This video offers a retrospective of my first time to Riga, Latvia. Filmed in the winter of 2020, it captures a world on the cusp of immense change as the early waves of the Covid pandemic were reaching Europe. At that time, the full impact of ensuing travel restrictions, cancelled excursions, exhibitions, quarantines, and the onset of vaccination programs were unimaginable. Thus, this footage not only chronicles my first ever trip to Riga and the journey but also serves as a nostalgic reminder of an era in travel blogging unencumbered by masks and global health concerns.
My first exploration of Riga coincided with the winter holidays, a period marked surprisingly by mild temperatures and a conspicuous absence of snow – except for the chilly gusts at the summit of St. Peter’s Church. It was here, braving the cold winds which numbed my fingers, that I captured the breathtaking panoramas of Riga you will see in this video.
A particularly striking photograph, taken from this vantage point, was put for display at an art exhibition in Helsinki, Finland, in the spring of 2020. However, the sweeping closures due to the pandemic led to the unfortunate cancellation of this and lots of other cultural events. My photograph eventually did make its debut at an art exhibition in Helsinki in November 2020, after the long unexpected delay.
For those interested in acquiring the photograph featured in the Helsinki exhibition, I welcome inquiries via email. Additionally, I am pleased to offer customized videos upon request. Join me in this visual journey through Riga, and discover the enchanting scenes I encountered in this historic city.
You might also be interested in the earlier posts and videos related to Riga, like
My first ever blogpost had authentic travel moods straight from Mumbai, India. It took, however, more than ten years before I was able to experience a five star hotel in Mumbai. And after experiencing it, one can not dream of much else.
I chose such a hotel from Mumbai from where one can see the Marine Drive, and from this hotel in Nariman Point I was able to watch the sceneries where I had walked one decade earlier. And from where I also got to see movies and read some terrible news later as well.
Hotel Oberoi Trident, Mumbai
That hotel was a 5 star hotel Oberoi Trident Mumbai and my room there was a suite with a living room, a bedroom and a bathroom. And because the short video I made of this Oberoi hotel happens to be my most popular video in my YouTube channel, the hotel really deserves to be blogged and mentioned in my free-to-read travel guide online, the INDIVUE – Trip to India.
Hotel Oberoi Trident Mumbai and the dining table of the suite
The living room of the suite had two windows overlooking the Arabian Sea as well as the skyscrapers of the opposite headland. The furniture included a sofa, sofa chairs and a living room table, as well as a dining table with chairs and a chest of drawers, a TV and oriental rugs. The bedroom in turn had a comfortable double bed, closets, desk, TV, desk chair and other seating. The bathroom was elegantly clean and had a nice bathtub.
The walls of the suite room were painted with the usual light yellow color common in Indian households and the floor of the living room was made of some dark green marble tile or similar cool coating that feels nicely cool on bare toes if air conditioning was not being used. The curtains were light beige and the furniture was darker in color. The suite had roses and other fresh flowers in a vase as decorative elements and couple of valuable-looking works of art delighted the guest on the suite walls.
View from the hotel window without zoom
One was able to order the breakfast in the room and the breakfast was plentiful and tasty with the room service being played tip top. I wrote a post in Finnish, couple of years ago, about the hotel kitchen and the hotel food, and the post was with a heading “Best Indian Food and Restaurant in Mumbai“. I think that tells about it all.
Morning in Mumbai
Video of the 5 star hotel Oberoi Trident in Mumbai
Couple of years ago I made a music video for YouTube about this five-star hotel in Mumbai and by now the video has received the most likes of all my YouTube videos so far. I want to thank you for all the likes, because it is very rare that a blogging artist gets any feedback. And since the video has reached over 11000 views by now, it is time to celebrate it and show you the video here as well –
In this video you will get to see e.g. the hotel’s pink corridors as well as them fine oriental rugs and the gilded trash can of the suite room. You will also get to see better the actual distance to the opposite beach, as well as the people around the hotel, doing for example their morning jog or just otherwise admiring the sea and the sceneries.
From the hotel’s observation deck one was able to see the entire Marine Drive and also Chowpatty Beach.
Exploring the Elegance of Oberoi Trident Mumbai
Nestled in the heart of Mumbai’s business district, Oberoi Trident Mumbai is an architectural marvel. The hotel’s exterior exudes a contemporary and sleek design, which seamlessly blends into the city’s skyline. Inside, the design ethos balances modern aesthetics with traditional Indian elements. The grand lobby, with its exquisite art pieces, sets the tone for an experience that intertwines luxury with cultural richness.
Accommodations
The hotel offers a range of accommodations, each designed to provide unparalleled comfort and luxury. From the elegantly appointed Deluxe Rooms to the opulent suites, where I stayed, each room is a haven of tranquility. They feature large windows that offer stunning views of the city or the Arabian Sea. The rooms are equipped with state-of-the-art amenities, ensuring that every stay is both comfortable and memorable.
Culinary Delights
Dining at Oberoi Trident Mumbai is a gastronomic journey. The hotel houses multiple dining venues, each offering a unique culinary experience.
Frangipani: This all-day dining restaurant serves a diverse array of international and Indian cuisines.
India Jones: Specializing in Asian cuisine, it offers a taste of the exotic East with dishes from Japan, China, Thailand, and beyond.
Opium Den: A stylish bar offering a selection of fine wines, spirits, and innovative cocktails.
The Verandah: A 24-hour lounge that serves light snacks, desserts, and a variety of beverages.
The culinary experiences are complemented by impeccable service, ensuring a delightful dining experience for every guest.
Business and Events
With its prime location, Oberoi Trident Mumbai is a preferred choice for business travelers. The hotel boasts a range of meeting rooms and a grand ballroom, equipped with the latest technology. Whether it’s a high-powered business meeting, a conference, or a lavish wedding, the hotel’s event spaces are adaptable to every need, they say. I did not try them out though.
Service and Hospitality
What truly sets Oberoi Trident Mumbai apart is its impeccable service and warm hospitality. The staff, attentive and professional, ensure that every guest’s need is catered to with utmost care. This commitment to service excellence makes every stay at the hotel a memorable one.
Oberoi Trident Mumbai is a symbol of luxury and Indian hospitality. With its elegant architecture, luxurious accommodations, exquisite dining options, wellness facilities, and top-notch service, it stands as a testament to the city’s cosmopolitan spirit and cultural richness. For travelers seeking an unforgettable experience in Mumbai, Oberoi Trident Mumbai is an impeccable choice.
