On to new pastures-visiting some of the Baltic Cities

Other than a week in Crete in May, I have only travelled within the UK since returning from mexico.  I am about to embark on a tour to the Baltic Capitals, starting in Vilnus, then on to Riga, Tallinn and Helsinki.  My last visit to this general area was many years ago travelling on a river boat from St Petersburg to Moscow.  Not only am I more widely travelled now but there have been many changes in these countries, so I imagine it will be less 'different' than if I had done it 20 years ago!

Arrived Vilunis, having travelled all day via Helsinki. The second part was in a smallish plane. Had met one of the group in the queue at Heathrow so we breakfasted together and found our way through Helsinki airport together. There we had an interesting experience finding the loos. The arrows pointed the wrong way! It was a pretty quick skip through Helsinki, then the worrying announcement that the flight was overbooked. When we arrived one person was missing; perhaps they didn't manage to get on.

I am in an adjoining building in the Radisson hotel Vinuis, so need a map to find my room, lots if twists and turns. But it is a magnificent building, especially when lit up at night.

I got organised everythjng info my daypack, clones por the morning, but couldnt find the hairdryer ( until I asked reception). I decided I wasn't hungry and it was too late to shower and change, so changed my shoes and went out for a walk. I found a supermarket with water at a fraction of the hotel price and a yoghurt to eat with a few nuts, enough til morning. The town was alive with people, music and activity but of course it was Saturday night. I found a little bar, cafe de Paris for a celebratory glass of wine.  This all feels quite easy after my normal adventures, and although the language looks impossible, I am sure some words sound recognisable.

Off for a city your this morning.