Concrete Bunkers Hi Cam the bunkers reminded me, when we were in Egypt you remember all the mushroom type bunkers there the difference with the ones in Egypt was that they are still in use. Another brilliant Blog again I remember Ian M----- saying that your writing about places and people was so descriptive it almost places you there when one reads your blogs. Love Dad and Mum
You can't get there from here?????? This sounds too much like one of my mystery novels for comfort.You must find somewhere that you can there from there immediately.
Riga - Paris Advice - never judge city by first impression. Give yourself time to get to know teh city and than make conclusions.
First time in Paris - I landed and Northern Station and was horrified, I think I was in Sudan and not the heart of Europe. But Paris is and will remain teh most beautiful city on earth no matter how terrible the certaina reas are
I am sorry you had such a horrifieing first experience with Riga, that was just a result of bad coincidences. You arrived with a bus from tallinn, instead of taking the main street str8 down to the city center - the driver took less busy road around through the ungly soviet block districst (Belieev me Tallinn and Vilnius have even more of it) than landene on the bus station which is situation next to market on the other side of railway station - "little moscow" we call that area. 99% people living there are russian immigrants and thus brought there some of the problems of their country. Lots of drug use, poverty, alcohol. the true Riga, the one everybody refers to the city center was on the oposite direction. You discovered it later and logically your opinion changed. Sadly you were visiting on sunday - that is the worst day to visit Riga. People leave the city or stay home so it is very quite.
The best day visit Riga is thursday and friday - city is bustling, full with energy and atmosphere especially on some celebrations, young people on the streets in bars and cafes - these moments are why Riga is celebrated and loved by everybody. Big bustling sophisticaed and elegant place. But I am happy you liked it anyway.
Well Helsinki is even more to the east than Riga I dont think when visiting Helsinki you will refere to it as Eastern Europe. You did not ment it completely geographically. Latvia Riga is Norther Europe has always been, culturall, mentality, religion culture. Yes cold war split us from our true neighbours and relatives, but thanks got it is over. And this shamefull practice of spliting Europe in east and west purelly along the iron curtain border is a contination of the occupation. So I can understand why people in Riga, Prague or Zagreb dont like to be refered to as Eastern Europe, we simply are not.
Olneyite!!! Ahhhhh, Cam!!!!! We miss you too!!! Your replacement is dull as dish water and butt ugly. Scotch and Darren say I'm only down on him cause I don't fancy him! Nope, it's cause he's thick. I miss my aussie comrade!!!!
'On the road again' A little bit of jeoulousy fills me as I read this blog!!Memories of days on the road and the peugot come flooding back!~
Great to read your travels as usual....Look forward to hearing more.....Keep well..xx
mr_bones@inthemix.com.au Good to hear from ya, back on the road!!! It must have been funny trying to talk to the locals with the language barrier, but good beer is understandable in any language!! Look fwd to hearing more from ya!
Too bad its too bad you had a crappy time..im actually planning a trip there soon in the new year, but this kind of discourages me a little more now.
Maya Bay seemed to look beautiful it dissappoints me to hear so many take a beautiful place like that for granted..i bet it would of been way better if theer werent so many tourists..oh well when i go i hope ppl will have laerned to smarten up a little bit ahah i doubt it but wishful thinking ya know:)
Thanks Great post and some inspiring pictures. I got some tips on what to visit and look out for on my next trip to Latvia. Thanks.
P.S. I liked the nuns photo :)
Lithuania It was actually very interesting to read what impressions my country leaves to travelers like you are. I am very proud representative of my country and read this story with smile on my face. Because much of what you say looks like true, just little bit false mirror:)
The thing is that yes, people of this nation are, lets say, "weird" enough - they are modest and sometimes pesimistic, but incredibly warm, sentimental, hospitable and sensitive at the same time. Of course it is dificult to form a clear view of us if you didnt get to know us closer, only met two old non speaking english vilige women, two wenches in a province information center, taxi driver and hotel staff:))) Joking of course. But the point is that we usually not rush to "lay our lifes down on your plate", but once you get friends - it is forever.
People who you met must be tired enough because of ages lasting historical trials, challenges and changes, thats why i can to justify them saying "why Lithuania?" But i want to ensure that is not national character and there are many of us who are proud citizens of this country, fans of our traditions and history:) Lithuania quickly moves forward with fast growing economy, with active people and it gives valuable contribution to the world with its rich history and culture. Next time you here, you necessarily have to visit Curonian Spit with its unique nature - narror penninsula with the Baltic Sea on one side and Kursiu lagoon, dunes and old fishmen villages, you should visit Birzai region and see phenomenon of subsiding slumping holes, visit pot town Klaipeda and night life of Vilnius, etc.
Anyway was funny to read about your feelings being here:) And you are allways wellcome back to yellow-braided Lithuania:)))
p.s. those two you met in Prague must be really lost children or some minority without self respect!:)))
The famous walk Great to see you boy's tring to bo what the beetles did all those years ago having been their and trying the same photo I know what you went through to get this picture BUT either AZ or Matt behind had to be bare footed see you in Munich.
Dad
Bond Hey 007 hey, maybe a suit may have helped :>
Look like ur still havin a ball u bastard. Can't wait to get over there. only a few months to go.
Have fun with Az and co and take a photo if u see any 5 litre stiens (and get one) at octoberfest. I have been told they exist but I want proof !!!
PS. Kim rang us and she just got back from Bali. Guess who she ran into over there.......... A good friend says hi....
Rohan
After spending two years in Europe, I've shifted my attention to South America.
I'm currently living in Rio de Janeiro and will be here indefinitely teaching English.
Hopefully I'll be able to get around to see some of the continent.... full info
The Nomad
Camo
Ouzo??
Of course my friend!!! When in Rome... or Athens as was the case lol