Communist era hotel and leftfield jazz

After  10 days in the Mazurian lakes we decided to move on and explore some more of Eastern Europe.  We headed for the town of Suwalki, not far from the Russian border and a transit hub to connect to the Baltic states.  The bus journey was enriched by sitting next to a Pole who had spent a year living in Willesden Green and was keen to chat about the UK, Polish politics and the US election.  On arrival  we spent a long time looking for somewhere to stay, finally plumping for a Communist era tower block hotel.  If you are looking for concrete faced staff, sheets that don't fit the bed and boiled sausage for breakfast (only on production of the right paperwork!!), then this is the place for you.  The evning improved when we found a pizzeria with a leftfield jazz band playing.  Although the music didn't really float our boats the entire population of Suwalki were there and it made for a good atmosphere.

Despite the attraction of Boney M playing at the town festival that evening, we set off the next morning, heading for Lithuania.