What Is Minimum Wage In European Union 2015

12 July, 2015 | Macroeconomics | 78 seen

A year ago I created a blog post about minimum wages in European Union in 2014, that post generated a lot of views (more than 20,000 page views) and some buzz (got shared on Facebook, Reddit, and many other websites)

Update: Minimum Wages in European Union 2018

I decided to look back and compare how does minimum wage has changed in European Union member countries a year later (2015)

Minimum wage in European Union 2015

In short - minimum wage has been increased almost in every country, with the exception - Ireland and Germany. Germany is a newcomer to the minimum wage list this year.

The fastest growing minimum wages have been recorded in Romania 14% growth (+33 EUR/monthly), Latvia 11% growth (+40 EUR/monthly), Lithuania 11% growth (+36 EUR/monthly), United Kingdom 11% growth (+152 EUR/monthly) and Bulgaria 10% growth (+21 EUR/monthly)

Now - at first I was surprised to see the United Kingdom among fastest growing minimum wages, but then I realized - it's all about currency exchange rates (the United Kingdom is not part of Euro Zone) - read more about that bellow.

The largest monthly minimum wage has been set in Luxembourg (EUR 1,923/USD 2,134) while the lowest in Bulgaria (EUR 194 / USD 215) making a gap between those two countries of EUR 1729 / USD 1919

About minimum wage

Minimum wage is set by government minimum standard of guaranteed income (hourly/monthly) that worker should receive for work he/she performs. In 2015, there were 22 countries out of 28 in European Union, which had their national minimum wages set. A newcomer to this list is Germany, which starting 2015 have set a minimum wage of EUR 1,473. Countries that don't have a minimum wage set by the government in European Union - Austria, Denmark, Finland, Cyprus, Italy and Sweden (these countries have some collective bargaining agreements)

Minimum wage table in European Union 2015

Data sources for above chart: Minimum wages on Eurostat, List of sovereign states in Europe by minimum wage. USD currency conversation rates for 2015 are taken on July 1st (1 EUR = 1.11 USD). USD currency rates for 2014: 1 EUR - 1.35 USD.

This year I decided to include an hourly minimum wage in this table as well.

In some countries, the basic national minimum wage is not fixed at a monthly rate but at an hourly or weekly rate. For these countries, the hourly or weekly rates are converted into monthly rates. The national minimum wage is enforced by law, often after consultation with the social partners, or directly by national intersectoral agreement (this is the case in Belgium and Greece). The national minimum wage usually applies to all employees, or at least to a large majority of employees in the country. Minimum wages are gross amounts, that is, before deduction of income tax and social security contributions. Such deductions vary from country to country.

Currency exchange rates

7 countries (Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania and United Kingdom) out of these 22 are using their own national currency instead of EUR so it's not possible to guarantee 100% precise currency exchange rates for Euro money. Another interesting trend: EUR USD exchange rates for the last year have gone down from 1.35 to 1.11. In all above listed 22 countries (although the minimum wage has been increased) minimum wage in 2015 are less (if converted to USD) than in 2014. I believe this is a huge issue for those minimum wage receivers who have some debts in USD currency.

What's up for 2016?

In my first review of minimum wages in European Union, I was an eager promoter of the idea of a standard of the minimum wage in European Union. Now I'm looking into this with ambivalent feelings - at first, I'm looking to have more socially equal Europe, on the other hand, I understand that idea of standard minimum wage is a pretty populist idea. I doubt there will be standard of the minimum wage in EU in 2016.

We have seen a pretty good increase in minimum wages for the EU newcomers from the Eastern Block this year, speaking of 2016 I would forecast more humble growth there. Probably some good growth rate in Romania and Bulgaria.

Will 2016 will bring a cut in the minimum wage? Personally, I doubt this, but if, then most probably in Greece.

