back in the old u s s r - tallinn in estonia our port today
the cruise into the second half and a change in focus
we have visited and enjoyed big name big city ports
for the next 4 days they will be relatively unknown
with that expectations are low - a good place to be
a leisurely amble off the boat and along the jetty
a perfect blue sky and a warming sun to greet us
we only have 4 hours and a walking plan in place
as we enter the walls of the old city we are delighted
it looks so good - a few people around and low key it is
this is the urban europe we love - a modern city in ancient buildings
in this case it's all narrow cobblestone streets, houses and the city wall
there's a few cars around but they seem to keep out of the way of pedestrians
this place is so photogenic in the morning sun so the camera is in overdrive
we have 7 points of interest to make contact with in the old city
no time (or inclination) to go beyond the walls to the new city
the map in hand and clear street names makes the navigation easy
at an early point we clamber up a narrow staircase
come out to a wooden walkway along the city wall
catch breath, admire the view and the well placed cafe
there's a higher viewing platform indicated on the map
so we take a granite staircase up to toompea hill
and find ourselves in an elevated part of the old city
a cafe advertising hot wine too much to resist so in we go
joy - it's a small underground cafe/bar expertly set up
subtle lighting and music and fresh goodies on offer
next door a souvenir shop offering reasonably priced jewellery
we part with some euros and continue the mini expedition
the cathedral of saint mary the virgin is open for inspection
compared to what we have seen in st petersburg it is low key
but no less impressive in it's historical significance
and clearly a place of pride for the local population
the estonian houses of parliament are nearby
we are standing outside them without realising
a large pink building that also seems understated
the flag on top confirming it's political significance
a beautiful setting with a park, gardens and tall trees
the russian orthodox church looking glorious in the sunlight
we descend back into the old town and head to the town square
it's bathed in sun and the cafes on the edge are doing well
we take up the offer and park ourselves at one of them
observing the scene in front of us and appreciating it
it's all quite timeless - happy and relaxed people
locals, families and tourists enjoying the sun
no cars, traffic lights, smartphones in sight
a few more points of interest left so walking on
very much enjoying the amble in this gentle place
time taken to inspect some markets under the city wall
dedicated to wool - jumpers, scarves, hats, mittens, etc
looking very much as though hand-crafted by the lady vendors
we wind our way back to the point we entered the old city
on the way discussing the pleasure of our time in tallinn
definitely high on the list of must-return-destinations
but for now we have to get back on to our transport
the vessel has an early afternoon departure
an opportunity to spend some time relaxing
this travelling thing is quite tiring
but as per hans christian anderson
or at least our copenhagen guide
to travel - is to live...
