France Part 2, 2013

Rene Le Gall Square Paris FR_Aug 7, 2013

Cafe de France, Place d Italic Paris FR_Aug 7, 2013

La Seine Paris FR_Aug 8, 2013

Place du trocadero Paris FR_Aug 8, 2013

Eiffel Tower Paris FR_Aug 8,2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Arc de Triomphe Paris FR_Aug 8,2013

MIJE Fourcy Paris FR_Aug 9 2013

Pointe Rivoli Hotel Rue St Antoine Paris FR_Aug 10, 2013

The American University of Paris FR_Aug 8, 2013

Rue Nicolas Flamel Paris FR_Aug 9, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hippotamus Chatelet 30 Rue St Denis Paris FR_Aug 9, 2013

Denfort Rochereau-Place Italie L” ECIR Blvd St Jacques Paris FR_Aug 8, 2013

Seine River Paris FR_Aug 8, 2013

Reykajavik-Greenland-Minneapolis_ Aug 10. 2013

Reykajavik-Greenland-Minneapolis_ Aug 10. 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aug 7 Wednesday Riga-Paris 

At Hotel Forum, we retrived the packed ham cheese sandwiches and cookies in time for the 9am flight to Paris. Baltic shuttle took about 20 mins to the airport after making 2 stops to collect 5 more passengers. Self checked in and used up all the lats to get coffee, tea, chocolate and tea packets. Landed in the rain, boarded train from airport to Denfert Rochereau, took subway to Tim on Rue Barrault Place de Italie. Sat outside at Cafe De France having quiche, salad, french fry, tea and coffee  watching the world went by. Struck a conversation with a local french woman beside who told us it was hot for the past two days. It rained today and it was her first at this cafe.  Window shopped at the nearby mall and stopped by Rene le Gall, two boys were playing table tennis while a group of women were chatting on the bench and an older man doing qigong. Further up children in the sandbox.  We visited M at MIJE taking 2 trains to Rue Floucy. She heard us and appeared at the balcony. We chatted for 40 mins. We exchanged experiences. she told us she tired out walking on the cobbled stone.. We returned to La Butte Aux Plafs on Boulevard Blanqui, R chose duck, potato and salad, I had tofu salad with long beans, orange juice and water.  In the night we walked back and retired.

 

 

Aug 8 Thursday

 

Nice day here and checked out American Paris university. At the mall Brioche Doree, had croissant, tea,coffee and mini baguette. At the scattered AUP, we walked from one building to the next and Eiffel tower could be seen whenever we turned our heads.  Chatted with the counselor. Stopped to look at the crane used to move apartment. Together with the mass of people we walked to Eiffel Tower, Had the most pricey 6 bucks tiny bottled artificial orange juice at Brasserie De la Tout while R had a 6 bucks double expresso. Finding a WC was confusing but found an  Interesting concept self-washed across the road.Sat and thought why Arc de Triumph was built.  Using metro we were at L’ecir, Boulevard Saint Jacques,  Denfert Rochereau eating cheeses, salad, water, tea coffee and a double decker raspberries cake, cold cut, pâté, pickled cucumber. Walked back to hotel and bought 6 fresh prunes from the store. 

 

Aug 9 Friday

 

Beautiful day!  Moved to Hotel Pointe Rivoli. on Rue Antoine right in the heart of Paris and half block from MIJE where we were picking up M. At 6am, we walked the back road, through the open market selling clothes to fresh produce.  We went back to Brioche Doree for croissant, mini baguette, juice ,tea and 2 cups of coffee. We entered MIJE without M noticing. After 40 mins she was totally surprised by our presence.  She dumped her stuff at the hotel with narrow winding steps in front of St. Paul metro. We just walked around and lunched at Hippotamas consisting of salad, entrecôte steak and ribs for R. M had steak and fries, I had salmon and bottomless green beans,  A Bostonian and us took the AUP tour, R hurt himself on the way to the Korean seafood and beef  dinner grill( run by Chinese), within walking distance from St Paul metro, forgot the restuarant’s name.

