Cruise Chronicles – Day 9 – Tallinn, Estonia

Another day, another country. After the behemoth was berthed, we walked up the hill and through the thick walls into Old Town Tallinn…because, back in the day, if you were going to have a safe settlement, it needed to be on high ground behind big, impenetrable walls.

Tallinn was founded in 1154 and it is said much of the Old Town section looks as it did 600 years ago. The capital city of over 400,000 has about a third of the entire country’s population. The nation’s land area is a bit smaller than Vermont and New Hampshire combined.

Field Trip Day in Tallinn, Estonia (16 May 2019)

I love these scenes. Little school kids in their bright safety 

vests walking the streets paired up holding hands. 

Old Town Tallinn, Estonia (16 May 2019)

We were the first of four (Count ‘em, FOUR!) cruise ships that visited Tallinn that day. Since we were the first, we got to Old Town before the rest of the tourist hordes descended on the neighborhood.

In 2015, Beck was here with Kittie, her business partner and my twin sister from another mother (we share a birthday). They took the ferry from Helsinki for a delightful day trip with fewer tourists, easy shopping and quaint discoveries.

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Tallinn, Estonia (16 may 2019)

This Russian Revival church was completed in 1900. 

Nevsky was a 13th century prince who repulsed invaders and 

was canonized by the Russian Orthodox Church. As you might 

guess, Estonia was firmly in the Russian Empire in 1900.

We wandered through the Old Quarter as it got increasingly congested as the day progressed. There were fewer places to sit and relax and there were more and more tour groups following their leader’s colorful umbrella or flag on a stick.

Old Wooden Clock, Church of the Holy Ghost,

Tallinn, Estonia (16 May 2019)

The church dates to the thirteenth century. 

Originally a Catholic Church, it is now Evangelical Lutheran. 

This wooden clock was added in the late 1600’s.

We Welcome Tourists, Tallinn, Estonia (16 May 2019)

No doubt, the place has its charms. Especially as Americans, we need to appreciate how the city has retained its ancient, authentic character. Heck, in the U.S., we’re lucky if there are any dwellings left from our earliest days let alone entire neighborhoods or districts.

Old Town Fortifications, Tallinn, Estonia (16 May 2019)

To continue the saga of the bad feet, flip flops were the most comfortable foot wear I had but walking on uneven, old cobblestone streets took its toll on the dogs. I’d include a photo of my feet for effect but it would frighten young children and disturb our more sensitive readers.

Tallinn, Estonia (16 May 2019)

Happy ending to Day 9. Here’s an example of how finely tuned the cruise industry’s marketing is to a certain older demographic that comprises a significant percentage of the passengers. I’m sure they’re aware that these ancient, hilly European streets have been torturing some of us. So, what do I find slipped under the cabin door today? Discount deals on fancy foot treatments in the ship’s spa. Count me in. The seaweed mud and exfoliation did nothing for me but the massage was heavenly.

Tomorrow, we are in Germany and have a tour planned for Berlin.