What was your scariest adventure or travel moment? I'd love to hear it, might even inspire me for my next one :D

The guy who gave you the ride to Ludza, to the door of your hotel, shows that there are still good people wherever you go in this world.

I'm from the Baltic states, if I saw anyone walking alone in the dark at winter, I'd stop if I was going by in a car. My uncle saved an old man with dementia once like that, he was just wandering around town! We don't leave people out in the cold :)

ISteve, you’re not alone at getting off a stop too early. Three years agoI did a similar thing. The sight of the train disappering along the track when you realise your mistake! Thankfully I was lucky, it was a hot summers day. Trecked through the forest to meet a main road. Parched and very hungry I came across a roadside restaurant. It was empty. Sat down, ordered food and drink. Halfway through my meal a security team came in, checked the place out and manned all exits. An important group were usherd in. I asked the waiter about the fuss. Turns out I was having lunch with the president of Latvia!

As a Latvian, I am honestly suprised that they still put stations in the middle of nowhere. For example, the station Cirma (where you got out) has on average 2 passengers a day.

I'm from Latvia and you brought back so many memories, as I used to for years travel to Riga and back with Zilupe train for work. On other note, I had a feeling you might get lost, as even locals sometimes get confused when to jump off the train, esp when it's so dark everywhere and I can imagine the fear. You got out in probably most old fashioned, poorest, most undeveloped part of Latvia, where most towns don't even have a hotel and no one speaks English. But people there are nice and friendly. And often times, esp in winter, there are wolves migrating in those forest from Russia. It's no joke man, glad you got out alive. 😂

I am Latvian and the exact same thing happened with me in Switzerland (I left the train before my station). If you travel in an unknown area, double check with Google maps where you depart

Hey man I’m glad you made it out safe and sound. A year ago I made a huge mistake as well. As I was travelling in Amsterdam, I forgot my passport (I’m a non-EU citizen), my cash, and all essentials that were stored in my backpack in the lavatory of one cafe outside the city. I realized that when I got 3 stops away from that place. Luckily, the bartender was very nice and had my stuff reserved at his desk which I was soooo relieved to see… damn that anxiety was bad

I am watching this a year after it was posted but it was terrifying. You were in pitch dark, alone, language barrier, wolves, snow and cold. I would have been in tears! So glad a sweet soul gave you a ride.

Speaking about East Latvian places with lovely Scottish accent is priceless. Thank ye.

One year later - I don't really have much to add to what was said by others in the comments, except for one miniscule detail: I believe that you got confused when you've heard the word "LŪDZU..." which means "please.." (as in "Please mind the gap" ;-) ) At least, I'm glad that you've lived to tell the tale, and even unharmed 🙂. Thank you for sharing your travel experiences with us! I am absolutely sure that you're one great companion to travel with!

What can I say? That looked absolutely terrifying. Pitch black in the middle of nowhere in the freezing cold. The stuff of nightmares. On the other hand Ludza looked beautiful - well worth all the hassles you endured. Thanks so much for the mention and remember, you’re not an idiot! We all make mistakes.

Fair play to you for visiting obscure places like this. Very interesting. Hope that your saviour guy who gave you a lift does get in touch with you. You'll probably remember him for a long time getting you out of that situation!

What a legend of a driver saving you 👏

Hey, Latvian here. If you are traveling from Riga to Zilupe, then it's better to stop at Rezekne, than Ludza. Rezekne sits on an important trade route crossroad about 50 km from Russian border, is bigger and a bit more developed, it also has castle ruins, some historical landmarks, and it is really hard to miss when traveling by train 😁

Damn Steve, that was a real scary situation you got yourself into! A 4 hour walk in those conditions is not something you want to experience ever! That young fella was a real life saver👍

Well, I suppose that all's well that ends well. However, the idea of being lost in rural Latvia at night in the winter gives me shivers sitting here in my living room. We love you and your channel. Please be careful.

I’m a westerner who lived in Latvia near where you got off the train. I’m familiar with those woods and felt nothing but terror for you watching the video. The cold alone was dangerous enough, but the Forrest are also home to wolves and boars. Happy you made it to Ludza safely. I have only been there once. They have a living museum there that is interesting if you ever go back. Also, knowing a little Russian goes a long ways in that area.

A friend of mine just shared this video with me 😁It made my day 😅 On the downside, however, as a native Ludza guy, it is a pity to conclude that there is not much to do here in the wintertime. Not as a lone tourist. And yet, since you did not come across any bears or wolfs in Cirma's forest, that's still something to celebrate 🤣Best!

As a latvian i can definetly see how much effort you took learning latvian and with that i hope you have a great day.

Steve, that is what I call a travel video - none of this business class, lounge access, smart hotel nonsense but a proper view of small town Eastern Europe. Absolutely top drawer filming and reporting! No doubt it will put a lot of people off - but I'm sure it will inspire a lot of us too. Reminded me of some of the little villages I've driven through in eastern Poland......and I always wonder about their histories and what life must be like there. Thank you for sharing!

