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Published: June 29th 2017
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Geo: 59.4392, 24.7586
Tallinn is acclaimed as one of the oldest cities in Europe. Today, there is an old and newtown district in Tallinn. The new looking like a standard Western city, with highrise glass buildings and malls. The old, and our destination for today, having a real medieval feel to it. Cobblestone streets, several large churches with towering spires, a castle and remains of city walls surrounding old crumbling buildings.
We had cancelled our structured tour here, opting to go it alone instead. Again this seemed a good option and money well saved. We set off around 10am and walked around 40 minutes into the city centre. Nats trusty blue hand luggage backpack had finally met its end. A growing tear at the side had reached a telling point. We figured affordable Estonia would be a good opportunity to replace it, and we were right. First marketplace, a very similar size red and black bag, more pockets and zips, 28 Euros, done!
Once in town our first stop was the church of the Holy Ghost. Around the corner we were in to the town hall square, surrounded by restaurants, cafes and the giant town hall building. We paid 3 Euros each to climb
the giant bell tower, but it was worth it. Of all the cathedrals and churches we had climbed so far, this was the steepest, with giant stairs that put Nats little legs to the test. From the top you could see spectacular views of the whole town, old and new.
Once back on the ground, we continued up hill towards the Toompea Castle. We saw many interesting monuments and cathedrals on the way, St Nicholas' Church, St Marys Church, the Kiek in De Kok Cannon Tower and remains of the city walls. I think the most impressive was the Alexander Nevski Cathedral. Built in 1894, it is a Russian Orthodox building with huge onion domes. Alas, no interior photos permitted. On the way out of the cathedral, a beggar woman stood at the bottom of the stairs. This was nothing unusual, but what was amusing is the judgment she passed out all those coming out of the building, much to my delight. No, you cant take a photo of me, why would you, stupid tourist. No you cant just plonk yourself down and sit on the cathedral steps where its clearly busy and people have to walk around you. Its been
a frustrating feature of the trip to date, just how terribly rude, naive and self absorbed the majority of people are. Flashing photography everywhere, without any regard of customs, their surroundings. Loud, rude, dismissive of other cultures or beliefs or viewpoints. Its been constantly frustrating Natalie and I.
From the Toompea area, we headed back into the area near the square for lunch. We found a place called the Brewery. Local brewed beer, Estonian Sausages, a burger for Nat. The honey beer I had here was excellent. The best of the food was Estonian style garlic bread, little crunchy pieces, yum!
We timed it well to get back on the boat around 4.15, for a 5pm departure.
The rest of the day, we went for a walk around the ship, I continued to give Nat chess lessons and we decided to attend the 7pm show. We were skeptical about a comedian impressionist, but to his credit, he was actually really good, doing musical impressions, and celebrity readings of the Dr Seuss favorite, Green Eggs and Ham.
Dinner was our late 8.45 sitting. Tomorrow, we arrive in St Petersberg in Russia!
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Note - I see Nat toting a backpack - Where is yours???