I was jetlagged for a fortnight after arriving in Rīga, but I do remember one of the first things Aiva said to me - "This is your home." It sure was. We stayed for six months while looking for our own property, and the size of the apartment made it a comfortable place to spend time, especially when the social distancing and isolation rules came in.
The apartment is on a main road through Rīga, but because it's in a yard house, you're not facing the street or getting the noise. It's walking distance to Vecrīga (Old Town) and Centrāltirgus (Central Market) and the train and bus stations, there are four supermarkets within a block of the apartment, and public transport is metres away. A very convenient location!
There is a great park on the next block, and plenty of local shops and restaurants to enjoy.
Note that there are 90 steps up to the apartment (they're not steep, and the stairwell is well-lit), but you will only have to carry up your luggage once!
At times it wasn't easy living out of our suitcases for so many months, but Aiva had thought of all the things we'd need plus a number of extras, like kitchen items, spare towels and blankets, a great vacuum cleaner, cleaning products, books, CDs and a player, a TV, information pamphlets, a hair dryer, and pot plants. Aiva was always quick to advise us if there was anything going on that might affect us, like testing of the city water pressure, and she responded to my queries quickly, too. Aiva made personal recommendations for restaurants, medical services, businesses, and events, which was really helpful.
The decor of the apartment is pleasant and coordinated, and some lovely heritage features have been preserved. It was great having a second toilet in the laundry room, especially being here as a family.
I highly recommend a stay in this spacious, centrally located apartment. You'll feel more like a local than a tourist, which is something you always want to be able to say about a place you've stayed while on holiday.
Thank you, Aiva!