[ESN EVENT] Trip to Kurzeme

Since ESN Latvia is an active organisation, it did not take longer than a week before we could participate in yet another activity. On Saturday the 22nd of September we headed out on our trip to Kurzeme, being a 2-day event.

[DAY 1] 
The first (unoffical) stop was quite a big surprise to everyone, looking out on a garden filled with dolls with different attribute s and/or clothing. It was here where we got off the bus to have a short break and look around. Despite not being very special, it was a clear indicator that this ESN trip would bring us again new experiences, in ways other than expected!
To explain, there was even a Pikachu (for those that not know – this is a famous figure from the kidshow Pokémon) planted amongst all these ‘’little people’’, who in his right mind would have expected that! Quite a funny sight. Unfortunately no picture(s) of this, as my camera was still in the bus compartment (lesson learned - always be ready to take pictures!).

Once back in the bus, we continued our journey to Ventas Rumba (Venta Waterfall).
The main reason we went here is that it is the widest waterfall in both Latvia and Europe. For those interested in the details, see text below (taken from information sign near the waterfall).

‘’Venta Waterfall is the widest in Latvia and Europe, 249 meters when measuring the upper edge of the cliff. Its height is 1.8-2.2 meters (the height differs in different places and in different seasons). 

The waterfall was formed above the upper layers of Pļaviņas mechanically solid dolomites of Frana level from Devonian era that form the step of this waterfall. Dolomites have formed about 380 billion years ago in the ancient Devon sea as a limestone reef barrier along the D edge of relief form – Tukums – Kuldiga tectonic step of the Devonian era.
There are more ancient fine crystal layered dolomites under mechanically solid dolomites, which contain sandstone and mid-layers of clay. They are not solid and the falling water erodes them, therefore some niches are formed with impediments of solid dolomites above them. The eroded niches become deeper and dolomite block are falling off the impediment and that is the reason why the waterfall is moving higher up the river Venta.
The waterfall has changed its appareance over the years, especially when the castle was built in the 13th century when dolomites from the Venta were used as building materials.
In spring one can enjoy spectacular scene at the waterfall – vimba (species of fish) is making here fabulous leaps trying to reach the upper course of the Venta. In olden times, the waterfall was also crossed by bigger fish, such as salmon and sturgeon. The Duke Jacob actually was the first in Europe who invented (1640) a unique method of fishing – during the fish migration time 40 tripod wicker baskets were hung along the falls. When fish would try to jump the falls, they would inevitably fall back into the basket.

The caught fish was shipped to Jelgava where the Duke resided. Such fishing method was used untill the first part of the 20th century.
There are several legends about magicians, giants, a devil connected with formation of the waterfall.’’

And once you stop at such a location, of course pictures are there to be taken. Again here, people were not so much impressed (we expected more), but at least you can tell your friends that you have seen the widest waterfall in Europe!!

The next stop on our trip was Jūrkalne, which is a village in Latvia and has great view over the Baltic Sea.

In the afternoon it was time for us to go to the show ‘’Behind Bars’’ in Karosta. In retrospect, this was quite an event. During our push-ups (in which there was no mercy!) outside, we had to listen to the history behind this prison. Afterwards we had to crawl inside the building and crawl further up the stairs. Afterwards, new exercises were to be performed. And how I can all describe what happened, it is much more entertaining to just watch the video(s) as posted on YouTube (they are not hard to find). For the diehards, there are different intensities of this show!

After the prison experience our guide joined us for the last part of the show at the Northern forts, mentioning that ‘’it is not over yet!’’, us not knowing if we should still be scared!  Luckily for us, this wasn't the case. After a short trip under the ground (we had become cavemen) we had some nice climbing sessions, being able to enjoy the beauty of the sea at the same time.

Afterwards we went to check-in to our hostel. Before we did so, we went to the supermarket since we were told that there were kitchens in the hostel. Whilst this was true, the kitchen in our floor lacked knifes and plates. So, it was time to be imaginative when it comes to cooking and eating! :D For me this was simply eating baked eggs out of the pan (luckily there was still a fork as to not burn my hands) and drinking yoghurt straight from the package. After having fed my tummy it was time to go out for our night social activities in Fontaine Palace, which is supposedly one of the better places to go out in Liepaja. When we entered I noticed how this bar was bigger than those in Rīga and that the atmosphere is quite good. There were also opportunities to play piano (in the bathroom - it is debatable how hygienic this is), punchball and table hockey, if you want to do more than drinking & chatting alone.  Later that night there was (were) also a live-performance(s) upstairs (there are 2 floors). If you don't like all the noise (music was pumped up way too loud) you could stay downstairs and still hear the music, but still being able to chat with one and another. After a few hours I left and went back by shared taxi (just like in Rīga these are very cheap (for Dutch standards)) to my hostel to get some rest for the 2nd day.

[DAY 2]
On day 2, Sunday the 23rd of September, we had breakfast and checked out of the hostel.
Afterwards we had a guided tour around Karosta and Liepaja. We started out by passing the University of Liepaja on our way to the rosegarden (see picture - left side), which is a central and known place in Liepaja. Afterwards we continued our  way to walk into the city and hear that Liepaja is known as the city of wind and music. The latter is also being illustrated in the streets, for example by hand printings of famous Latvian musicians. 

One of our stops was the Liepājas svētās trīsvienības katedrāle (A.D. 1758).

After this we went back to the buss to do a small tour through Liepaja and Karosta, after we saw the Kaplak's Bridge (prominent example of engineering of the early 20th century) we went on to visit the St. Nicholay Ortodox Naval Cathedral. We also went back to the seaside once more. 

Once our guided tour had ended we had a tasty lunch at at Barona Bumbier's. Then we had some free time to look around in Liepaja on our own. Afterwards we hopped back in the bus to head back to Riga, looking back on yet another pleasant experience with ESN.