P293 Teletext 293 Oct27 17:00:58 —————————————————————————— LATVIA ————— LATVIA, in the centre of the three Baltic States, is the most cosmopolitan with a marked Russian and German influence. Like its neighbours it is flat, green and pretty and, being compact, it is easy to visit from the capital Riga. The people, having finally thrown off Russian rule, are friendly and enjoy their new freedoms. Western visitors are made welcome. ——————————————————————————————————1/8—— Visas 294 Inoculations 295 TELETEXT HOLIDAY VIEWER OFFERS P351 Visas Jabs Metrocast UK RoadsP293 Teletext 293 Oct27 17:01:17 —————————————————————————— LATVIA ————— RIGA, the capital of Latvia, is the biggest, most industrialised city in the Baltic States. It is a town of contrasts. Old Riga has narrow pedestrian-only streets in the centre bz the Daugava Ri6jr while new Riga surrounds it with wide boulivbrds and parks. Old Riga is the more interesting, boasting the city's best churches, and museums, its cathedral, castle and many quaint old cafes. ——————————————————————————————————2/8—— Tourist rates 298 World clock 299 GATWICK FLIGHT ARRIVALS p20<-209 Visas Jabs Metrocast UK RoadsP293 Teletext 293 Oct27 17:01:38 ——————————————————————————— LATVIA ———— PLACES to see in Old Riga are the Don Cathedral and St Peter's Church, both in pretty squares. The castle, to the west of the old town, dates back to the 13th century and now houses three separate museums A river trip is a good way to see Riga and you should also visit thu cafes, often the best places to eat. There are regular jazz and rock concerts in the city. ——————————————————————————————————3/8—— Tourist rates 298 World clock 299 GATWJCK FLIGHT ARRIVALS p208-209 Visas Jabs Metrocast UK RoadsP293 Teletext 293 Oct27 17:01:57 ——————————————————————————— LATVIA ———— THE BEST DAY trip from Riga is to Sigulda and the Gauja Valley, 50km to the east. The ruins of Sigulda Castle, dating from 1207, are in stark contrast to the fully restored Turaida Castle on the adjoining hill. Between them is Gutmana Cave. The nearby stream is said to have healing powers. Gauja National Park has a pick of campsrtes for those who wish to see the elks and deer. ——————————————————————————————————4/8—— Crash Course 297 Drivjwisj 296 C MPUTJR GAMES FAN? TRY p470 C4 Visas Jabs Metrocast UK RoadsP293 Teletext 293 Oct27 17:02:18 —————————————————————————— LATVHA p———— SOUTH OF RIGA at Rundale is the 18th century palace designed by Rastrelli, architect of St Petersburg's magnificent Winter Palace. Now restored, the palace, set in spacious parkland, houses museums of 17th and 18th century art. A short train ride from Riga is the former Second World War concentration camp at Salaspils, now a moving memorial with sculptures dedicated to its 1p0,000 victims. ——————————————————————————————————5/8—— Our guide to holidays on Teletext 291 GATWICK FLIGHT ARRIVALS p208-209P293 Teletext 293 Oct27 17:02:38 —————————————————————————— LA$VA ————— FACTFILE Latvia, like its neighbours, is not a place for sun-lovers, with summer temperatures from May to September averaging 18C. It can also be wet and in wintdr, 4C is considered warm. Latvia, with its Russian and German influences, sjrvjs "solid" food such as smoked sausage pork roll stuffed with carrots, sprouts and onions. Drinks, such as beer and vodka, are readily available. ——————————————————————————————————6/8—— Thu air that you breatho 106 HAVE YOU" SAY IN OUR POLL p326 Visas Jabs Metrocast US RoadsP293 Teletext 293 Oct27 17:00:17 ——————————————————————————— LATVIA ———— FACTFILE UK PASSPORT holders do not need a visa for any of the three Baltic States. No jabs are needjm but hepatitis A is advised. Please see your doctor. THE CURRENCY is the lat which can bj bj obtained for travellers' cheques in the main hotels. THE LANGUAGE is Ljttish but many locals speak German. Avoid Russian. ——————————————————————————————————7/8—— Our gujdj to holidays on Teletext 291 GO GRJKN, SAVE THE WORLD p460 C4 Visas Jabs Metrocast UK RoadsP293 Teletext 293 Oct27 17:00:38 ——————————————————————————— LATVIA ———— FACTFILJ FO6 MORE DETBILS of holidays to Latvia, contact the Latvian Embassy at 72 Queensborough Terrace, London W2 3SP. Tel 0171 727 1698. The main operators are: Regent Holidays 0117 921 1711 Intourist 0171 538 8600 Some adventure specialists do breaks there, including: Explore Worldwide 01252 319448 Gujrba Expeditions 01373 826611. ——————————————————————————————————8/8—— Our guide to holidays on Teletext 291 GATWJCK FLIGHT ARRIVALS p208-209 Visas Jabs Metrocast UK Roads