I am SUCH an idiot - I have LOST my photos from this super cool trip.
I can't believe I call myself an IT professional and make such a basic mistake (have been on a laptop and an external drive only for the last year and a bit, since all my stuff is in storage in London - but obviously external drives too, can crash!)

I'll have to do a data recovery in the autumn when I have settled back in the UK ££££ this is super expensive.

My only backup is in fact this travel blog and a few photos that I sent to some friends and relatives.

But this was a VERY interesting trip and I am FAR from finished with these countries!
Travelling alone was much more fulfilling than I had expected and it is relatively easy to meet people to talk with. It's a bit "weird" and antisocial perhaps, but it gives you total freedom too. All I was missing is somebody to discuss the exciting experiences with.

The height of the trips were>

1) An impromptu "guided tour" of Kiev in Russian by a Belarussian guy on a business trip, who had a day to kill and knew the city quite well. What a grand city! I had no idea Kiev had so much to see. I'll be back for sure. Not to mention Yalta which I did not get to. Can't wait!

2) Ending up in the mysterious republic of "Pridnestrovie" by chance - a place that does not officially exist as a country, but has its own currency and border check.

3) Speaking Russian for the first time as an adult - in Moldova!

4) Positively surprised by Belarus - very well organised and newly renovated country. Gomel, Minsk and Vitebsk - all well worth a visit.

5) Staying at a sanatorium - funy, relaxing and different - and really helped my migraines which have been a lot better since - went on outings and met lots of nice and interesting people.

6) The beaches of Latvia - awesome!