Day 6 - Riga, Latvia

My tour of history and architecture in Riga, Latvia, was cancelled.  So, my only shots were from the ship.  It appears that Riga (and the small country of Latvia) is an example of contrasts:  old and new stand side-by-side.

Approaching Riga gives you a good look at the countryside of Latvia.

The only country where you had to go through customs while on the ship was in Russia.  Here's the port facility in Riga.

The Vision of the Seas docked right next to this bridge.

Riga is a land of contrast with old churches next to more modern buildings.

One of the options for the day was a trip to a local beach.

Day 5 - Tallinn, Estonia

Tallinn is a great city.  Estonia has been occupied most of its existence (1400's) by the Danish, Swedish, German, and Russians.  They've been independent from from the USSR since it disolved into different counties.

Here are a few of my photos.  The city was involved in a festival celebrating its heritage when I arrived.

The view of Old Town Tallinn, Estonia, from the ship.

One of the churches in the Old Town section of Tallinn, Estonia.

The panoramic view from the "mountain" in Old Town Tallinn.

Another view from atop the hill in Tallinn.

A celebration of the Middle Ages with a street fair.

A little dancing in downtown Tallinn.

Another view of the market square where folks were selling their handmade products.

A group of young people marched into the square and performed for the folks in the market square.

A final shot of Tallinn, Estonia, from the ship.

Day 4: St. Petersburg, Day 2

St. Isaac's Catedral is now a museum.  The park across the street is used by couples for wedding pictures.

Peter the Great ... He was killed in battle since the two front legs are lifted.  

Weddings are held morning, noon, and night.  This couple was just married on a Wednesday morning.  I bet I saw 25 young couples during the trip in St. Petersburg.

Statue in St. Isaac's Park.

The public square at the Winter Palace is larger than Red Square in Moscow.

There are two main rivers that are found in the city of St. Petersburg.

The Old Russian Stock Exchange ... It now houses a university.

Day 3: St. Petersburg, Day 1

Day 1 of Russia was interesting.  It was all about hurry up and wait while going anywhere.  Customs officials are interesting.  No matter how many are in line to be processed, they just suddenly close down stations.  Although its a beautiful place, it can be a little perplexing.  One of the members of our tour group had his wallet stolen while at the Church of Peter and Paul ... so I'm holding on to my passport and wallet very closely on Day 2 in the city.

Here are a few shots from my photo album of St. Petersburg, Russia.

Standing in line seems to be the norm when in Russia!

Going along with the flow at the Hermitage Museum

The throne at the Hermitage Museum.

The Peacock Clock is one of the Russian treasures in the Hermitage.

The guide went through the Hermitage in fast forward mode ... so many works of art and so little time.

Beautiful objects and priceless works of art by the European masters were enjoyed by the Tsars/Tsarinas.

The Church of Peter and Paul ... The royal family is buried here.

Interesting sculture of Peter I ... Note the small head (actual size from death mask).  Tradition is to have your picture taken in his lap.

The tombs of the Russian Royals at the Church of Peter and Paul.

The altar area of the Church of Peter and Paul.

The Church of the Spilled Blood ... A symbol of St. Petersburg, Russia.  

Cruise Day 2: Helsinki, Finland

Today was spent touring some of the city of Helsinki,Finland.  Helsinki has been the stand-in for Russia on many movies because of similar architecture (e.g., Red, Gorky Park, etc.).

Here are a few shots I took during my visit today.

The Helsinki Church (80% are Lutheran) in the town square.

A Russian Czar in the town square.  Norway and Russia have had along history/connection.

An outdoor museum with various styles of Norwegian construction (they introduced the log cabin in America).

Having coffee or tea along with a Finnish cinnamon roll.

A typical country church of long ago in Finland.

I always think of log cabins and red paint when I think of Scandinavian homes.

"I'm ready for my closeup."  These seagulls love to take advantage of the drafting as the ship sales.  Note one is banded.

One of the newest churches in Helsinki.  It was constructed inside of a large rock formation.  It has beautiful acoustics.

They moved the old train station and tracks which resulted in a walking and bike trail that cuts across the city. 

Cruise Day 1: Leaving Stockholm

Cruise Day 1:  Leaving Stockholm

Well, I got to the ship around noon.  I had lunch becomes rooms opened at 1 PM for guests. 

Stockholm is interesting because of the length of the day (it’s latitude is close to the Arctic Circle).  Sunrise is at 3:30 AM and sunset is at 10:00 PM.  So, there’s only about 5.5 hours of darkness.  It’s interesting because the streets are alive in Stockholm at 3:30 AM which people out and about in the streets. 

I’ve met lots of folks from the US in getting here.  Some are from Florida.  I’ve met a few from New Jersey.  I’m sure I’ll meet more as the tour progresses.

There’s six hours time difference from South Carolina to Stockholm.  We have to move our clocks up another hour this evening as the ship enters Finland.  Finnish time is seven hours ahead of SC. 

The Baltic Sea area is beautiful.

Sunday, June 30, started out a little overcast, but it was beautiful by the time we set sail from Stockholm, Sweden.

Boats approached the ship as it exited for the  archipelago to the enter the Baltic Sea.

The boaters would yell and wave as we left Stockholm.

Day 2 - Stockholm, Sweden

I learned a great deal about the Swedish way of life today.  I had a great tour with five other Americans who also were to be on cruises in the next day or two.

The tour guide was a 72 year-old retired military pilot.  Although his father was originally from Switzerland, he migrated to Switzerland prior to the outbreak of World War II.

Here are a few shots from today ...

The lion, a representation of Swedish royalty, is represented in most areas of the city.

Athough the exterior doesn't look very prominent, the interior is where the Nobel Peace Prize is handed out.

Much of the art carries a message about Swedish thinking of participation in war and violence.

There are 12 major islands that make up the port city of Stockholm.  Here's an amusement park that's along the harbor.

Our tour guide outside of one of the oldest buildings; he loved to share his exploits as a pilot.

It was a beautiful day, and we saw lots of wedding parties.  A bride and groom posed in the street after leaving a church here.