Bean Group - Premium Rental Accommodation in the Heart of Liepāja, Latvia

16/08/2022

Bean Group has been busy! We've been growing. Not in the way that was originally planned, but sometimes when opportunities present themselves to you, you just can't turn them down!

Having spent the last 14 months recovering from a serious injury, and dealing with some stuff I never saw coming, I wasn't in much of a state to take on anything like major building work. I had looked at some possibilities, but none were quite right, and they needed a huge amount of work to be what I needed them to be. I considered a large residential house, that I liked a lot, but it was in an area of historical significance, and there's no way the council would sign off on me raising the roof to get extra floor space. I looked at an incredible building, in a great location, but the compromise was that it had no outdoor space, and every single room needed renovating. I got such a bad vibe off a building that used to be a bank, puppet theatre, and hotel at various points in history, that I decided not to even go in, although it had loads of outdoor space.

I wanted to grow my business, but in a way that was manageable for me. What to dooooooo?

Well, as I was complaining to my business coach, she suggested that I slow down to move forward. It sounded crazy, but I totally trust her, and I just stopped, and I breathed. I stopped looking at properties. I only focused on the business I already had, and on my own wellbeing. Then what do you know? A friend had a couple of apartments that were going to be empty, and I volunteered to set up and manage them as holiday rentals. A perfect job for me! I love what I do, and I threw myself into making them lovely spaces that people would want to spend time in. I worked long hours, creating spreadsheets, contacting suppliers, making repairs, doing research, buying new furniture and furnishings, reconfiguring one of the kitchens, determined that my friend would not be disappointed in my work, and that I could produce something I was proud of.

Of course, life being life, a spanner came hurtling my way, in the form of my friend saying that they had decided on another venture in another town, and they wanted to sell their apartments. What was I going to dooooooo? (My poor neighbours. I howl a lot.) The apartments were looking great, and I had invested so much of myself in them. Then . . . I don't know whose idea this was, but we agreed that my friend would sell the apartments to me. They'd get to do their thing, and I'd get to keep on doing what I was doing with the apartments. They were definitely growing on me!

So, here we are. Bean Group sprouted two new properties in a most serendipitous way. I'd like to introduce you to Pine Two Apartment and Pine Tree Apartment. They're right next door to each other, on the first (ground) floor of a small, newly-renovated residential building, with parking in the yard. They're about a 10-minute walk to the very centre of the city, and close to most amenities the city offers.

Pine Two and Pine Tree (I really couldn't think of anything else, and please don't ask me where the pine trees are!) both sleep a maximum of four, and come with pretty much everything you need for a comfortable stay. Both kitchens are equipped with a hob, oven, microwave, rangehood, fridge/freezer, and dishwasher, and each apartment also comes with a washing machine, drying rack, iron, ironing board, and hairdryer. Consumables such as dishwasher and laundry tablets, paper towels, dishwashing liquid, bathroom tissue, shampoo, conditioner, bodywash, wet wipes, and more, are all provided.

We accommodate a lot of families, and every Bean Group apartment has available a portacot with bed linens, baby bath, high chair, and step stool. Guests will find a large, smart TV in each living area, and can log into their own accounts. There's a new 5G router in each apartment, which I regularly test on my own devices, and each apartment has a desk as well as a dining table, in case anyone wants to work from their home away from home, or write postcards.

I am really proud of these apartments, and so grateful to all the people who have had a hand in helping Bean Group grow. I couldn't possibly name everyone, but I have the most reliable and trustworthy superstars working for me, and kind and well-connected friends who have pointed me in the right direction when I haven't known what to dooooooo! The tradespeople who have done work for me have been brilliant. They even popped me in their vehicle one day to pick out new kitchen appliances. My poor accountant - he makes things easy for me, and in return I complicate it all! The neighbours have been great - I got really lucky with them. The Bean Group Apprentice, the Bean Group Sister, and the Bean Group Parents have all played a big part in this, whether they know it or not, and I wish they could all be here to see what I'm achieving. They might have to book, though, because we're kinda busy!

I'm nowhere near finished. I have some really big plans. One day. For now, though, I am delighting in this phase of the Bean Group story, and loving every minute of what I'm doing. After months of hard work, and many late nights, I'm going to stay still for a bit.

Let me know if you want to come and stay in glorious Liepāja. You wouldn't know that summer is nearly over, because we're having 30 degree days (that's Celsius!), and more sunshine than the poor petunias can stand! I recommend Liepāja in the cooler months, too. The city takes on a serene air, and on snow days, it's like being inside a beautiful black and white photograph. It's perfect here at any time of year!

25/07/2022

04/07/2022

Deadheading yellow petunias on a sunny terrace is not something I ever expected to be part of my job description, but it's a very pleasant way to spend an afternoon.

