FRIDAY, 7/11/14

Yesterday really wore us out. The long trip to and from Berlin, and the long touring day was tough. We’re worried now about the 5 consecutive excursion days we have scheduled, starting Saturday, especially the two long St. Petersburg days.

We get started relaxing and resting up. Our daily activities alternate between eating and finding a place to sit and check out the view. The weather is really cool and windy. Sitting out on deck doesn’t appeal to us, but there are many who are out “tanning.” I never thought of Scandinavia as a warm “fun in the sun” vacation. We’re getting the weather we were expecting. The show for the evening is a pop musician, but we opt for a later show featuring a comedian. He’s great, and we head to bed, fully entertained.

SATURDAY, 7/12/14

Our day in Tallinn, Estonia starts late. The groups meet at 11:00 am, and we load our bus for the town highlights tour. The first part of the tour is a coach trip around the new parts of town. Later, we get off the bus and walk through the old town (1300’s) putting sites together with the history.

Estonia, as it turns out, has spent very little time under it’s own rule. The current population is 1.3 million, and one-third of them live in Tallinn. It has been ruled by the Finns, the Swedes, the Danes, the Russians, the Germans, and then the Russians again. Much of the early commentary today refers to the poorly built buildings from the Soviet era, and how much the country has improved since the Soviet system collapsed in 1991. Estonia is enjoying its’ independence. They are proud of their contribution to internet technology. Skype was developed in Tallinn.

The walk through the “old town” is interesting. We wander up and down cobblestone streets, checking out the parliament building, several ancient churches, and some gorgeous views of the lower town and harbor.

Inside an old Lutheran Church. Important family “coat of arms” hanging on the walls.

Back at the ship we eat a really late lunch (or an early supper). Afterwards, it’s time to organize our stuff for the Moscow flight and tours early tomorrow. Scheduled departure is 6:45 am. Scheduled return is 1:00 am. LONG DAY AHEAD!