[Journal] Joy In Suffering

As I delve more in more to the philosophical idea of “Amor fati” by Nietzsche, the glaring similitude of this statement to my all-time favorite bible verse of Romans 5:3-5 is blinding. As it stated:

Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

Romans 5:3-5

I don’t write much about my faith or religion here because, well, it’s not the space for it. If I am going to be honest with you, I don’t subscribe to any religion at all even though I believe that there is something greater out there in the universe. For years, I’ve been questioning whether I believe in this higher form just to explain things that I can’t fathom. Our mere existence alone and the beauty and pain around us grind the gears in my head on a daily basis.

Everything that we don’t know is scary. Even the things that we do know are scary as well. Nothing is guaranteed despite our best efforts and through this, acceptance is one of the key virtues that one must have in order to conquer ourselves and the world. Acceptance is embracing things–whether it be people or circumstances, as it is. We open ourselves to what came and what is here and what has to come rather than wishing for something else. This in itself is already difficult but imagine taking it to the next level: doing so with joy and love. 

It is such a great undertaking to accept life’s painful circumstances with a smile on your face and an open and joyful heart. Truly, it’s a grueling and demanding feat of mental gymnastics. There are many things in my life that, even though I have come to terms with, still gives me a tightness in my chest. It doesn’t matter what I’m doing, whether I am running or just casually preparing a meal, these thoughtful reminders of what I’ve lost and suffered from come. And of course, it hurts. My only consolation during such a situation is that as instantaneous as these thoughts come, they instantly go as well. That in itself is beautiful as from hereon, you can regulate the emotion that it has left you feeling and joyfully encapsulate the wisdom and/or perspective you got from it.

And what do we get from accepting our sufferings? Dostoevsky in his novel, The Brothers Karamazov, wrote, “It’s the greatest mystery of human life that old grief passes gradually into quiet tender joy.” This was so profound to me that I immediately stopped what I was doing and pondered on it. When it comes to pain, most of us would rather not face it but just lazily ignore it. We would rather entertain ourselves to forget the pangs of pain and turn away from our own despair. We would get drunk and take substances that promise immediate relief and forgetfulness only to be surprised the following day that it’s still there, made worse by headaches and hangovers. But suffering, more often than not, is a gateway to the growth and development of the human spirit. It gives us the strength to carry on with our lives no matter how dire it looks. Through fire, we are tested. All of our impurities will be removed. (This is a fun thought for me as a geologist because it’s also true in nature. Imagine all the processes the minerals have to go through in order to obtain their purest form). And realizing what you’ve gone through made you a better and stronger person impacts our lives in a different way.

The painstaking process of acceptance is made sweeter by having joy. If Nietzsche, the guy who said, “God is dead. God remains dead. And we have killed him.”, was in a way agreeing to a certain bible verse, I think we all know what’s up. Painful life circumstances are hard enough but trying to go through these with lamentations, doubts and incessant whining will not take you anywhere. It will just burden you even more. What we can do, just like what the bible verse above stated, is to realize what great depths these sufferings contribute to our characters. Through this, we now know that we are enduring, resilient and strong people. Aren’t these enough reasons to be joyful about? 

Stoicism, alongside other great philosophical ideas (and bible verses if you believe), armors us through the hardships in life with utter curiosity and joyful acceptance. As I always say, you are of course allowed to feel but it is at your discretion to handle your emotions with strength and dignity. I hope today you’ll realize how your pain and suffering make you a better person all in all.

[Stoic Meditation] What We Should Know by the End

 “Soon you will die, and still you aren’t sincere, undisturbed, or free from suspicion that external things can harm you, nor are you gracious to all, knowing that wisdom and acting justly are one and the same.”

Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, 4.37

Death is on my mind constantly. Not because I have a morbid curiosity over it but I understand that “later” is not as good as promised to us. I am trying to live my life sincerely and just pursuing things or activities that I think would give me the greatest satisfaction.

Just a short interjection, I’ve been claiming myself to be a hedonist but I am not bound by how defined pleasure and pain is. Seeking and enjoying pleasurable things are of course beneficial for my mental wellbeing and makes me happy but I also understand how painful life experiences can bring me to a new height of understanding and enlightenment. This is where Stoicism and all other philosophical concepts I am subscribing to come in. I try to tie everything up in a nice little bow in order for me to achieve my mental homeostasis. No one should be in all time high or low anyway. More often than not, being flat is preferred since it gives us a clear mind to understand things around us. (Also, I feel like with philosophy, sticking to just one and living it is a bit–well, “religiousy”. I know the latter is not a word but that’s the only way I can put it. It’s like faith but not and this is what I understand from Albert Camus’ concept of philosophical suicide.)

