Cats and singing animals

Today, having been alerted by DDW (thank you Dana) we went to find The Cat House of Riga, renowned for two black cats standing on the top of two towers in what can only be called a rude position.

Many years ago a wealthy Latvian merchant was declined membership by the local German run Guild. He had the two cats made and positioned them on top of his house with their bottoms insultingly facing the Guild building.( I am trying to be delicate!). They took their quarrel to court and it was resolved but the cats remain, becoming a popular tourist spot.

More animals taken from a fairy story stand in another part of town...The Musicians of Bremen by Hans Christian Andersen tells the tale of a donkey, a dog, a cat and a hen who make a break for freedom. Several countries have sculptures or paintings of this quartet. Riga' s represents the animals breaking through the wall of communism. See extra.


We have eaten out twice and the food is delicious. Last night's fish restaurant was superb and today at lunch a very ordinary looking bar served the most unexpectedly good food...see extra. Slightly salted herring, quail egg, orange caviar, cream cheese with dill...wow!