I’m on the move between countries again, but part of me wishes I wasn’t. I’ve really enjoyed Riga. It’s the best new city I’ve seen on this set of travels as it has so much of interest. Today I did more of the tourist thing. First thing was to take the lift to within 2 floors of the Latvian Academy of Sciences Observation deck. The last couple of flights you have to walk. The views from the top are well worth the 8 Euro admission fee. Plus, it’s one hell of a building.

Having filled my camera with views across the city I moved on to a nearby site that’s far less entertaining. The Riga ghetto and holocaust museum which is a very informative and sobering account of the fate of so many Jews (and others) in world war 2. We’ve learned so little in the past century. Then it was people demonising Jews. Now it’s people (some of whom should know better) demonising Muslims. Is it any wonder that some of us are cynical about religions?

Needing my spirits lifting to celebrate the best (not the worst) humanity can achieve I walked back into the old town to photograph more of the amazing buildings. You’ll have to wait for pictures I’m afraid.

Now I’m on the train from Riga to Vilnius en-route to the third of the Baltic states and yet another new country for me. I’m on another modern Class 730 that carried me from Varga, only this one is nowhere near as busy. I’ll describe the journey (with pictures) tomorrow.

For now, here’s a couple of shots from the top of Institute.

My train to Vilnius left Riga at 16:55, which was great for giving me extra time in Riga but it meant that I didn’t get to Vilnius until 21:22, leaving me no time to explore the city. Fortunately, my hotel was less than 10 minutes walk away from the station, so I decided the best thing to do that night was take an evening off and hope to make the most of the next day.

The trip itself was fine. The train was one of the same class 730ML’s that carried me through Latvia from Estonia. it wasn’t too busy and the only minor interruption in the journey was when we crossed the border and immigration officers walked through the train checking passports. From what i could see, Lithuania is a lot less rugged than Latvia, but then nearly half the journey was in darkness. I’m looking forward to having time to explore tomorrow.

I’ve a small favour to ask…
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Cheers,

Paul