I was just listening about the Dark Philosophy of Arthur Schopenhauer by Eternalised on YouTube before writing this and even this depressing Philosopher knew that most of our sufferings come from our beliefs and assumptions over situations. We are the ones who prolonged the agony when in reality, pain, either physical or mental, doesn’t really last a long time. It’s a momentary feeling that comes and goes. I wouldn’t want to go around my day thinking about all the insults and heartbreaks I’ve experienced when I don’t even know if I will wake up tomorrow. So why do we do this to ourselves?

As for sincerity, I am often confused as to why people go around living without practicing this. If you like to watch American sitcoms and films, most of the problems that the characters encounter stem from the fact that they often lie, pretend and deceive people. I mean, sure, it is good TV, but c’mon now, both of us know that we also do this in real life in order to save face or our feelings. After reading today’s meditation, I also picked up my phone and tried to sort out plans and conversations with some people in my life. I’m not gonna go into details but sometimes, I also hold back when I feel jaded. 

So, I hope that today you’ll live life freer and fuller since tomorrow is not promised.

[Journal] Love and Philosophy

 I daresay that I am inconspicuous when it comes to my emotions: whether in real life or here online. I would also say that even to myself, I wouldn’t admit how it truly is.

But lately, I’ve been plagued by a specific thought and that is “love”. I am not running away from the idea of it per se. I’m just, well, not willing to deal with it at the moment (question mark?). Even while writing this, I am cringing to the bones for some reason. I seriously don’t intend to be in a relationship AGAIN just mere three months after and I am not saying that I have someone in mind but maybe I do have one in mind (question mark?).

I mostly blame Camus and Dostoevsky for this. I thought immersing myself on reading and listening to tons of philosophical works would deviate my thoughts to something subjectively worthwhile for myself. Even most of Nietzsche’s works are grounded on the concept of love. Surprisingly, Marcus Aurelius, whether you believe me or not, encourages this emotion. Bruh, I am of the opinion that most philosophies are of love and it will take me a long time to explain why.

And so, while simultaneously reading and listening to The Plague by Camus and The Brothers Karamazov by Dostoevsky respectively, I found myself having multiple realizations about love as a concept. It’s kinda funny and annoying at the same time. I am actually preparing a separate post about this so I think I would discuss the “realizations” there instead since this is more like an “expression” thing for myself and not some thoughtful musing for me. (By the way, I would recommend the translation of Robin Buss for The Plague and that of Constance Garnett for The Brothers Karamazov. These are well-written through and through and I can’t help but to fall in love with the English versions).

Anyway, as I was saying, I am feeling some kind of love (or maybe tenderness but yeah. Let’s call it love since I am writing about it) and I am very confused by it. I don’t think I am “in love” because it is not that exciting? Haha. I don’t have the reckless and restless emotions associated with it. I mean, I do think about them but not in that way. Of course, there is attraction of some sort but it is so unlike what I’ve felt before. It’s just nice and comforting. I can’t even say that I want more time from them or talking with them because I am content with the current state of things and I do like being with my own person; chilling and thinking. I don’t know if it’s because of my age or how I see things now after reading and ruminating over philosophical works but yeah, it’s just different. I am trying to not overwhelm myself with how the current society defines love. I don’t want something spasmodic or instant, rather I want something that takes time to build. Truly, in everything, time is our dear friend.

If there is one thing that would never fade away in a relationship between two people, that would be their friendship. Attraction and the feeling of love fade because our appearances and emotions also fade through time (or in the case of emotions, it changes from time to time) but friendship? That only gets deeper and sweeter through time.

Stolen from Instagram @astrowonders

So, what am I trying to say then? I guess it’s just that right now, I feel like I want to take care of someone. Am I gonna do anything about it? Probably not at this moment. I believe that if it’s for me, it will never pass me anyway so I’m just gonna leave it as it is. Do I want it to be acknowledged by the person? Honestly, I don’t care about that. As per the words of Goethe (who by the way is so notorious when it comes to the emotion of “love”),  “If I love you, what business is it of yours?”

