9-25-2013 Estonia

9-25-2013

Left early for our trip to Estonia.  We went on a really large ferry and had a nice smooth trip that took about two hours to get there ... i googled it and found out it was about 55 miles.  The floor we are on had many tables where people could sit and have treats or in the case of Patsy and I an Estonian beer.  Linda and Mary Lou had a soft chocolate ice cream cones.  Once we landed we were met by our tour guide (Esther) and our driver ...we went by the palace of Alexander the Great which was not all that spectacular but had a lovely garden.  We then proceeded up a very high hill to visit a couple of churches that were not spectacular either but were interesting, especially one that was a Greek orthodox with many beautiful icons.  We could not speak nor take pictures.   The views from the point in  the city where we were ..was worth the trip up and I think we all got good shots.  The trip down was by stairs, 157 of them..it was not too bad..they had good hand rails.  At the bottom you go into what they call "old town"  which was streets filled with shops.  Mostly shops selling Amber which is from Russia not Estonia (that is weird)...  we then headed to lunch which was a traditional Estonian meal.  First course was a salad which was pretty standard except for the something that was pickled... not sure.  The main course was chicken that had a thin batter or covering and I believe it was baked.  There was a think creamy sauce that had mushrooms and spinach..didn't have much taste..and then there was potatoes that were  most likely broiled.  The vegetables were an assortment of root veggies all pretty common except for boiled red radishes..very strange.  We finished the day looking at shops on the streets.  The last thing we had to do was walk to an appointed hotel where the driver was to meet us.  We (Linda, Mary Lou and I) got there early and both Mary Lou and I fell sound asleep on the comfy chairs in the lobby, then once on the boat going back to Finland we took another nap!  It was around 10pm when we arrived back at the hotel.  I bet I was asleep again by 10:35pm!  I think I am finally caught up!


LMR. Post

Day in Tallinn, took ferry from Helsinki (2 hours). Boat was jam-packed with people.  Had duty free shopping, including a grocery store, lots of perfumes, scarves, etc.. Our guide, Esther met us and showed us the city view, churches, government buildings.  Also had quite the experience using outdoor pay toilets!  Then we walked and walked (approximately  2 1/2 hrs) last part was down hill and 157 steps) to a restaurant for lunch.

Then a bit of shopping and caught a ferry back home at 7:30pm.  Arrived at hotel around 10pm.  Packed to leave for st Petersburg in the morning.

Last sauna met a young woman who is a house painter by trade.  Her boy friend lives in Tallinn, so they really have a long distance relationship.  She went to her first sauna at-the age of three weeks.  Donesn't like people to say saw-no, I told her I didn't either.  It's been really great hearing Finnish spoken everywhere.  It reminds me of life in Astoria - Swensen.