Riga

If there is one thing I have learnt on this trip, I need to work out the word for milk before we head into a supermarket . Drinking yogurt does not go well in your coffee. Riga old town is very pretty but very touristy. Riding in the bus from the airport , buildings looked very dilapidated and uncared for . After visiting the occupation museum you realise the horrendous time the Latvians have had in the last 70 years and it isn't surprising the surrounding city look s fairly poor. The centre is a world heritage sight with lots of beautiful art nouveau buildings and expensive  shops ( oh well where's your credit card Harley ) and night clubs ( we are saving that one. ) The history of the city is very checkered. It has been part of many countries including Sweden ,Germany , Russia . One of the streets in old town has had its name changed over its turbulent history from Alexander street (during Russian empire) to Brivibus ( freedom street) to Hitler street to Lenin road back to freedom street again when they finally gained independence in 1991. Latvia has joined European Union now and as our tour guide said yesterday inspite of the euro being worth nothing ( according to him anyway) it is well worth belonging to be part of NATO ,etc because of instability of surrounding regions. We found the markets yesterday ( been in operation  on banks of river since 1571) and turned out to be best way to advoid the expensive chain cafés. 

Took a bike ride around the " real" Riga this afternoon ( outside old town) . There is lots of evidence of 19th century wooden buildings ( wood preferred because they could be burnt down if you want to defend the old town from invaders ). As well as 1950s  to 1970s communist buildings and various ethnic influences in the city . Tonight we are going to try "genuine " ( atleast according to spruikers out front ) Latvian cuisine so I can compare to Harley attempts last night . 

Got to do some quick shopping before we leave ( linen, amber and any type of knitting are all essential Latvian souvenirs ) Harley is not sure about the " essential " part but he is very grateful for our small carry on baggage ( ha ha I haven't told him I have already found a great little shop where you can purchase a new ( and much bigger) bag !!!

Malmo by bike

Dom took us to all his favourite haunts today by bike . Lots of fun on the great bike paths with their own traffic lights. Riding on the right hand side can be a bit hairy when you are negotiating corners, but most other cyclists did a good job of advoiding me. We checked out the uni library and cafeteria. ( great carrot cake according to dom ). We headed to the beach , ( lots of people and little sand ) the public library ( it had a great music room . I could practice uke) , the local castle ( been everything from a jilted queens residence to a prison with a haunted cat ) Doms favourite op shop and finally the college where he is staying ( for one more day ) . We finished the day off with a local swedish league soccer match . Our team. ( malmo ) looked like they were going to lose until last 5 minutes but kicked a goal for a draw . Very noisy . Lots of singing and stomping of feet . ( a bit like ukelele class with balls )

Malmo Sweden

We have finally arrived. Dom was at the train station to meet us . We walked  about 40 min to the flat where we were staying( so my new little wheelie suit case got a great work out on the cobbled stone streets ) . The weather is very hot so I may have to hit the shops  for some cooler attire ( Harley says any excuse) . The city is very pretty and very " cool  " lots of coffee shops and people riding bikes  on  lovely wide bike paths at an easy there's no rush pace and not one item of Lycra anywhere. ( I am in bike riding heaven ). There are some beautiful parks with spring blossoms every where. We had dinner with Dom and 2 of his friends last night.  It didn't get dark until 10pm but we were well and truly knackered by then. And now it is 4:30 in the morning and day light so I am wide wake . ( Harley says just like home) . Dom is taking us on a bike tour of the city today so I had better try and get some more sleep .