I had always wanted to travel the world and visit exotic and unusual places. Ever since I was 7, when we went on the family vacation to sunny Barcelona, I discovered my wanderlust and the desire to see everything our beautiful planet had to offer. However, my toxic relationship with food, and my obesity, had put my childhood dream on the back burner. For a time, I had forgotten it. By the time I hit 30, I realized that a gastric sleeve surgery was the only chance for me to save my life and get a new lease on life.
This acted as a wake-up call for me and my old dream of travelling the world rekindled. I wanted to visit as many UNESCO sites as I could.
Discovering Riga
I was always fascinated with the Baltics and their rich history, making Riga an obvious choice for an architecture enthusiast like me. Just walking down the old cobbles of its historic centre is a magical journey through history. On the other hand, the Daugava River offers unforgettable, breathtaking sights. My desire to visit the city grew with each hour of online research.
However, my high blood pressure, pre-diabetic condition and decreased mobility became a far more pressing matter. It was at that moment when I discovered something that would change my life forever. Medical tourism opportunities which offer exactly what I was looking for. A second chance at life.
Medical Tourism in the Baltics
I decided to combine my dream with getting the care my life depended upon. Thus, I arranged everything with the hospital, packed my bags and with tears in my eyes, I took my flight to Riga.
The moment I set foot in Latvia, I knew I had turned a new page in my life’s story. In my four day journey before my scheduled surgery, I got to enjoy their cuisine (shashliks are just amazing, Rupjmaize and dressed herring are just magical) and visited so many places.
Vecrīga
The historical city center feels like a picnic in Wonderland for architecture enthusiasts, with that specific sea scent purveying the air. St. John’s Church, The House of Blackheads, Riga Castle and the Riga Town Hall are just some of the buildings that stole pieces of my heart, leaving me breathless. If you ever you find your way into beautiful Riga, Vecrīga will surely have a special place in your heart. It has a special place in mine.
Absolutely Amazing Museums
The city has an absolutely amazing choice of museums to visit, with extraordinary exhibitions. From the Museum of the Occupation for the history buffs, the Ethnographic Open-Air Museum and the Latvian National Museum of Art, to the Latvian War Museum – there something to visit for everyone. Personally, my favorite was the Museum of History of Riga and Navigation.
The beginnings of my new life
Even though I was terrified, my gastric sleeve went without a hitch and few days later, I was back on my plane back home. During every hardship in my new diet and lifestyle – I kept the memories of this wonderful visit close to my heart, and they helped me become better, healthier, thinner person. With its beauty, Riga had truly saved my life!
“Travel far enough, you meet yourself.”
― David Mitchell