Saariselka

Left Moscow early to be first coach at border. Took about 45 mins to get vehicle paperwork checked
We had get out once at Belarus side of Russian border and pay over $100 for the right to be there for 2 days!!!
Thrilled with hotel and we dad a great room
After in house dinner, which happens after. A long haul two of us walked around a lake with waterside activities , balmy atmosphere, thrilled with our room
Next morning local guide took us around for two hours and then later we returned to do it in more Detail. Umbrellas handy for shade as concrete paving radiates the heat
At 5we headed off to a farmhouse set up for tourists with info food and entertainment
Once again, an early start to be first across the border to save time lining up for formalities. We had to take all our possessions and go through a pokey room which had a non functioning scanning machine. So now into Lithuania
To Vilnius where we had local guide for two hours. liz and I stayed in town to wind our way back through the UNESCO old city. We stopped at a cafe which was attached to a disused church, now a theatre for a lovely light meal. It seemed a somewhat depressed city as we were 3 kms out from centre and much maintenance of buildings and roads were needed.
I think another day here would have been good
But on to Latvia with an insignificant border as in EU
It first we had a half day trip to Tracai Castle on a large island on a large lake about 45 mins from town. It was amazing,
Back into town then a lunch stop before a long afternoons drive. A significant detour was made to view the Hill of Crosses, but it was ever so hot walking our to it. Check it out,
Fell into hotel about 6.30 with an in house meal.

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