[Stoic Meditation] The Cards We Are Dealt With

 “Think of the life you have lived until now as over and, as a dead man, see what’s left as a bonus and live it according to Nature. Love the hand that fate deals you and play it as your own, for what could be more fitting?”

Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, 7.56-57

I am of the opinion that if you’re reading this blog post, you are already familiar with the latin phrase, “Amor fati”. It can be translated as “love of fate” or “lover of one’s fate.” This is the practice of accepting everything that fate bestows us. No matter what it is, you bear it with joy and resolution. 

Unfortunately, this is a difficult thing to do. Who in their right mind would be joyful when one of their loved ones is taken from them all of a sudden? Who would say that it’s for the best when they lose their job in this economy? Who would just shrug after a difficult break up and then continue with their lives as if nothing happens? We, as emotional beings, tend to flail and struggle in the face of difficult circumstances. We try to make sense of things, grasp and hold on to whatever logical explanation that we can think of. Without this, we always imagine ourselves falling into the deep pits of despair. We look back and regret, imagining scenarios wherein we could have done better or wherein we could have tried harder. But the time for these things has already passed. You are instead wasting your precious “now”.

It has been quite freeing for me to think this way. It saves me from deep-seated grief and anger. I’ve realized long ago that there’s no point in looking back, feeling the pangs of regret and contemplating dismay. It is what it is and as the world moves on, you should as well. Things happen for the best, as it always has been since time immemorial. Everything settles, just like everything else in the universe. I know all of these sound cliché but it’s just the truth. Everything gets better and the only thing that you should handle is your cacophony of emotions. Management of expectations and point of view will come naturally afterwards.

We often think that surrendering to what life throws at us is weakness. We romanticize the act of struggling for things that we can’t change. But acceptance is probably one of the strongest manifestations of strength and if you add a smile to that and an honest, “What the heck, it is better this way,” then you’re already a champ in life. Of course, it takes practice to do this. Our hearts are easily led, that’s why we have to keep our heads strong. We need to affirm ourselves daily because otherwise, we are just gonna be like wayward children.

PS. Had difficulty writing this. Even walking for an hour around my neighborhood didn't help that much.

[Stoic Meditation] The Pleasure of Tuning Out the Negative & You're Going To Be Okay

“How satisfying it is to dismiss and block out any upsetting or foreign impression, and immediately to have peace in all things.” 

Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, 5.2

 "Don’t lament this and don’t get agitated."

Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, 7,43

I am writing about two meditations today. Maybe it’s because I am a bit lazy but it’s more so that they are quite related.

What timely meditations for me (and probably for all of you). Whatever it is that you’re going through, you’re gonna make it! Everything is going to be okay for you as long as you choose to do so. 

The holiday season is fast approaching and somehow, I am not looking forward to it unlike the previous years. Maybe being a bit older plays a part in this emotion but then again, I don’t think that was the case a couple of months ago. 

I love Christmas and for some reason, I am a bit agitated that it’s fast approaching and that I would be ALONE in a foreign land. Let me fix that, emotionally alone. The previous year was such a blast as I have someone to make ruckus and mirth with. Now, I am totally dependent on myself and my capacity to will joy within me. When you really put it in a Stoic perspective, this is a great time to practice not having attachment and some sort of dependencies on other people. Lately, I’ve been very successful with this and I am learning that it’s okay to care and love people without wanting to be with them.

Of course, negative thoughts still come to mind. It stems from my previous habit of self-deprecation and probably even imposter syndrome (not saying that I am that high-achieving but–hey, see, this is the perfect example of such thoughts!) When this happens, I don’t immediately block it out. I bitch about it, maybe bitch about it some more to some friends who would listen and then, I will let it go. Marcus Aurelius didn’t say that I can’t muse over these negative thoughts first. That’s quite unhealthy. You also have to ponder on why you feel this way, where are these emotions coming from and if it’s really how you perceive yourself. Then afterwards, let it go. If you encounter it again, remind yourself that you have already dealt with it and there’s no use anymore to dwell on it. Some stoics call this “Cultivated Ignorance” and I think that’s beautiful. Don’t worry, it’s not a sign of weakness. Having control of your emotions takes guts. Literally big brain energy (or big balls, idk). 

