Riga, Latvia

We decided not to do one of the optional tours today as we really needed some "time out". We are so glad we did. We have had an opportunity to just wander the old town of Riga. The photos will tell you how charming it is.............

 We started the day at 8.30am on our included tour city walk - check out the temperature outside!

 A lot of Art Nouveau and quilting inspiration!

 School children on an excursion

 Above - check out this person's coat - almost William Morris!

 This link is worth a read - all about the Monument of freedom. We happened to be there when the soldiers were changing position and then we walked past at the end of the day when they were knocking off; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freedom_Monument

 Above - we had afternoon coffee at this cafe and they did let us in!!!

Lithuania to Latvia

We are both feeling rather weary after 11 days on the tour. Early starts are usual - wakeup call between 6.30 and 7am and on the bus soon after! The sites continue to educate us and it has been great to see how the Baltic states have moved forward since Russian occupation. Our last night in Vilnius was a great experience where we shared in some true Lithuanian food and culture

 On the way to Latvia we visited Trakai - a medieval castle.

 Our walk across the bridge was very slippery - yes it is ice! Apparently in winter the river freezes up to 50 centimeters deep and you can walk across it to the castle - no bridge required!

 Mum and Dad watching the 'youngsters' playing - the cygnets were actually chasing each other!

 Views from my bus seat of changing houses on our way to Latvia

 On our way we visited the Hill of Crosses - a symbol of resistance against Soviet occupation.
You can read more about this here; http://www.sacredsites.com/europe/lithuania/lithuania.html