It was so scary! Btw we call icy pavement “glass” in PL😁

Just for the future (possiblly applies also to other Baltic countries) the main city stations will be unmistakable from the small ones between towns. They will have good lighting and a better looking station, as you got out somewhere that had no station. Good luck in your travels!

Getting off at the wrong stop is one thing, but when it's literally Baltic winter weather outside, that's pretty extreme 🤣😱

Glad for the lad that gave you a ride. I lived in Alaska for 11 years and the cold is nothing to take lightly. Thanks for showing us places so many of us would never see. When you make it back my way, I will be sure to take you out on our boat for a tour of the Puget Sound.

That looks seriously scary. Being out all night in those temperatures could have dire consequences. Thank goodness someone picked you up.

Hi Steve. We all make small errors in life my friend. I noticed the uncertainty on your face after the old lady closed the door on you. That was a scary isolated place you found yourself in. Thankfully a very kind young guy came to your aid and delivered you safely to the hotel in Ludza A great video and thanks for sharing. Ps. You were out of your comfort zone there for a while. 👍

This is like a nightmare I would have. I have taken the train in Latvia and am always glad I managed to get to the right place! 😬 That was dangerous because of the cold weather. Glad you found a nice person to help! You did well showing gratitude. 🙏☺️

We had similar experience on our way to a wedding in Austria. Having arrived in Vienna from Budapest, we just managed to catch a wee local train to take us to a small town further south. We came into a station which we thought was the end of the line as everyone got off. So as we dragged our suitcases out of the station we saw a sign telling us it wasn't our stop, but then the train moved off. We decided to get a taxi. The taxi driver loaded our cases and I told him where we wanted to go, he gave us a strange look but drove off. We drove for about 200 metres and turned a corner and he stopped......there was the train and the place we were supposed to get off 🤔😂

Glad the famous Latgale region hospitality saw you alright in the end. As you approach each station, the anouncement always says what it is plus what the next stop will be... so that probably explains what happened. There should have been a couple of conductors on the train to ask (at least one of them usually speaks some English). But kudos to you for heading so far off the beaten track. A shame you didn't get to see the restored synagogue, which is really nice. Hope to see you back in Latvia soon!

That was a scary experience for you Steve. Good to know that there are still good people around to help others. Glad you're home safely.

Great video, im slowly working my way through them, they are so relaxing to watch, keep up the good work 👍

Glad you are safe and thanks for your tour of another country 😊

6 months ago they had trains going to St. Petersburg, Moscow, and Minsk out of Riga Station; as well as busses that went to St Petersburg that I saw. I was surprised when I saw this myself and figured it would change soon after.

You have the heart of a true adventurer! So glad for the rescue, and for bringing us such great content. 👍🏼

Fascinating video. Thanks for taking us along for the ride.

Wow Steve, that was not what I was expecting! Rather you than me mate - especially in those conditions but fair do’s for eventually getting there, I could tell you were relieved!

Once in Baltimore, Maryland in the United States, a cab driver dropped me in the wrong part of town and I got chased by a gang of hoodlums. I saw them coming down the street and knew I was a target and so calmly walked around the corner and then started running. I dashed across a busy street and fortunately saw a taxi and hopped in. I too have gotten off at the wrong station but never in so desperate a situation as yours, thanks for sharing your misadventure. Ludza was beautiful and it wasn't a total loss.

"Unfinished business, I'll be back", says our intrepid voyager! But not making the mistake of getting off in a snowy wilderness! Count your blessings Steve; all's well that ends well.

I couldnt imagine getting off a train in the middle of winter, in the middle of the night, in the middle of nowhere near the Russian border at the WRONG stop! You're a far braver man than i ! LoL Glad you survived! Loved seeing a bit of Latvia!

Absolutely brilliant vlog. Can only imagine how scary that must have been for you. Can't wait to see the others.

Oh Steve my heart went out to you,that was scary! I did the same years ago,got on the last train for what i thought was Berwick upon Tweed but it was the North Berwick train,cost me £75 for a taxi to my destination but like you i was so relieved to get there ,really appreciate your great videos 👍

What a great video man, keep up the good work :)

Awesome video once again Steve!!

Marshy Marshy Marshy, cheers for showing & sharing a part of the world I’m unlikely to ever visit, cheers mate

Welsh guy here, Been living in Riga for 15 years, and always thought about going to Ludza, so fascinated by your excellent, positive vlog. A bit of Latvian goes a long way when you get outside Riga, but well done for a brave attempt.

Cracking vlog Steve, you definitely make your own luck in life and that got you the ride to Ludza. Captivating to find yourself in this town and I cannot begin to imagine the relief when you found your way to the hotel. Great experience in the end.