As with all the flowers I buy, the petunias came from Pētertirgus, Liepāja's largest market, a 400m (1/4 mile) walk around the corner from Apartment Eva. The market is open extended hours over summer, including Sundays, and has a vast array of fresh local produce, processed food, bread, clothing, footwear, jewellery, and, of course, flowers.

This picture is of the lovely south-facing terrace at Apartment Eva, where guests can relax, and enjoy Liepāja's long summer nights, watching the sky slowly change to a deep, velvety blue.

11/02/2022

How lovely to receive a Traveler Review Award from Booking.com for Apartment Eva! I'm really proud of the consistent 10/10 reviews, and so grateful to the people who have helped me make that happen.

We're also on Airbnb, and often take direct bookings, but Booking.com has been a real pleasure to partner with as I've been growing my business. Here's to that continuing!

https://www.booking.com/hotel/lv/eva-liepaja.en-gb.html?aid=356980&label=gog235jc-1FCAsoigFCC2V2YS1saWVwYWphSDNYA2iKAYgBAZgBGrgBGMgBDNgBAegBAfgBA4gCAagCBLgCoMqakAbAAgHSAiRiNzFhOWFmNC03NWQ1LTQ0NWYtYjJkNC01YWQ3OTVlM2Q4M2HYAgXgAgE&sid=c7bb7f3b4d99ed1b160027c39485e16d&lang=en-gb&room1=A%2CA&sb_price_type=total&soz=1&type=total&lang_click=other;cdl=lv;lang_changed=1

03/01/2022

The Bean Group is looking forward to hosting your next stay in the historical seaside town of Liepāja. Contact me directly, or find Apartment Eva on Booking.com or Airbnb.

2021 was a great year for us, and 2022 has been off to a great start. We're already taking bookings for summer 2022, and can offer guests some great deals for winter stays.

Apartment Eva is conveniently located five minutes' walk from Rožu laukums (Rose Square), Pētertirgus (Peter Market), and it's just a 20 minute stroll from the fabulous Liepājas pludmale (Liepāja Beach).

We can accommodate up to five adults, and an infant aged up to two years, in warm, bright, and airy surroundings that offer all you need for a comfortable stay.

Regards, Anita.

https://www.booking.com/hotel/lv/eva-liepaja.lv.html?aid=356980;label=gog235jc-1DCAsoigFCC2V2YS1saWVwYWphSDNYA2iKAYgBAZgBGrgBGMgBDNgBA-gBAfgBA4gCAagCBLgC_dPKjgbAAgHSAiRiYTZmOGRhYS1hODI2LTRmNWQtYWE5MC0wZWRlYzI1ZGU0YjjYAgTgAgE;sid=e9aaea250bc8b9f9c6f6acf18127f699;dist=0&keep_landing=1&sb_price_type=total&type=total&

Dzīvoklis Eva atrodas Liepājā, tikai 300 metru attālumā no Latvijas mūziķu Slavas alejas un Sv. Annas baznīcas. Naktsmītnei ir terase.

25/12/2021

From the Bean Group to you, our friends and guests, a huge thank you for your support in 2021. We've loved providing a comfortable, relaxed environment for you to create special memories of your time in Liepāja.

May you and your dear ones have a happy and safe festive season! ❄

25/10/2021

After I moved to Liepāja my walking pace slowed right down as I took my time to marvel at every building, tree, cat, waterway, art installation, etc, that we have here. I would even come to a complete stop in the middle of the footpath to appreciate an intricately carved door, or old-style double glazing.

For around three months my expeditions were halted altogether, during which time I was pretty much in bed all day, every day, with my very busted, very metal, ankle elevated on pillows. It was six weeks before I even left my bedroom, and by the time my physiotherapist taught me how to get down the stairs and onto the street a few weeks ago, I was desperate to see more than just the views from my windows.

I'm still not allowed on the stairs alone, but I can get down them, very slowly, putting both feet on each step, my right hand on the rail, and my left hand pressing the wall to steady myself. Going up is easier, and I can do it with one hand, but I don't feel the same delicious anticipation as I do when I'm about to head out of the building. Half a dozen ventures outside in four months is not a lot, so it's a real treat when someone makes time to take me out for a walk. More of a limpy hobble, really, but I like to call it walking.

Today, I put on my ugly-but-comfortable Teva hi-tops, four layers of clothes, and stepped out with my lovely friend for what was probably a one and a half kilometre walk that would take an hour and a half. The mission: Cash out at the Swedbank foyer ATM, and margarine from Top! It was my first time doing either for months. I got declined at the money machine for entering an old PIN from a New Zealand bank card, then declined again for not reading the sign, and attempting to take out €5 notes when the smallest denomination available today was €10. Six or seven people used the other machine in the time it took me to conclude my business. People will forgive you anything when you're leaning on a crutch, though.

