Mara-location, Latvia

Owns a little jewellery store tucked away down a little alley in the old town of Central Riga.

I enter the store and am greeted by a gently spoken young lady who has the smile that could warm a soul. As I ponder the beautiful yellow/orange amber jewlerry studding the walls we quickly spark a conversation.

Mara has lived in Latvia her whole life. Her parents are also latvian. The store is their own family business, and they recently opened up a new store as it was doing so well. She tells me her family have always loved amber stone, they believe it has many healing properties and have used it for medicinal purposes for many generations. it is washed in from the baltic ocean and the nearby trees absorb the amber that then produces the stone.

She loves her job, and is proud to work for the family. Her favourite part about her job is the view. From her counter she can clearly see the most beautiful view of St Peter's church towering into the sky line. How could you ever get sick of that she says.

Her favourite part about Latvia is the beach, and her home town …. Where her and her family live.

Her favourite childhood pastime is going to the castle located close to her home, her parents used to take her on the weekends and in summer and she loved to read the messages written all over the walls.

Latvian food is full of potatoes, in any form. But her mother makes the most amazing traditional meatballs and spice cookies.

I wish I could stay and chat longer but the shop is full of customers and I need to keep moving.

Enjoy that view mara