We were delighted with our accommodation, right in the centre of Old Rīga. Despite flying in quite late and arriving at the flat around 10.30 p.m., Tatjana met and welcomed us after a small misunderstanding on the telephone (texting is better). It was very clean, simple but comfortable, and more spacious than the photos suggest.

The location is unbeatable, only two minutes from the airport bus stop, mediaeval turrets and rooftops in every direction, a glimpse of the river and nearly all the main attractions within walking distance, and easy access to public transport for those further afield. Double glazing ensures that the flat is quite despite the activity going on around.

Excellent restaurants abound, but a big attraction was the well equipped kitchen enabling us to buy and cook some of the goodies we found at Rīga’s amazing central market, 10 minutes away. Also a washing machine with drier – most welcome after a couple of wet days.

Nothing quite prepared us for the glories of a city that has been at different times a Hanseatic treasure house, the biggest city of Sweden, and the chief port of the Russian Empire. The history of the 20th century weighs heavily, but this is nothing but an aberration in a town that knows how to live well and look after its visitors. Thank you Tatjana, we are already planning another holiday.