They told me horrors of the bus, it was difficult to move, it would be long and boring. I came with some apprehension but in the end it was an interesting and positive experience. The bus in Latvia is certainly slow, but works fine and allowed me to go until unforgettable and beautiful corners. The stake was worth it.Riga> Leipaja: my first bus ride. I'm going to Autoosta. More than 3 hours for 200km, it's a lot. At least I have time to admire the scenery and travelers. Many young people in the bus, which traveled to the festival Baltic Beach Party. The route passes, I sleep most of the time, I woke up in a rainy countryside. I passed the first step!
Kuldiga> Ventspils: the bus is so small, or it's rather a mini bus, the driver feels a little bewildered at the sight of my big backpack. In the end it has its own seat, next to the driver!Ventspils> Talsi: I try my Latvian at the station. To purchase a ticket, I've mastered "Are bikes bilete Talsi, lūdzu. The ticket clerk understands but I do not understand her question. Then she smiles and she continues in English ... I still have progress to make!
Talsi> Kolka: I am alone in the bus, nobody is going to Kolka or less by bus. When the driver stops at a cafe, I jumped at the chance to go and have a drink. Using our hands, we understand each other, he leaves in 10 minutes, I have time. And the bus sets off again without passengers. When I arrive at the campsite, I arouse astonishment. Russians ask: "Where is your car?" "I do not have one, I came by bus" "Ah ..."Kolka> Plieņciems: I have to stop in the middle of the countryside. I am so afraid to miss the stop and walk for miles, that I scan the road with great interest. It's straight, bordered by pine trees. Finally, a girl stops at the same place. I pester the driver that he will open the baggage compartment. Latvians travel on short distances and often with plastic bags. I go down and wait quietly for my friends from Couch Surfing.
Riga> Rezekne: my longest ride, almost 5 hours for 270 km. It's long, boring and it's hot. The bus is old and uncomfortable and the driver does not hesitate to stop in the country to smoke a cigarette! It reminds me of Asia with countless stops in the middle of nowhere. We finally arrived, fortunately! Rezekne, here I come!Rezekne> Ludza: the oldness of the city is felt on the road. The nest-holes make me jump on the seat, it is pitching. I am so bored that I went down at the entrance of the city and I finished up, a little blind. Thanks to this good idea I will discover a lovely walk along the Ludza small lake.
Rezekne> Riga: to buy my ticket, my Latvian is not enough and the ticket clerk speaks to me in Russian. Not very successful, ultimately, numbers allow me to buy my ticket. Then, to get on the bus, the driver calls the passages by their seat number. So, I climb the last and he did not look happy. Too bad, after 4, I can not count Latvian ...
Riga> Sigulda: I woke up suddenly and I get off the bus at full speed after asking a passager if I was in Sigulda. I found myself alongside a national, sandwiched between an industrial area and vast warehouses ... I am in Sigulda, but the wrong way and after a few miles walking, I reach the center. To come back, I take the train, it is less complicated!
I also remember a few trips by train to go to Jurmala the first time. The cashier kept asking me which station I wanted to get off. I had no idea, I just wanted to go to Jurmala. Then, I realized there are several stops and this is not the same price. The second time I know it!
Or, my journey back from Salaspils. After visiting the concentration camp, I palm in the countryside and along the train tracks in the dark, I found a station. I have no idea where I am. The train arrives, My ticket is in a pitiful state - torn and unreadable - the controller looks at me with a pitying look but valid it nonetheless.Finally, the bus is a fun experience. A journey allowed me to reflect, to frame my articles but also to daydream and to have new ideas.
