Blogs from Estonia, Europe
A view of the old town
I'm going to interupt my Oktoberfest story with something a little different, and more recent. Thanks to the wonders of modern technology, I can now blog as I go with the help of my amazing Claypod! It probably means a bit of a change in writing style to something more like a diary, so let me know what you think. "... Day 1: Friday After the brilliant time I had in Latvia 8 months ago, I was really looking forward to this trip to its northern sibling, Estonia. I almost didn't make it too. After getting up at 4:30am, everything was going fine until I missed my second bus. No problem, I was still early, so I changed plans to catch a train that should have got me there in time. Perfect! Except it was cancelled. ... read more
Winter in Raudsilla
If you’re planning to visit Estonia upcoming year then you should find a reason to stop by from Raudsilla (Iron Bridge) Recreation Center. First things you’ll notice about Raudsilla are these triangle shaped cottages which are great shades on hot summer days but they will also warm you up for winter adventures. They are houses with no doors, only shoddy carpets! Raudsilla sauna that fits the whole company has a barrel in the middle – you have to hop in and hop out quickly because it’s filled with freezing water from the river that gives you more energy to enjoy healing sauna procedures. You can do your own barbeque, they even give you good lessons but you can also eat healthy homemade Estonian food! Just 45 minutes away from the busy capital I really experienced genuine ... read more
Town Square in Tallinn
The first stop on my cruise was Tallinn, the capital of Estonia. It was a very beautiful and picturesque city indeed! We spent our time in Old Town in Tallinn. And in the photo I am standing with my ice cream at the Town Square in Old Town of Tallinn, Estonia. Photos and full post at: http://ropcorn.com/d/photo-frenzy-in-tallinn-estonia.html... read more
Kumu museum
Tallinn - City of Surprises I try to pay the trolley driver for my ticket and he brushes me aside. Later I learn that over as certain age travel free on public transport in Tallinn irrespective of where they come from. This is just one of many surprises about this best kept medieval city on the Baltic coast . In 1997 The Old Town became a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. The taxis are another. Although there is an airport bus we opt for a taxi, not wanting to repeat our experience in Naples when we found ourselves deposited late at night in the city centre laden with luggage, not speaking the language and surrounded by some very shifty characters and mountains of rubbish. We were lucky not to be robbed (that came later in ... read more
Twin towers flanking teh entrance to the old town of Tallinn
Thursday, 11th August Tallinn, Estonia. My aunts Eva and Kaija, my cousin Marja and I decided that we would go and see the sights in Tallinn for a day. Tallinn is the capital of Estonia, a mere 80 km from Helsinki across the Gulf of Finland. It still bears some of the signs of the Soviet era, but it is emerging as a vibrant city and a tourist destination because of the old city, where centuries old buildings have been preserved, among which are many tourist shops offering handcrafts, Baltic amber jewellery, restaurants and fashions at prices much better than in Finland. One of the biggest drawcards however are the numerous bottle shops offering huge discounts on alcoholic beverages, which are snapped up and carried across to Finland by eager locals by the suitcase load. The ... read more
August 3rd 2011
Family picture - looking down at Lower Old Town
Wow was it cold this morning. However it is sunny today which is a bonus considering it is so close to the coast and there is always the possibility of raining in this part of the world. We are in Tallinin, Estonia today, the crown jewel of the Baltic and one of Northern Europe’s best preserved medieval towns. Today’s weather will be mid to upper 60’s. The view from the port towards Tallinin is absolutely beautiful. You can see the green parks and the various types of churches from the cruise ship. I have memories from our trip here in 2003 when everything was so close. Today we are at port all day. We are scheduled for a tour however now I am wondering if we should have done our own walking tour since everything is ... read more
DSCN3895
art Museum and first contacts with the city, few words to describe the very impressions: medieval, cannelle, amber, pastel colors.... read more
