On the third of October, we officially embarked on our journey from Riga to Tukums. Before reaching the place, I was really interested in what the rural destinations and experiences in Tukums look like. I came from China. In my memory, rural areas are always in an image of Large fields of rapeseed flowers or ripe rice fields. Nevertheless, what I have seen in Tukums region is totally different.
Read more: Unique rural destinations and experiences in TukumsAdventures in the Wicker Farm
We visited some other places related to natural tourism and cultural heritages first. When we reached the Wicker Farm, it was nearly 6 p.m. This farm is a family business. Their core product is the manufactured wicker basket. This kind of product is not rare in this world but different regions have different styles. The owner learned this skill from his father and their business was born accidentally. The owner sent those baskets as gifts to his friends and relatives. One day, his friend unintentionally suggested him to make this into a business. Since then, the wheel of destiny started to rotate. Their products became so popular in Japan and finally, they developed the business into what we see today. To develop the rural tourism business, they made a lot of changes. They cooperated with some homestay companies to build some accommodations at a luxury level. They also fed some animals like dogs, chickens, geese, ducks, ostriches and goats to attract children. It feels so warmhearted to an adorable samoyed running to us when we get down from our cars. Also, tourists can go fishing and taste the apples and vegetables they grow themselves.
An unforgettable experience in Kangari snail farm
When I first heard that we were going to a snail farm, I felt a little bit doubtful about that. I know that French escargot is a really popular dish in France. I never knew that it could be developed into a tourism destination. Also, every time I think about snails, it feels totally slimy and shows an image of a dark and damp environment. However, the journey to Kangari snail farm really impressed me. It is clean everywhere and the snails are growing in a square farmland. When I was touching them, I felt never slimy but a small creature’s vitality. The snail farm provides accommodations as well. Although it is not as luxurious as what basket weaving farm provides, they are still comfortable and unique. Tourists can really see, touch and use the traditional farm tools. They are truly historical and memorable. What’s more, besides tasting the snails, they also provide foods made in traditional Latvian cooking techniques. I love the dessert made from egg and berry jam the most.
Personal feedback on rural destinations and experiences in Tukums
Personally, I was totally surprised after visiting these two places. They gave me the idea that rural tourism can also be a luxury. However, there are a lot of disadvantages as well. Firstly, both destinations are placed in the middle of nowhere. It is even hard to find a landmark on our way to the destinations and maybe this is why Google Maps worked awfully to navigate. We found it interesting that when we got lost on the way to the wicker farm. We stopped at a place which was 3 km away from it and asked a local people about how to get there. He had no idea about the place at all, although the basket weaving farm is so famous among the region. Another thing is that the popularity of English is not good which is not so friendly for the international market. When visiting the snail farm, we needed to ask a teacher from Turiba University to translate for us.
As I mentioned in my last blog, I am very interested in the chocolate workshop and the Fisher’s farm. It is a pity that we don’t have so much time in Tukums so that we can travel on our own so I got no chance to visit both of them. Although I listed some disadvantages to them, I still really like the places and I will travel there next summer to have a slow and enjoyable journey on my own.
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