Latvia – 16 to 17 th July 2008

Labdien - to a stunningly diverse architectural central Baltic country, with some gruff old sovietness mixed with art nouveau and cobbled streets to forests of conifers. Latvians descended from tribes that settled here from 2000BC and merged into one identity. From the 1200's the first Germanic crusaders conquered Latvia then Poland arrived in 1561, Sweden in 1629 and Russia in the 1700's who finally occupied the area until the fierce struggle and persecution through WWII and Soviet rule – until independence in 1991.

After yet another unmanned border crossing we approached Riga, where we spotted a Toyota Dealer and spent a few hours doing the overdue costly major service on the vehicles. They not only serviced the vehicles straight away, but also offered a great lunch and the management were keen to have some photos taken with the vans in front of the dealership. With vehicles purring again we headed for our 2 nights at camping Riga , situated on a small island in the Daugava River .

The capital's old city is a spider web of cobbled streets spinning amidst Gothic spires and an array of centuries old architectural styles. Quite intoxicating! GR1 were drawn to the Town Hall square with the house of Blackheads built in 1344 to house unmarried merchants and the detailed chilling museum of occupation that documents Soviet and German atrocities of the past century. Yet another history lesson for kids on WWII. Numerous 800 year old churches, the Riga Castle which now houses the president and beautiful bustling squares with monuments scattered around, had us in a spin! A highlight for GR1 was and exquisite authentic Latvian meal in a medieval decorated dungeon complete with gothic arches, only lit by candles. GR3 however, took it easy and only left the camp at 4pm after being ‘interrogated' by the receptionist for reasons on obtaining the Latvian Football Association address! They managed to have the ball signed by the Secretary-General. After sight-seeing and being starved they sat down for lunch at a ‘Traditional Latvian Restaurant' to sample the local beer, beef stew, lamb pot and pork with potatoes and cabbage, delicious once again!! Troy managed yet another injury, this time injuring his upper gum on the cannon outside the restaurant, but all was well within a few minutes, once the bleeding settled. Re-energised, GR3 re-started their walking tour, this time heading for the Freedom Monument and then for a leisurely stroll down Brividas Bulvaris, and finally to the Riga Castle .

The next day after the usual duties and an unsuccessful attempt (since Norway ) to fill our different gas cylinders, we were off south doing about 100km to the Lithuanian border. Ataa, from a rather unexpected but delightful small country.