Trip to Latvia: the countryside, June 6-11, 2011

Our bus, driven by Ivan.<br />June 6, 2011 - Majori, Jurmala, Latvia. June 6, 2011 - Majori, Jurmala, Latvia. June 6, 2011 - Majori, Jurmala, Latvia. Per signs on the fence, this was declared the best kept property<br />in 2006, 2007, and 2010 by the town of Jurmala.<br />June 6, 2011 - Majori, Jurmala, Latvia. One of many fancy resort houses.<br />June 6, 2011 - Majori, Jurmala, Latvia. June 6, 2011 - Majori, Jurmala, Latvia. Joyce and Linda heading to wade in the Baltic Sea while Baiba is not far behind.<br />June 6, 2011 - Majori, Jurmala, Latvia. Linda and Joyce getting their feet wet in the Baltic Sea.<br />June 6, 2011 - Majori, Jurmala, Latvia. Egils and Baiba.<br />June 6, 2011 - Majori, Jurmala, Latvia. June 6, 2011 - Majori, Jurmala, Latvia. June 6, 2011 - Majori, Jurmala, Latvia. Not all buildings were in top notch condition.<br />June 6, 2011 - Majori, Jurmala, Latvia. June 6, 2011 - Majori, Jurmala, Latvia. Along highway A 10.<br />June 6, 2011 - West of Jurmala and heading in the direction of Tukums, Latvia. Fairy Tale Woods,.<br />Next to Plostkrogs (Plost tavern) on Highway P130.<br />June 6, 2011 - About 5.6 Km SE of Sabile, Latvia. Cold beet soup.<br />Plostkrogs (Plost tavern) on Highway P130.<br />June 6, 2011 - About 5.6 Km SE of Sabile, Latvia. Potato pancakes.<br />Plostkrogs (Plost tavern) on Highway P130.<br />June 6, 2011 - About 5.6 Km SE of Sabile, Latvia. Joyce.<br />Plostkrogs (Plost tavern) on Highway P130.<br />June 6, 2011 - About 5.6 Km SE of Sabile, Latvia. Plostkrogs (Plost tavern) on Highway P130.<br />June 6, 2011 - About 5.6 Km SE of Sabile, Latvia. Off Highway P130.<br />June 6, 2011 - A short distance SE of Sabile, Latvia. A ball made up of CRTs.<br />Pedvale Open-Air Art Museum.<br />June 6, 2011 - Pedvale, Latvia. Pedvale Open-Air Art Museum.<br />June 6, 2011 - Pedvale, Latvia. Pedvale Open-Air Art Museum.<br />June 6, 2011 - Pedvale, Latvia. Pedvale Open-Air Art Museum.<br />June 6, 2011 - Pedvale, Latvia. A stork flying over the artworks.<br />Pedvale Open-Air Art Museum.<br />June 6, 2011 - Pedvale, Latvia. Joyce.<br />Pedvale Open-Air Art Museum.<br />June 6, 2011 - Pedvale, Latvia. Pedvale Open-Air Art Museum.<br />June 6, 2011 - Pedvale, Latvia. Joyce.<br />Pedvale Open-Air Art Museum.<br />June 6, 2011 - Pedvale, Latvia. Pedvale Open-Air Art Museum.<br />June 6, 2011 - Pedvale, Latvia. Pedvale Open-Air Art Museum.<br />June 6, 2011 - Pedvale, Latvia. Pedvale Open-Air Art Museum.<br />June 6, 2011 - Pedvale, Latvia. Pedvale Open-Air Art Museum.<br />June 6, 2011 - Pedvale, Latvia. Courthouse.<br />June 6, 2011 - Kuldiga, Latvia. June 6, 2011 - Kuldiga, Latvia. June 6, 2011 - Kuldiga, Latvia. June 6, 2011 - Kuldiga, Latvia. The tour group: Linda, Ronnie, Carolyn, Betsy, Baiba, and Chuck.<br />Egils is behind the camera and Ivan is tending the bus.<br />June 6, 2011 - Kuldiga, Latvia. Europe's widest waterfall, the 'Ventas Rumba', but only about 6 feet tall.<br />June 6, 2011 - Kuldiga, Latvia. Taking advantage of a hot summer day.