ScandiTrip 2006

Tallinn was everything that I had hoped for, and as a bonus we got some wonderful sunny weather (and great pictures too). It's a small Medieval walled city with many winding cobbled stoned streets that end with open squares, impressive buildings and large churches. We got there a little before 10am and walked around town until nearly 3:30pm with only a short break for lunch. The old town reminds me of Rothenburg, Germany, with the stone walls and towers. But, there is one noticeable difference. Tallinn is still getting a feel for the tourist trade compared to mature Rothenburg. Although there were plenty of restaurants, cafes and nick-nack stores, there wasn't any of the riff-raff carts and most notably no ice cream stands. There is much fix-up in progress. We saw much street repair, building painting, etc. Estonia was under Soviet rule for over 40 years during the cold war. It was the first time that I had ever visited a former Soviet town. Aside from some rough edges, it wasn't that much different from anywhere else in Europe. A very nice town well worth the visit.

Tomorrow is our last full day on our trip. We were going to do some train hopping, but have decided to just explore Helsinki some more. Sunday is the, ugh, long flight home. Despite the flight, it will be good to be back home again.

-ge