 

Aug 10 Saturday

 

Another nice day here. Down the hotel basement for limited coffee and no hot water for tea breakfast. By train to CDG airport. Waited in line to check in and was told by a kind woman that web check could just go ahead, Bought a box of macaroon for ourselves and chocolate for R’s colleagues. Had tea and coffee at the airport. Flight on time flying over Glasgow Arctic Ocean and landed at Reykjavik two hours 30 mins later. An hour wait for the flight to Minneapolis. In between, R bought a winter hat, salmon sandwich and sushi for dinner. The plane passed Greenland and scheduled to land in 7 hours.  

 

Latvia Part 4, 2013

Leaving Port Helsinki to Tallinn_Aug 4, 2013

Art Nouveau Alberta St Riga LV_Aug 5, 2013

Esplanade Park, Riga LV_Aug 5, 2013

City Square Riga LV_Aug 5, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kronvalda Park Riga LV_Aug 5, 2013

Bremen town musicians 1990 Riga LV_ Aug 5, 2013

hampagne Breakfast Welton Terrace Design hotel, Dzirnavu St Riga LV_Aug 6, 2013

Viesturdārzs/Song Festival Park, Riga LV _Aug 6, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aug 4 Sunday; Helsinki (ferry)-Tallinn (bus ecolines)-Riga

Rose at 6am for a cooling 25 mins walk from hotel to harbor to catch 7:30am ferry to Tallinn. A  jogger, a taxi and a delivery van were out doing their business. Ferry buffet sold out. R  returned with drinks, oat milk, buns, apple cake, coffee and tea from the cafe. Ferry started 10 mins early. Two hours later, we arrived and hanged out at the terminal. The bus took us to Tallinn nice bus station where we ate salmon with warm sauce, rice and cabbage.soup, smoked salmon open faced sandwich and rose water. R is getting kohvik and dessert for  while waiting. At 1:15pm we took the bus to Riga with a rest stop at Parnu.The trip was delayed by jam and picking up pasengers. Arrived at 6 pm.  Arrived Welton terrace design hotel on Dzirnavu st by tram. We took turns going up 4th floor using the  tiny lift. The low and slanted attic room ceiling bonked my head twice.(not very happy) R prepared noodle and cucunber salad.

 

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Aug 5 Monday

Weather turned to cold. Best hotel champagne breakfast on this trip. (4 stars) Walked along Alberta St and looked up at  the Art nouveau. Crossed the Esplanade park with triangle statue to Navity church, St. John and St. Peter churches. Met Bremen town musicians statue. Security (people with badges) told a group of teens busking the 80s music to move further away from the business area. We sat on the bench, enjoying the music when a couple sat beside peeling fruit. Look for souvenirs at the craft store. Through kronvalda park, we saw a chinese pagoda, a gift from Suchou, China. We ate at Miit Vegan cafe. on Lacpelsia st. Lunch specials sold out, they recommended salad soup, brownie and pure carrot juice(very good). Watched a little BBC before retiring.

Aug 6 Tuesday

Enjoying breakfast at Welton on a hot day, Went to Viesturdarzs park nearby where great musicians carved in stone, Ducks diving in for food. Around the park are condos. Checked in Forum hotel on busy Valnu st.  Tough time at the Occupation Mseum filled with 6 floor high of war relics and weapons. Searched for tea for M and found at Rimi supermarket. R went out to check on airport ride and came back with black and straw berries. Turkebab fed us falefa , coffee, turkish tea baklava and chicken kebab. Riga city center is choked with vehicles and people. Stood around and listened to Bob Dylan music.  Failing to find any gifts. Tomorrow we are leaving for Paris.

