From Riga I took a bus to Vilnius which I knew very little about. I would only spent one night here but I was keen to see all that it has to offer.
My arrival at night to 5euro hostel was not the greatest welcoming to Lithuania. As I entered through a dodgy carpark full of old russian men smoking and drinking, to find the hostel entrance, I knew I was in for a shock. On arrival I didn't see one single female there as I walked up the numerous flights of stairs to the closed reception. I was given strange looks from all the men surrounding me which didn't make me uncomfortable but I just felt as if I was part of some prank. When the receptionist arrived he charged me €8 for the bed (apparently sheets are extra) and led me to the dorm. As we entered the first dorm, the full bright lights illuminated the lines of single beds as well as the half naked russian man sitting mid room eating his dinner at midnight. I refused the room and asked for another one. The second room had 3 sleeping old men and a smell I can't even describe but at least it was quiet and the lights were off... I took it! But I shouldn't have! The bed was filthy, the sheets were gross and the russian men started shouting at me when I set up my bed. I couldn't wait to get out of there.


Despite the hostel from hell, I left my bag and headed into Vilnius old town to explore. I was blown away by how beautiful it was. The churches and the architecture were amazing and the vibe was very uplifting. I spent the day walking around, even exploring the museum of genocide victims and KBG prison. It was amazing. I was learning a lot about the Baltic countries and their incredible history. I had dinner and that evening I went through the park where there was a night concert so I stayed for a bit before heading back out of town to the station. I was sure I would come back to Lithuania to see more some day but for now I was heading on an overnight bus to Warsaw.

​Riga was the beginning of a trip I didn't really have planned. I was basically going there to do some mandatory training for my new job at sea and they had a very good maritime college there at an affordable price. I decided then that I would use the opportunity to travel through the Baltic's and into central Europe over a month or two, to explore places and countries I had yet to see.


Riga itself I had been to briefly on my ship Silver Whisper last year and loved it. This time the season was different but it was a magical time to arrive. The city which has the most fairytale canal running through it was dotted with hundreds of trees all changing colour. It reminded me of Canada in fall. It was chilly in temperature but it didn't stop me exploring the city every minute I had spare, rain or shine.


For the time I was at the college I biked there though the beautiful streets covered In fallen leaves and enjoyed the vibe of the city a lot.


My course included basic safety training including fire fighting, survival at sea etc all which included practical exercises. I met some wonderful people during the 10 days I was there and learned some very valuable information for working at sea.


On my weekend off in-between my courses I went to see Die Fledermaus at the Latvian National Opera with Sean, a fellow couchsurfer I had met, I explored the city by foot, I spent a whole day hiking through the forest of Sigulda which was one of the most beautiful places I've ever been in my life. I did many different things and I really tried to immerse myself in the city and absorb what it has to offer. While I was there I stayed at St Marta's Hostel which offered free breakfast a free bike and free laundry all for €5. I then moved closer to old town to Riga Hostel which was very comfortable too and was close to everything old town had to offer. I am so thankful to have been here in Autumn, a time when I think Riga becomes the most spectacular place. From here i planned to go to Lithuania.