HELSINKI TO BELARUS

Some came by air, others by sea,

We all came together in Helsinki.

We saw all the sights that Catherine did show.

We stopped at the market 'til we had to go.

We boarded the ferry, the Baltic to cross,

Arriving in Tallin, no time was lost.

With Tea's good guidance we saw old and new.

The next day was better as our knowledge grew.

Estonia's flat, most places they say,

But we climbed a hill that's quite steep that day.

Cobblestone streets that twist and turn,

Churches and steeples and so much to learn.

Outside the city in forests we saw

How people did live with roofs made of straw.

Our Inn in the country was quiet and serene.

Except for a live band and stuffed animals seen.

Then on to Riga we stopped by the sea,

Strolled through the sand--water cold to me.

The nice cooling breeze led us to believe

Our Latvia days, much cooler would be.

Alas, we were wrong, the city was hot.

Our rooms so closed up, at least what I got.

But our tour of the city with Aija was great.

The old city's charm, our day it did make.

Statues, cathedrals, history galore,

Mid-summer festival, dancing and more.

A side trip northeast to the hills and a cave. 

A castle and sculptures were all the rave.

Then on down the road to Lithuania we went,

As we counted the dollars and Lats that we spent.

Vilnius proved to be quite a gem.

The beautiful buildings, so many of them!

A peaceful river ran through the town,

Cobblestone streets went up and down.

So many churches, ornate and plain.

We saw it all despite the rain.

Elanora showed us this and much more,

Like the Trakai Castle on an Island shore.

And the somber cells of the KGB

Where prisoners were kept 'til 1990.

We hated to leave this nicest hotel.

We'll remember the singing and dancing well.

But 'twas time to call on Belarus

And give their economy a great big boost.

Our time at the border seemed long to us.

But Elanora got us through without a fuss.

Minske was a city of considerable size,

With lots of buildings we saw as high rise.

Our one night was spent with a beautiful view.

But not much time and not much to do.

The feel of this place was different somehow,

The people more somber, subdued more now,

Police more in evidence, guards on the floors.

You hoped they wouldn't stop you as you went through the door.

The marble lobby and crystal chandelier

Belied the way the rooms would appear.

Mirrors in bathrooms for giants they were made.

"Twas only the top I could see of my "haid".

Natasha joined us to guide us on through

Russia and tell us just wat to do.

We escaped Belarus with nary a ripple,

To end up in Smolensk for lunch that was simple.

They said it was in the best place in town.

Could be Andrej was playing the clown.

The cool night in Minske was replaced by the sun.

Humidity climbed 'fore the day was done.

Poor Ari was tested.....more miles on the road.

And still at the end. our bags to unload.

The roads were more bumpy, he tried not to push,

As we made frequent stops to take to the "bush".

This was my FIRST TRIP to this part of Europe.  Watch for part two, "Moscow to St. Petersburg"