I didn't think these photos were good enough for the main blog ...... read more

Left the hotel at 09h00, walking across the Green Bridge to view the Soviet statues left as a reminder of what was and then continued down Vilnius Gatvė to the main Tourist Information Centre and the Town Hall. City doesn't appear to be as vibrant as Riga nor even Tallin. Then continued on to the Republic of Užupis where I studied its constitution: Everyone has the right to live by the River Vilnelė, while the River Vilnelė has the right to flow by everyone. Everyone has the right to hot water, heating in winter and a tiled roof. Everyone has the right to die, but it is not a duty. Everyone has the right to make mistakes. Everyone has the right to individuality. Everyone has the right to love. Everyone has the right to be not ... read more

After an early breakfast, I rushed to the supermarket in order to buy some lunch and then made my way, with my luggage, to the waiting coach. An hour after leaving, the bus pulled into Rundales Palace, last used by the Soviets as offices. It was built between 1736 and 1740 as a summer residence of Duke Ernst Johann of Courland, one of whose descendants was Gaston Palewski (of Nancy Mitford fame). After viewing the house, with its interesting variations in decorations, I took lunch in the garden before getting back to the bus ... and Lithuania.... read more

Breakfast at the weekend starts an hour later. The shops open at the same time breakfast starts. I only had 45 mins to go to the shops to buy a packed lunch, pack a rucksack and have breakfast. The breakfast lost! Three cups of coffee and some heavy black bread would have to suffice. Set off for the station in the early morning heat and, on arrival, realised that I didn't know the Latvian for Ticket Office! Having eventually bought a ticket, the nice lady in the office informed me that I needed to leave from Platform 3 - the only problem was that I didn't know the Latvian for Platform 3! Well, the 3 was easy, but there were quite a few "Something" 3! Finally, by walking towards the tracks, it became obvious where the ... read more

After breakfast with an obnoxious and brash Aussie, I walked down to the canal to take a boat trip. The 100 year old historic boat, though solar powered, were running late, and only arrived after waiting forty minutes! However, it was a delightful tour of the canal and harbour although there was no commentary. I then met a local guide (Aija Tamsone) who took me on a three hour walking tour of Riga, with particular emphasis on the Art Nouveau aspects. Coffee at Vincent's provided a welcome break before taking a short bus ride to the Freedom Monument and a continuation of the tour in the Old Town. In the evening, I went to a themed restaurant (Pie Kristapa) where the food was reasonable and served in a medieval atmosphere. However, the service was super speedy ... read more