Germany, Latvia and Lithuania

Germany - My time in Germany was interesting. It's been a while since I've traveled in the developed word so it was quite a change. Trains that ran freakishly on time as well as businesses that opened at the time stated on the window were part of the first world experience I hadn’t experienced in a while. While in Germany, I split my time up between the cities of Cologne and Berlin.
My good friends and great hosts Philipp and Frida took good care of me in Cologne. Beyond the beautiful streets and great people of the town, I had a chance to display some Outfit projects at Philipp’s Select Party series that combines photography exhibitions with great DJ’s from around Europe playing into the daylight hours.
Berlin was also quite beautiful and a great place to play tourist again. Special thanks to my good friend Brigitta who showed me Berlin’s nightlife. Amongst the highlights were a series of tourist rookie moments where I lost then found my maps numerous times, a wine bar that ran on the honor system with payment (only in Germany), and running around with Brigitta to find her an apartment, actually a great way to see a city.

Latvia - I met my travel partner-in-crime Kevin in Riga for a long awaited trip. Riga was quite an interesting place with a thriving economy due to a fast track into the EU. Riga itself was a beautiful city though it had a very strange vibe, mainly due to much of the old town trying to cater to the recent influx of British sex tourists and stag parties.

Lithuania - Vilnius was also a stunning city. Also thriving due to the EU, Vilnius has the added bonus of being a UNESCO site, giving the city quite a rebirth. Highlights here included clubbing East European style, being locked out of our hotel in freezing weather at 6am, and the lovely Double Coffee chain (also in Latvia) that was like combining a Starbucks with a nicer Denny’s.