Tallin, Estonia - “There are no FOREIGN LANDS. It is the traveler only who is foreign.” – Robert Louis Stevenson

 

We spent Sept. 15th - 18th visiting the capital of Estonia, Tallinn via overnight boat ride. 

Varnum crew, think these boats could outrace The Frank?

We left around sunset and had gorgeous views leaving Stockholm. 

Our adventure started on the overnight cruise with this live band. Songs they played included "Ring of Fire," "Man, I Feel Like a Woman," and "Joline." Needless to say, I felt right at home. =) 

 Tallinn 

The city was a real life fairy tale with the best parts of adult life (good beer and food) added.

The Old City Square - Raekoja Plats

We spent our time walking around the old town, stumbling upon photo op after photo op.

It's hard work being a good photographer!

Behind the scenes.

The final product.

See the dedication.

 

Well worth the effort!

View from the Town Hall Bell Tower.

I liked the visual symmetry between these two photos.

More city views.

Stalin's House. 

(Note, this photo could have been made larger. Ha, take that, Stalin!)

City skyline. 

4 towers of the remaining city walls.

Red roofs roving randomly. 

The Dome Church. 

The Danish King's Garden

Russian Orthodox Church

While Tallinn is a pretty safe city, there were certain things we had to watch out for!

We had amazing Elk stew here.

We saw a concert. I believe it was the Estonia National Orchestra? 

Still more city views!

Old city reflected onto the new city.

Bird benches were scattered throughout the city.

 As were flowers.

We went to a fair at an open air museum. 

Beautiful walking paths. 

Estonia children play on this terrifyingly large and unwieldy (traditional) swing.















My travel and eating partner.

"Grandma's Place" - Home to traditional Estonia Cuisine- a surprising and delicious mix of Eastern European and Scandinavian Cuisine.

And now, my favorite part of the trip, the food & drink...  

I think this is called Vana Tallinn. A traditional liquor. It tasted a little like amaretto.

Mushroom soup with Salmon Cake.

Fried Estonian cheese with a zucchini and pepper slaw. Saku is a very popular Estonia beer (so of course we had to try it).

And finally, in my mind no European photo album is complete without one photo of a ridiculous coffee drink. You think the waitress was trying to send me a hint? =)

The Viru Gate. Entrance and exit to the Old City.

In our case, the exit. Bye Tallinn! 

My souvenirs! 

 

 

After a week off, today we travel to Munich for a small gathering of beer-lovers. 

Maybe you've heard of it? 

....Oktoberfest! (Wish us luck!)