And yeah, just as a closing remark, if anything bad happened to you today or yesterday, there’s really no point in thinking about it too much. It already occurred. Any struggle about it is impotent. 

Recent obsession and honestly just a great line about strength

Another comforting one from my fave, Dost

An Ode to my Past Self

It is quite insensitive but I never felt that it was a great loss. I was quite happy that some parts of you faded. It was like staring at a sandcastle, ebbing away as the tide took its portion.

Me displaying my muscly legs and bluberries

You were so obsessed with the promises of the future and quite entangled with the past. You spent your present daydreaming about ‘what you could have done’ and ‘what you would be doing’ instead of living in the moment. Decay was slowly creeping in but you didn’t take much notice. You thought that through time, everything will get better; that you can just shed off this imperfection like dregs that you can easily throw away. Unfortunately, what you had was more rust-like. It ate on you and you slowly languished. You thought it was a ‘season’, a ‘phase’, that will pass by.

You pretended that everything was alright when clearly it wasn’t. You were always troubled by the fact that one needs to be vulnerable from time to time. To you, asking for help equates to weakness. But you needed help, heaps of it. You needed counsel but you were too heady and lofty to admit it.

Often, you have catered to the whims of others at the expense of yourself. You claimed that it was also something that you wanted. There was this internal struggle to be you but there were people that you were trying so hard to keep in your life. You resented them but you ended up sucking it because confrontation is not one of your best suits (surprisingly!).

But then again, how can you even stand up for what you’ve wanted when you don’t even know clearly what it was or what they were? It bothers me greatly that you don’t have any strong roots that kept you grounded on certain stances in life. You were just riding and dying with the people around you, always believing that although things change, some would remain constant. But unfortunately for you and to all the other people in this world, that is not the case. Everything changes.

Another thing that bothered me since knowing the depths of you is that you don’t have any ambitions. You absolutely have dreams and desires but those things border on ridiculous. It was like you, but in several parallel universes because the realities you ruminate about resembled nothing like you. It was something that kept me up late at night. I’ve always wondered how you’ve come so far without any tangible goals. I feel like you try to fit like a well-tailored suit to whoever you are with. That in itself is scary.

I’m still wondering a lot about you and whether I should keep some of the things as it is on this shell that you’ve left behind. Cheesy as it sounds, I’ve come to love you while reflecting. You have qualities that might be handy still in the long run. I love that, although it was clearly not for everyone, you have this gentleness and tolerance that transcend beyond reason. You have always given people the benefit of the doubt and although this has caused you grief time and time again, I find it comforting that you were not hardened by this. You became impatient from it but that is something I can work with.

There are still more to figure out as the tides return the bits and pieces that it has taken away. I think I would keep only half of your trusting nature once it is returned. You were so reckless with that. I’ll make a better sand castle for you, for us. Maybe I’ll build better foundations too. Better and deeper, as I aspire. Hopefully, this one is going to last until the final wave takes it away. 

PS. I know, I know. Not really a typical ode but I am in no mood to write a poem, lol.

[Stoic Meditation] It's not the thing, it's what we make of it

 "When you are distressed by an external thing, it's not the thing itself that troubles you, but only your judgment of it. And you can wipe this out at a moment's notice."

- Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, 8.47

Lately, whenever I’m facing certain situations that can definitely change my life and/or perception of who I am, I always find myself second-guessing my initial reaction. Gut feeling is still a big part of my decision making process but it’s no longer the deciding factor. I am willing myself to listen to the blankness that comes afterwards because that’s where clarity usually manifests itself.

The current generation grew up being fed by ideas that seem to make life an easy “black and white” and that the notion of the “gray” or even a “spectrum” are not easily palatable. I know because I grew up that way. Biases play roles on how we view things and with this, we put meaning on seemingly mundane occurrences and/or matters.

As an example, I would like to talk about a common topic regarding Filipinas (or Asians) here in Europe that annoys the shit out of me whenever I hear it. Men here would often assume that Asians date them as a ticket for us to get out of our countries. No matter what your educational and professional backgrounds are, the notion remains the same. This comment truly hurt my pride because I don’t want to be stereotyped this way. My experience with my ex boyfriend’s words (and some other men that I’ve met here) is a bit daunting because he assumed the same thing and that I give him this pressure of being responsible for another human being. Being able to stay here often means (1) marriage to a citizen or (2) an exorbitant luck of either getting work or education opportunities. 

