Have spent the last 3 days travelling by car around the western side of Latvia countryside, known as the Kurzeme district.

Visited a military museum with many old bombs, guns and tanks (mainly Russian) from World War 2. Also the ruins of an old fortress at the harbour of Liepaja. These were unhappy times for the Latvian people with many years of repression and deprivation from both the Soviet and German armies. Abandoned and derelict buildings from the collective farms used during Soviet occupation can still be seen around the countryside.

The countryside is quite beautiful - mainly flat, rich farming land and forests with pine, fir and oak trees and many native berries and mushrooms growing. It seems to be a favourite Latvian pastime to go mushrooming in the forests! The country's coast borders the Baltic Sea which is not salty! There seems to be a very close affinity with the land. Fascinated by many storks nesting on the top of electric poles and chimneys. Also deer and hares running by the roadside.

We were guests again of Latvian hospitality and stayed one night in a country farm house with a wonderful vegetable garden and fruit trees. Shared meals with the families using largely home grown food and cheese/milk from local dairy. Also, given a home made herbal remedy for my laryngitis - pine flowers soaked in vodka - powerful stuff! However, I have found Icelandic moss cooked in milk and mixed with honey more soothing and palatable!