Best Recommended 9 Ordino Hotels in Andorra

11 July, 2015 | Hotel reviews | 8 seen

Ordino is a small and the most northerly parish in the Principality of Andorra located very close to the nations capital city Andorra la Vella. I discovered this place by accident about a year ago. Back then I was looking for Andorra la Vella hotels, but I even didn't noticed that we have been already left Andorra la Vella and were located in this charming province. We booked on site a lovely and very cheap hotel Gaspa. Read: Hotel Gaspa Review in Ordino, Andorra

Since I'm planing to return here someday I decided to list some of the most recommended hotels in Ordino, Andorra, according to Booking.com

Annapurna Atiram Aparthotel in Ansalonga

This apartment hotel is located in the quiet town of Ansalonga, only one kilometer from Ordino, and within 8 km of the cable car to La Massana and the Arcalís-Vallnord ski resort.

These spacious apartments are an excellent option for groups of friends and families who wish to enjoy both winter and summer sports. Some apartments can accommodate up to 8 people. Conveniently located among the Andorran Pyrenees, this complex will allow guests to relax, explore the local area, and take part in activities within the valley.

Price: ~ EUR 58 Book this hotel now on Booking.com

Hotel La Planada in Ordino

Hotel La Planada is located in Ordino, just 200 metres from the bus stop towards the ski resorts. It offers free Wi-Fi in public areas and heated rooms offering fantastic mountain views.

Each room at this hotel has a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a hairdryer and free toiletries. Some rooms have a balcony.

Hotel La Planada has a bar and a restaurant. Other facilities include a seasonal outdoor pool. Ski passes and ski equipment are also available at an extra cost.

The commercial centre of Andorra La Vella is just 8 km from the hotel.

Price: ~ EUR 28 Book this hotel now on Booking.com

Aparthotel Casa Vella in Ordino

Set at 1300 metres above sea level, Aparthotel Casa Vella is in Ordino, only 10 minutes from the ski slopes of Vallnord and 8 km from Andorra La Vella. It has impressive views of the mountains and forest.

The aparthotel has spacious, mountain-style apartments, with 1 or 2 rooms with double or twin beds. They have a living area with a double sofa bed, a 42-inch flat-screen TV and a safe.

There is also a dining area, and a kitchen with a microwave and coffee maker. The bathroom has a bath or hydromassage shower.

The property features a café, where you can enjoy a daily buffet breakfast.

Casa Vella is just 3 km from the ski lifts at Pal-Arinsal. Hiking is also popular in the surrounding area. The aparthotel also offers ski storage, as well as on-site parking for an extra cost, and there is plenty of free parking nearby.

Book this hotel now on Booking.com

Hotel Antic in La Cortinada

Within 25 minutes’ drive of the ski resorts at Ordino-Arcalís and Pal-Arinsal, Hotel Antic offers rooms with mountain views. Set in the village of La Cortinada, it has a beautiful setting within the Ordino Valley.

Each heated room at the family-run Hotel Antic has simple décor. There is a TV and a private bathroom.

Guests can enjoy a range of local mountain cuisine in the Antic’s restaurant, which specialises in mountain-style rice. There is also a bar. Free Wi-Fi is available in public areas.

During the winter months, a free bus service to the ski slopes stops next to the hotel. There is also an airport shuttle bus, available for a surcharge.

The hotel is 400 metres from Vall Ordino Golf Club and the former Alpha brewery, where you can enjoy a beer tasting visit. Andorra la Vella is a 15-minute drive from the Hotel Antic. The Spanish border is within 20 km of the hotel.

Price: ~ EUR 34 Book this hotel now on Booking.com

Apartaments Cristiania in Ordino

Featuring a medieval inspired façade, Apartments Cristiania located in Ordino feature self-catering accommodations with free Wi-Fi.

The apartments offer a fully equipped kitchen, a dining area, a seating area with a sofa and a TV, and a private bathroom with a bath.

There is a bank and a pharmacy on the ground floor of the building. A number of shops can be found within a 5-minute walk, and Vall d’Ordino Golf Club is 3 km away.