<br />June 6, 2011 - Kuldiga, Latvia. June 6, 2011 - Kuldiga, Latvia. June 6, 2011 - Kuldiga, Latvia. St. Catherine (Katrina) Lutheran Church.<br />June 6, 2011 - Kuldiga, Latvia. St. Catherine (Katrina) Lutheran Church.<br />June 6, 2011 - Kuldiga, Latvia. St. Catherine (Katrina) Lutheran Church.<br />June 6, 2011 - Kuldiga, Latvia. St. Catherine (Katrina) Lutheran Church.<br />June 6, 2011 - Kuldiga, Latvia. June 6, 2011 - Kuldiga, Latvia. June 6, 2011 - Kuldiga, Latvia. June 6, 2011 - Kuldiga, Latvia. Town Hall.<br />June 6, 2011 - Kuldiga, Latvia. June 6, 2011 - Kuldiga, Latvia. Carolyn and Baiba.<br />June 6, 2011 - Kuldiga, Latvia. Linda, Carolyn, Batsy, Chuck, Baiba, Ronnie, and Joyce<br />dining at the Mežotne Palace (now a hotel).<br />June 6, 2011 - Mežotne, Latvia. The entree.<br />Dining at the Mežotne Palace (now a hotel).<br />June 6, 2011 - Mežotne, Latvia. The dessert.<br />Dining at the Mežotne Palace (now a hotel).<br />June 6, 2011 - Mežotne, Latvia. Mežotne Palace (now a hotel).<br />We had the place all to ourselves.<br />June 6, 2011 - Mežotne, Latvia. June 6, 2011 - Mežotne, Latvia. June 6, 2011 - Mežotne, Latvia. A farm building near the palace/hotel.<br />June 6, 2011 - Mežotne, Latvia. Latvia is big on dairy products.<br />June 6, 2011 - Mežotne, Latvia. Back at the ranch.<br />June 6, 2011 - Mežotne's Palace/Hotel, Mežotne, Latvia. Lielupe (the Rio Grande of Latvia) from the palace property.<br />June 6, 2011 - Mežotne, Latvia. Along the shore of Lielupe behind the palace.<br />June 6, 2011 - Mežotne, Latvia. The painted ceiling in the palace.<br />June 6, 2011 - Mežotne, Latvia. Carolyn, Linda, and Baiba at breakfast.<br />June 7, 2011 - Mežotne, Latvia. The halls of the palace.<br />June 7, 2011 - Mežotne, Latvia. Sculpture in its niche in the palace.<br />June 7, 2011 - Mežotne, Latvia. The front of the Mežotne Palace.<br />June 7, 2011 - Mežotne, Latvia. The back of the Mežotne Palace.<br />June 7, 2011 - Mežotne, Latvia. Lielupe behind the palace.<br />June 7, 2011 - Mežotne, Latvia. Flowers galore everywhere.<br />View from a path along Lielupe on the palace property.<br />June 7, 2011 - Mežotne, Latvia. Swan.<br />View from a path along Lielupe on the palace property.<br />June 7, 2011 - Mežotne, Latvia. Joyce: "What the heck is this doing here?"<br />View from a path along Lielupe on the palace property.<br />June 7, 2011 - Mežotne, Latvia. View from a path along Lielupe on the palace property.<br />June 7, 2011 - Mežotne, Latvia. More flowers.<br />View from a path along Lielupe on the palace property.<br />June 7, 2011 - Mežotne, Latvia. Servants quarters of Rundale Palace, now a quaint cottage with a restaurant.<br />June 7, 2011 - Pilsrundale, Latvia. Interesting way to hold the door open.<br />June 7, 2011 - Pilsrundale, Latvia. Group photo at Rundale Palace grounds entrance.<br />Joyce, Ronnie, Baiba, Carolyn, Chuck. Linda, and Betsy.<br />June 7, 2011 - Pilsrundale, Latvia. Initials for Ernst Johann von Biron, the duke of Courland?<br />The palace was constructed for him in the 1730s.