Finland 2013

Helsinki train station, FI_Aug 2, 2013

 

Helsinki Cathedral FI_Aug 2, 2013

Uspenski Cathedral Helsinki FI_ Aug 2, 2013

Esplanade Helsinki Fi -Aug 2, 2013

Fried sardine/salmon soup, Market Square Helsinki FI_Aug 3, 2013

Market Square Helsinki FI_Aug 3, 2013

Holiday Inn View Ruoholahti Helsinki FI_Aug 3, 2

 

 

 

 

 

Aug 2 Friday

Leaving Tallinn by ferry to pricey Helsinki.  Breakfasted at the terminal, ferry is huge and beautiful. It has elevators, casino, restuarants, child play area and wifi.  After a couple of hours we arrived at hot and humid Helsinki around noon.  To the Holiday Inn by foot. Purchased City Market salad and breads for lunch.  With the 24 hr. train tickets, we we took train to city center. Emerging from the station, the city pulsating. It combined the old and new structures. Lutheran Helsinki cathedral is stunning, people sat on the steps basking in the sun.  The gold crosses on top of Uspenski Orthodox church were hard to miss. At the Central market, it was an American car show today. A lot of people around here.  Strolled along the esplanade and habor.  Jammed  in with a mass of people in the city. Ate sausage at the station and topped up salad, bread, juice, ice cream yogurt peaches, cucumber, banana and savory treat from the store.

Aug 3 Saturday

Woke up late. the hotel is lovely. Outside was hot, windy and muggy.  # 8 tram brought us to the port . Onto to tram 3 to the end of line and central market. Had tasty salmon soup and fried sardine.  Tried the rare cloudberries, Sat under the tent  and ate mixed berries, coffee and waffle. Using tram to Museum of Finished Design and Architecture.  Seeing the East and West of the city on train. Upon reaching the hotel metro, we packed beer, salad cucumber, noodle, herring, mushroom, coffee and cookie. We even added berries and sweet pea from the guy selling them outside the store.  He was happy to discount the price.outside city market.  A relax-meal high up in the room overlooking the ziplined water skaters till 9pm. Sun was stlll hanging out on the horizon. Ended with fireworks streaking across the sky. Tomorrow we are leaving for Tallinn onto Riga.

Estonia Part 3, 2013

 

Rocco Al Mare EST_July 30, 2013

Rocco Al Mare EST_July 30, 2013

Medieval original town wall/art gallery, Hellemann Tower Tallinn EST_July 30, 2013

Must Puudel,Tallinn EST_July 30, 2013

, Must Puudel,Tallinn EST_July 30, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

July 30 Tuesday

R brought back cheese, bread cucumber, banana, peach, tea, coffee from the market.  It was humid and rainy.  Out to get 72-hour Tallinn card, no luck at the train station, exchanged money there, got the cards at Schnelli hotel.  Bus 21 took us to Rocco Al Mare, a 4- hour walk in the village, guided by talking phone.  Back at Balti Jam, on tram to craft market city center. Climbed Hellemann tower/wall  Since Kohvicum closed for summer, we went over to retro Chocolaterie, Raekoja Plats for halveer sesame brown sugar ice cream and truffle chocolate. Dined at soviet decor Must Puude. R had tasty black ink seafood noodle. I had salmon pasta and veg salad and a big carafe of water with lemon slices.  Let the tram rolled to the end of line-Kopli, Rained on and jumped back on the tram.  Frisky teens on train, sterned looks from adults.  Retired soon after.

 Kadriorg Palace, Tallinn, EST_July 31, 2013

Pirita beach Tallinn, EST_July 31, 2013

View  from St. Mary’s Cathedral,Tallinn EST_July 31 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

July 31 Wednesday

Sky was cloudy, room breakfast of bread, cheese, cucumber. tea, coffee.  Impressive St Mary the virgin cathedral, Wood carved artwood and elaborate coat of arms inside.  Up to the 69m baroque tower, good view of the old city.  Onto Viru Turg selling traditional craft and clothes and toured Kadriorg palace. Now, it housed foreign artists works, today is lly Repin’s works. Beside is the unfinished Japanese garden, Seen from the road, the Song festival ground. R swam at Pirita beach, St Bridget’s convent ruins  was closed today. Back to Viru square, we tried to understand Tallinn past and development at city museum. Had mint tea and coffee cakes at the oldest Cafe Maiasmokk.  R took out mediocre Indian and Chinese foods at Asian cafe, two doors from hotel.

