RIGA - The Latvian Open-air Ethnographic Museum isn't just "like" stepping back in time. It is stepping back in time. With over 100 old wooden buildings, countless ancient artifacts, and workers in period costume, the museum builds a world of its own.
Set up in the forests on the outskirts of Riga, the buildings are organized based on the Latvian regions. Craftsmen scattered throughout the museum work on traditional wares and give visitors the chance to try their hand at the ancient crafts.
The museum 's built on about 1 square kilometer of forest 's has windmills, barns, churches and evens bars, all of which were constructed in 1924 from the same materials used hundreds of years ago.
The museum is usually devoid of the common groups of tourists, who are often wary of traveling outside the city limits. Nonetheless, it is a fun day for anyone.
The only main problem with the museum is that it is not handicapped friendly. Everyone should be careful when walking along the dusty dirt paths as tree roots have sprung up in the middle of the roads.
The museum is the perfect place to go for people that don't have enough time to venture out into the country, but still want to breathe the cool clean air of the forest. Even on extremely hot days, the woods provide enough shade to make for a relaxing stroll.
It is not a place to go in a hurry, however, and I would recommend taking the time to visit all the regions to get a good taste of the big differences between the various parts of Latvia. It is possible to see the Latvia way life was before foreign influence.
There's plenty to do for children as well. I visited the museum for the first time when I was nine years old 's it hasn't changed much it still holds a classic charming appeal.
Live folk music, old-fashioned games and great food are present most days during the summer, and there's almost always something unique going on.
The easiest way to get there is by taking the number one bus and asking someone where to get off. The entry fee is 2 lats for adults 's though a lot steeper than most museums around Riga, visitors often spend at least 5 hours there wandering the grounds and enjoying the scenery.
It's a bit like a mini-vacation; the grounds feature a huge lake and plenty of picturesque picnic spots. Church service is also held on Sundays at Usma's church. Those who want to get a glimpse of the real Latvia 's as it once was and in many places still is 's should definitely take the time to visit the museum.