The city centre of Andorra La Vella is 8 km from the property and a bus stop is located in front of the apartments. Ordino Arcalís Ski Resort is 17 km from the property and Pal Aarinsal is 12 km away.

Book this hotel now on Booking.com

Hotel Santa Bàrbara De La Vall D'ordino

Hotel Santa Bàrbara De La Vall D'Ordino is set in the village of Ordino, 4 km from Pal Arinsal Ski Resort. This rustic hotel features a restaurant and rooms with mountain views.

The Santa Bàrbara has traditional décor and its rooms are bright and comfortable. Each has satellite TV and wooden furniture and flooring.

The hotel’s restaurant serves a daily breakfast and guests can enjoy a drink in the on-site bar, where there is free Wi-Fi access. Other facilities at the Bàrbara include ski storage.

Hotel Santa Bàrbara has a quiet, rural setting and local activities include walking, hiking and horse riding.The hotel is ideally situated for skiing and is just 9 km from the Ordino-Alcalís Ski Resort and 30 minutes’ drive from Soldeu.

Price: ~ EUR 73 Book this hotel now on Booking.com

Hotel Sant Miquel in Ansalonga

Set in Andorra’s Ordino Valley, Hotel Sant Miquel is just 12.1 km from Vallnord Ski Resort. All rooms include central heating, satellite TV and a balcony with mountain views.

This small hotel has a rustic design. The Sant Miquel’s restaurant serves traditional homemade regional food. The hotel also has a bar and a game room, as well as a children’s playroom.

The hotel is only a 7-minute drive from the ski slopes of Ordino-Arcalis, and 15 minutes from Pal-Arinsal Ski Resort. Shopping and restaurants in Andorra la Vella are only 9.7 km away.

In summer, the valley is ideal for walking, canoeing or horseback riding. The hotel’s staff can give information about the region and prepare packed lunches.

Price: ~ EUR 78 Book this hotel now on Booking.com

Cal Batlle Casa Rural in La Cortinada

Featuring a garden, Cal Batlle Casa Rural is located in La Cortinada, just 8 km from Andorra la Vella. Baqueira-Beret is 49.9 km from the property. Free private parking is available on site.

There is a private bathroom with a shower and bathrobes in every unit. Towels are available.

Cal Batlle Casa Rural also includes a terrace. Guests can enjoy a drink at the on-site snack bar.

Pas de la Casa is 17.7 km from Cal Batlle Casa Rural

Price: ~ EUR 99 Book this hotel now on Booking.com

Hotel Mu

A 20-minute drive from Ordino-Arcalís Ski Resort, Hotel Mu is 2 km outside the village of Ordino. It features a spa, and attractive rooms with balconies.

Hotel Mu has modern décor. Its heated rooms have a TV and a minibar.

Guests can enjoy a buffet breakfast in the Mu’s restaurant. There is also a café-bar and a lounge.

The spa features a hot tub and a sauna, as well as steam baths and massage services. Access to the spa carries an extra charge.

Guests can make use of the hotel’s ski storage, and ski passes can be purchased at the 24-hour reception. The slopes at La Massana are approximately 8 km away. The area surrounding the hotel is ideal for hiking and cycling.

Price: ~ EUR 80 Book this hotel now on Booking.com

How to Specify a Vary: Accept-Encoding header Nginx

11 July, 2015 | Servers | 54 seen

The other day I visited tools.pingdom.com to test performance for my blog (the one you are currently reading) and I did fine I have a two bottlenecks:

• Remove query strings from static resources
• Specify a Vary: Accept-Encoding header

I managed to handle query string issue for static resources and then I headed to find a solution for the Specify a Vary thing. Since it's not a Drupal related issue I did some search regarding Nginx and I soon found excellent solution on stackoverflow.com

How to Specify a Vary: Accept-Encoding header Nginx 

Inside the server { of the domain/subdomain that you want to set it, add

sudo nano /path/to/domain/sites-available/yourdomain.com

Save the file (CTRL-O and CTRL - X)  and restart Nginx (sudo /etc/init.d/nginx restart)

I managed to improve my performance score from 82 to 88 on tools.pingdom.com after this.

