Day 7.

 Day 7            Monday August 18.

RIGA (Rest Day)

Some light rain this morning till 10am. Then a chilly breeze. Nice sunny afternoon.

Had breakfast here in Hotel Justus before wandering out to see some sights. The Old Town is quite compact on the northern bank of the Daugave River; the classical city surrounds that and the modern section on the outside.

I encountered (without visiting) The House of the Blackheads, the Doma (cathedral), the Opera and the Monument to Freedom (erected 1935).

Passed by the stout Latvian Science Institute and some of modern Riga on the far bank.

In a supermarket I noted Jameson (1L) for €24.99) but just had to try the national drink of Latvia.....Riga Black Balsam, distilled from a herbal base with a strong taste of vanilla. At 45% it's taken as a small short or in coffee.. I just bought the 0.04L bottle...it was sufficient.

During my rambles around town (outside of Old Town) I came on this unmanned bike repair/maintenance station complete with all tools, oil, stand, pumps etc. Use it as you wish and make a donation.

I cycled down there to restore the bike to prime condition. Otherwise I'd be doing it on the side of the street outside the hotel.

Dinner this evening in a popular Italian place. 

All packed up then and ready for the 4 day section to Vilnius.

Thank God for a lovely day.