And so it was as we docked in Tallinn, Estonia - but this time it was real rain. Estonia has more than 1500 islands and islets and has struggled against Swedish and Russian domination throughout its history. It achieved independence after WWI but after WWII, it fell victim to a 50 year communist twilight. Even now, two decades after independence, tensions still simmer between the ethnic Estonians and the 25% ethnic Russian population.
Tallinn's medieval old town is extremely well preserved and much of it's city wall (26 watchtowers) remains intact. With the rain, we elected to take a taxi to the top of the old town to Toompea Castle (Estonian Parliament), the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral (the one with the domes) and the Dome Church (the one without domes).
With the rain stopped, it was down to Town Hall Square with lots of restaurants, market stalls and entertainment. By now things were getting busy with four cruise ships in town - probably about as busy as when the town knights engaged in jousting tornaments and when the Square held criminals chained to pillories for public humiliation.
We then climbed part of the old wall to walk along it's top (more difficult for me than the Sea Walk!!). This section of the Wall is known as the "Sweater Wall" as on its outside are about a dozen stalls selling "home made" knitted hats, scarves, jumpers etc, etc. Lots of meandering through cobbled alleys (about the most seriously cobbled we have ever encountered). Many musical recitals happening around town and even brief periods of sunshine.
Came back down through Pikk St, via a Wheel Well, St Olav's Church (the KGB used its tower to block Finnish TV signals) and located it's HQ nearby, Fat Margaret Tower and the Pikk Gate.
Approaching the ship I could have used my cap as the sun was burning - 30 minutes later, rain again!!
Pre-dinner show tonight as we prepare for two big and long days in St Petersburg.
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