Final Day in Riga!

Incredibly, today was my last day in Riga! I can hardly believe how fast the time went! This brings both positive and negative emotions to mind. I'll surely miss the quiet charm of Old Town, the good weather (when we had it), and the chance to explore an interesting European city. I won't miss many of the negative experiences I've had, but I did learn from them. Life isn't always easy or fun, so you have to take the good with the bad.

Unfortunately, on my last day in Riga, I was still feeling ill with a cold. This was the first day during my trip when I didn't even manage to leave the hotel. Instead I packed and made some preparations for leaving. I did find a very charming young lady named Linda working at the gift shop, who I had some good conversation with. Fate always finds a way to give us something good when we don't have much time left, doesn't it! Linda wanted to make it clear to me that there were indeed friendly Latvians here.

After catching a cold in the last week, I hadn't really done much of anything, so housekeeping started getting worried. They constantly saw the "Do Not Disturb" sign on my door, and finally sent a manager here today to see if I was still alive! Of course I told them that I had simply been feeling ill, and that there would be plenty of time to clean my room once I'd left! I spent the evening attempting to pack everything I'd brought to Riga, along with the souvenirs I'd bring back, into my small luggage case. Not an easy task, but finally completed!

Tomorrow morning I start the long and exhausting journey back to the states. This time hopefully my flights will not be delayed! I checked in early online, so that I could select my favorite aisle seats on the plane. Over the years I've decided that I like aisle seats the best. They have the most room and feel the least claustrophobic. Of course the disadvantage is that people in the aisles walk into you quite often, and you must get up when anyone in your row wants to use the restroom. Still, it's worth it to me! I will admit window seats are nice if you want a nice view, but I don't like the feeling of being trapped!

After my trip home, I plan to write a summary of my experiences in Riga. It will contain links to all the blog posts in a more organized fashion. That way people can easily locate the posts they are looking for. It will be the last post of this blog, although I may go back and update some topics from time to time.

Dining in Riga

After spending nearly a month in Riga, I have some experience with dining at the various restaurants, cafes, and bars here. If you're from the United States or another similar country, there are differences that you should be aware of. At its core, the theme with customer service in Riga seems to be, "Leave the customers the hell alone, unless they want something." We'll explore deeper into this theme..

Unlike most restaurants in the states, you don't wait for a host to seat you when dining in Riga. Instead, you simply sit wherever you want. After a few minutes, a server will approach you with the menu. They usually give you a few minutes to decide on a drink and meal. I've noticed that they like to take your drink and meal order at the same time. However, you are still the customer. Order as you like! I often ask for a few extra minutes, since I take forever to decide on a meal!

Service in general is slower than in the states, but far more professional. Your drink usually takes a few minutes, even if it's something simple like a soft drink or draft beer. I get the idea that Latvian servers don't want customers to feel rushed. Dining is more of a cultural activity here, not just eat and drink as fast as you can!

Before your meal comes, the server usually brings out your silverware. This is done with great care, as if surgery is about to be performed! The servers are also generally quiet, and will not make small talk or complain about their day. This is considered very poor form.

Once your meal finally comes, you are essentially on your own. The server will not come back to see if you need a drink refill, or to ask how your meal is. This is probably the most staggering difference between restaurants in the United States and Latvia. Here in Riga, the service is much more subtle. If you want a refill, you will have to get the server's attention by waving or making eye contact. This can sometimes be difficult!

After your meal is finished, the server will take your dishes away. They may ask if you want something else, but in many cases will say nothing at all. Again you will have to get the server's attention, in order to collect the bill. My impression again is that the Latvian servers don't want to rush the customers, and will not bring the bill unless asked.

Finally the bill will arrive! As an American you are probably not used to such a slow dining experience, and will probably be getting impatient! The bill will come in a special container where you can put your money. Do not expect to hand your money directly to the server, or return the container immediately! The server will walk away and then you can put your money into the container. After a minute they will return and take the container. Your change will be brought back in the same container. You can then leave a tip in the container if you wish.

Dining at restaurants in Riga is an interesting experience, but one that I imagine many Americans will find too slow for their taste. However, that's the point! Enjoy the cultural experience and appreciate the subtleties of dining in Latvia.