<br />June 7, 2011 - Pilsrundale, Latvia. Looks like the duchess of Courland herself is greeting us?<br />She was an excellent and entertaining guide to the palace and its history.<br />June 7, 2011 - Pilsrundale, Latvia. Rundale Palace,<br />June 7, 2011 - Pilsrundale, Latvia. Ceiling.<br />June 7, 2011 - Rundale Palace, Pilsrundale, Latvia. Note the heating unit.<br />The fire was lit by servants from a hidden entrance in the corner in another room.<br />June 7, 2011 - Rundale Palace, Pilsrundale, Latvia. The ball room, all white to show off the ladies dresses.<br />June 7, 2011 - Rundale Palace, Pilsrundale, Latvia. The ceiling of the ball room.<br />June 7, 2011 - Rundale Palace, Pilsrundale, Latvia. Detail of wall and ceiling of the ball room.<br />June 7, 2011 - Rundale Palace, Pilsrundale, Latvia. Collection of vases to impress the guests.<br />June 7, 2011 - Rundale Palace, Pilsrundale, Latvia. June 7, 2011 - Rundale Palace, Pilsrundale, Latvia. The man's bedroom.<br />June 7, 2011 - Rundale Palace, Pilsrundale, Latvia. June 7, 2011 - Rundale Palace, Pilsrundale, Latvia. View of garden from a palace window.<br />June 7, 2011 - Rundale Palace, Pilsrundale, Latvia. Our charming guide.<br />June 7, 2011 - Rundale Palace, Pilsrundale, Latvia. June 7, 2011 - Rundale Palace, Pilsrundale, Latvia. Grand staircase and Joyce keeping track of me.<br />June 7, 2011 - Rundale Palace, Pilsrundale, Latvia. June 7, 2011 - Rundale Palace, Pilsrundale, Latvia. June 7, 2011 - Rundale Palace, Pilsrundale, Latvia. Lunch at the quaint cottage with a restaurant.<br />June 7, 2011 - Rundale Palace, Pilsrundale, Latvia. Joyce, Baiba, Betsy, Carolyn, Anete, Ronnie, and Chuck.<br />Lunch at the quaint cottage with a restaurant.<br />June 7, 2011 - Rundale Palace, Pilsrundale, Latvia. Liepkalni Bakery.<br />Our rest stop off Highway A 6 along the Daugave River.<br />June 7, 2011 - In or near Klintaine, Latvia. Liepkalni Bakery.<br />Our rest stop off Highway A 6 along the Daugave River.<br />June 7, 2011 - In or near Klintaine, Latvia. Liepkalni Bakery.<br />Our rest stop off Highway A 6 along the Daugave River.<br />June 7, 2011 - In or near Klintaine, Latvia. Anete, our guide.<br />Liepkalni Bakery.<br />Our rest stop off Highway A 6 along the Daugave River.<br />June 7, 2011 - In or near Klintaine, Latvia. Orthodox Church.<br />June 7, 2011 - Rezekne, Latvia. Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church.<br />June 7, 2011 - Rezekne, Latvia. Site of ruins of a 13th to 17th century Livonian Order fortress.<br />June 7, 2011 - Rezekne, Latvia. Baiba and Joyce at ruins of a 13th to 17th century Livonian Order fortress.<br />June 7, 2011 - Rezekne, Latvia. Our stop for the night.<br />June 7, 2011 - Rezekne, Latvia. View from hill of the fortress ruins.<br />Roman Catholic Church.<br />June 7, 2011 - Rezekne, Latvia. Roman Catholic Church.<br />June 8, 2011 - Rezekne, Latvia. Orthodox Church.<br />June 8, 2011 - Ludza, Latvia. Orthodox Church.<br />June 8, 2011 - Ludza, Latvia. Orthodox Church.<br />June 8, 2011 - Ludza, Latvia. Catholic Church.<br />June 8, 2011 - Ludza, Latvia. 14th century castle ruins.