From the Baltics to IKEA.
Trip Start
Jan 04, 2005
1
21
35
Trip End
Aug 22, 2005
Stockholm,
Sweden
Friday, March 25, 2005
So, as our time in Eastern Europe drew to a close, we hit up one final Baltic country - Latvia. When we arrived in Riga (the capital city) I think both Dev and I were surprised at how 'metropolitan' it was...very busy and modern looking.
We only had one full day in Riga, so with my trusty illustrated map in hand and route all planned out, we set out to see all the sites in Riga in only a few hours. And with me navigating, I managed to get us lost about 8 times ..not bad. The old town in Riga is really nice. Some beautiful churchs, amazing parks, great shopping streets, an outdoor skating rink that's open til 4am - what more can you need?
Devon's guidebook had warned us about the 'March Thaw'...and for once, it was bang on. The streets were so wet, the roofs were all dripping, so despite the fact that it was a beautiful sunny day, we were both quite wet by the end.
We also spent a few hours visiting Riga's 'Museum of Occupation' which outlined Latvia's history of Soviet and German occupation from the 1920s til they gained independence in 1991. It was an incredible museum, very detailed and interesting..the highlight of my day, I think.
That evening, after a quick game of Twister with a crazy Finnish guy and funny American..we headed out to try Latvia's official drink 'Black Balsam'...despite warnings that it was horribly disgusting, Dev and I both liked it (in fact, we had 2!) It was a funny night, a great way to end our Eastern Europe experience.
So, yesterday we took a 50 min flight from Riga to Stockholm, Sweden. So we are now beginning our Scandavian adventure!...We spent the whole day today looking around. We took ourselves on an exhausting 6 hour walking tour of Stockholm. I must say, this city is georgous. Stockholm is made up of many islands so there's water everywhere, the buildings are incredible, the people are all beautiful (I'm not kidding..it was like walking through a model parade today..with Dev and I showing everyone how NOT to look) And the weather was amazing - about 12 degrees today: heat wave for us!
My only complaint would be the prices, especially after the low down deals in Eastern Europe, these high, high prices are killing us.(we made good use tonight of the 'free pasta' this hostel gives out!)
Tomorrow we're off to visit Devon's friend Elizabeth in Oslo. Very excited!
Hope everyone has a great Easter!
Ha det sċ bra! ('Take care' in Swedish)
