The Baltics

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Spent this week on a whistlestop tour of the Baltic states, 2 days each in Vilnius (Lithuania), Riga (Latvia) and Tallinn (Estonia) with long bus journeys between them. Very interesting places - surprised by the diversity between the three capitals. Vilnius isn't very touristy (not a very picturesque town), Riga has a very cool Old Town filled with old churches and Art Nouveau buildings and Tallinn looks superb - full of medieval towers, cobbled streets etc. Nice cool sea breeze here too.

There's a lot of renovation going on in all three and frankly a lot more needed, but I guess it's not been long since they were part of the USSR. Definately an edge of Europe feel here, things are getting a little stranger the further east I go, as are the people I meet (aside from the ubiquitous stag parties, like being back home). Off to St. Petersburg tomorrow, border guards permitting, and the tour starts getting serious.....

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Photos

Vilnius
the best pic i could find!

Riga
the view from atop St. Peters

Riga
Riga's skyline from across the river

Tallinn
The towers and spires of Tallinn's skyline.

Tallinn
The Viru Gate, there's a McDonalds just on the other side of the tower, :(