Lithuania and Latvia

After a short visit to Estonia a few years ago via Finland, we decided to visit the other Baltic states so we went to Vilnius, Lithuania, and Riga, Latvia, two new countries for me to visit. We flew into Kaunas, and headed to Vilnius which I liked, the old town, the three crosses on the Hill, and the Tower on the hill above the town. The architecture is a blend of baltic sea, Germanic and Scandinavian, as well as some relics of the Soviet era. Some quirky art stuff, as well as the Frank Zappa bust (still not sure why it is there) we visited, the museums like the museum of genocide had a native bias perhaps. Onwards we went, driving the Toyota Yaris, going to Riga, kinda Zig-Zagging it to the Hill of Crosses, which was amazing to see, but also the countryside which is quite flat. On to Riga, which seems bigger a bit grubbier but with some amazing architecture, monuments and public spaces in the city, very similar to many Baltic cities, but with a noticeable Russian feel, from the Language especially, I heard more Russian than Latvian. We went to visit the Rundale Pils (Palace and Gardens) about an hour or so outside Riga, which was very nice on a sunny September day. On the way back to Riga, we took a detour to visit the Salaspils Concentration Camp, which was hard to find and quite hidden in a lovely forrest parkland, not much there and not given the reverence it deserves in my book. A night out in Riga was lively but thankfully not infested with UK Stag parties as it is at other times of the year. A quick visit to Jurmala forrest and beach area, and a paddle in the baltic, before heading to town to see the All-Ireland. Overall I found it quite interesting and easy enough to navigate with one of the guys on google maps assisting. I would recommend both Riga and Vilnius, and if you can on a longer stay work in Tallinn, but get out of the cities and see some of the countryside.


visited 23 states (10.2%)
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Westport & Carrowniskey Surf Trip

Another venture to attempt surfing, second time in Carrowniskey, and staying in Westport Harbour. Nice place and the weather behaved itself, and it was sunny for our surfing! I like Westport Town, good buzz about the place, ok it is a bit further to drive from Dublin than other venues, perhaps the road could do with an upgrade, and Carrowniskey Beach is a further drive beyond Louisburg along the southern side of Clew bay, we had a fine clear view of Croagh Patrick, although didn't venture up it this time. I am always impressed with the amount of things to do in the Westport area, ok cycling and surfing appeal to me, but there is also golfing, horse riding, hill walking, fishing, boating, take a trip to the islands, visit the stately home, venture on to Newport or Achill for a day. As ever a very enjoyable trip, no doubt will end up having a return visit some day.

Ski Amade 2017

Third year with Specker Ski Trip to Ski Amade in Austria. Again a great trip and ski resort. Ok some early morning Ryanair flights to negotiate but all went smoothly. I would describe the weather and conditions as two very sunny days, two snowy days, and 2 mixed days. A massive ski resort with many different runs to do, and outstanding scenery. Overall it was quite warm and on the sunnier days some of the lower slopes were quite sugary and slushy, but overall some excellent skiing was had. Most days finished off with a Coffee and Cake across the road, sometimes still in ski boots still on. Dave and Eileen and Seigi Tours arranged things well for us, and Hotel Post fed and watered us very well. Good company with stories and laughs as usual. A good night with a sing song and laughs to see is off, I promise I must learn some songs for next year! he says presumptuously, and I look forward to going again.