The Baltics

Riga, Latvia
Wedge between Lithuanian and Estonian, the Republic of Latvia is the third country which makes up the Baltics States. Latvia’s population is nearly 2 million, and the capital is Riga, which was our port of call on August 1st. 

So, when cruising, it does not take long to become accustomed to waking up to a different view from one’s balcony every morning. It kinda makes every morning feel like Christmas, because when you open the drapes, there’s a new present just waiting to be unwrapped (so to speak).

So, some ports are unbelievably beautiful, and some are working ports (which are sometimes not so pretty to look at). Sometimes, the local folks are waiting on the pier with marching bands. You never know. Also, the is a 50/50 chance one’s deck may be looking out to sea rather than facing the port. 

At any rate, Latvia was a first. The ship docks right along a busy street, and there is not a cruise terminal building our anything that we have been accustomed to. 

When Ms. Karen asked what it looks like out there, I told her it looked like we were staying at the Marriott. You literally could not tell that you were on a ship that was docked, as the ship was parked right up against a busy street, across from office buildings and the like. Same view we have had many times, looking out from the 8th or 10th floor of a hotel in cities across the US. 

Anyway, walking off the ship was easy enough, and just a few blocks down the street, and we were in the touristy part of the pretty town that 600,000 call home. 

Russians make up 25% of the country’s population, but everyone was very polite and welcoming. Latvian is the primary language, but everyone spoke English, and were very layer back in their demeanor. 

The Art Nouveau architecture in Riga was exceptional. IT kind of felt like you were in neighboring Russia, except without the fear-factor. 

Riga is known as the place that first began decorating Christmas trees, back in the early 1500s. Who knew?

Our 11,000 steps paid off, as we enjoyed some beautiful buildings, nice parks, ocean front as well as river front strolls, and a lunch in a cool little cafe. 

Latvian food is king of a hybrid between Russian and German  cuisine. Today, I tried the local fare, a dish I make myself. The latkes (a.k.a. Potato pancakes).  Served with sour cream and lingonberry jam, they were very flavorful. (I think mine are better, and definitely healthier) but I really want to try something the county is know for, and the place we chose to eat only had a few items that fell into this category. 

The tavern at the cafe was really neat. The stools at the bar were from antique cars and motorcycles. Really different. 

So we filled up on soup and salad, and snaked on the carb-heavy latkes. 

I was really excited to visit the Baltics, and Riga did not disappoint. 

Tallinn, Estonia
The following day, we visited Estonia, the northern-most Baltic state. Its location contribute to the country’s reputation as a prime northern light spot. 

Estonia is home to 1.4 million folks, and the country is 50% forested land. Its population density is the lowest in the world. It is also one of the smallest countries. 

Even with its small size, Estonia is the world’s leading digital societies. 99% of their “state services” are available online. One can even vote online!

So, the country has a rocky past with Russia. And boy do they dislike them here. Even so, 25% of the country’s population are former Russian citizens. 

So, our trip took us to the capital, and the country’s largest city, Tallinn. 

I really like this town. The city center was an easy walk from the ship. While the city center was the typical cobblestone streets inside the medieval  walls, we were able to walk through the city in order to get there. 

It looked very much what we expected Russia to look like, and had Swedish (boxy) architecture. It felt very safe, and the people were really nice and polite. (Our original itinerary had us in Saint Petersburg today…) 

We toured the old town area of Tallinn, enjoying the old churches, and the winding cobblestone streets. Although this town has much more Russian influence than most of the other medieval villages we have visited, we made the most of it, knowing that this will be one of the last of these types of places that we will be visiting. 

After of bit of snacking and shopping, we returned to the ship. We agreed that we really like the Baltics.  Quite different than the other areas we have visited recently. 

Next stop, Finland. But you know the deal, that will be another story. 

Thanks for checking in. 
– Mike
“Why, sometimes I’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.” – Lewis Carrol, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland“