Lativa, Estonia, Finland 24th June – 28th June

Daz, Kempy and Me
The trip to the pseudo Eastern Block and Helsinki was interesting and we even ended up with an extra traveling companion – Borat (the boys quoted Borat….a lot). In Latvia and Estonia you can feel the presence of the previous occupiers (Russia and Sweden) and that the countries are still perhaps recovering from these occupation and the numerous wars.

In Riga I accidentally let myself into the president's garden – that’s what happens when you don’t lock the gate against tourists – suffice to say the guard came running pretty quickly and I just as quickly exited the garden!

Biguzis - traditional Latvian desert
One of things I like most about traveling is getting to experience local food. It doesn't always work out though and I'm afraid Biguzis, a traditional Latvian desert, will safely stay in Latvia. It consists of stale, dark, rye bread with cream and jam - lots and lots of jam.














Daz and Kempy


The Belgian's are everywhere - Belgium Beer Cafe across the road from our hotel


Hard to see but the Compass in Latvia



Freedom Monument - Riga, Latvia
From Wiki
A memorial in honor of soldiers killed in action during the Latvian War of Independence. It is an important symbol of the freedom, independence and sovereignty of Latvia.














Russian Church


Compass in Tallin, Estonia


Tallin, Estonia


Russian Church - Estonia

Helsinki feels a little like the frontier at the end of the world. I was very tempted to buy some of the furs at the market!

The Compass in Helsinki

The Aussie Bar in Helsinki

We had an absolutely ball killing a couple of hours in this bar which is run by a couple of Kiwi's. Fishermen's Friend vodka shots were very memorable as was drinking Toohey's Extra Dry.


Daz and Kempy at the Aussie Bar