Crepes, Boheem Kopli 18 Tallinn EST_Aug 1, 2013

Bastion Tunnel Tallinn EST_ Aug 1, 2013.

Coffee break Kiosk Tallinn EST_Aug 1, 2013

Freedom Square 2009. Tallinn EST_ Aug 1, 2013

Old City Tallinn EST_Aug 1,2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aug 1 Thursday

Sun was out with cool air, over to Boheem cafe, one stop from hotel. R had pancake with raspberry jam and coffee. I had meat crepe with chai tea. Good solid food. We took out two bikes at  city tours, cycled around the old city wall for an hour and half.  As I turned the corner I fell down slowly and provided amusement for the passsing motorists. At the Bastion, a Peruvian who has been to P. Tioman snapped our picture. Returned the bikes and trammed on 3 and 4 lines for funsies.  While waiting for the Bastion tour, we sat at the hillside cafe and logging in. R got his coffee- fix at the kiosk.  Wind started to pick up, a bit of confusion with the number of people allowed in the Bastion. The guide talked interestingly as we walked the long tunnel, on how it was being used throughout Estonian history. The homeless, the punks, activists used to hide in there. Mysteries, scary stuff are part of  the tunnel  Well-worth the visit!.  R looked for winter hat but fruitless. At Rumi supermarket we  bought pickled herrings (salty and oily but tasty) cucumber (plenty here) apple, orange juice, sweet tart and bread for dinner. R  at Hotel Schnelli ATM for money.  Waiting to facetime M. She is tired and stess-out, last day at Cambridge followed by Paris trip.  Tomorrow we are going to Helsinki for two nights.

Estonia Part 2, 2013

 

Von Krahli Aed Tallinn EST_July 26, 2013

Niguliste Church Tallinn EST_ July 26, 2013

Kohtu St Tallinn Est July 27, 2013

Toompea Hill Tallinn Est July 27, 2013

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral Tallinn Est July 27, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kompressor Tallinn EST_July 27, 2013

Port Tallinn EST_July 27, 2013

Town Hall Square  Tallinn EST_July 27, 2013

Linnahall Tallinn EST_July 27, 2013

Tower Square/flower show Tallinn EST_July 27, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

July 26 Friday 

Today we are leaving Parnu for Tallinn.  After villa breakfast, we walked to the new colorful  free wifi bus station to board the 2 hours ride for Tallinn. In the hot and drizzling Tallinn we took tram to Balti Jam and right across was our minimalist Economy hotel. A quick walk through the tunnel or park lies the crowded old city. We circled around as long as our feet allowed. Dined at Von Krahli Aed -chicken fillet on vegetables. R had vegan chickpeas salad and a carafe of water.  R had cake and coffee beside the hotel later.

July 27 Saturday, Happy Birthday R!

 

Tallinn was hot today. Ordered tea, coffee and buns at the Russian open air market behind Tallinn railway station.  Early start to try Kompressor’s herring pancakes, blueberry jam and cottage cheese. We were the first plus a couple of guys ( Beer for breakfast.) and the gate was still locked. Worth the wait!  With full tummies we walked to Tallinn eastern gate. Visited the converted warehouse district, now a modern shopping place.  The dirty neglected and worn out Linnahall was hard to take in with the hot sun pouring in. The bay view was quite spectacular. Finally, the Tower flower show brought some colors back.  In the cool unlighted Town Hall cave, we drank in the elk soup, cabbage pies, beer, coffee and apple pie.  R scooped some free pickled cucumbers from the barrel. All in all a good day. 