<br />June 8, 2011 - Ludza, Latvia. Catholic Church.<br />June 8, 2011 - Ludza, Latvia. View from in entrance to Ludza's Region Research Museum.<br />June 8, 2011 - Ludza, Latvia. Ludza's Region Research Museum.<br />June 8, 2011 - Ludza, Latvia. Ludza's Region Research Museum.<br />June 8, 2011 - Ludza, Latvia. Ludza's Region Research Museum.<br />June 8, 2011 - Ludza, Latvia. Baiba ladling soup, with Ronnie, the farmer, Chuck, and Anete looking on.<br />Lunch at an eco farm.<br />June 8, 2011 - North of Aluksne, near the Estonian border, Latvia. Rabbit stew with potatoes and vegetables.<br />On an eco farm.<br />June 8, 2011 - North of Aluksne, near the Estonian border, Latvia. For dessert, rhubarb and whipped cream.<br />On an eco farm.<br />June 8, 2011 - North of Aluksne, near the Estonian border, Latvia. Baiba, Ronnie, and Chuck listening to the farmer's wife and friend<br />about the farm and how the friend got into weaving to support herself.<br />On an eco farm.<br />June 8, 2011 - North of Aluksne, near the Estonian border, Latvia. The farmer's friend showing off her craft to<br />Carolyn, Betsy, Chuck, Joyce, Baiba, and Ronnie.<br />On an eco farm.<br />June 8, 2011 - North of Aluksne, near the Estonian border, Latvia. A Belarus tracktor.<br />On an eco farm.<br />June 8, 2011 - North of Aluksne, near the Estonian border, Latvia. Vegetable garden.<br />On an eco farm.<br />June 8, 2011 - North of Aluksne, near the Estonian border, Latvia. Joyce, Baiba, and the farmer's wife discussing sheep.<br />On an eco farm.<br />June 8, 2011 - North of Aluksne, near the Estonian border, Latvia. The farmers' home.<br />On an eco farm.<br />June 8, 2011 - North of Aluksne, near the Estonian border, Latvia. The 18th century palace.<br />June 8, 2011 - Aluksne, Latvia. Ronnie, Betsy, Ivan, Anete in back and Carolyn, Chuck, Joyce, and Baiba in front.<br />On Castle Island.<br />June 8, 2011 - Aluksne, Latvia. On Castle Island.<br />June 8, 2011 - Aluksne, Latvia. 14th century castle ruins.<br />On Castle Island.<br />June 8, 2011 - Aluksne, Latvia. 14th century castle ruins.<br />On Castle Island.<br />June 8, 2011 - Aluksne, Latvia. Anete.<br />On Castle Island.<br />June 8, 2011 - Aluksne, Latvia. Joyce.<br />A former cremery and stables (now apartments).<br />June 8, 2011 - Gulbene, Latvia. Another monument to freedom fighters in front of our hotel (Vecgulbenes muiža).<br />June 8, 2011 - Gulbene, Latvia. The White Castle (under restoration).<br />June 8, 2011 - Gulbene, Latvia. In park behind the White Castle.<br />June 8, 2011 - Gulbene, Latvia. Ronnie in park behind the White Castle.<br />June 8, 2011 - Gulbene, Latvia. Walkway in park behind the White Castle.<br />June 8, 2011 - Gulbene, Latvia. Baiba, Betsy, Carolyn, Anete, Chuck, Ronnie, and Joyce at dinner<br />in our hotel (Vecgulbenes muiža).<br />June 8, 2011 - Gulbene, Latvia. Asters.<br />June 8, 2011 - Gulbene, Latvia. June 8, 2011 - Gulbene, Latvia. June 9, 2011 - Stameriena Manor, Stameriena, Vidzeme, Latvia. Carolyn, Chuck, Betsy (hidden), Joyce, Ronnie, Baiba, the manor guide, and Anete.