Talsi: The Jewel of the Nine Hills

• HelloSveiki
  [Svei-ki]
• GoodbyeUz redzēšanos
  [Uz red-ze-sha-nos]
• YesJā
  [Ya]
• NoNē
  [Ne]
• Please/You're welcomeLūdzu
  [Loo-dzu]
• Thank youPaldies
  [Pal-dies]
• Excuse me/SorryAtvainojiet
  [At-vai-no-yiet]
• How are you?Kā jums klājas?
  [Ka yums kla-yas]
• Fine. And you?Labi. Un jums?
  [La-bi. Oon yums?]
• Do you speak English?Vai jūs runājat angļu valodā?
  [Vai yoos roo-nai-at 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 vee-le-tohs red-zeht e-die-en-kar-ti, loo-dzu]
• I don't eat meatEs neēdu gaļu
  [Es nee-doo ga-lu]
• Cheers!Priekā!
  [Prie-ka]
• I would like to pay, pleaseEs vēlētos samaksāt, lūdzu
  [Es vee-le-tohs sa-ma-ksaat, loo-dzu]

• Help!Palīdzība!
  [Pa-lee-dzi-ba]
• Go away!Iet prom!
  [Yiet prom]
• Call the Police!Sauciet policiju!
  [Sau-tsieht po-li-tsi-yu]
• Call a doctor!Sauciet ārstu!
  [Sau-tsieht aar-stu]
• I'm lostEs esmu pazudis/pazudusi
  [Es es-mu pa-zu-dis/pa-zu-du-si]
• I'm illMan ir slikti
  [Man eer sli-k-ti]

• I'd like to buy...Es vēlētos nopirkt...
  [Es vee-le-tohs no-peerkt]
• I'm just lookingEs tikai skatos
  [Es ti-kai ska-tos]
• How much is it?Cik tas maksā?
  [Tsik tas mak-saa]
• That's too expensiveTas ir pārāk dārgi
  [Tsas eer pa-raak daar-gi]
• Can you lower the price?Vai jūs varat samazināt cenu?
  [Vai yoos va-rat sa-ma-zi-naat tse-nu]

• What time is it?Cik ir pulkstenis?
  [Tsik eer pulk-ste-nis]
• It's one o'clockIr viens pulkstenis
  [Eer viens pulk-ste-nis]
• Half past (10)Pus divpadsmit
  [Pus deev-pad-smit]
• MorningRīts
  [Reets]
• AfternoonPēcpusdiena
  [Peech-pus-die-na]
• EveningVakars
  [Va-kars]
• YesterdayVakar
  [Va-kar]
• TodayŠodien
  [Sho-dien]
• TomorrowRīt
  [Reet]
• 1Viens
  [Viens]
• 2Divi
  [Dee-vee]
• 3Trīs
  [Tree-s]
• 4Četri
  [Che-tri]
• 5Pieci
  [Pie-tsi]
• 6Seši
  [Se-shi]
• 7Septiņi
  [Sep-tsee-ni]
• 8Astoņi
  [As-to-nee]
• 9Devīti
  [De-vee-ti]
• 10Desmit
  [Des-mit]

• Where's a/the...?Kur ir...?
  [Koor eer]
• What's the address?Kāda ir adrese?
  [Ka-da eer a-dre-se]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Vai jūs varat mani norādīt (uz kartes)?
  [Vai yoos va-rat ma-ni no-ra-diit (uz kar-tes)]
• When's the next (bus)?Kad būs nākamais (autobuss)?
  [Kad boos na-ka-ma-ees (au-to-booss)]
• A ticket (to ....)Biļete (uz ....)
  [Bi-ye-te (uz)]

Talsi is one of the oldest towns in Latvia, with archaeological evidence pointing to settlements in the area as far back as the 10th century. The town itself was officially established in 1231 during the period of the Livonian Crusades, when German crusaders built a castle in the region.

During the medieval period, Talsi became a significant center for trade and governance in the region. The strategic location of Talsi near the Abava River facilitated commerce and communication. The town was part of the Duchy of Courland and Semigallia from 1561 to 1795, which further influenced its development.

In the 17th century, Talsi came under Swedish control following the Treaty of Oliva in 1660. However, this was short-lived, as the Great Northern War led to Russian dominance in the early 18th century. The town was incorporated into the Russian Empire in 1795 as part of the Courland Governorate.

The 19th century saw significant growth and modernization in Talsi. Infrastructure improvements, such as the construction of roads and public buildings, were undertaken. The town also became a hub for cultural and intellectual activities, with the establishment of schools and libraries.

Talsi played a role in Latvia's fight for independence during and after World War I. The town experienced periods of German and Russian occupation but ultimately became part of the newly independent Latvia in 1918. The interwar period was marked by economic development and cultural revival in Talsi.

During World War II, Talsi was occupied first by Soviet forces and then by Nazi Germany. Following the end of the war, the town was incorporated into the Soviet Union, which significantly impacted its social and economic structure. Talsi underwent Sovietization, including the establishment of collective farms and industrial enterprises.

The late 20th century was a transformative period for Talsi as Latvia regained its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. The town has since focused on preserving its historical heritage while developing modern amenities. Talsi is now a vibrant cultural and economic center in the Kurzeme region.

Talsi is often referred to as the 'Town of Nine Hills,' a nod to its picturesque landscape. The town boasts a rich cultural heritage, with numerous festivals, museums, and historical sites. Notable landmarks include the Talsi Regional Museum, Talsi Hillfort, and several well-preserved churches and manor houses.

Talsi is located in the Kurzeme region of Latvia. The nearest international airport is Riga International Airport, approximately 115 kilometers away. From Riga, you can take a bus or rent a car to reach Talsi. Bus services run frequently between Riga and Talsi, typically taking around 2 hours. Alternatively, you can drive, which takes approximately 1.5 hours via the A10 and P120 roads.

Talsi is a small town, and many attractions are within walking distance. For longer trips, local taxis are available. Public buses operate within Talsi and connect to nearby towns and villages. Renting a car is also an option for those looking to explore the region at their own pace. Bicycles can be rented locally for a more eco-friendly way to get around.

The official currency in Latvia is the Euro (EUR). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops in Talsi. However, it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are available throughout the town, so withdrawing cash is relatively easy.

Talsi is generally a safe destination for tourists. Standard precautions should be taken, such as avoiding poorly lit areas at night and keeping an eye on personal belongings, especially in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but it is always best to remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. This number connects you to all emergency services, including police, fire, and medical assistance. Talsi has a local police station and medical facilities. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in town where over-the-counter medications can be purchased.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A friendly nod or 'Labdien' (Good day) is also appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Talsi like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Latvian goods. Engage with the locals, who are often friendly and eager to share stories about the town's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the Talsi Hillfort, which offers panoramic views of the town and surrounding countryside. For a unique experience, participate in local festivals and events, which provide a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the region.