The Baltics-Part 3

Our next port was the city of Tallin, Estonia.  I had really heard a lot of wonderful trip reports from people who had been there and was most excited about seeing this little city on a hill.  As we pulled into port, the city with the church on top was shrouded in fog.  It made it seem very mystical.

 At the historical and medieval heart of the city is the hill of Toompea, covered in cobbled streets and filled with medieval houses and alleyways. The lower town spreads out from the foot of the hill, still protected by the remnants of a city wall.

We were able to walk right off the ship here and into town without any transportation, which was really nice.  After about a ten minute walk, we found ourselves in the old part of the city and wandering through some very quaint little streets. 

We had so much fun exploring the narrow, cobblestone streets and quaint little shops.  It's even more fun when you can do it with some of your best friends!

We made our way to the top of Toompea hill and found the most amazing view!

 Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. a classic onion-domed 19th-century Russian Orthodox church that has become a touristy symbol of the city, much to the annoyance of nationalist types who regard it as a symbol of oppression. It was almost demolished in 1924 during Estonia's first brief spell of independence, but the Soviets left it to moulder and it has been restored to its former glory.

 These three cute little old ladies were begging for money from the tourists visiting the church.
After seeing the cathedral, we wandered back down into the lower part of town.

You could pay to shoot some arrows with these archers.

Such a great group of kids and teens!

As we were walking through the lower area of old town, we came across a big market in the main town square.  They even had a great live band playing! 

Someone in our group discovered this little hole in the wall place...no indoor seating, just walk in an order soup and a meat turnover for 2 euro.  If you wanted a spoon to eat with, the lady charged you a song...yep, you had to sing for a spoon.  I thought Mike might sing "Old Black Joe"...but he didn't, he sang "Give Said the Little Stream"

Kyle and Mike with some good soup

the streets of Tallin

Our group split up and some of them went back to one of the churches that had a tall bell tower to climb up.  At one time it was the tallest building in Europe...that was a very long time ago!

Our ship, the MSC  Poesia

I loved our day in Tallin!!  Next stop....St. Petersburg, Russia!

-corri