Onwards to Top! It's actually called "Top!"; I don't usually get so excited about supermarkets. I think that today, though, I would have awarded it an exclamation mark had it not already had one. I was just so thrilled to be in a supermarket again after months of online grocery orders. I'm sure other shoppers thought I was visiting from elsewhere in the solar system as I lingered in every aisle exclaiming "They have fruit!", "Look, flour!", and "Ooh, that's new!"

I managed to pull myself away from the dried goods, and grabbed two tubs of my favourite margarine that neither Nuko nor Rimi deliver. The Delma shortage in my fridge had been verging on a crisis, and I had been wondering what I'd do when I ran out.

It's not possible to get to the checkout at Top! without passing aisles of chocolate and potato chips. My friend picked out a new chip flavour I hadn't seen before and, had I been able-bodied, I would have happy danced around the shop. Salt and vinegar! It's been nearly two years since I've had salt and vinegar chips, and the only ones I'd ever seen here are not vegan. The picture on the front of the packet looked a bit funny, but I just saw "salt and vinegar" and "vegan", and grabbed a second bag for good measure.

Near Top! is a quite lovely modern municipal building. It stands out amongst all the old wood and stone buildings around it, and is a nice contrast to them. It's only around 400m from my place, and I've walked past it more times than I could guess at. As we walked past it today, my friend made a comment about the hameleons (chameleon) building. I said "What?" She said "Hameleons. It changes colour." I think I said "What?" again, and she told me to keep my eyes on it as we walked past.

Well, how could I not have noticed a building in my own neighbourhood that changes from green to orange, and every colour in between? I don't know the answer to that, and I'm wondering what else I've missed. I think I need to walk slower.

24/10/2021

OK, so here's the post in which I tell you about what I was doing last week.

Some of you may know that I work with a business coach, the fantastic Ilze Be. I wrote about this for another Facebook group I admin, and I attempted to demystify the coach/client relationship and what actually goes on in a coaching session.

I have had my own business before, but it was simpler, and in simpler times, and a nine to five operation I could easily close the door on. What I'm doing now is on a much bigger scale, and I'm in so deep that I don't have a Plan B - not that I want one, because I really love what I'm doing. There are challenges and frustrations, which drive me nuts, some from the oddest places (I could write a book about the national psyche and why, and how, people roadblock things that are good for them), but I guess it would be boring if it was too easy!

Anyway, a few weeks ago, my business coach invited me to participate in the online Storytelling Bootcamp she was running. Over the course of last week, five of us, from all over the world, shared our stories of the challenges we had to deal with to get to where we are now.

My story was mostly about the difficulties I'd had in the decade or so leading up to moving to Latvia, and how keeping my eyes on that goal helped get me through some very tough days. It was an easy and enjoyable speech to write, although a little less easy to read for a live online audience, but I'm so glad I did it!

If you are running a business, whether offering a product or a service, join us in the Tell Your Story, Grow Your Business page here on Facebook. We share strategies for growing our businesses, and discuss how we can incorporate more of our unique selves into what we do. It's OK to share our personal stories, and to put our faces to our businesses.

I have written up my homework for the Storytelling Bootcamp and sent it in. If you join the group soon, the stories will still be available to view, and you can download the workbook. There are still a couple of days in which to get your homework in, too!

I'll be doing a couple more online business courses over the next few days - something to keep me busy during the off-season. I also have a little project to do outside next week - something new to me and that I've never done before. I'll take photos and tell you about it once it's completed.

Anyway, here's the funny face of my business, as I read my story last Thursday night . . .

23/10/2021

Good morning from beautiful Liepāja, where we not only have four seasons in one day, but we sometimes have them all at the same time. Looking south, today brings blue skies, wind, rain, sunshine, clouds, and rather a lot of hail.

Summer and winter can be fairly predictable, but I love how changeable the weather can be in spring and autumn. I've been lighting my fire again, as I wait for the radiators to come on. At bedtime I let the fire die out, but my apartment is still warm the next day, without any heating. 12 hours after the fire went out, it's around 20°C in here.

I have plenty of solid fuel for when I light the fire. Last winter I rather overestimated how much I would need, and ordered in excess of 400kg of briquettes, not thinking of what that volume would actually look like once it was in my apartment. It's always cheaper to buy in bulk from Depo, and if you order 30 packs of briquettes, with 12 in each, you can save something like six cents a pack. I was seduced by the savings, and spent the warmer months cursing my thriftiness as I tried to make my way around all the briquette stacks.

I have a cupboard that was made just for my briquettes, and it holds 26 packs. It's full, and I am still trying to burn my way through the piles on the floor. My physiotherapist gets me to practice stepping up and down, and flexing my ankle, on them. She also sets up mini obstacle courses where I try to step over the packs of briquettes. That last exercise is still too hard for me!