<br />June 9, 2011 - Stameriena Manor, Stameriena, Vidzeme, Latvia. Carolyn, Chuck, and Betsy listening to our manor guide.<br />June 9, 2011 - Stameriena Manor, Stameriena, Vidzeme, Latvia. June 9, 2011 - Stameriena Manor, Stameriena, Vidzeme, Latvia. The manor is braced awaiting funds for restoration.<br />June 9, 2011 - Stameriena Manor, Stameriena, Vidzeme, Latvia. June 9, 2011 - Stameriena Manor, Stameriena, Vidzeme, Latvia. St. Alexander Nevsky orthodox church on the property of Stameriena Manor.<br />June 9, 2011 - Stameriena, Vidzeme, Latvia. Velena Ev. Lutheran Church.<br />June 9, 2011 - Velena, Vidzeme, Latvia. Stork nest near Velena Ev. Lutheran Church.<br />June 9, 2011 - Velena, Vidzeme, Latvia. This friendly woman appeared and showed us around.<br />Velena Ev. Lutheran Church.<br />June 9, 2011 - Velena, Vidzeme, Latvia. Betsy, Carolyn, Anete, Ronnie, and Chuck listening to a demo of the organ.<br />Velena Ev. Lutheran Church.<br />June 9, 2011 - Velena, Vidzeme, Latvia. Velena Ev. Lutheran Church.<br />June 9, 2011 - Velena, Vidzeme, Latvia. Latvian design candelabra.<br />Velena Ev. Lutheran Church.<br />June 9, 2011 - Velena, Vidzeme, Latvia. Note the thick wall.<br />Lunch at Park Hotel Bruzis (brewery).<br />June 9, 2011 - Smiltene, Vidzeme, Latvia. Zvartavas Castle now owned by the Latvian Union of Artists.<br />June 9, 2011 - Zvartava, Vidzeme, Latvia. Out group on tour of the castle.<br />Zvartavas Castle owned by the Latvian Union of Artists.<br />June 9, 2011 - Zvartava, Vidzeme, Latvia. Zvartavas Castle owned by the Latvian Union of Artists.<br />June 9, 2011 - Zvartava, Vidzeme, Latvia. Baiba.<br />Zvartavas Castle owned by the Latvian Union of Artists.<br />June 9, 2011 - Zvartava, Vidzeme, Latvia. This room was described to us as the men's favorite. Wonder why?<br />Zvartavas Castle owned by the Latvian Union of Artists.<br />June 9, 2011 - Zvartava, Vidzeme, Latvia. This room was described to us as the men's favorite. Wonder why?<br />Zvartavas Castle owned by the Latvian Union of Artists.<br />June 9, 2011 - Zvartava, Vidzeme, Latvia. Zvartavas Castle owned by the Latvian Union of Artists.<br />June 9, 2011 - Zvartava, Vidzeme, Latvia. Works of artists.<br />On the property of the castle.<br />June 9, 2011 - Zvartava, Vidzeme, Latvia. Works of artists.<br />On the property of the castle.<br />June 9, 2011 - Zvartava, Vidzeme, Latvia. Ronnie and Baiba, from skylight ot skylight.<br />June 9, 2011 - At Annas Resort, Zaubes pagasts (parish), Latvia. Joyce, Carolyn, Chuck, Baiba, Ronnie, Betsy at dinner.<br />June 9, 2011 - At Annas Resort, Zaubes pagasts (parish), Latvia. Dzelten maize (yellow (sweet) bread) and dark bread.<br />June 9, 2011 - At Annas Resort, Zaubes pagasts (parish), Latvia. Appetizer no. 1.<br />June 9, 2011 - At Annas Resort, Zaubes pagasts (parish), Latvia. Appetizer no. 2.<br />June 9, 2011 - At Annas Resort, Zaubes pagasts (parish), Latvia. Entree.<br />June 9, 2011 - At Annas Resort, Zaubes pagasts (parish), Latvia. Dessert.<br />June 9, 2011 - At Annas Resort, Zaubes pagasts (parish), Latvia. Ronnie relaxing after dinner in the lounge.