of a 19th century lighthouse overlooking the Baltic Sea.

SSS 8749 — Translated as “Land of the Bogs” Soomaa National Park is open all year for walking, bog-shoeing and canoeing.

SSS 8799 — Dip your toes into a refreshing sinkhole at the Soomaa National Park in the low-lying southern section of Estonia.

SSS 8832 — Soomaa National Park intern, Karolis Keturka swims like a tadpole in a refreshing sinkhole.

SSS 8916 — Some of the roads go from paved to gravel when crossing borders from Estonia into Latvia.

SSS 8975 — Relax in the bathhouse with a steam and a swim at the Lantus Country Spa.

SSS 8991 — The romantic countryside charm of Lantus Country Spa is a truly unique Latvian experience.

SSS 9012 — Accommodations at the Lantus Country Spa include stocked kitchens, fireplace-warmed dining rooms and shared bathrooms.

SSS 9006 — The Lantus Country Spa is literally in the middle of a working farm with plenty of friendly dogs, cats and hired hands to keep you company.

SSS 8956 — The national flower of Latvia is the Chrysanthemum but visit in the summer and you’ll be equally pleased with over 1600 species of flowering plants at the Lantus Country Spa.

SSS 9155 — A fairytale-like Livonian castle called Cesis. Built in 1209, constant repairs keep the garrison from falling into ruins.

SSS 9238 — Views from top of the historic Cesis Castle.

SSS 9242 — The well-fortified medieval Cesis Castle has survived fighting for over 800 years.

SSS 9226 — Be careful carrying a candle-lit lantern up the circular stairs of Cesis Castle.

SSS 9175 — Participate in playful medieval games played by actors in period costume at Cesis Castle.

SSS 9286 — A jewelry artisan uses her blacksmithing skills to bang out a beautiful bracelet at Cesis Castle.

SSS 9463 — Immerse yourself in medieval castle culture by participating in role-playing games with actors in period costume.

SSS 9683 — Old Town Riga is one of the best walking capitals in Europe with popular squares for thirsty tourists.

SSS 9708 — The Latvian tradition of music and song is popular in the summer when dozens of festivals dance through the streets of Old Town Riga.

SSS 9607 — Rich heritage and strong ethnic traditions keep Latvian close to their heritage in Old Town Riga.

SSS 9638 — The perfect playground with a river running through the middle of one of Kronvalda Park in downtown Riga.

SSS 9776 — The spires of Old Town Riga are one of the most beautiful symbols of faith and community.

SSS 9663 — Peter Stumburs loves to reflect on the changes that his city of Old Town Riga has survived through the centuries. To hire him as your guide (wise idea), visit his website HERE.

SSS 9832 — Feral cats enjoy the good life living off handouts and acceptance in Old Town Riga.

SSS 9967 — Or, adopt a stray from the popular pet kiosk rotating through parks and squares of Old Town Riga, Latvia.

SSS 9942 — A life of leisure and friendly sport on Sundays in the park in Old Town Riga.

SSS 9986 — The plentiful seasons of spring and summer are the most popular times to visit Old Town Riga.

SSS 9999 — The Cat House of Riga. Notice the arched back of a black cat atop the round cuppola? There’s a great story worth repeating when you book your tour with Latvia Travel and Tourism.

SSS 0290 — The delicious bounty from the countryside can be enjoyed at the Riga Central Market inside four UNESCO German zeppelin hangars. You’re welcome to browse, sample and buy but be aware that vendors do not appreciate photos.

SSS 0001 — Consuming beer while cycling the streets of Old Town Riga will work off the buzz and the bulge.

SSS 9354 — A secret soviet bunker called Ligatne now operates as an unusual attraction.

All underground equipment and maps meant to survive nuclear war are preserved exactly as they were when the Cold War ended at the Ligatne Soviet Bunker.

SSS 0131 — Set in south Latvia, Rundale Palace includes a Gilt Hall, Great Gallery and White Hall.

SSS 0139 — The Rundale Palace Rose Garden features over 20,000 blooms in the summer.

SSS 0185 — Some visitors refer to the Rundale Palace the “Versailles of Latvia.”

SSS 0192 — With over 2,400 varieties of roses, the splendor of the Rundale Rose Gardens is unlike anything you’ll ever experience

SSS 0220 — For a few euros, transform yourself into an 18th-century Duchess in the Rundale Rose Garden.

Read the feature story about Soomaa National Park in Estonia

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Sonja Stark

Sonja Stark is an award-winning, freelance videographer and the founder of PilotGirl Productions. She shoots professional 4K video for top-rated television productions, shows and documentaries. She is GoNOMAD's most regular blogger, click to read her latest post about travel and life in video.

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The New Year celebration in Chiang Mai, Thailand, is a rich tapestry of sights, sounds, and traditions that provides a unique experience for all who partake. The city is alive with energy as it transforms into a vibrant hub for festivities.

January 1 is not just a day but the beginning of a week-long holiday where locals and visitors alike engage in a variety of celebratory activities. The streets are bustling with life, illuminated by lanterns that glow softly against the backdrop of the night sky, while the scent of street food tantalizes the senses. This journey through Chiang Mai reveals the many layers of its New Year festivities, from its breathtaking natural beauty to the deep-rooted cultural practices that make this time of year so special. Among the most striking sights during this season is the blooming of the Himalayan cherry blossoms.

A short trip to Kun Chang Hian allows visitors to witness these stunning flowers in full bloom, creating a magical setting for exploration. Here, one can engage with local traditions, such as listening to the kyan, the traditional bamboo mouth organ played by village children, or trying one’s hand at archery using bamboo bows.

The culinary scene is equally delightful, featuring local delicacies, including the famous grilled pork sausage, which embodies the rich flavors of Thai cuisine. As the celebrations culminate on New Year’s Eve, a profound sense of spirituality envelops the city. Temples become sanctuaries for nighttime prayer, and the flickering lights of candles enhance the tranquil atmosphere. Participants gather to release floating lanterns, a symbolic gesture of releasing past burdens and inviting new fortunes into their lives.

This ritual not only enhances the visual splendor of the night sky but also fosters a deep connection among participants, creating a moment of shared hope and renewal. The New Year in Chiang Mai is more than just a celebration; it is a heartfelt embrace of tradition, community, and the promise of new beginnings.