To get to Riga i travel by bus. The bus is very nice and comfortable, and full. The drive is very pleasant through the countryside. Its lovely and green. The driving here is very civilised and roads laws are obeyed. We arrive at Riga bus station to a lovely warm day. Its a 2k walk to my apartment where i am greeted by my host Jackie. After a quick run down on the apartment i unpack and make my way outside to enjoy the warmth.

Look like the weather for the week is going to be rather warm. It will get as high as 30c. Did the sight seeing of the old town, which is one of the nicest so far. Its very beautiful, and not crowded. Plus there are next to no cars allowed in the old parts of the city. Checked out the central market, oh what a great place to visit when your hungry. One of the ex airship hangars was full of shops selling nothing but meats. The smell of all the smoked meats was glorious. Another hangar was for seafood. Another was bakery products, and this is where i nearly stayed for the next few days. The cakes here are so cheap and so good. I consider a really nice pastry or muffin for 30 cents a bargain. Dont know why they are so cheap, but i will certainly take advantage of this as i have not had cake for some time now.

Took a tram to check out the shopping centre out of town. Was big and had all the European brand names, but was lacking people.

Cant believe how tired i am this morning. I have never woken up feeling this spent. I even went back to bed and slept till 10am, and still felt ever so worn out. Too much walking i think.

Another glorious day is unfolding with a top temperature in the mid 20s. Spent most of the day at Mezapark. Its a beautiful park a short tram ride from the city. There is one thing missing from the park, wildlife. No birds or animals, just the odd seagull and stray cat. Not even a bunny. In fact thats one thing that i miss from Australia is the birds. We have such a magnificent collection of bird life, and Europe has next to nothing.

Today its a tram ride to visit the Open air Museum. It houses original wooden houses dating back to 1760. They are so neat inside, and offer a great insight as to living standards back then. Takes a few hours to see most of the buildings plus there is a fair on showcasing crafts made by Lithuanian and Estonian people. Had to do the museum in the morning as by the afternoon its going to be hot, around 33c

Well my time in Riga has come to an end. Great city, great weather, great time. Now its time to move on to Vilnius