When I started planning this trip I decided I wanted to go to Latvia despite the travel options proving difficult. There is no train service between Tallinn (Estonia) and Riga (Latvia).  I didn’t want to hire a car, but as you are not allowed to hire a car and cross borders in this part of the world it was immaterial, apparently people don’t bring them back !!.  Leaving me with a bus option ~ Lux Express operate the 173 mile trip to Riga every day, so that meant a 7am bus towards Riga which takes 4.5 hours allowing for just over 5 hours in Riga, and then a 4.5 hour journey to head back. That’s commitment Latvia.

It takes 2 hours and 40 minutes to reach the Estonia-Latvian border from Tallinn, but no one is concerned, and there were no roadside immigration checks, so we glide straight through to another Baltic country. There are three Baltic countries ~ Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. At immigration on the return there was the similar disinterest when we came back over the border into Estonia in the evening.

I like Riga, not as much as Tallinn, but it is engaging. At every corner turn you await to see what’s next. There is much to be appreciated in this Baltic city.  Dotted around there are what seem fake frames where you can take a snap of Riga and hey presto its framed. Sounds a bit cheap of an idea, but I think it works impressively. So much so these look like paintings.

Similar to Tallinn, Riga has an old town, and this too is rich with history, though the architecture here is different and striking. I wandered streets with a guide map in hand, but was still not sure what exactly I would uncover. Of course this type of exploration is ‘exactly’ the reason I come to countries like Latvia.  By meandering through the streets it is possible to get a “feel” of a charm of a place and its character.  At the beginning of meeting a country you can gain an understanding of where it is going, and where it has been. It is not something I can explain well, but with your senses you can learn so much.

Alberta and Elizsabetes street’s both display attractive and creative freedom of Art Nouveau that really raises your eyes. The city of Riga in fact has more Art Nouveau than any other European city.

Catching a tram, feeding the birds or the impressive Blackheads’ building.. Riga can be a bit special for a Sunday day tripper…

  It was a long day, but a good one. Riga I thank you !