Day 9: to Riga, Latvia

We had a couple of hours before we had to catch our bus to our next country . . . doesn't that sound so cool?  The breakfast at the Kempinski is buffet but also has several items you can order fresh from the menu.  I ordered Eggs Benedict and Eggs Florentine . . . oh my there are no words as to how amazing they both tasted not to mention how pretty they were platted too!

We got our bags packed and headed to check out when we were met with a tray and a drink?  Sure, why not?

We took a taxi to the bus station and waited to board the LUX Express bus to Riga, Latvia.  The bus was super cheap at 18€ (about $20) for the 4 hour ride.  I wasn't sure what to expect but it was very nice.  Each seat had an in-seat entertainment screen with movies, TV shows, ebooks, games, and the best part?  free wifi!

The bus was not crowded at all so could spread out a bit.  It was very clean, on board restroom, and free coffee machine too.  So for the price it was great.  The country side was very rural and beautiful.

So we arrived at the bus station which was interesting.  My first impression?  Wow, we really stick out as Americans.  Like really stick out and we don't even have on white sneakers, LOL!  The vibe is very Russian.  It is very different from where we just came from but of course most areas around bus stations sort of bring out the town's finest people.  We aren't really sure how far our hotel is so stop and ask at the information desk.  It is walkable so off we go . . . let me say dragging a suitcase on cobbled streets is not fun, but we made it.  The hotel was nice but not near as nice as what we left in Vilnius.  Yes, I really do like nice hotels and this one was nice and the price was really cheap . . . it was clean and that is what matters the most.  We drop our bags and head out to explore the Old Town part of Riga.  It is very busy with people everywhere.  We find a place with live music and have a snack.  We enjoy just relaxing and walking around after being on a bus most of the day.