Latvia
If I tell you this country has the coolest store in the whole world - alongside with the most terrifying, yet best museum experience - would you believe me?
I went to Riga with two of my amazing friends - and we had a mission - to see some hidden gems, and boy, did we see some!
There is a map store in the heart of Riga. But it isn't simply just a map store - you see, the original owners were able to get their hands on classified Soviet military maps in 1990 - sold as wastepaper. Now, you can buy ORIGINAL copies of these relics, for a dirt cheap price. I obviously had to get one of the Canary Islands - since I call them home. I only paid 10 euros for it. But it isn't even about the maps - it's about the owner of the store - and his incredible knowledge, and stories. I believe we spent over two hours in the store - ans went back the day after.
I hope you didn't misunderstand my raving about an absolutely brutal ex-country. There is a museum in Riga - where they show you in a special way what exactly happened with "political enemies" in the Soviet Union - aka anyone they wanted to accuse with anything.
Your museum guide steps into the role of a Soviet agent. And you - alongside other visitors are being showed how they treated people. It is definitely a brutal experience - but you will truly understand the terrors of this period.
Oh and I haven't even mentioned Riga itself. Historical, charming, and beautiful.
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