Onward to Riga
The 4 hour bus trip from Tallinn to Riga, capital of Latvia, was punctuated by rain, rain, rain, and a touch of hail! And the wind hadn't abated. Riga Bus Terminal is currently surrounded on almost all sides by major works that they are doing to the railway, roads and tram tracks.
When we arrived rain was persisting down. We all disembarked from the bus and then stood around in the rain while we waited for the luggage compartments to be opened. The driver (still sitting in the nice warm bus) seemed completely oblivious to our misery and took his sweet time. We were finally able to grab our suitcases and bags and run (as much as we were able with aforementioned luggage) to the terminal. Minimalist is probably the nicest way to describe it. Hopefully this terminal is getting an upgrade as part of the works that surround it...
A side-effect of the heavy works is that the cars of the Baltic version of Uber (called Bolt) can't get near the terminal. We had to head out in the rain again to a nearby shopping centre before we could order a ride. I am all for walking and using public transport, but I think that the 80%/20% rule can apply... When things are pretty grim, grab a Bolt or a taxi!
The Bolt driver dropped us off at our new address and braved the rain to help us with the luggage. The apartment was (again) on the first floor which meant (again) hauling bags up the stairs. Georgia's bag was okay. She had only had to pack for a week, but I had packed for a month so my suitcase was considerably heavier!
We got into the apartment and were met with a place that did match the Airbnb description, but they had definitely prettied it up for the photos. There was a weird little room that we dubbed 'the Anne Frank room' off to the side with a narrow couch/bed/chaise thing. Presumably this was the second bed that was advertised. It was a creepy little room, and we decided that we would rather share a bed than put anything other than luggage in that space. We spent some time settling in while it rained and dumped a bit more hail. But a while later Georgia looked out the window and it had stopped.
So we threw on jackets, hats, scarves, gloves and ventured out. Riga Old Town was quite different to Tallinn. It made Tallinn look a bit like a toy town.
And then the sun came out! Unbelievable after the afternoon that we'd had! But welcome...
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| St. George (the Dragon Slayer) |
Many of the quirkier parts of this city are apparently based on tales by the Brothers Grimm. I have a lovely big book of their tales, but haven't read it. It was for Lola (my niece) when she gets older. But now I might have a look...
Then it was time to find some dinner and get some sleep, with fingers crossed for better weather the next day.
And we got it. It was still cold, but sunny. We had the whole day to explore. This old church has been destroyed by war a couple of times and subsequently rebuilt. And it has a tower with 360 degree views of the city AND it has an elevator up to the tower! Winning!
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| The River Daugava |
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| The Latvia National Library (on the right) |
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As well as the river, there is a canal that runs through the city, with a gorgeous park on the banks.
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| I loved this sculpture. It had a real sense of energy and movement. |
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| And another church... |
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| A sneaky pic taken by Georgia when I wasn't looking |
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