How to Remove query strings from static resources Drupal

10 July, 2015 | Drupal Development | 14 seen

The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Skrunda

9 July, 2015 | Churches and Monasteries | 13 seen

History of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Skrunda dates back to 1668 as stated on official Skrunda municipality website. I took my camera and went to memorize this place.

 Skrunda church

Bell tower of Skrunda Church

Back view of Skrunda Church

Burial near Skrunda church

According to the inscription on the cross - pastor Johann Daniel Goldmann is buried here

Skrunda church

I hadn't a chance to enter this church (ups, doors were closed) but according to Skrunda municipality  the pulpit and the altarpiece of Skrunda church were installed at the end of the 18th century, but the organ of the church was set up in the 19 th century. During the First World War, the church suffered considerable damage and it is known that a stable was created there. Although the church was reconstructed in 1920, serious conservation works and repairs to building were carried out in 1995. There are several legends about the church as well. 

Skrunda Cultural Center

8 July, 2015 | Entertainment | 11 seen

Right, I just made this name - Skrunda Cultural Center what is a direct translation from Latvian Skrundas Kultūras Centrs.

I wouldn't probably mention this place on my blog, but since lately I have been travelling around Skrunda a lot, I decided why not?! Another reason I'm listing this place here - you can get a free high-speed Wi-Fi internet here (at least I managed to get some).

Seriously speaking - Skrunda Cultural Center is a great place where locals gather to participate in different hobby groups, like singing, dancing, theater play (you name it) - and probably some major events are held here as well.

Right, show me the pictures buddy:

Conference hall at Skrunda Cultural center

Well it's more an assembly hall - but look up there (right top corner) there is some equipment to handle some basic interpretation services.

Piano at Skrunda Cultural center

You can play some classical music here

Skrunda Cultural center

Lovely alley near Skrunda Cultural Center

The Stender’s Bar&Club in Kuldīga

7 July, 2015 | Restaurant reviews | 13 seen

I believe soon I will have a complete list of Kuldīga restaurants, but prior that I would like to introduce you another interesting place in this charming Curonian city, meet The Stender's Bar & Club. 

Stender's Bar&Club is located on charming street in Kuldīga

Its address is Liepājas street 3

Menu desk at Stender's

Menu at Stender's Bar

Interior at Stender's

Daily dose of Coke

Served with ice

Poster at Stender's Restroom

Yes, I even take my camera to restrooms

Outdoor patio at Stender's place

Outdoor patio at Stender's place

Or me learning my camera

Meal at Stender's

Meal at Stender's

I must admit in photos this meal looks much better as it tastes. Well it tastes pretty good - but instead of honey/mustard sauce you got served... a ketchup... 

The bottom line

Compared to other restaurants/bars in Latvia prices here at Stender's are pretty high (it's like we paid some 20 EUR for some average meal here). But hey interiour is cool. Sure, why not. Go visit once in Kuldīga.

Home Remodelling - How It All Starts

6 July, 2015 | Home Remodeling | 9 seen

Recently my better part and I became a lucky home-owners, we went through a long and bureaucratic procedure to inherit a house in scenic place in a very remote country. The house is in a very bad condition and asks for a lot of investments - one of the primary things we are looking to do next - is to change a roof (it is leaky), to dig the well, draw in water and to connect to the electricity. Since it requires a lot of money and a lot of time I decided to start a new blog post series - Home Remodelling - to document progress.

Update: After a few years and a couple of thousand investment we lost ownership of this property and all the renovation works have stopped, instead we have a few other cool and interesting projects, see Home Remodeling for more

I will start with what we got. The pictures shown bellow are taken at the start of April 2015 and illustrates what we got.

Front view of our house

A small fish pond near the house

Backyard of the house

..and a skew shed

Old School electricity plugins

Apple orchard

Broken fence

Moss covering the roof

Electrical cabinet

The good thing - we have an electricity here

Back view of the house

Anteroom

... one of the many

Lumber

Previous owner of the house (R.I.P.) was a craftsman and the house is full of a lot of smaller and larger technical details

Lumber

Old style tools and furniture

We are planing to renovate some of the furniture

Carpenter's table

Kitchen and a furnace

Stairs to the second floor

A small stove in the second floor's room

Chess details

The leaky roof

A toy

Pine coppice

A dump of an old TV's in the yard

Our house at the start of April 2015

As you can see - my next big project is Home Remodelling. I will keep you updated of the progress.

Širhans - Azerbaijani cuisine in Riga, Latvia

5 July, 2015 | Restaurant reviews | 93 seen

Širhans (Shirhan) is a lovely restaurant serving Azerbaijani cuisine located in the suburbs of Sarkandaugava in Riga, Latvia (Meža Prospekts 90).

I visited this place just shortly after a visit to Riga Zoo.

If you just like me enjoy Caucasian style cuisine you will enjoy this place. Although I must admit I'm very found of Georgian cuisine (Read my Tbilisi restaurant reviews) - this time I was pleased with Azerbaijani cuisine also. Thus take into consideration - to enjoy a real Azeri cuisine - you must visit land of fire. The local versions are usually adopted to local customer tastes.  

Restaurant Shirhan in Riga

Just take a look at this lovely tiger - as seen in the famous Mowgli series

Outdoor patio at Shirhan

Azerbaijani bread at Shirhan restaurant

Rye garlic bread

Well, this is a more Latvian thing rather Azerbaijani, but a good one

Meal at Shirhan restaurant

The Bottom line

Restaurant Širhans in Riga serves both Caucasian (Azerbaijani) and European food. Prices at this place are a bit pricey. Don't try to order a Georgian wine here - although they have a Kinzdmarauli on the wine list, looking on its label I find it's produced in Russia. I don't know does it tastes good (probably), but hey it's not a real Georgian wine. But in overall - this is good place!

Visit official website: www.sirhans.lv (Latvian and Russian)

10 Best Andorra la Vella Hotels

4 July, 2015 | Hotel reviews | 5 seen

Riga Zoo

4 July, 2015 | Entertainment | 65 seen

Riga Zoo is a city-owned zoo in Riga, Latvia. It is located in Mežaparks neighbourhood next to the Mežaparks park, on the western bank of Ķīšezers lake. Riga Zoo houses around 4000 animals of nearly 500 species and is visited by 250-300,000 visitors annually. 

Ocassionaly I love visitin Riga zoo, in this article some of my pictures and data when I visited Riga Zoo together with my mom at the start of May 2016

I took my DSLR camera with myself and captured more than 600 images here, just 17 survived to you my dear reader.

Entrance gates at Riga zoo

Riga Zoo is located in a lovely neighbourhood of Mežaparks. 

Flamingos at Riga Zoo

A camel at Riga zoo

A peacock at Riga Zoo

At Riga Zoo

Riga Zoo

Although it's forbidden to feed animals at Riga zoo, some little fella couldn't resist to feed this one with a carrot. Where did he got that carrot?

At Riga Zoo

Giraffe at Zoo

Secretary-bird at Riga Zoo

Now, I enjoyed this creature the most. From Wikipedia: The secretarybird or secretary bird (Sagittarius serpentarius) is a very large, mostly terrestrial bird of prey. Endemic to Africa, it is usually found in the open grasslands and savannah of the sub-Saharan region. Although a member of the order Accipitriformes, which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as kites, buzzards, vultures, and harriers, it is given its own family, Sagittariidae.

