Tales from Tallinn, Estonia

All aboard! A Finlandia ferry from Helsinki shoots across the Baltic Sea to Tallinn, Estonia in only two and one-half hours. Feels more like a cruise ship than a ferry. Bars and restaurants galore, multi-gambling machines everywhere, live clown entertainment for the children, and duty-free shopping keep passengers hustling. Finns fill up hand trucks to take advantage of cheaper prices on alcohol and cigarettes, as everything except housing in Finland is expensive.

We walk straight to Old Town, where Estonians have restored medieval buildings in a meticulous manner. Ten percent of Tallinn Old Town was destroyed by the Soviets during WWII, while the German army occupied Estonia. The surviving buildings, churches, fortresses, and streets date back from the 13^th to 16^th centuries.

Also restored are tensions between Estonia and Russia. In the 20^th century Russia forced Estonia to become part of the Soviet Union prior to the collapse in 1991. The current war that Russia started with Ukraine obviously has Estonians on edge.

They are convinced that once the fighting stops in Ukraine, Putin will turn his attention to the border with them.

Meanwhile, Marilynn and I marvel at the walls and alleyways that wrap around the unique city of Tallinn, and gasp at the city views from Toompea Hill.

Street merchants cater to tourists by dressing in traditional attire and utilizing period furnishings in restaurants and shops, which makes for an enjoyable and festive atmosphere.

Wish that we could say the same about the food. We were looking forward to inexpensive, tasty, and hearty fare. How can cabbage rolls and pork chops taste dry and bland? As photogenic as it appears, the small, pricey portions surprise us with disappointment.

As the clouds roll in and rain pours, we hustle back to the “Love Boat” with the slot machines, bars, restaurants, shopping, and clown entertainment.

An interesting day trip from Helsinki introduced us to an industrious people with a rich, well-preserved history. It also reminded us of the far-reaching implications and possibilities of war on a country’s doorstep. Serves as a stark reminder for all of us to appreciate and enjoy our lives and freedoms while we have them.

Thank you, Abundant Universe!