I am proud to say that I have some prospects and I won’t marry someone just for the sake of staying here. I know that I would be able to thrive wherever I may be. BUT, the comments would remain hurtful for me and my pride if I see it as an insult rather than just, you know, mere comments from strangers. These words are just words no matter how you look at it. You can’t control the people who say it so the only thing that you can do is to control yourself and your perceptions. You know yourself and your intentions better than these people.

Håkonshallen is a hall fit for a king not because of the foundations and how it was built but we make it so.

So, take things today just as they are and don't let your emotions get the best out of you.

Life Update (Autumn 2023)

If only I can write without inspiration, blogging might have been a lucrative career for myself. But, as someone who’s a bit of a hedonist and an essentialist, I don’t do something if I only have half a heart for it. 

Anyway, it has been quite a while since I last updated here. I remembered promising multiple posts about my trips since I’ve done quite a few last Summer but a lot of personal things interfered with this “hobby” of mine. I also stopped writing insights about my Stoic Reflection of the Day. I mean, I am still doing it; I’m just not sharing it to the world.

UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bryggen, during Autumn

For starters, I’ve been quite sick for most of July and August. I’m talking about multiple trips to the hospital (and if we’re gonna add the dentist, that also took up so much of my time). My grandmother also died. I was also trying to enjoy my summer break and I helped out my then boyfriend for his move to my current city. Then, my boyfriend of three years and four months, decided that it was time for us to part ways. He has just been in Bergen for a good one month and one week.

I took my time to feel like myself again before writing this. I don’t want this to be a petty and ugly piece because the world already has so much of that. I want this to be something I can read back someday and be proud that I chose to be mature. I mean, there’s nothing wrong with showing and expressing emotions BUT it is our duty to command and control it. Conquering and accepting ourselves during difficult situations are signs of strength and resilience. And I want those things for myself. I want growth and maturity from these life experiences.

The death of my grandmother is something that I am still dealing with. People who know me might be surprised because I don’t talk about it at all, but it has been on my mind ever since it happened. It was my first loss. I’ve never experienced any death and being quite far from home, I had a hard time expressing my feelings and emotions about it. I mean, I KNOW that all of us are going to die someday but “knowing” and “understanding” are two different things. I am trying to deal with the fact that as we grow older, witnessing deaths and burying loved ones would be a common occurrence. That’s just how life is: we only have borrowed time with people so we have to make the most of it.

As for the multiple trips to the hospital, that was just me being a bit of a hypochondriac. I am quite a health freak so if I noticed that something is wrong with me, my mind would immediately jump into thinking that I have cancer. I am fairly healthy, I don’t overindulge when it comes to eating and I do tons of workouts and physical activities so anything that doesn’t go well with my beloved flesh and blood, I always think about the worst case scenario. So, I guess what I was trying to say is that I had a cancer-scare and saw multiple specialists just for me to be turned away and be told that everything was fine and I was just overthinking.

Where I usually run (or walk)

And finally, the break up that I had with my then boyfriend. I won’t delve into a lot of personal details but let’s just say that it didn’t work out, we were no longer compatible and there was just too much loss of trust. It was, of course, heartbreaking when it happened but when you look at it the way I see it now, he just wants to be happy. It was nothing personal; he didn’t do the things he did and he didn’t say the things he said just to hurt me. It was just the way it is. That was the only way for him to feel like himself again and to do all the things that he wanted. I am just not the person he wants to be with anymore and that’s okay. He deserves to be happy.

To think that everything happened during Autumn touched the inner poet in me. This season signifies “change” and/or “transition” usually associated with coziness, comfort and ease. It also symbolizes abundance (time for harvest), balance (day and night are the same lengths) and preservation (preparing for winter). This is indeed a chaotic but beautiful turning point of my life.

Of course, in the beginning, everything was a mess for me. I wasn’t able to deal with some situations and there were jarring truths that I had to face squarely. There were emotions that I didn’t recognize, haven’t encountered for quite some time and some that I didn’t want to feel. But, as time progresses and as my perspective changes, letting go of the things that I can’t control and accepting everything that has happened allowed me to move forward. As they say, we cannot truly appreciate the highs without the lows.