Kangaroos at Riga Zoo

Now, I found it a little bit odd to see a kangaroo laid down in the grass next to the... pine.

At Riga Zoo

Very interesting creatures using their noses to find something (perhaps a food) in the soil.

Tigers playing at zoo

Love moment at Riga zoo

Well, actually these creatures were fighting each other, still I managed to capture a scene were it looks like they care about each other.

At Riga zoo

Storks at the zoo

Lizard at Riga zoo

Lizard at Riga zoo

About Riga Zoo

The Riga National Zoo was established on 14 October 1912. Since then it has experienced a vareity of ups and downs, but most importantly the zoo has achieved a repsectable age, although not a record one, since the beginnings of the modern zoo can be traced to earlier centuries. 

The basic function of all zoos is defined in the World Zoo and Aquarium Conservation Strategy. Since 1992 the Riga Zoo is a member of EAZA (European Association of Zoos and Aquaria). The membership in this organization means that the zoo has to maintain high standards in animal welfare as well as other aspects of the zoo’s operation. In accordance with the strategic aims set by EAZA, the Riga Zoo has undertaken to participate in the conservation of biodiversity, to invest in projects devoted to the protection of nature and to carry out environmental education.

Visit: www.rigazoo.lv

Dobele Castle Ruins

3 July, 2015 | Tourism objects | 16 seen

Right, lets speak about a topic I like a very much - Castle ruins. Recently I visited Dobele Castle Ruins (Republic of Latvia) and spent here some 30 minutes trying to make some decent photos of this place. History of this castle dates back to the 1335 AD. But prior to that there was another castle (Read more at the end of this post)

Fortification walls of Dobele Castle

Fortification walls of Dobele Castle

Dobele castle ruins

Dobele castle ruins

Here I laid down in the grass and experimented with a photography. Personally I have found this technique gives me best photos in case I'm not using a tripod. Actualy I did use here a small gorilla pad tripod.  In a result I got a pretty interesting image (at least I believe so)

Dobele castle ruins

Again, the same technique

Don't climb up there

You can get a decent fine for doing that. The sign stands here from times Latvia did use Latvian Lats as its national currency. 250 Ls equals to some EUR 355.

Inside territory at Dobele castle

View to the Dobele town from Castle ruins

Just a lovely view.

View to Dobele Evangelical church

Read more about Dobele Lutheran Evangelical church

Dobele castle ruins view from the distance

About Dobele Castle

Dobele Castle is a castle in the town of Dobele on the west bank of the river, in the historical region of Zemgale, in Latvia. Dobele was built in 1335 by the Livonian order on top of a more ancient castle.

Place of the Dobele medieval castle was inhabited by Semigallians before and during Livonian crusade. On the hillfort was located administrative centre of the Dobele county and quite big settlement around it. It is first time mentioned in the written sources in 1254. During Livonian crusade heavy battles took place around the hillfort. It endured six sieges by Livonian order but crusaders never managed to conquer it. In 1279 crusader army from Kuldīga together with allied curonians attacked semigallian Dobele castle but was unable to conquer it. In winter 1280/81 Livonian order attacked Dobele castle under command of master Konrad von Feuchtwangen but attack failed. In winter 1288/89 large crusader army including allied estonians and latgalians under command of master Kuno von Hazzingenstein attacked Dobele. However they were able only to pillage and burn Dobele town but castle endured the siege. In 1289 after famine and crusader scorched earth policy to the whole region semigallians burned their Dobele castle and migrated to Lithuania. Thus Dobele castle was one of the last semigallian fortresses in the territory of Latvia.

Livonian order built stone castle on the abandoned semigallian hillfort in the years 1335-1347. Small craftsmen and merchant settlement soon developed around castle. Until 1562 castle was a seat of the Dobele komtur. In the 16th and 17th centuries several regional assemblies (landtag) were held in the castle. In 1621 and 1625 castle was occupied by Swedish troops under king Gustav II Adolf. From 1643 until 1649 castle was a residence of the widow of the Duke of Courland Elisabeth Magdalena who lived there together with her foster son, future duke- Jacob.