Vacationer Tallinn EST_July 28, 2013

Pagaripoisa cafe Tallinn EST_July 28, 2013

Oscar Wilde & Eduard Vilde Tartu EST_July 29,2013

Devil’s Bridge Tartu EST_July 29,2013

Student lock-up/Tartu University EST_July 29, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kissing students Tartu Est July 29,2013

Tartu University EST_July 29, 2013

Leaning House Tartu EST_ July 29, 2013

Karl Ernst Von Baer, Tartu Estonia July 29, 2013

Tartu University Art Museum Est July 29, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

July 28 Sunday

Another very hot day here. Took out local open air market cheese, bread. Tea and coffee from the vending machine. Picnic at the  park, watched duck and pigeons being fed.  At the train station we bought Tartu tickets. R did some work at the the hotel. Took tea, coffee and cakes at Pagaripoisia in the, old city.  Facetimed and Skyped with M. She was doing well in Cambridge. Ordered crispy chicken fillet and kiss pear cider, R had roast elk at Rataskaevu 16. Retired after.

July 29 Monday

 

At the train station we got coffee and tea  to go with the apple and carrot pastries. Boarded the 2 hours train journey to Tartu. From the train station we walked toward Devil’s bridge, anatomy building, couple kissing under the umbrella in the town square . Tree lined park and the hunt for square kebab.  R bought  a cup of kvass from the big barrel.  Checked out the leaning building in the town square.  Ate Napoleon cake with coffee at Pagari pood.  Back to station and stopped at Tomme Hill park, Checked out the Methodist church,  Sat in a sun baked train waiting for train to leave for Tallinn.  A woman with a cat sat behind us and the cat wandered around the berth before returning to the owner. Arrived Tallinn 7:30pm

Estonia Part 1, 2013

Johann Voldemar Jannsen, father of Estonian journalism. Ruutli St Parnu EST_ July 25, 2013

Parnu beach_ July 25, 2013

Papli Kohvik cafe Parnu EST_July 25, 2013

2 km from Kanali villa, Parnu beach EST_July 25, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

July 24  Wednesday 

A quiet hotel guest breakfasted with us, we had fried egg, tomato, cucumber green peas, bread, coffee, tea and juice. Took a walk around the hotel and ventured too far off and a man shouted. Gray sky as we got on the bus  to Riga at 8:50am, arriving 12:30 pm, A couple of hours to spare, we hanged around Stockmann mall for its WC, croissant cheese sandwich, root bio tea, R had plain croissant and two coffees.  A box of raspberries at the open market to share.  Left Parnu for Riga at 2:45pm, arriving 5:30pm. At the station R purchased Parnu-Tallinn tickets. R also got local bus tickets at the kiosk. to Kanali villa. The villa is in a residential area with unpaved road and 2 km to the beach. The room overlooked neighbor’s backyard. At the supermarket we bought dinner. Wifi only works in the lobby.

July 25 Thursday

Another gray day. An early walk to sandy Parnu bay, A guy parked his bicycle on the beach and went au naturel into the water. Parnu is a mixed of old colorful traditional houses with lot of windows among a few modern high rise. Roads in constant repair, well-dressed women were seen. Burger price is $4 euro (X1.3 for US) We returned for breakfast at 9 am in the colorful dining room decorated with clashing colors of  tea, coffee mugs and egg holders. Guests were Russians and Germans speaking. Out on busy Ruudli st. a woman was conducting a love reaction experiment. City of churches, antique stores and stopped by city gate. Tasty lunch at Papli Kohvik, the server brought us pike perch with pea puree, vegetables and cream sauce, leek, potato soup, salmon and chive starter accompanied with beer. R swam in the Baltic chilly water fulfilling his 30 years’ dream.  Rested for evening beach live music and Piadora pizza. Shopped for essentials at the local supermarket. No show on and the pizza place was closed down since 2012, Great disappointment!  So, we went without food tonight. No restaurants close to the villa.

