Sep 28, 2017 - Kolka - Northeast Latvia

Day 18 - Thursday 28th September Woke up early to a very misty morning which stayed that way. We set off at 8am to explore Riga wandering along the riverside promenade. We made our way to the main square to the Information office but had to wait till it opened at 9am. We were helped there by a heavily tattooed young lady who spoke excellent English. There didn't look like there was very much to see apart from a few churches & buildings of note. We headed off to the Central Market which was massive. Apart from a very large open area full of...

Sep 27, 2017 - Riga- Capital Of Latvia

Day 17 - Wednesday 27th September Once again we were the only campers there. We haven't seen a motorhome since we left Vilnius. We were up early as usual & after a shower in the main building we spent a couple of hours wandering round the forest ski & bike trails, picking up a few geocaches along the way. Really lovely & peaceful with the early morning sun coming through the trees. The mushroom pickers would have had a field day as the ground was littered with various types. Would have picked some ourselves if we had known which were the...

Sep 27, 2017 - Riga

A completely free day in Riga. Started by catching the trolleybus to the Riga Central markets which is the second largest market in Europe and housed in four Zeppelin hangars. Was blown away by the berry & mushroom selection -especially the plump, juicy raspberries at 2.50 Euro for half a kilo. Wandered back through the Old Town and then to the Art Nouveau district. Went into the Art Nouveau Museum, which has an apartment restored to how it was in 1903

Sep 26, 2017 - Tallinn to Riga

Travelled from Tallinn to Riga by luxury coach this morning. In the afternoon went on a guided tour of Riga for a couple of hours. Riga was founded in 1201 and has been occupied by a number of different nations which has influenced it's history & architecture. Tried Latvia's National drink (when in Riga...), Black Balsam - tasted like cough medicine!

Sep 22, 2017 - Northeast Latvia

Day 12 - Friday 22nd September Heavy overnight rain & thunderstorms followed by windy dawn. Up early again & on our way to Latvia, crossing the border after about 20 miles. No real difference in scenery, mostly forests. Roads appear a bit poorer than Lithuania where, in turn, the roads were a bit poorer than in Poland. Still getting 4G mobile phone signal which is making life a lot easier. No extra cost now in Europe for calls & data within contract allowance which is really great. How come these poorer countries can provide far better...

Sep 21, 2017 - Leaving Lithuania

Day 11 - Thursday 21st September Weather forecast not so good so we decided to head back into the city to see a bit more. Unfortunately the rain came earlier than forecast so we only had time to climb to the top of the big hill overlooking the city to visit the Three Crosses monument. Quite an uphill trek but we made it but then the rain came so we gave up on the sightseeing & decided to head back, pack up & move on as the rain had really set in for the day. We set off North towards Latvia & the rain persisted all day. Fairly easy route out...

Sep 1, 2017 - Riga, Latvia

Before I talk about Latvia, I will note that three months and 13 countries later I only have two stamps in my passport. Why is this? The Schengen Agreement. Had to look this one up. It's an agreement of 26 European countries that have abolished passport and other border controls. So people can move freely between countries. True, the Swedish and Norwegian customs people questioned us, but I believe that was more for customs issues like bringing in tobacco or alcohol for resale or drugs. The bus ride through both Estonia and Latvia was...

Apr 28, 2017 - Best Riga Tourist Attraction

You land in Riga and you find yourself surrounded by azure blue skies and a historical atmosphere stretching from the Middle Ages to the still visible spectres of the Soviet Union. So warm, welcoming and beautiful, one can effortlessly slip into the easy camaraderie and laidback ambience of this exotic haven. Nevertheless, don't let go of the explorer in you as Riga has much to offer in terms of its sights, attractions, adventure, and cultural activities. Riga continues to increase as a popular destination for a city break with much to...

Aug 22, 2016 - Hello from Riga

Welcome to my first newsletter for my 7 week trip to Europe. I left Sydney early Wednesday morning on Korean Air with my friend Helen Broinowski for an overnight stay at Seoul. I like Korean Air as they put you up overnight for a much needed sleep, reducing the flight time to Europe to two legs of about 11 hours, arriving at each destination late afternoon. Plenty of leg room in economy and good service. Flew into Frankfurt where we had only one day - not a city I consider worth spending much time in although there is interesting...

Jul 28, 2016 - Riga, Latvia

German crusaders arrived in 1201 and dominated the region for eight centuries. After a short period of self-determination in the early 20th century, Nazi Germany and then Soviet Russia occupied the country until the breakup of the Soviet Union in 1991 that finally gave Latvia its enduring independence. It was amazing to see how quickly Riga has progressed and seems much like the other historic capitals of Europe we have visited. RADISSON BLU HOTEL LATVIJA This modern high rise hotel is at the eastern edge of the city center facing a...

Aug 20, 2014 - Riga, Latvia August 19-20

19 August 2014 Left Tallinn early for Riga the capital of Latvia. The bus was very luxurious - wi-fi, Internet, movies, TV, reclining seats with loads of legroom, toilet, tea/coffee machine. A pleasant 5 hour journey through lots of pine forests and farmlands which appeared to be cattle. One brief stop at a town called Saabuvad. Riga is experiencing a new Renaissance as the capital of Latvia, and many large-scale restoration projects on old buildings have made Riga one of the most attractive cities in Europe. The historic centre of Riga is...

Aug 15, 2014 - Riga 2

The walking tour lasted about 2.5 hours and the tour guide referred to everyone as 'my friend(s)'. His sales pitch for donations began at the start and we were 'reminded' frequently. A true salesman he ensured that he made personal contact with each of the different nationalities on the tour. Almost insisted that everyone attend his 'information' session at the end of the tour. Surmising what was to follow, I lagged behind and did not attend. Dennis, from Germany, stayed with Lidia & I, while we waited for his girlfriend and a couple from...