Jun 06

Now you all can get by in Latvia. You'll be amazed at how far that simple phrase will get you.

Anyways, we have arrived here in Riga, capital of Latvia, and I'm loving it so far. I didn't really know what to expect of this ex-soviet country, but it's really great. Some thing are typically soviet, such as the big block buildings, but others just look so great. The old town is amazing to walk through. Amazing architecture, and the colours are just great. It would look so tacky anywhere else, with all the bright colours, but this city can somehow pull it off, giving it a very cheerful vibe.

Another great thing is just how late it stays light out here. It's 11:30pm right now, and it's not even completely dark yet. We were walking around this evening, and it felt like it should have been about 7ish, but in reality, it was about 9:30. I love it.

It's also so much cheaper here. Although the Lat (Latvian currency) is worth about the same as the pound, everything is so much cheaper. It feels so good to not have to shell out so much money for every little thing.

Tomorrow we head out for the West coast. We'll be camping right by the Baltic sea, and then relaxing at the beach and jumping into the (I'm assuming) freezing water.

Until next time, take it easy,

Eric

Hey everyone!

Well, I'm still alive. I know it's been a while since I've left, with no updates, but I've been too busy to take time out to write. So i hope everyone is doing alright.

Anyways, my first stop in Ottawa was great. Jocelyn is doing great, and is has been great to spend some time with her again. I spent the time between her dad's house and then her mom's, so that included some awkward time with her family (i had only ever met her dad before). But it went well.

Then it was time to head across the pond to London. Our flight went well, it was overnight, and only 6 and a half hours. We didn't get any sleep on the plane, so the next day was reeeeeeaaaaaallllllllllyyyyyyyyyy long, as we had decided to not take a nap or anything. We were able to meet up with Jocelyn's friend (an Aussie) where we were able to stay. We then met up with Jocelyn's cousin, who has spent some time around here already. That meant that we had our own personal tour guide to take us around.

I have to say that I'm not too impressed with London. That's not to say that i haven't had a good time, it's just that it's really nothing special. We did get to see all the touristy things (sadly, I haven't been able to say hi to the queen).

After 2 days in London, we headed to oxford for a night. It was really nice to see all the old buildings, it's pretty amazing that people actually go to school there. Oxford also gave us the chance to try out the tent that we have with us. It was Jocelyn's idea, and now I'm really glad that we have it. Saved us a lot of money and it's nice and light.

Then it was down to the Isle of Wight, off the south coast of England. Jocelyn has a great aunt there, so we were able to call her up and she let us pitch the tent in her garden. I love mooching!!!!!!

Anyways, it was a great little island. We were able to go exploring all around, taking a bus to one town, then walking across farmland to the next town to catch another bus. Some beautiful landscapes..... and donkeys! We then came to the coast, where we walked along some cliffs to an old english fort. Great fun!

This morning we caught the ferry back to the mainland, and then the bus back to london. We're staying with Sharon (Jocelyn's friend) again, and we should be here until tuesday when we fly to Latvia (I'm so excited for that).

Anyways, that's everything for now. I hope the summer is going well for everyone. Stay tuned for the next update (whenever that may be).