LATVIA. Riga. 'Riga has changed dramatically since I first visited it 10 years ago. It has become a regular destination for German and Scandinavian tourists, and has, as a result, been quite done up. People who live in Riga are obsessed with status symbols such as German cars and mobile phones - this lady is smartly dressed with designer shoes and handbag. Of course, if you venture outside Riga, the surroundings immediately become very decrepit'. 1999.