Tantilizing Tallinn

Tallinn is gorgeous. I do not want to mince words or confuse anyone with flowery adjectives, but rather come straight out and say Tallinn Estonia is absolutely gorgeous. From the moment I took my first step in the medieval old town, to the moment I started getting back on board my camera did not get put away and was barely even set to the off position.

The grand entrance via the Great Coast Bastion truly set the tone. Dating back to the 13^th century the architecture was of stone and brick and each street of cobblestone. Various colored house, hotels, and businesses in stone with red tile roof tops transported me to a time I’ve read so much about in history books, fantasized about through movies, and imagined in my wildest dreams. Knights, peasants and royalty once roamed these very streets in a time well before electricity let alone internet blogs.

An UNESCO world heritage site, Tallinn has had many rulers, from Danes, to Swedes, to Russians. It has been ravaged by plague, destroyed by bombs, ruined in fire, and ruled my communist Russia yet through reconstruction and Estonian pride it remains one of northern Europe’s best preserved medieval towns. Its charm leaves an impression that will last an eternity. Vendors adorn themselves in traditional garments artisans such as the coin maker pound and press demonstrating their skill while wearing garbs from year’s gone by and the bar lady offers nuts and beer from a lathe or spoon that could easily have been used for the same purpose over 600 years ago. Another delicatessen on offer was smoked piglet ears; thankfully this vegetarian could easily pass without fear of retribution. However, Estonian beer is quite simple and pleasant and could not be so easily passed.

As I made my way through narrow roads and steep staircases, I caught glimpses of various church spires throughout town and walked hugging the ancient stone walls that were meant to protect the city from predators of times past. Music buskers were in key places sounding notes of tradition Estonian tunes. The melodies reverberated against the stone walls calling to tourists saying look at me--a clarinet, a dulcimer, a fiddle.

I found an old well where I imagined the townsfolk of years gone by gathering ‘round to fetch water for their meals, baths, or what have you. As I entered the palace square with restaurants flanked on all sides, I watched the numerous tourists enjoying pizza, beer, Indian food, Mexican food, and such I knew that Tallinn was a treasure that deserved much more of a look then my three hours provided.

I look forward to the next time I stop here. I will take the time to enter and climb the stairs of the towers of each church. I look forward to sitting in the various squares and enjoy a beer whilst imagining myself in medieval times. I look forward to returning to this quiet, simple, and divine town of Tallinn Estonia.

I ended my journey near the cruise pier (a 15 minute walk from Old Town) where more vendors are eager to show and sell their wares. Sweaters, trinkets, and postcards galore. I bought myself a traditional Estonian beer and sat down to enjoy the day I was given. Beautiful sun shining on my face, a sea breeze keeping me cool on the outside a refreshing beer keeping me cool on the inside. I sat on the bench of good wishes where one sits with closed eyes to make wishes. As I sat I realized. My life is grand and the fact that I can sit here and come up with no wish I want for myself but only wishes for the health and welfare of my beloveds, I felt truly blessed. Any time one can feel this sensation one needs to relish it, so I did.

I now sit in my cabin as the ship’s engine begins to roar and the thrusters push away from the pier. I know that I am fortunate to be here and even more fortunate to have the opportunity to return to Tallinn. I look forward to my next day at sea and another day of discovery in Copenhagen. Life is good.