Saturday 29th July 2023 Tallinn
Today was to be a bit of a quieter day but it sure wasn’t. After my morning coffee to get me going I set off for the Upper Town called Toompea. I was so proud of my little legs as I ploughed up and up. I have to say using my stick is the best thing. It gives me security as I march onward and upward. I’m funny though, no-one takes as many photos as me because actually I’m looking for an excuse to stop for a moment. It’s fabulous really, you round a corner and there in front of you is the Alexander Nevsky Orthodox Cathedral. I’ve always wanted to go to St Petersburg but I think this will have to do for Onion Domes and a full on taste of Russia. Inside, of course, not too exciting although I think I’ve seen enough Cathedrals to be a bit blasé.
This area of Toompea is full of atmosphere with little laneways, heavenly houses and views across Tallinn and the Gulf of Finland. Around I slowly puttered feeling good that I was up there, until a woman passed me and said ‘oh look at you getting up here with a cane, good for you’. What she got in return was a tight grin that showed my teeth and a guttural sound that came out of me that could best be described as a snarl. Poor woman, she meant well.
This whole area is tourist Mecca. Lots of groups trooping through – mainly Germans, Italians, Indians and Chinese. Some Russians but as far as I can tell not too many. Its true to say that if you were Russian you wouldn’t feel too welcome. But this was ‘their cathedral’ after all.
More churches to pop in and out of, two fabulous viewing platforms to look down on the city (this time I did get up there under my own steam.). Towers, and ramparts from the city walls and the castle of old. Pretty good really. Then it was down, down, down. I came a different way with lots of stairs.
I deserved lunch then so I sat down and had (oh no not again) fish soup, egg salad on toast and the usually dark and grainy bread. I’ve decided the Estonian cuisine has its base in Scandinavia, that’s the best I can do in terms of finding the true Estonian food. Next, I had to cross the Town Hall off my list so down the stairs I went to see what this attraction had to offer me. Bit of a mistake really. Going up the massive stairs to get to the start of the exhibition was but the first hurdle. Then they lead you down these tiny staircases with steps so high I was totally sure I was going to kill myself or my hip. Anyway, long story short I made it and basically it wasn’t worth it!! I do often find that these lovely buildings are better viewed from outside.
Then I came home as it was the best place for a quick wee. I lay on the bed for a second and woke up an hour later…most unlike me! Out again I went to scavenge for food and found a most heavenly – guess what- Italian restaurant. Had a yummy risotto and wandered home.
Another day in Estonia and then its off to Riga and a whole new process of orientation.
Goodnight everyone XXX