First people at breakfast, loaded up then dragged the cases to the bus station. I do wish the Europeans would move on from cobblestones, they look nice but are murder to pull cases along. 4.5 hour trip on the bus, went quickly as I watched some downloaded Tv shows. The buses in Europe are really good – this one had a toilet, a free coffee machine, power points and wifi.
The scenery was mainly pine trees with a couple of lakes.
Got off the bus and decided to walk to the hotel instead of getting the tram, it was about 2 km.
I’m used to not knowing what day it is when travelling because the concept of a weekend loses its meaning – but I think I’ve been on the road a bit too long because I didn’t know what country we were in. I thought we were still in Latvia, but we were now in Estonia. It doesn’t help that there are no borders any more either, so you’ve no idea when you go from one country to another.
Checked into the hotel, then out to explore the town. Turned around and went back in to get Song’s coat because it was pretty cold.
We were right between the old town and the new one, so went into the old one.
The walls and buildings were noticeably older than the other places we’ve been. The sun was shining but it was a lot colder than anywhere else so far.
Ambled around for a while, taking photos. Some of the old city walls were still there, with impressive towers topped in orange tiles. I took photos. Again. There weren’t too many tourists around.
Decided to get an early dinner, so went to the number one restaurant in Tallin.
I had oven baked goat’s cheese which was served on a layer of finely chopped capsicum and came with a cream sauce. It was very good. Song had a smoked fish salad. For main Song had grilled pork with potato and roast apple and pear. I had braised elk with pureed potato, carrot and a smoked wine sauce. I can honestly say it was the best braised elk I have ever had. Actually it was good, sort of like beef but with a slightly stronger taste. For the first time on the trip we also had dessert. Song had a sea buckthorn tart (no, we hadn’t heard of it either). I had a chocolate pudding with ice cream. Mine was nice, but nothing special. I also had a beer.
Still plenty of light left in the day this far North, we grabbed the map and did a whirlwind tour of the old town. Some buildings dating back to the 1300’s, still in good condition (relatively), the inevitable churches dotted around, and the Town Square.
Having seen just about everything, walked back to the hotel. Song relaxed in the room and I went out again to get the ferry tickets to Helsinki for tomorrow, we leave at 13:30 so don’t have to rush.
Back at the hotel and I’ve picked up a sore throat – one or both of us always seem to pick up a bug when we travel. I hoped this wouldn’t develop into something worse.
Don’t know how far we walked today, I left my fitbit in the room, but I suspect it was around 6 Km.
Ferry to Helsinki tomorrow.