At the moment, I am trying to immerse myself in a lot of philosophies and experiences that I want without holding back. I have now the freedom to do so. Indeed, I am taking good care of my “theoretical garden”. The current landscaping is tailored for my preferences and desires, on my own terms and time period and not to the whims of another person. Growing things in this garden for myself and sharing the fruits of it to others without expecting anything in return is the goal. Its natural appeal is not meant to snare and trap people in so that they would stay in it with me forever. I welcome people who come along to appreciate it and bid gracious farewell to those who left. In it, there is no attachment required, only appreciation, respect and love.

[Travel] Riga, Latvia Trip

I have been dreaming of Riga ever since stepping foot on Europe. 

For me, Riga sounds romantic, old world and ordinarily extraordinary. I imagined it to be a capital filled with lots of stories about the bravery of its people and taking up arms; a city that served and is still serving as the median between western and eastern Europe. A real central European country if you will.

And I wasn't wrong. It was picturesque, comforting and rather welcoming. The old town deserved its UNESCO World Heritage Site title and there is so much to do and see. From Gdansk, it only took me a 55min airplane ride. 

Short History

I opted to use a *FREE* guided tour in Riga. It was a nice decision because I saw a lot of things that was on my list and some of the things that I would definitely missed out on if I just go around alone. I unfortunately don't know which Tour Agency I used but it was those guys that wait around at the entrance St Peter's Church at around 12 noon. They have the blue lanyard. Anyway, going back.

So, Latvia was actually German-born. It has been "established" by an Archbishop Albert from Bremen and has been under German "overlordship" for 700 years. Of course prior to these German overlords, there have been multiple settlers like the Balts and the Vikings. You can read more about Latvia's brief history through this link: click me. After the long reign of the Germans, the Swedish Kingdom took the reins for 89 years and as vassal of the Polish throne for a good 40 years. Now, whether this happened simultaneously, I can't really say unless I dig a deep rabbit hole. All I know is that Sweden and Poland are at one point allies due to the relationship between their respective sovereigns. And by relationship, I mean cousins of close degrees and proximities. 

It was rather weird for me to know that at one point in time, the Swedes are a power to reckon with in the battlefield. I mean, of course, I know who Carl XII is, but the reach of the Swedish Kingdom back then was miniscule in comparison to other western players such as Great Britain (now the United Kingdom), France, Spain and even Portugal. Thanks to the effort of Peter the Great and his successors though, the West was seemingly eclipsed by the Russian Empire. The expansion of the Empire put Latvia under its rule for 217 years.

Old Town

Riga's old town is another UNESCO World Heritage Site. After WW2, about 70% of it was preserved hence it was awarded this honor. It was a rather small site and relatively easy to get around to. I rode the scooter a couple of times in here but I thought it was a bad idea since the streets are cobbled and quite difficult to drive in. 

Rīgas Svētā Pētera baznīca

St. Peter's Basilica

Medieval Church and almost completely preserved after WW2

Brēmenes muzikanti

Bremen's City Musicians

(Front View)

Brēmenes muzikanti

Bremen's City Musicians

Apparently based on a story of the Brothers' Grimm but also signifies the Iron Wall and the division of Western and Eastern Europe.

The noses of the animals are rubbed by tourists as a sign of good luck. Didn't have to. I'm living the life.

Brēmenes muzikanti

House of the Blackheads

I actually planned to go inside this one but at 8 euros, even with a free champagne drink, it's not worth it if you're travelling on a budget. The House of the Blackheads building was reconstructed after the end of the Soviet Rule (it was just a box building before surrounded by more bland box establishments) and it was there to commemorate the leading trade group in Latvia. In surrounding countries, the Hanseatic League was prominent but in the Baltic Region, the Brotherhood of the Blackheads was the leading merchant group.

Trīs Brāļi

The Three Brothers

Buildings adjacent to each other

L-R youngest (late 17th century), middle (late 16th to early 17th century), oldest (1500s)

More details here

Front view

These are the oldest example of medieval dwelling houses in Riga

You can go in for free at it has a small museum about architecture inside the middle brother

There is a small courtyard outside these houses

Jauniela Street

During the Soviet Regime in the Baltics, this street is the Paris, Vienna and other capital cities used in films.

This is the street that was also used in Sissi, the movie about the life of Empress Elizabeth of Austria

Rīgas Doms

Riga Cathedral

All roads in medieval Riga leads to the Cathedral. Just like in Rome.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site

My dream is to see all the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Europe and this one is for the books!

