Have time for an extended weekend? Maybe sunshine, a girl, and a car? So why not driving some thousand miles around Estonia and Latvia as we did in the spring 2002. Cheap, safe and definitely quiet. Only minus are the roads, which are not always suitable for cars with sport suspension. I drove most of the time according to speed limits, many times even slower because of road conditions. Though it is possible to top 200 km/h on some lost roads the only conflict with cops came when I was speeding a lame 71 at 50 zone. Instead of 6 days in jail the cops were fair enough to settle with 10 läts (15 EUR) under the counter... So lead on adventurer. From mediaval villages to empty beaches and wild species they are all there. And when the roads take their toll then head to Riga, lean back, and check for example the latest Hollywood flicks first in Europe.

First stop Tartu, soviet-era disco on the river bank


My travel companions: corvette and Kaisa at Otepää


Riga, the little Paris? The heart of Baltics has both history and modern vibe.


Latvian art museum is a recommended visit.


Freedom monument in Riga.


Opera house outside...


..and inside. A modern version of Mozart's Zauberflöte on the run - really!


This place is Kolka, on the western corner of Riga gulf. I guess the radar is out of order...


I founded out it's all beach there.


Widest waterfall of Europe? The place is Kuldiga, an unhurried medieval town.


Dream forest at the place of former castle. What are the statues for?


Last night of the tour at Pärnu, the harbor already closed