Now part of the EU, Latvia is looking toward the future. But shopping in the capital still turns up assorted pieces of the past.
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25¢ Matches
When it was part of the U.S.S.R., Latvia was known
for producing high-quality matches. Find them at Riga's Central Market. |
$1 Magazine
Sold at convenience stores around Riga, the Vakara Ziņas, or Evening News, dishes the latest gossip on local celebs. Kristīne Līpiņa, a former Miss Latvia, is often targeted by the Paparaci. |
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$3 Potato masher
Potatoes are a staple of the Latvian diet. They're often smashed and served alongside karbonāde, which is sort of like pork schnitzel. Laipa, Laipu iela 2/4, 011-371/722-9962. |
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$6 Chocolates
Emīla Gustava Šokolāde, Riga's best known chocolatier, has several locations in the city. The company's tiny marzipan-filled sweets are studded with candy flowers; they're almost too beautiful to eat. Marijas iela 13, 011-371/728-7510. |
$7 Ankle bands
Because Latvia is still establishing its identity, both in reaction to Russia and in relation to Europe, folkloric customs are highly prized. Ankle bands are part of the colorful national costume. (Men tuck their pant legs into them when folk dancing.) Laipa, Laipuiela 2/4, 011-371/722-9962. |
$15 Spoon
This antique silver spoon was crafted during the brief period (1920-1934) when Latvia first experienced democracy and independence. H & Partneris, Tērbatas iela 33/35, 011-371/722-4545. |
$30 Saltshaker
Latvian ceramist Ilona Romule is one of the world's best porcelain painters—her work is on display in shops and museums around the globe. Salons A, Kaļķu iela 24, 011-371/721-3791. |
$37 Necklace
Amber has been processed in the Baltic Sea region for more than 9,000 years. The polished resin is so ubiquitous that dzintars, the local word for it, is common both as a man's name and as a brand name (for all sorts of things). Belinda, Kugu iela 24, 011-371/927-2675. |
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Note: This story was accurate when it was published. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
