Vilnius, Riga St Petersburg

10 Hour train journey Warsaw to Vilnius after less than 2 hours sleep - no prizes for guessing what I spent most of the time doing! BUt it was comfortable, if a little slow at times. After Warsaw it was just countryside, farm land and forests all the way.

Vilnius old town has interesting history from multiple occupations and many churches in various states of refurbishment. Probably the most beautiful is church of St Peter and St Paul with extensive plaster sculptures - pictures to follow.

Riga is another lively Baltic capital and it just happened to be a Summer Festival the day I visited so it was very busy and warm. Saw the Latvian Blues Band who were really good, or was it the cocktails?! No they were top and sounded like they were straight outa the ol US of A.

Night tain to St Petersburg Saturday night and the language barrier is more significant! Tryed a few Russian phrases on an unsuspecting Russian couple and that seemed to go ok! but I dont understand any of the replies.

St petersburg is magnificent, could spend a month here but only have 3 days. I saw the Russian museum with immense works of art and will see the Hermitage (or at least part of it!) today and tomorrow. Just found a laundry bar! Not many of those around... having a beer while waiting for washing is a new one for me.