Poverty in Riga

One quick walk around Old Town, and you are bound to notice the prevalent poverty which exists in Riga. Latvia doesn't seem overly concerned about the issue, and from what I've gathered takes the position of, "Not our problem!" This poverty is in extreme contrast to the also prevalent upper class of Riga.

During that same walk around Old Town, you'll also notice plenty of extremely expensive luxury vehicles, and well dressed locals frequenting expensive cafes, bars, and mall boutiques. It seems in Riga there are two classes: The rich and the poor! No middle class appears to exist here. The poor struggle to survive, while the rich ponder which Range Rover model they want to upgrade to!

The locals don't seem to disagree with the government, and the ones I've talked to find beggars and even street musicians annoying and lazy. They think these individuals should go looking for a job instead of acting helpless. The big prevailing theme in Riga seems to be, "Find a way to survive like the rest of us do!" Weakness is frowned upon. This isn't a society for the unfortunate and untalented. This is survival of the fittest!

There are different types of beggars in Old Town. The worst kind are the "wandering beggars", who walk around looking for tourist targets. After finding a target, the wandering beggar confronts them and usually has some kind of "sad story" to tell. Ignoring them sometimes works, but at other times you must tell the beggars to go away. Even then the most persistent beggars will stick around to curse or continue their act.

Other beggars are more passive, and simply sit around with a cup or bowl. They collect less than their active counterparts, but don't put out any kind of effort. I often notice old ladies standing in the same places every day. One lady stands at the end of a walking bridge. Another masquerades as a street musician near the Freedom Monument, but has absolutely no talent.

I suppose as long as there are rich and friendly tourists to feast upon, the beggar situation will continue in Riga and Old Town. I decided early in my trip that I wasn't going to encourage the beggars. Besides, I have a hard time feeling sorry for them, when so many of their fellow countrymen are driving around cars worth more than a flat!