Latvia Part 3, 2013

Dumplings Vlinius LT_July 22, 2013

Vilnius LT -Daugavpils LV_ July 22, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

July 22 Monday

We  are leaving Vilnius for Daugavpils, Latvia this morning.  Started slow with hotel breakfast. R booked Aug 2nd-Helsinki ferry tickets, a spur of the moment trip. Around noon we ate apple pancake and plump meat filled cepelinai/zepellin dumplings, coffee  at Ka vine Ceburekine by the bus station. The bus came 20 mins late and went all the way to Moscow. Rained all the way.  Halfway the substitute driver came to the front, did a quick change, freshen up, ate his meal,  play on his computer on a moving bus. He  chatted on his cell animatedly while driving. It was raining heavy, dark and cold when we settled in an uneven floor (almost broke my ankle bone), dimly lighted Hotel Leo.

Regional Studies and Art Museum,Daugavpils LV_July 23, 2013

Mark Rothko Art Center, Daugavpils Lv July 23, 2013

Mark Rothko Art Center, Daugavpils LV_July 23, 2013

Gubernators Daugavpils LV_July 23, 2013

Mark Rothko Art Center, Daugavpils Lv July 23, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Daugavpils Regional Studies and Art Museum_LV July 23, 2013

Mark Rothko Art Center, Daugavpils LV_ July 23, 2013

Daugavpils Regional Studies and Art Museum_LV July 23, 2013

University of Daugavpils LV_July 23, 2013

Daugavpils Regional Studies and Art Museum LV_ July 23, 2013

July 23 Tuesday

The rain had not abated yet. The hotel cooked us egg, sausage, juice, sliced cucumber, tomatoes, bread, coffee, tea and yogurt. We changed money at the bank. It was deserted as we walked over to the Museum of Regional History and Art. it was just two of us inside, an employee was guarding us with keys to open the Art room. It was just like a private tour, felt very important, though. A longer walk to the 3-month old Mark Rothko museum, 6 of his original paintings are displayed here,  A bit pricey but worth to see the art and the stunning renovated building wrapped by the ancient fort.  The local bus took us back and enjoyed Russian hotpot of salmon fillet, rice and vegetable, beer, chicken soup, pork fillet, french fries and bread with three kinds of butter at the basement of Gubernators. Stopped by Daugavpils University entrance.  We are heading North, taking the early bus tomorrow to Riga to catch the bus to Parnu, Estonia.

Lithuania Part 2, 2013

Trakai LT_July 18, 2013

Trakai is a historic city and lake resort in Lithuania. July 18, 2013

Trakai Castle, Lithuania. July 18, 2013

Sv Vieta cafe Sv Ignoto g. LT_July 18, 2013

Chickpea salad & baked cheese pasta/Sv Vieta cafe Vilnius LT_July 18, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

July 18 Thursday

Trakai  Castle LT_July 18, 2013

After a nice hotel breakfast and a warm day, we took local bus to the bus station and another to Trakai.   A busy open air-market  awaited us after the 30 mins ride.  Trakai is a nice getaway, calm, small town feel and lovely scenery with the Duke’s castle hugging the lake. We went to the castle, ate meat pasty by the lake, saw the cafe owner and his friend swam in the lake. Walking back to the station, campers and locals came out to enjoy the sun, The setting reminded me of the 60’s  Ended the day at a 60’s retro Sv. Vieta cafe. We ordered chickpeas salad and baked pasta cheese. R had a nice dessert in an old mason jar.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Literatu St. Vilnius Lt, July 19, 2013

Senamiescio Krautuve cafe, Literatu St. Vilnius LT_July 19, 2013

Halės Market Vilnius Lt, July 19, 2013

Gates of Dawn, Vilnius, Lt July 19, 2013

Subaciaus g Vilnius Lt July 19, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