<br />June 9, 2011 - At Annas Resort, Zaubes pagasts (parish), Latvia. June 9, 2011 - At Annas Resort, Zaubes pagasts (parish), Latvia. Joyce inspecting the nearby ruins.<br />June 9, 2011 - At Annas Resort, Zaubes pagasts (parish), Latvia. June 9, 2011 - At Annas Resort, Zaubes pagasts (parish), Latvia. June 9, 2011 - At Annas Resort, Zaubes pagasts (parish), Latvia. June 9, 2011 - At Annas Resort, Zaubes pagasts (parish), Latvia. Baiba and Joyce reviewing a photo.<br />June 9, 2011 - At Annas Resort, Zaubes pagasts (parish), Latvia. Joyce in brief pose among mosquitos.<br />June 9, 2011 - At Annas Resort, Zaubes pagasts (parish), Latvia. Joyce loved this tree.<br />June 9, 2011 - At Annas Resort, Zaubes pagasts (parish), Latvia. Joyce and the big tree that she hugged.<br />June 9, 2011 - At Annas Resort, Zaubes pagasts (parish), Latvia. Display in the restaurant.<br />June 10, 2011 - At Annas Resort, Zaubes pagasts (rural municipality), Latvia. Rainbow in the hall, due to a bevelled glass door.<br />June 10, 2011 - At Annas Resort, Zaubes pagasts (rural municipality), Latvia. Storks in front of the building.<br />June 10, 2011 - At Annas Resort, Zaubes pagasts (rural municipality), Latvia. St. John's Lutheran Church.<br />June 10, 2011 - Cesis, Latvia. St. John's Lutheran Church.<br />June 10, 2011 - Cesis, Latvia. St. John's Lutheran Church.<br />June 10, 2011 - Cesis, Latvia. St. John's Lutheran Church.<br />June 10, 2011 - Cesis, Latvia. Paintng behind the altar.<br />St. John's Lutheran Church.<br />June 10, 2011 - Cesis, Latvia. Bell in the steeple.<br />St. John's Lutheran Church.<br />June 10, 2011 - Cesis, Latvia. View of the ruinds of Cesis Castle from the steeple.<br />St. John's Lutheran Church.<br />June 10, 2011 - Cesis, Latvia. In the steeple.<br />St. John's Lutheran Church.<br />June 10, 2011 - Cesis, Latvia. Building in the shadow of the church.<br />June 10, 2011 - Cesis, Latvia. Monk with lantern sculpture next to the church.<br />June 10, 2011 - Cesis, Latvia. At the Cesis castle ruins.<br />June 10, 2011 - Cesis, Latvia. Boy cleaning a model of the castle.<br />At the Cesis castle ruins.<br />June 10, 2011 - Cesis, Latvia. At the Cesis castle ruins.<br />June 10, 2011 - Cesis, Latvia. Chuck and Ronnie heading over the moat bridge.<br />At the Cesis castle ruins.<br />June 10, 2011 - Cesis, Latvia. At the Cesis castle ruins.<br />June 10, 2011 - Cesis, Latvia. At the Cesis castle ruins.<br />June 10, 2011 - Cesis, Latvia. At the Cesis castle ruins.<br />June 10, 2011 - Cesis, Latvia. Ceiling in tower.<br />At the Cesis castle ruins.<br />June 10, 2011 - Cesis, Latvia. At the Cesis castle ruins.<br />June 10, 2011 - Cesis, Latvia. Ronnie and roof of tower.<br />At the Cesis castle ruins.<br />June 10, 2011 - Cesis, Latvia. View of St. John's Church from tower.<br />At the Cesis castle ruins.<br />June 10, 2011 - Cesis, Latvia. Display in gift shop.<br />At the Cesis castle ruins.<br />June 10, 2011 - Cesis, Latvia. Chuck and Ronnie (extreme left).<br />Maija Park.