Today, I'll be doing my homework for an online course I took last week, and that I also participated in as a guest presenter. That was a great experience, which I'll tell you about in another post. In the meantime, enjoy the weather wherever in the world you are!

07/09/2021

I've written much about where I am, but little about where I came from. There's a lot more to New Zealand than earthquakes!

I was born in New Zealand's capital city, Wellington. My family lived in the sprawling suburb of Karori, a place that just keeps growing and growing, and is large enough that you don't need to leave unless you have to. I think that the number of people there now is around 15,000, a decent chunk of Wellington's 400,000+ population.

We left Wellington for Christchurch when I was fairly young, and stayed away for several years, then returned in the early 1980s to the suburb of Wadestown. After a bit, we returned to Christchurch and stayed there - well, most of us did.

Wellington city is fairly compact and curves around the harbour. Over the years, the waterfront has been developed with parks, restaurants, and the famous Te Papa museum, where there used to be very little. Once you're in the city, you can walk to almost anywhere. I think Wellington is where I got my love of walkable cities. The lack of parking means you're often forced to travel on foot, and this is when you notice all the little alleyways and cool wee shops.

Lack of space in the city meant that Wellington Girls' College went up, not out, and some of my lessons were in a six-story building. I loved my time there. At 8.30 every morning, buses would converge outside the school from all over Wellington. You could get the early bus, and meet boys from Wellington College outside Rutherford House - so I heard. After school, though, we'd often walk past the Beehive (one of the parliament buildings), down Lambton Quay, our teal school uniforms standing out in the sea of black suits, and stop at the McDonalds in Manners Mall, before heading up Cuba Street to people watch. The colourful bucket fountain, that had been there since forever, would be splashing away as it had always done.

There was one girl in the entire school who did not bus, and she had her very own bicycle stand outside the administration block. I still remember her name. Aside from the city centre, and the suburb of Thorndon where my old school and parliament are, Wellington is all hills. I think the lone cyclist had a fairly flat commute to and from school, unlike the rest of us. Some of my friends even had cable cars up to their houses, to carry groceries and themselves vertically from their garages to their homes. There are many concrete staircases for pedestrians to use to get from one street to another. The Wellington Cable Car is one of the city's most recognisable features. When I was young, you would sit, unsecured, on the outside while it took you from Lambton Quay, up past the University, to Kelburn. It's a bit safer now!

1983 was the centenary year for Wellington Girls', and we had some excellent events to attend. One that stands out was a very funny musical that brought together elements of The Mikado and 1960s pop music. ''Cinderella Rockerfella'' was one of the highlights, along with the male teachers dressed as three little maids from school. I don't know if it was videoed, but if it was I'd love a copy!

That was also a great year because it was when a group of us teenaged girls saw David Bowie play at Athletic Park. I found my tribe at that massive concert, and my love of seeing live bands endures to this day. If I'm pining for anything in these times, it's seeing bands play!

Wellington was a remarkable place in which to spend some of my formative years. We were developing awareness of what powered the ships arriving in our waters, and we were growing social consciences. Our often-parodied Prime Minister, who gave local musicians short shrift and was forever enshrined in song by a band called The K***z, was on his way out, and would soon be replaced by someone who had his eyes on the future.

I saw some incredible things in my time living in Wellington, and met some remarkable people - I guess you would call them movers and shakers - many with strong political opinions and, in some cases, sway. There was never a dull moment in conversation, and socialising meant you had to keep your wits about you. The adults didn't treat us like children, and included us in conversation, but also gave us a lot of freedom. I was, however, thrown totally off guard when I attended a garden party one weekend afternoon. The family throwing the party had arranged for winged fairies to run and dance through the forest at the bottom of their garden. I think I just stood there with my mouth open.

I continued to visit Wellington on and off in the decades after I left, and each time I felt a little sadder at the gentrification of places I had loved to visit. It wasn't sudden, but when you decrease your trips from a few a year to one every few years, it becomes more noticeable. The grand department stores that had doormen shrunk, and now only carry a small, exclusive range of goods. The markets where you could buy tailormade clothing from fashion students have closed down. I liked the grit of my hometown, the imperfection which is where the beauty was.

My last visit was in 2019. The sole purpose of the trip was to get a rubber stamp for the Bean Group Apprentice's application to renew her Latvian passport. It seemed like a good opportunity to show her around, and she really noticed the differences between Wellington, and the city of her birth, Christchurch. She was a little star struck when the Deputy Prime Minister walked past us to use a cash machine, but if you stand around at the start of Lambton Quay for more than five minutes you are sure to see someone you recognise from the television.

I have so many great memories of my hometown, and could write forever about my years there. What about you? Do you have happy memories of the place you were born? Do you still live there? I'd love to know!