The world offers magnificent sceneries which everyone who has the chance should visit during their lifetime. When we had visited Sicily to discover my Italian roots, I realized how vast and beautiful our world really is. It was at that time when the spark of wanderlust flickered inside of me. By that time, however, I was already struggling with my weight, being stuck in that endless downward spiral of unhealthy, sedentary lifestyle. The food was my only companion and stress reliever, slowly ruining my life with each gained pound. A few years later, my BMI had increased so much, that getting a gastric sleeve surgery had become my only chance at having a normal life once again. I was hopeless.

However, it was at this time when that long-forgotten spark to travel and visit beautiful and exotic places, kicked in once again. I had always been intrigued by the Baltics and their rich culture, history, cuisine, and beautiful climate.

Riga – A historic crossroad

Latvia is such a beautiful country and an important historic crossroad, where different cultures and powers had influence over the centuries. And Riga’s architecture shows that in the most beautiful way. The breathtaking sights of Daugava River, the wonderful climate, and hospitable people, made the city an obvious choice to visit.

Alas, that was not the only reason why I chose this wonderful city as my destination. It offered something I gravely needed – medical tourism opportunities for the treatment I needed. A treatment that would change my life forever.

Medical Tourism in Latvia

As soon as I discovered the affordable gastric sleeve in Riga, at a fraction of the price, I immediately made my arrangements with the hospital and accommodation. Something inside of my flickered, telling me that after this trip, nothing would ever be the same.

It wasn’t only the prospect of a normal life, but the sheer beauty of the city and country that forever captured my heart. I decided to have a week-long vacation before my treatment, so I could fully experience Riga, visiting as many landmarks as I could.

P?rdaugava

The city’s west bank is a magical place with lots of green spaces and beaches. Even though the beaches weren’t my favorite place to go, in Riga, they radiate with peace and serenity. After a long time, I felt good just feeling the sand on my feet.

Vecr?ga

I fell in love with the old city instantly. The specific architecture, the old, car-free cobblestones beneath my feet, gave me a feeling of traveling through time – where the most of Riga’s beautiful landmarks are located. The House of Blackheads, Riga Town Hall, and the Riga Castle are just some of the landmarks which took my breath away.

A wonderful cuisine

Knowing that my relationship with food would soon change forever, I decided to taste some of the traditional dishes before my treatment. Pelmeni Dumplings, Pickles and Sauerkraut and the Latvian staple dark rye bread, are a-must-taste if you ever visit this wonderful city.

A new step forward

Only a few days after the surgery, I was released from the hospital and took my flight back home, knowing that I had probably made the most important decision in my life. There were apprehension and anxiety at first, but as my excess weight began going away, I knew I had made the right choice. At last, I felt like a complete person, ready to tackle life’s challenges and enjoy its beauty. Because of this, Riga will always have a special place in my heart – because, in its own way, it had saved my life!