That was wonderful to watch Steve. My goodness I was so scared for you, getting off at the wrong station. But all was good in the end. Thanks so much.

What a scary time you had Steve but an easy mistake to make. We did enjoy the rest of the video after your adventure. Well done to the young man who gave you that lift, what a hero. Do let us know if he does get in touch.

Grand video and technical issues is something we all have 😆 if I was in your shoes I would have a major panic attack! Can't imagine being lost in another country like that... I'm glad you managed to get some help there!

I really do enjoy your vlogs, they're well done, good production values and this one showed some raw emotions. I like the way you show warts and all. Keep going.

Steve, I've spent much of my professional life in the travel and tourism industry.... and I hugely enjoyed this video as well all your previous videos! Latvia looks absolutely fascinating and I'm going to have to seriously think about visiting there in the future! Thanks again :)

Crikey! I could feel your panic myself there. What a sticky situation. Glad you got out of it to tell the tale. 😬

Wow Steve , bet that was a shock to the system lol , thank goodness for the young man who gave you a lift , hopefully he will get in touch with you , loved the update as usual but what a place Latvia is , credit to you for visiting and sharing your experience, keep up the good work and stay safe 👍

Well done Steve brave man ! You had me worried for a couple of minutes !

Dude, that was truly life-threatening! Thank goodness for that young man. On the positive, a roll of the dice and discovery of an interesting little village. Stay warm!

Whoa Steve! That was a nail biter! I'm so relieved nothing bad happenned to you. Love that you go to the old towns. I guess Europe doesnt salt their streets when its icy or snowy. LOL Take care, Mary Ann from Delaware USA 🤗

When interrailing in eastern Europe in 1991 2 years after the Berlin wall fell, we got off the train in Berlin at 10pm. Unfortunately it was not central Berlin, but a run down area of east Berlin. A 6 hour sleep in a drafty shelter later saw us on the next train

Wow, even though I knew you were fine since you uploaded this video, I was genuinely worried!! So glad things worked out and Ludza seemed charming (albeit icy..)

OMG Steve, the sheer terror you must have felt alone and isolated at that station. My heart went out to you. I really hope the guy who rescued you gets in touch what a star. Thank you for sharing this with us I really enjoyed the adventure and Ludza is a lovely place. ❤ xx

12:40 Those are absolutely deadly - suspicious look at icicles in freezing weather 13:54 Completely safe - goes through barely standing ruins where falling stone can smash your head any moment 😂

Steve, as a fellow Montrose newbie, I feel an odd sense of fraternity with you. At this stage in my life, travel like this ain’t an option. So you’re like an avatar for me. Though I’m glad it wasn’t me stuck in a dark station platform! Keep up exploring all these lesser known places.

Found you recently Steve , love all your vlogs , so interesting, wow this one could of ended badly had that nice lad not helped you , glad it ended well , thank you for all your fascinating & honest content, best wishes to you both

Well done Steve.....I must say I'd have panicked !! But glad it all ended well ....Hats off to you ....Keep finding these remote spots to share !

Good one, mate. Have tried navigating blind across foreign logistics, languages, and alphabets myself, and a fair few times things went a bit south as well. But we managed, and, as my friend says, if it wasn't a fun experience it's usually a good story! Safe travels!

What a nightmare... glad you made it safely! This situation terrifies me especially as a woman because you never know what could happen getting picked up as a hitch hiker needing to get somewhere warm and dry!

I felt so nervous for you. Wow bless your heart for good people are still around.

I am having a complete mom moment, equally inclined to yell at you for taking a risk and to send you a virtual hug for being safe.

Your rescuer shows the kindness of people transcends language barriers. And you got a great story out of it.

Wow, I was worried for you too there, Steve! In the days of my very misspent youth I have on occasion taken myself to remote places with a view to not returning - but not in temperatures of -10 C without anyone whom I can even communicate with! And there's you, dressed little better than the average tourist about to tackle Ben Nevis in his sandshoes... Thank-goodness for your good Samaritan - let us know if he gets in touch with you, as I think there may be a long queue out here who also want to thank him for saving your life... When you got out of the station at Ludza it looked very much like some of our Highland towns - maybe Ballater or Grantown-on-Spey - just a bit bigger. Is that how it felt? And that ice is just ridiculous - how does anybody stay upright in that? There must be people who are effectively imprisoned in their own homes for literally half their lives - and we think we've got it bad, eh? Thanks for the movie though - your pics are mighty grand by the way, as they invoke their own atmospheres. It's a real eye-opener.

Hey Steve, thank you so much for your posts. I really enjoy seeing your adventures, and the interesting places you go. Thank you for brining them to us. I look forwards to your posts - Even from Aus.

