Remnants Of May 9 Victory Day In Riga, Latvia

Latvia has a large Russian minority population and it still comes out to commemorate Victory Day, May 9, the day the Russians defeated the Nazis in WWII. Of course, like Lithuania, Estonia and other Eastern Europe countries, it also marks the beginning of Soviet occupation that lasted 45+ years. It's a touchy subject.

Riga has a Victory Park, dominated by Soviet Socialist sculptures. A natural place for remembrance.

Solemn details, a sea of flowers, images of lost family members, military hardware.

Flowers in front of the other sculpture.

Checking Out Tallinn's Old Town

Another Baltic country, another Old Town. Tallinn's throwback-ville has more of a medieval feel than Vilnius or Riga. While the Old Town feels more complete than the other Baltic capitals' versions, it also feels less like a real, living part of the overall city. Restaurants and boutiques, yes. Banks and places of commerce, not so much.

Cobblestones and colors, time for a stroll.

Heading in through one of the old gates of the city wall. The highlights, usually churches.

A peek through a courtyard gate.

Even in summer, when the sun refuses to shine, it's time to grab a fur throw. Pig planter box, trough reversed.

The impressive St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, home to Tallinn's Russian Orthodox faithful.

You can take a fantasyland tour from a blue train. Outside the old walls, ready to be a back lot for Game of Thrones.

A geometric jumble of a skyline.

Buying Duty Free In The Baltics

What's a cruise without a Duty Free shop? And if you're running a Duty Free shop, make sure you know what your clientele wants. For a cruise from Riga to Stockholm, it's an eye-opening mix of items. The Duty Free shop tells all.

Let's start with T-Shirts. Ones that play up Riga's Old Town or that Stockholm is home to the Nobel Prize? Nope. Bring on historical Russian pride!

It's all about the classic cars and firepower triumphs.

What's a good mixer for love of automobiles and weapons? Beer! Lots and lots of beer.

They're so kind at the Duty Free shop. They have "beer trollies" at the ready, to make it easy for you to pick up not just a six pack, but rather a four, eight "case" and easily wheel it off the ship. Genius! (If for marketing, not health reasons).

The Duty Free shop is even more thoughtful! You can buy your beer trolley already pre-stacked. Oh, big brother.

We're going to need a little food to help slow down the beer. Great, the Duty Free shop obliges. Are you thinking bear or moose meat in a can?

The Scene While Cruising The Baltic Sea

There's good people watching on the deck of your cruise ship as it navigates the run from Riga to Stockholm. Nice weather, rocky islands to crawl past and alcohol to grease the enjoyment.

A beer and a bench. From where comes that Hitchcock shadow?

Toasting the end of the day.

Smoking section.

The party starts NOW.

Cruising From Riga To Stockholm

Soon after our arrival in Vilnius, the embassy organized a cruise across the Baltic Sea. We're in! The trip is quick, one overnight leg, leaving in the afternoon from Riga, Latvia and arriving mid-morning in Stockholm. You eat, watch a show, catch some sleep and arrive in Scandinavia.

Our big taxi.

Walking the plank. Watching the meal tickets board. While a decent enough cruiser, the ship is definitely a cargo hauler first.

Cabin for two, with a view.

Two more views of a cabin, no view (but a TV waaay up there).

Fancy restaurant.

Have a seat, stay for a Russian hockey game simulcast.

Distance dining.