The Baltics: Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia

Comfort Food in Estonia

I was anticipating a few weeks of difficult travel as I prepared to journey through the Baltic countries—especially after my Ukrainian experiences. Unexpectedly however, they were some of the easiest countries to travel through on the entire trip. When I landed in Lithuania, I boarded a shuttle from the airport to the main train station. Immediately, I knew something was different because the driver understood English—a massive rarity so far on the trip.

Lithuania

Vilnius is a cozy city, one that can be explored in a few days. However, it is also a city that retirees could enjoy their summers. The people were very friendly, the public transportation could not have been simpler and the city had a quaint, cozy feeling. The pace of the city, and it seemed the country, was relaxed while still remaining purposeful. Vilnius (and Lithuania) just felt cozy and warm.

Latvia

I arrived in Riga, Latvia on the Saturday before the Tall Ships were set to leave. This perfect timing allowed me to fuse my absent American July 4^th experience with an unexpected, unique Saturday concert/firework show. These unexpected and small victories when arriving in a city are always a welcomed and appreciated surprise.

Riga reminded me of Vilnius; however, bigger and near the water. I really enjoyed Riga and during my entire stay, I felt like I would enjoy spending a summer there (I could not handle the winter…too little daylight). The people were great—again, the city center was attractive and clean, and the public transport worked as it should. I took the opportunity to explore the countryside surrounding Riga. While pretty and peaceful, I am starting to miss mountains.

Estonia

Tallinn had a strikingly different feel compared to the other “hub” cities I stayed in while traveling through the Baltics. Tourists flooded the city during the day (cruise ships) and Estonia seemed more achene to Finland than Latvia or Lithuania. While all three countries have made shocking strides to distance themselves from the former Soviet Union, Estonia has definitely covered the most ground. While I was visiting these three countries, I became more and more sad for the citizens of Ukraine.