Wow Steve! I was so nervous for you! I cant imagine going through that ! Thank God you found a kind stranger to give you a ride and you stayed safe. Thanks again for another great video! Enjoy the rest of your weekend! Cheers!

The old lady at the station spoke perfect English, it was Scottish she couldn't understand. When she shut the door, her husband said "Who was that at the door love" She said, I don't know he kept saying "Oui" i think he must be French.

Once when I was in Morocco I had a similar mistake. Met 2 the most amazing Americans who saved my life! You need to invest in some shoe grips which you can put on if the road is icy. We use them here. There are places here in Finland where you can actually stand on the border! Some Brits were caught wondering into and out of Russia last year. Glad you survived your wee nightmare!

Blessings for your continued safety.🙏🏼

Steve my heart was racing for you! Glad you gotthat lift.

I am from Russia. Thank you for interesting and informative video. It felt like I went back in time and ended up in some old Soviet village. The train station and the trains made the picture so much more real. Wow!

That is a Mr. Bald level adventure! :) Not sure I'd want to get too close to the Russian border these days (which is sad as I really enjoyed visiting St-Petersburg during better days). Ludza does look lovely, must be pleasant in the summer.

That is quite scary Steve.... Glad you got rescued xxx

Well done Steve, another great Video, and it's always nice to see places off the beaten track, you were very lucky that night to get a lift, I know the feeling when that happens! Looking forward to the next installment, keep up the good work

Hi Steve, Nice story. As a Russian who lives in Russia and who traveled in Latvia in my Soviet's childhood i may tell you werent in real danger until approaching the border sign and trying to cross the line. Next time, when the war is over you should travel to Russia definitely. I hope there will be time when it will be possible again.

Oh no, what a nightmare! You handled a very tricky situation much better than most people would have! Think you might have misheard the town "Ludza" for the word "lūdzu" which can mean "please" or "you're welcome", and is quite often used to end sentences politely, like would be done on a train announcement. Won't be a mistake you make again I'm sure!

Absolutely brilliant Steve ... another wonderful upload!!! Thanks for all the entertainment and the info. you provide.

Real great, loving the videos. Keep up the work 👍

Yes, that bit was really scary Steve. But when I saw where you were heading, to Ludza it sent shivers down my spine. Didn't any of the tourist information or residents tell you about the town's Jewish history?????? There had been a large Jewish population there since the 16th century. Before WWII, a third of the population of Ludza was Jewish with half the stores and tradesman being Jewish. Ludza had many synagogues and Jewish schools and yeshivos. Some very famous Rabbis came from there. In 1938, the residents attacked and burnt to the ground over 200 Jewish-owned stores, looting, murdering, raping and destroying. In 1940 the many beautiful synagogues and schools were attacked by local residents, looted and burnt to the ground. Ludza was occupied by the Germans on July 3, 1941. They were welcomed by the residents who preceded to fully cooperate with them, in rounding up all the Jews, around 2000 of them. The Ludza ghetto was founded on July 20, and soon after, the murders and slave labour began. On August 17, 1941, most of the remaining Jewish population, mainly women and children, were marched to Lake Zorba just outside of the town where they were stripped naked and all murdered. Only a few hundred Jews escaped. About 100 Jewish Holocaust survivors returned to the town after the war to reclaim their property and belongings. They were beaten up by the residents and ordered by the police to leave. They were picked up by a Zionist Jewish displacement organisation and put on a ship to Israel, where the surviving Jewish population and their descendants of Ludza live today.

9:05 Of course the TV is programmed for Russian channels :D

You always make the most of everything Steve, great video as always!

Scary stuff, I could feel your anxiousness thru the screen. Lucky, lucky...

Hugely entertaining Steve. You did so well to recover from what could have been a desperate situation and provided an enjoyable video in the process.

This is your funniest video I''ve seen (although at your expense, Gov....) WOW! Great adventure. You need me along to help!😂

Hi Steve I just love your adventures into the unknown. Many thanks for taking us on your journey to Latvia.

I work on the railway. The longer I have, the more it's convinced me that most people are nice. Your video supports my view. Fantastic video BTW. I really must get to Latvia.

Been watching several of your videos, Steve and I'm glad you made it out of the one

Brilliant!

Part two of your Latvia trip was another great video Steve. That must have been quite worrying getting off at the earlier station and having to find your way to your destination. Well done and big shout out to the guy who gave you a lift. Great video and looking forward to the ones you will be producing for this year. Brilliant. All the best

Thanks for taking me back to my hometown! 💖 Best of luck in your travels!

As usual thanks for the wonderful train trip. I'd have been exhausted too. My weekend starts with your video and wouldn't be complete without it. Thanks Steve!

Wow what an adventure Steve ...bad enough when you have company but by yourself !!! Glad it turned out well for you and thanks for a really interesting video

Great video again mate, was scared for you at one point.

This was truly an adventure not soon forgotten!!!