July 19 Friday

Lot of tourists and sportsmen joined us at the hotel for breakfast.  The nice pickled herring and nut cake were snapped up fast. In the rain we went to get Riga -Parnu (Estonia) tickets at the bus station. Later we walked around Hales market, Gates of Dawn , up the Subaciaus st hill  for coffee and the food truck  restroom, bastion and Uzupis, Literatu st,  snacked at Senamiescio Krautuve homegrown traditional handmade cakes, coffee and tea ,met  tattoo Rocco. Got hotel sandwiches for dinner.

St Nicholas Orthodox Church & Lukiškės Prison Vilnius LT_July 20, 2013

Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre, Vilnius Lt July 20,2013

Museum of Genocide Victims & ex- KGB building . Auku g Vilnius LT_July 20, 2013

The Parliament, Vilnius LT_July 20,2013

Kalvariju Market Raspberries, Vlnius LT_July 20,2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

July 20 Saturday

Took hotel breakfast. On a windy and rainy day we walked to the packed flea market at Kalvariju St. Plenty of old soviet relics, meat and fruits. Took home a pack of fresh raspberry.  Also for comparison we entered the modern clean sanitized market. Rested our tired feet.  While out and about an unexpected find, the Lukisklu g. jailhouse, the parliament surrounded by colorful flowers and a pyramid. Decided to get Gimme sandwich, a big disappointment, it was out of nowhere and closed. Not much choice we settled for Cili Pika on J. jasinskio st.for the dumplings and cold beet root soup, double black coffee and black currant cheese cake.  Hiked up to the Academy of  Music and Theater panoramic view of the city.  Down to KGB museum but I refused to go in . On the walk back we stopped on the white bridge  to watch the  Vilniusians playing volleyball, basketball, bike up and skateboarding up the ramp. R went out to get apple, juice, ramen at IKI on kalvariju st

Gediminas Tower/castles 14th -17th centuries Arsenalo g. 5,Vilnius Lt July 21, 2013

Gediminas Tower/castles 14th -17th centuries Arsenalo g. 5,Vilnius Lt July 21, 2013

Gediminas Tower&Castles 14th -17th centuries Vilnius LT_July 21, 2013

Gediminas Tower&Castles 14th -17th centuries Vilnius LT_July 21, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

July 21 Sunday 

It was raining here and slow breakfast at hotel.  Took a hike up the Gedimino castle and tower.  Great views even though it was raining. Spent a couple of hours there. And walked back to old city. Vilnius youngsters  were dancing and prancing on the street to loud music,  tennis playing for all.  Back to IKI to get coffee and cake. Sort out the pictures on the iPad. Skyped M. A short distance from our hotel we went to Tsarkov village on Seimyniskiu St. for Russian dumplings, fish trilogy and shrimps noodle, veg stew and red wine and sparkling water

Lithuania Part 1, 2013

Riga-Vilnius, wild flower  July 15, 2013

Town Hall Square, Vilnius Lt July 15, 2013

Pinavija Bakery Vilnius LT_July 15, 2013

Literatu St Vilnius LT_July 15 2013

St Anne’s Catholic Church  Vilnius LT_July 15, 2013

July 15 Monday

The breakfast routine began at Hanza hotel. A comfortable 8:30 am ride on Luxbus at Riga station transported us to Vilnius Lithuania.  The lands were flat, the bus was full.  The bus is equipped with WC,  phone charger and WIFI.  R got off for the 5 mins toilet and smoke break, he picked a blue wild flower growing by the roadside. Bus driver was entrusted to check passport at the Lithuania border. Then the sky decided to leak.  Arrived at 12:30, changed money. 1 litas =0.40 US.  We walked to the  old city, crossed the bridge to the hotel. In between we had delicious quiche and chicken pasty at at Piñavija Bakery.  Checked in Ecotel on Slucko st, Vilnius and checked out the  Basilica, St Anne church, Old city, Art and tattoo colony. Dined on ostrich meat, salad at Zoe’s Bar and Grill outside square. The evening breeze was cold. Time to get back inside.