<br />June 10, 2011 - Cesis, Latvia. Chuck and Ronnie behind fountain droplets.<br />Maija Park.<br />June 10, 2011 - Cesis, Latvia. Maija Park.<br />June 10, 2011 - Cesis, Latvia. Mallard.<br />Maija Park.<br />June 10, 2011 - Cesis, Latvia. Black swan.<br />Maija Park.<br />June 10, 2011 - Cesis, Latvia. New arrivals (us) at the pond requires check for food.<br />Pils (Castle) Park.<br />June 10, 2011 - Cesis, Latvia. St. Simon Church organ.<br />June 10. 2011 - Valmiera, Latvia. St. Simon Church.<br />June 10. 2011 - Valmiera, Latvia. 13th century castle ruin.<br />June 10. 2011 - Valmiera, Latvia. June 10. 2011 - Valmiera, Latvia. June 10. 2011 - Valmiera, Latvia. Gauja River.<br />June 10. 2011 - Valmiera, Latvia. June 10. 2011 - Valmiera, Latvia. Ivan having dreams of driving the big bus.<br />June 10. 2011 - Ungurmuiža, Cesis District, Latvia. A barn on the Ungurmuiza Manor property.<br />June 10. 2011 - Ungurmuiža, Cesis District, Latvia. Ungurmuiža Manor.<br />June 10. 2011 - Ungurmuiža, Cesis District, Latvia. Stork on the Ungurmuiža Manor property.<br />June 10. 2011 - Ungurmuiža, Cesis District, Latvia. Main stairway at the Ungurmuiža Manor.<br />June 10. 2011 - Ungurmuiža, Cesis District, Latvia. Door lock at Ungurmuiža Manor.<br />June 10. 2011 - Ungurmuiža, Cesis District, Latvia. Baiba, our guide at the Manor.<br />June 10. 2011 - Ungurmuiža, Cesis District, Latvia. Uncovering old painted walls at the Manor.<br />June 10. 2011 - Ungurmuiža, Cesis District, Latvia. Ronnie, and Baiba, our guide at the Manor.<br />June 10. 2011 - Ungurmuiža, Cesis District, Latvia. Reception for us at the Manor.<br />June 10. 2011 - Ungurmuiža, Cesis District, Latvia. Reception with music!<br />June 10. 2011 - Ungurmuiža, Cesis District, Latvia. Reception, and champagne, made us feel important.<br />June 10. 2011 - Ungurmuiža, Cesis District, Latvia. Baiba, Baiba, and Baiba.<br />June 10. 2011 - Ungurmuiža, Cesis District, Latvia. The wooden Manor house.<br />June 10. 2011 - Ungurmuiža, Cesis District, Latvia. Tea house in the back of the Manor garden.<br />June 10. 2011 - Ungurmuiža, Cesis District, Latvia. June 10. 2011 - Not far from Ungurmuiža, Raiskuma Parish, Latvia. Baiba, Joyce, and Ronnie.<br />At the Hotel Aparjods.<br />June 10, 2011 - Sigulda, Latvia. Baiba, Joyce, Anete, Ronnie, Betsy, Chuch, and Carolyn at our last supper on the road.<br />At the Hotel Aparjods.<br />June 10, 2011 - Sigulda, Latvia. Building on the castle reservation.<br />June 11, 2011 - Turaida, across the Gauja River from Sigulda, Latvia. Building on the castle reservation.<br />June 11, 2011 - Turaida, across the Gauja River from Sigulda, Latvia. Building on the castle reservation.<br />June 11, 2011 - Turaida, across the Gauja River from Sigulda, Latvia. View of castle tower from the reservation grounds.<br />June 11, 2011 - Turaida, across the Gauja River from Sigulda, Latvia. On the castle reservation.<br />June 11, 2011 - Turaida, across the Gauja River from Sigulda, Latvia. On the castle reservation.<br />June 11, 2011 - Turaida, across the Gauja River from Sigulda, Latvia. Approaching the castle.