Latvijas Kara muzejs

Latvia's War Museum (the adjacent tower is the Powder Tower where ammos were stored)

This museum is for free but not a lot of exhibit is in English

A MUST VISIT when in Riga as it shows the courage and bravery of the soldiers and the resistance groups during the soviet annexation

Display showing the Baltic countries:

Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia

It is said that Latvians are somewhat in the middle when it comes demeanor, Lithuanians are the chill ones (which was shown when they called their capital, Vilnius, as the G-spot of Europe) and Estonians are the most stoics. 

Zviedru vārti

Swedish Gate

A 17th century gate

As for the name of this gate, there are two known possible reasons. One is about a troop of Swedish soldiers surrendering to Peter the Great and exiting through this gate and the other one is about a star-crossed love story between a Swedish soldier and a Latvian virgin.  Of course, the latter sounds more interesting. According to Wikipedia:

One of the legends about this structure tells about the origins of the name of the gates, which goes as following: it has been told that young ladies were forbidden to date soldiers, but one romantic relationship between a girl and a Swedish soldier did develop. And so that happened that these gates were their meeting spot. Once, the young man did not arrive at the usual place, and the locals, knowing that the girl has been involved in this prohibited affinity, took her and built her into the wall of the gates. Since then, the rumor goes that in the midnight her cries can be heard by those whose love is pure and unconditional: "I still do love him..!"

You can check out the lores through this link.

Saeima

Parliament Building of Latvia

Kaķu nams

Cat House

Art Nouveau Building

Riga is known to this architectural style. There is one district in Riga that is known for this type of architecture.

Just a view in front of the Brīvības piemineklis (Freedom Monument)

This is also the last stop of the Old Town Tour. We are now at the Main City

Main City

Brīvības piemineklis

Freedom Monument

It is considered an important symbol of the freedom, independence, and sovereignty of Latvia.

Love bridge at Bastejkalna park

And just like other European cities, locks on bridges!

A building at the Art Nouveau District in Riga

Riga Jugendstil

Google Map link here

A building at the Art Nouveau District in Riga

Riga Jugendstil

Google Map link here

A building at the Art Nouveau District in Riga

Riga Jugendstil

Google Map link here

Rīgas Kristus Piedzimšanas pareizticīgo katedrāle

Riga Nativity of Christ Orthodox Cathedral 

A magnificent church outside of the Old City. You can see the golde-painted domes from afar.

Rīgas Kristus Piedzimšanas pareizticīgo katedrāle

Riga Nativity of Christ Orthodox Cathedral 

(front)

Rīgas pils

Riga Castle

Not as medieval looking as other castles in Europe as it now houses the Official Presidential Residence and several museums. It is originally founded in 1330.

Memorial for all the victims killed by the Cheka (KGB) in Latvia

Stūra Māja

The Corner House

A separate post will be made for this.

What is inside this museum made my blood boil

Rīgas Centrāltirgus

Riga's Central Market

This is close to the Main Bus Station so you can do all your shopping here before leaving Riga for the other Baltic countries

PICKLES!

Rīgas geto un Latvijas holokausta muzejs

Museum of the Riga Ghetto and Holocaust in Latvia

This museum is for FREE.

I unfortunately wasn't able to visit it since it was close at the time that I was there.

Guess I just have to go back.

Look at the model train in the middle of the museum's courtyard. That is a replica of the train where Jews were loaded during the holocaust in Europe.

Latvijas Nacionālā bibliotēka

National Library of Riga

My last stop in Riga. This is located across the bridge from the Old Town.

Library sculpture. So cool. Much wow.

Donated books for this display by people from Riga

Impressive sight!

Others

Me sporting a pullover I bought during this travel. From the 24 degrees of  Gdańsk to the 13-17 degrees of Latvia. Not to mention the rain.

Cute cupcakes I took a photo of while waiting for the KGB Museum to open

Cheap cakes at the Central Market. I have never seen such prices in Norway. So envious.

Me wearing a jacket I bought in Riga as well. The pullover wasn't enough

Clean, affordable, efficient, and on time tram in Riga

This post was rather taxing since it's so long and I have to research a lot for this. BUT, even if that's the case, it gave me an opportunity to relive again my stay in Riga. The dream of stepping foot in Latvia became a reality and that silly dream of mine is now a treasured memory. 

See you in Tallinn, Estonia!