We have around five hours driving today but, before we leave the Estonian island, we head off to see five ancient windmills on the way to Leisi, also stopping at the 14th Century Karja Church, unfortunately too early to see the interior. Well worth the trip, though.
Windmills.....
14th Century Church....
Church Stop
We trundle on, take the ferry to the mainland (again, luckily arriving at the last minute) and, after a couple of hours, stop at the Estonian seeside town of Pärnu; very nice it is, too, although the majority of the cars seem to be Finnish. We have a cool ice coffee (well it would be) and a tasty snack, linger some more, then head off to our destination, Riga.
Pärnu Cool
Pärnu Hot
After another two and a half hour or so we hit the Riga rush hour traffic, narrow lanes, trolleybuses and other exciting stuff as we make our way to the city centre camp.
Pitch, shower, group meal in the leisure centre then it's time for bed... wait! Have to do the blog.
City tomorrow.
Day 2
We spend a long day in this enticing city. There is massive restoration work still taking place as the historic buildings are restored to former glory. Many interiors become highly expensive modern apartments, mostly owned by foreigners.
As much as we enjoy our day in Riga, it's clear that Latvia has gone about organising the newly independent country (50 years ish) along different lines to neighbouring Estonia. Fiercely proud of it's new status, there is an underlying worry about Russian intentions. It's interesting to discuss social attitudes in the country, which some may judge as conservative. It's certainly fascinating to see the differences between the Baltic Countries at any rate.
Recent resorations abound
This is the guy who designed many spectacular facades....
...many of which includes faces of his most recent love..
While watching the changing of the guard at this commemorative monument, we were interrupted by a loudly shouting Russian... 'suggesting' (putting it politely) that Russia should take back the country.
What's this wonderful piece of engineering then? Answers please..
Cityscape from St. Paul's
Ex Zeppelin hangars, now a wonderful market site.
It's the longest day/shortest night celebrations tomorrow... but we will have moved on, so we'll have our own celebration at a Lithuanian farm site, all being well.
We have to get out of the City first... at least it's Sunday...
Windmills.....
We trundle on, take the ferry to the mainland (again, luckily arriving at the last minute) and, after a couple of hours, stop at the Estonian seeside town of Pärnu; very nice it is, too, although the majority of the cars seem to be Finnish. We have a cool ice coffee (well it would be) and a tasty snack, linger some more, then head off to our destination, Riga.
Pärnu Cool
We head off for the border with Latvia with heavy hearts; Estonia has an indefinable something that we're sad to leave and, of course, we'll probably will never be here again. Farewell Estonia, hello again Latvia.
After another two and a half hour or so we hit the Riga rush hour traffic, narrow lanes, trolleybuses and other exciting stuff as we make our way to the city centre camp.
Pitch, shower, group meal in the leisure centre then it's time for bed... wait! Have to do the blog.
City tomorrow.
Day 2
We spend a long day in this enticing city. There is massive restoration work still taking place as the historic buildings are restored to former glory. Many interiors become highly expensive modern apartments, mostly owned by foreigners.
As much as we enjoy our day in Riga, it's clear that Latvia has gone about organising the newly independent country (50 years ish) along different lines to neighbouring Estonia. Fiercely proud of it's new status, there is an underlying worry about Russian intentions. It's interesting to discuss social attitudes in the country, which some may judge as conservative. It's certainly fascinating to see the differences between the Baltic Countries at any rate.
Recent resorations abound
While watching the changing of the guard at this commemorative monument, we were interrupted by a loudly shouting Russian... 'suggesting' (putting it politely) that Russia should take back the country.
What's this wonderful piece of engineering then? Answers please..
The wonderful church St Paul's
Ex Zeppelin hangars, now a wonderful market site.
It's the longest day/shortest night celebrations tomorrow... but we will have moved on, so we'll have our own celebration at a Lithuanian farm site, all being well.
We have to get out of the City first... at least it's Sunday...
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