Liepaja: The Windy City of Latvia

• HelloSveiki
  [svei-ki]
• GoodbyeUz redzēšanos
  [uz red-ze-sha-nos]
• YesJā
  [ya]
• NoNē
  [ne]
• Please/You're welcomeLūdzu
  [lu-du]
• Thank youPaldies
  [pal-dyes]
• Excuse me/SorryAtvainojiet
  [at-vai-no-yet]
• How are you?Kā jums klājas?
  [ka yums kla-yas]
• Fine. And you?Labi. Un jūs?
  [la-bi. oon yus]
• Do you speak English?Vai jūs runājat angļu valodā?
  [vai yus roo-na-yat ang-lu va-lo-da]
• I don't understandEs nesaprotu
  [es ne-sa-pro-tu]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseEs vēlētos redzēt ēdienkarti, lūdzu
  [es ve-le-tos red-ze-t e-dye-en-kar-ti lu-du]
• I don't eat meatEs nēēdu gaļu
  [es ne-yee-du gal-u]
• Cheers!Priekā!
  [prie-ka]
• I would like to pay, pleaseEs vēlētos samaksāt, lūdzu
  [es ve-le-tos sa-mak-sat lu-du]

• Help!Palīdzība!
  [pa-lid-zi-ba]
• Go away!Iziet prom!
  [ee-zyet prom]
• Call the Police!Sauciet policiju!
  [sau-tsieht po-li-tsi-you]
• Call a doctor!Sauciet ārstu!
  [sau-tsieht ar-stu]
• I'm lostEs esmu pazudis/pazudusi
  [es es-mu pa-zu-dis/pa-zu-du-si]
• I'm illMan ir slikti
  [man eer slit-ki]

• I'd like to buy...Es vēlētos iegādāties...
  [es ve-le-tos ye-ga-da-ties]
• I'm just lookingEs tikai pārskatos
  [es ti-kai paar-ska-tos]
• How much is it?Cik tas maksā?
  [tsik tas mak-sa]
• That's too expensiveTas ir pārāk dārgs
  [tas eer paar-ak dargs]
• Can you lower the price?Vai jūs varētu pazemināt cenu?
  [vai yus va-re-tu pa-ze-me-nat tse-nu]

• What time is it?Cik ir pulkstenis?
  [tsik eer pulk-ste-nis]
• It's one o'clockIr viens pulkstenis
  [eer vyens pulk-ste-nis]
• Half past (10)Pus desmit
  [poos des-mit]
• MorningRīts
  [reets]
• AfternoonPēcpusdiena
  [pech-pus-dye-na]
• EveningVakars
  [va-kars]
• YesterdayVakar
  [va-kar]
• TodayŠodien
  [sho-dyen]
• TomorrowRīt
  [reet]
• 1Viens
  [vyens]
• 2Divi
  [dee-vee]
• 3Trīs
  [trees]
• 4Četri
  [che-trees]
• 5Pieci
  [pye-tsee]
• 6Seši
  [se-shee]
• 7Septiņi
  [sep-tsee-nyee]
• 8Astoņi
  [as-ton-yee]
• 9Deviņi
  [de-veen-yee]
• 10Desmit
  [des-mit]

• Where's a/the...?Kur atrodas...
  [koor a-tro-das]
• What's the address?Kāda ir adrese?
  [ka-da eer a-dre-se]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Vai jūs varat man parādīt (uz kartes)?
  [vai yus va-rat man pa-ra-deet oos kar-tes]
• When's the next (bus)?Kad būs nākamais (autobuss)?
  [kad boos na-ka-mais auto-boos]
• A ticket (to ....)Bilete (uz ....)
  [bi-le-te oos]

Liepaja was first mentioned in historical chronicles in 1253 as a small Curonian settlement called Līva. The region was part of the Livonian Confederation, and over time, it became an important trading post due to its strategic location along the Baltic Sea.

In 1560, Liepaja came under the control of the Duchy of Courland and Semigallia, a vassal state of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. The city's development accelerated during this period, and in 1625, it was granted city rights by Duke Friedrich Kettler.

In the late 17th century, the city fell under Swedish rule and later became part of the Russian Empire after the Great Northern War in 1721. Under Russian rule, Liepaja developed into a major port and industrial center, significantly contributing to its growth and prosperity.

In 1867, Tsar Alexander II declared Liepaja a free port, spurring rapid economic development. The city became a crucial hub for trade and shipbuilding. The establishment of the railway connecting Liepaja to other parts of the Russian Empire further bolstered its economic importance.

During World War I, Liepaja was occupied by German forces. Following the war, Latvia declared its independence in 1918, and Liepaja played a significant role as a temporary capital of the new republic when Riga was under threat from both German and Bolshevik forces.

Liepaja faced severe hardships during World War II, including occupation by both Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union. The city was heavily bombed, and many of its inhabitants suffered under harsh military regimes. After the war, Liepaja was incorporated into the Soviet Union, leading to significant changes in its demographic and industrial landscape.

Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, Latvia regained its independence, and Liepaja began a new chapter in its history. The city has since focused on revitalizing its economy, promoting tourism, and preserving its rich cultural heritage. Modern Liepaja boasts a vibrant cultural scene, with numerous festivals, museums, and historical sites attracting visitors from around the world.

Liepaja is located on the western coast of Latvia. The nearest international airport is Riga International Airport (RIX), approximately 210 kilometers away. From Riga, you can take a direct bus operated by Lux Express or a train operated by Latvian Railways to Liepaja. The journey typically takes around 3 to 4 hours by road and approximately 2.5 hours by train. Alternatively, you can rent a car for a more flexible travel experience.

Liepaja has a well-developed public transport system, including buses and trams that connect different parts of the city. Tickets can be purchased from kiosks or directly from the driver. Taxis are also readily available, but it is advisable to use reputable companies or apps like Bolt. For those who prefer cycling, Liepaja is bicycle-friendly, with several rental options available.

The official currency in Latvia is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it is a good idea to carry some cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are plentiful in Liepaja, and currency exchange offices can be found in the city center.

Liepaja is generally a safe city for tourists. However, like any other destination, it is important to take basic precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. The Karosta area, while historically interesting, has some neighborhoods where caution is advised, especially after dark.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. This number connects you to police, fire, and medical services. For health emergencies, Liepaja Regional Hospital is well-equipped to handle various medical situations. Pharmacies are available throughout the city for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably and appropriately for the weather. Casual wear is generally accepted, but avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local religious customs, especially when visiting churches. Public Transport: Do buy a ticket before boarding and validate it. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Labdien' (Good day) and a handshake. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept offers of food and drink graciously. Don't leave food on your plate as it may be considered wasteful.

To experience Liepaja like a local, visit the Central Market for fresh produce and traditional Latvian goods. Stroll along the Liepaja beach and explore the scenic parks. Engage with locals who are generally friendly and proud of their city's history and culture. Don’t miss the Liepaja Museum and the Concert Hall ‘Great Amber’ for a taste of local art and music. For a unique experience, explore the Karosta Prison, now a museum and cultural site.