During Polish-Swedish wars castle was occupied by swedes in 1658. After the war it was partly restored by duke Jacob Kettler. During Great Northern War castle was again occupied by swedes in 1701. King of Sweden Charles XII stayed in the castle for the six days. During war castle was heavily devastated and was not restored.

It was completely abandoned in 1736 and since then has fallen into ruin. In 1915 at the foothill of the castle German emperor Vilhelm II inspected units of the German army.

Dobele Evangelical Lutheran Church

2 July, 2015 | Churches and Monasteries | 7 seen

I was surprised to learn that this church is more than 500 years old. Prior I learnt that I was even more surprised to learn that Dobele town has a lovely historical centre. This church is located just next to this historical centre.

I took my camera and tried to make some great pictures here.

Dobele Evangelical Lutheran Church

I believe all is said with just this one photo. Just marvellous.

Entrance at this church

Info table

This church is now already 520 years old

Back view

As usual in Latvian churches, the doors were closed (some construction works were held inside) and I hadn't any chance to photograph inside interior.

About Dobele Evangelical Lutheran Church

The Dobele Evangelical Lutheran Church is situated in the town centre next to the Marketplace. The church was built in 1495 of the order of Valter fon Pletenberg, Master of the Livonian Order. The church was rebuilt for several times, the tower steeple got its present look in 1907. In 1995, on the 500 anniversary of the church, a new roof was covered and the outer walls were painted. 

The Historical Centre of Dobele - Marketplace Square

1 July, 2015 | Tourism objects | 10 seen

Dobele is a small town located in historical region of Zemgale in Latvia some 60 km South West from nations capital city Riga. One thing a tourist should visit while in Dobele definitely is it's historical centre - marketplace square. In recent years this place has gone through some renovation and last time I visited it - it looked just amazing.

Well if you are hoping to see both old and new architecture, like it's for example in German city Bonn's marketplace, then no - you wont find here any skyscrapers. For some reason I got this feeling that time at this place has stood still from some 19th century.

Historical centre of Dobele

A tourist info board explaining history of this place

A fountain as central element here

I must admit a very interesting design for this fountain

Dobele Evangelical Lutheran Church

This church has been built on AD 1495

Fountains built in the pavement 

I used a gorilla pad and got a lovely angle

Dwelling house and a fountain

Speaking of this dwelling house - a typical Latvian 19th century dwelling house

Fountains built into pavement at Dobele Marketplace square

About Marketplace

The Marketplace was developing along with the construction of the Dobele Church in 1495.

Two-storey brick buildings, built at the beginning of the 20th century, encircle the place. Nowadays, they house small shops and cafes. The historical Latvian Society House, which stands on the eastern side of the Marketplace, was built in 1939 after the project of the architect Pauls Kundziņš. Now it serves as Dobele Culture House and Tourism Information Center.

Cafe 'Dzirnaviņas' in Biksti

30 June, 2015 | Restaurant reviews | 77 seen

Cafe Dzirnaviņas is located on the roadside of Riga - Liepaja highway in a small county of Biksti. This place serves a traditional Latvian cuisine for a very affordable prices.

Cafe Dzirnavinas

Menu at Cafe Dzirnavinas

As usual it might happen in local Latvian restaurants - a pork chop is a most popular meal. Prices indicated here are in EUR. Portions? Enormous!

A daily dose of Coca-Cola

They serves Coke with ice here (on request)

Bread kvass

Another traditional element from Latvian cuisine - a bread kvass

Pork chop

Boiled vegetables

The Bottom Line

Cafe Dzirnaviņas seems is a  very popular place among locals and foreigners I met here a few foreigners as well - Russians, Belarussians and even a noisy Estonian.

Food served here is tasty, portions are pretty large. Prices - very affordable.