Last summer, my wife Liesl, our kids (12 yr old Nikolas, 5 yr old Annslie, 3 yr old Frederick) and I embarked on an unforgettable 2 week trip to Latvia, the country I was born and spent half of my life. It was my wife Liesl’s first visit, and I was determined to make it a memorable experience.

We stayed in the heart of Riga, Latvia’s capital, where we were surrounded by medieval buildings, grand Art Nouveau architecture, and cobblestone streets. Our hotel offered breathtaking views of landmarks like the Monument of Freedom, the Opera House, and the towering spires of St. Peter’s Church and the beautiful Dome Square, making us feel immersed in the city's rich history.

On our second day, still jetlagged, we visited Tarzan’s Adventure Park in Sigulda, a paradise for kids. The park offered thrilling activities like trampolines with bungies attached, zip lines, go-carts, and off-road cars. We also enjoyed a downhill sled ride and refreshing water attractions. Afterward, we explored the nearby medieval Turaida and Sigulda castles with my sister, both of which offered a glimpse into Latvia’s heritage. The kids loved climbing narrow tower stairs and viewing reenactments of medieval life.

One of the more unique experiences was visiting Latvia’s barefoot trail. Though I wasn’t sure how Liesl would feel about walking over sharp rocks, sand, mud, and even through a river, it turned out to be a hit! It was an unforgettable and somewhat painful adventure, and a perfect way to connect with nature. We also took a scenic drive along the coast, visiting fishing villages and stopping at a local market for smoked sea bass and handpicked berry preserves. To celebrate Liesl's birthday, we dined at the rooftop of Hotel Gutenberg, with stunning views of the city, river Daugava and Old Town.

A major highlight was the tour of the stunning Riga Opera House, arranged by my sister. We explored the beautifully restored interior, marveling at the grand lobby and intricate chandeliers. Although we didn’t attend a performance, the tour itself was an amazing experience. Another special event in Riga was attending a beautiful concert at Doma Church, where the music was played on the organ, one of the oldest in Europe. The acoustics in this magnificent church were incredible, and the music reverberated through the centuries-old stone walls, creating an atmosphere that was both serene and awe-inspiring.

Nikolas, who had visited Latvia before, was excited to show his younger siblings the country. It was special to watch them explore the capital and hear Latvian spoken all around them, the language I speak at home. A memorable moment was when the kids spent a day at a Latvian kindergarten, allowing them to practice their language skills and interact with local children. They came home full of stories and excitement.

While the kids were at kindergarten, Liesl and I spent some adult time visiting the Art Museum and wandering through Riga’s charming streets. One of the highlights was enjoying a glass of champagne at the top of Riga’s tallest building, offering panoramic views of the city. Unexpectedly, we ran into friends from Redondo Beach, which was a magical surprise.

Later in our trip, we visited my 100-year-old family home in the countryside to see my 80-year-old uncle. We continued a family tradition of marking the kids’ heights on the doorframe, a custom my father started when I was a child. We also visited friends with a summer house, enjoying a relaxing retreat surrounded by nature and a delicious dinner of meat and potatoes with handpicked chanterelle mushrooms—a dish I’ve loved since childhood.

We also spent three days at Berkenes Muiza, a boutique spa run by an old classmate. The tranquil surroundings and relaxing spa treatments offered a perfect escape. The kids particularly enjoyed the pool and the unique contrast bath experience, alternating between ice-cold and hot water. Nearby, we visited Tervetes Park of Nature, a whimsical park with dwarf villages that captured the kids' imaginations. They loved climbing through miniature houses and exploring the magical surroundings.

Latvia’s long summer days—lasting well past 11 p.m.—allowed us to pack in numerous adventures. One of our favorite experiences was a sunset river cruise at 10:30 p.m., where we enjoyed the stunning evening sky over the Daugava River. Another unforgettable moment was swimming in the Baltic Sea. Together with my oldest two, we swam past the sandbars to the buoy, a proud moment for me, especially with my five-year-old daughter, who is a natural in the water. Our oldest, Nikolas is on the Bay Club swim team, so no surprise that he managed the swim with ease.

Driving across Latvia’s iconic bridges was also a heartwarming experience as my father was a bridge engineer. As we crossed each one, I proudly told my kids that their grandpa had designed many of them. He spent over 50 years designing bridges, and his legacy is present on almost every road we traveled.  My father, a bridge engineer, designed many of them, and I proudly shared his legacy with my children as we crossed each one. It was a beautiful reminder of his influence on the country.

As our trip came to a close, we felt a deep appreciation for Latvia’s culture, nature, and the memories we’d made. Our journey didn’t end there; we continued on to Vilnius, Lithuania, to visit friends and explore their beautiful Old Town and countryside. The trip was an incredible blend of relaxation, exploration, and bonding, and I can’t wait to return to Latvia again in the future.