<br />June 11, 2011 - Turaida, across the Gauja River from Sigulda, Latvia. In the courtyard of the castle.<br />June 11, 2011 - Turaida, across the Gauja River from Sigulda, Latvia. Room on one of the floors of the castle tower.<br />June 11, 2011 - Turaida, across the Gauja River from Sigulda, Latvia. Stairs to the next level of the tower.<br />June 11, 2011 - Turaida, across the Gauja River from Sigulda, Latvia. Castle courtyard and the Gauja River from atop the tower.<br />June 11, 2011 - Turaida, across the Gauja River from Sigulda, Latvia. In the castle museum.<br />June 11, 2011 - Turaida, across the Gauja River from Sigulda, Latvia. In the castle museum.<br />June 11, 2011 - Turaida, across the Gauja River from Sigulda, Latvia. June 11, 2011 - Turaida, across the Gauja River from Sigulda, Latvia. This cave is involved in the legend of the Rose of Turaida.<br />June 11, 2011 - At Gutmana Cave near the Turaida Castle, Latvia. June 11, 2011 - At Gutmana Cave near the Turaida Castle, Latvia. Anete and Joyce.<br />June 11, 2011 - At Gutmana Cave near the Turaida Castle, Latvia. Birinu Lake.<br />June 11, 2011 - Birini, Latvia. The palace.<br />Birinu Palace grounds.<br />June 11, 2011 - Birini, Latvia. Latvian patterns in tiles in walkway to the garden door of the palace.<br />Birinu Palace grounds.<br />June 11, 2011 - Birini, Latvia. Our group with guide and a wedding couple with photographer met at the front door.<br />Birinu Palace grounds.<br />June 11, 2011 - Birini, Latvia. Newly wed couple posing for a photograph.<br />Birinu Palace grounds.<br />June 11, 2011 - Birini, Latvia. Entry hall of the palace.<br />Birinu Palace grounds.<br />June 11, 2011 - Birini, Latvia. Entry hall of the palace.<br />Birinu Palace grounds.<br />June 11, 2011 - Birini, Latvia. Ceiling in one of the palace rooms.<br />Birinu Palace grounds.<br />June 11, 2011 - Birini, Latvia. A room in the palace.<br />Birinu Palace grounds.<br />June 11, 2011 - Birini, Latvia. View of Birinu Lake from palace balcony.<br />Birinu Palace grounds.<br />June 11, 2011 - Birini, Latvia. Our palace guide and Anete, our tour guide.<br />Birinu Palace grounds.<br />June 11, 2011 - Birini, Latvia. Anete, Ronnie, Joyce, Baiba at big oak decorated with wedding objects<br />thrown into it by wedding parties.<br />Birinu Palace grounds.<br />June 11, 2011 - Birini, Latvia. Wedding object thrown into the big oak by wedding parties.<br />Birinu Palace grounds.<br />June 11, 2011 - Birini, Latvia. Front of palace or castle.<br />Birinu Palace grounds.<br />June 11, 2011 - Birini, Latvia. Lunch in the palace basement.<br />Birinu Palace grounds.<br />June 11, 2011 - Birini, Latvia. Stork on castle tower.<br />Birinu Palace grounds.<br />June 11, 2011 - Birini, Latvia. Joyce, Chuck, and Betsy.<br />Lunch in the palace basement.<br />Birinu Palace grounds.<br />June 11, 2011 - Birini, Latvia. Swan on Birinu Lake.<br />Birinu Palace grounds.<br />June 11, 2011 - Birini, Latvia. Beach on the Baltic (the Latvian Costa del Sol? Saulkrasti means sun coast).<br />June 11, 2011 - Saulkrasti, Latvia.