July 16 Tuesday

Vinco Kudirkos Square Vilnius LT_July 16, 2013

Fish herrings were served at the hotel breakfast buffet.  Vilnius turned cloudy, windy and cold. People were wrapping up and the tree too. R used the hotel lobby wifi to book Daugavpils bus tickets. Arrived Arch Angel Raphael church and VCUP mall, Snipiskes  by foot. Lunched at Mano Guru, R ate cow tongue with beet raspberry sauce. I opted for mackerel salad and green drink called tacum, I guess.   Stopped at IKI store for pasty and snack, coffee and grapes.

Vlinius University Lt July 17,2013

Uzupis Vilnius Lt July 17,2013

Snipiskes Vilnius LT_ July 17, 2013

Uzupis Vilnius LT_July 17, 2013

St. John Church Vilnius LT_July 17, 2013

July 17 Wednesday.

After breakfast at hotel.  We walked to the kiosk to get tickets for 24 hour bus rides. Today was nicer and feeling hip we joined with the hippies at Uzupis.  The city began to wake up and health nuts were exercising on the main square. Saviciaus g. craft store  showcased  3- in- one Little Red Riding Hood. The vending machine at the Vilnius University served hot broth & coffee. At Balti Drambliai we had vegan Indian tofu and rice.  Let the bus rolled us to Lazydine.  Upon returning we visited the high end Europa shopping mall. It started to rain and retreated into the hotel.

Latvia, Part 2, 2013

Gauja river, cable car’s view, motorcade below. Sigulda, Lv July 13, 2013

Sigulda, LV_July 13, 2013

Turaida medieval castle, opposite Sigulda Gauja river LV_July 13, 2013

Turaida medieval castle, on the opposite Gauja river bank from. Sigulda Lv, July 13, 2013

Mr. Biskvits cafe, Turaida LV_July 13,2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sigulda, Lv July 13, 2013

July 13 Saturday

It was hot, rose early to get tickets to Vilnius and got some local currency.  Back in time for hotel buffet breakfast. It would energize us for the 53 km train journey to Sigulda that took 75 mins. Located in Gauja valley admist its steep banks and cliffs.  We walked, took cart, cable and bus around Sigulda and Turaida. Witnessed a few weddings going on. Stopped at the cream colored manor and castle, We rested and tried rubard meringue pie with coffee and mint tea at Mr. Biskvits. We ate noodles at a cosy pretty bistro right across the train station before coming back to Riga.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Latvian Art in Exile, Arsenal, Riga Lv, July 14, 2013

Latvian Art in Exile, Arsenal, Riga Lv, July 14, 2013

Latvian Art in Exile, Arsenal, Riga Lv, July 14, 2013

Latvian Art in Exile, Arsenal, Riga Lv, July 14, 2013

Hot Pot Stockman Riga LV_July 14, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Art Nouveau Alberta St Riga LV_July 14, 2013

July 14 Sunday 

 

Another hot day here. M (in Cambridge) and us (in Riga) had a wonderful skype-chat. The daily hotel buffet breakfast served us well with all the miles of walking across over to Arsenals warehouse for the aptly entitled “Latvian Artists in Exile” exibition.. We were lost in finding the unmarked entrance, And was rewarded when the gate was opened, it was a tastefully renovated building.  Artists expressing sorrows, new beginnings, lost homeland and hope. I was surprised to find one from Minnesota but not R.  Soaking in the Nouveau Art along Alberta st, culturized at the museum and topped it up with Latvian hotpot and kvass Stockmann Pica Chili. We shopped like Latvian at the open air market for their glorious summer cherry and strawberry. We felt fully immersed and be one with the Rigans now.