Day 8 - Tallinn, Estonia. This morning we arrived in Tallinn to clearing skies and the promise of beautiful weather. We left the ship at 11:15 and met our guide with Alla Tours. We began with a narrated driving tour around the town with stops at Kadriorg Park, the Presidential Palace, the Estonian Song Festival Ground, and the ruins of St. Bridget's Convent. During the visits, we learned a great deal about the history of Estonia. Throughout the years, it has been occupied by Germany, Denmark, Sweden, and Russia as well as being an independent nation. I was expecting to see a great deal of Russian influence, but it seemed more like Germany but with a Finnish style language. Because Helsinki is only 50 miles away, there is a large Finnish influence in the country.
After seeing these interesting locations, we stopped at Toompea Hill, which is the upper town of old Tallinn. Here we visited Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, a Russian Orthodox Cathedral built in 1900 with five onion domes.
Additionally, we saw Tall Hermann Tower, Toompea Castle, St. Mary's Cathedral, Town Hall, Rae Pharmacy, and St. Olaf's Church. We had a bit of free time to wander the old town and we found a small cafe with wonderful pastries and home brewed beer (German style).
We had an incredible day that is hard to describe. The weather was just perfect. Our guide was incredible. The air had a delightful floral smell every place we went. We were told that the Linden trees were blooming and that gave the aroma. Whatever it was, I would love to find it and plant it at home. It was a very full day and I hope I can come back again some day for a longer visit. Tomorrow we will arrive in St. Petersburg for a two day stay. I know it will be a very busy stay and I hope to get blog entries completed for each.
After seeing these interesting locations, we stopped at Toompea Hill, which is the upper town of old Tallinn. Here we visited Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, a Russian Orthodox Cathedral built in 1900 with five onion domes.
Additionally, we saw Tall Hermann Tower, Toompea Castle, St. Mary's Cathedral, Town Hall, Rae Pharmacy, and St. Olaf's Church. We had a bit of free time to wander the old town and we found a small cafe with wonderful pastries and home brewed beer (German style).
We had an incredible day that is hard to describe. The weather was just perfect. Our guide was incredible. The air had a delightful floral smell every place we went. We were told that the Linden trees were blooming and that gave the aroma. Whatever it was, I would love to find it and plant it at home. It was a very full day and I hope I can come back again some day for a longer visit. Tomorrow we will arrive in St. Petersburg for a two day stay. I know it will be a very busy stay and I hope to get blog entries completed for each.
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