#blackheads Archives • Folksy Travel by Bill Smale

In Riga, Latvia a group was formed 600 years ago of merchants and traders who became known throughout Europe and made alliances with many different cities around Europe and other parts of the world. As you go through the photos you will gradually see the story of Riga and blackheads.

Schindler‘s lift Riga and blackheads — Schindler‘s Lift

Riga cathedral Riga and blackheads — Riga’s cathedral

Shortest street in Riga Riga and blackheads — This is the narrow list and shortest street in Riga

The reason for the blackheads Bill Smale — This explains the term “blackheads” and the significance of the founding of the merchant union

Maurice is celebrated Bill Smale — Why Maurice is celebrated

Founding of the city — Riga was founded in 1201

The founding of the blackheads Bill Smale — So in 1413, or thereabouts, the blackheads were started and they were a traveling merchant group of people.

The first Christmas tree — They are suggesting this is where the idea of the Christmas tree came from. I have not checked that information but it’s very interesting

The building is mostly destroyed — It’s unfortunate this building was completely destroyed but it has been rebuilt

The Russians destroy the building — Completely destroying the building was in line with the anti-capitalist ideology but the remnants of the building were probably a danger in any case.

The blackhead building is rebuilt — The blackheads building is rebuilt as a monument to the power of the city and the country

A gift to the new blackhead building — This crystal was a gift for the opening of the new building

Artifact explanation — This is an explanation of the beautiful artifact but I forgot to keep the photo of the artifact

Blackheads meeting room — The grand meeting room

Lubec Association — A long time associated group in Germany is celebrated

Street food — OK, now we get down to the street. This is all different kinds of street food available with prices in euro

pulling from memory, there is a story of how the Russians became aligned with the Greek version of Christianity. One of the Russian Ivan’s were shopping for religion. If he allied with Rome he would have to bow to the pope. However, if he allied with the orthodox church he could claim that he is the intermediary between God and the people, kind of like being a pope.

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