Given that I have greatly enjoyed all the Scandinavian countries on this trip, what I am about to say needs to be understood simply ..Tallinn in Estonia is miles ahead on the wonderful scale.  Everything about here is just plain delightful.  I would come back here in a heartbeat .. as it goes I have a day trip to Latvia tomorrow.  I can only dream it will be half as good as Tallinn.

From stepping into the ferry terminal in Helsinki ~ I came by ferry yesterday (Friday) it was a trip with meaning.  I should have known then that something was afoot.  The eight level ferry was packed; there virtually wasn’t a seat to be had.  Obviously someone knew something about the destination that was on the other side of the Baltic Sea.

It helps that the old town is fabulous on the eye, it helps that the Estonian women are gorgeous, it helps that I truly appreciate the sarcasm and humor of the people of this country, but it is more than that, there is a depth beneath everything.  A country that only re-gained its independence in 1991… but now enjoys its longest ever period of independence.  To me their flag (which I like greatly) says everything about Estonia ..

The three colours – blue for loyalty, blue skies and seas, black for oppression and fertile soil and white for hopes, virtue and the long struggle for independence.  This country has a lot to offer.  I am so pleased I came here.

This morning I went on a “free city tour of Tallinn” ~ I have been on these types of things several times, and they are nearly always very good.  This one was outstanding, giving the history, the meaning and reality behind the city of Tallinn and country of Estonia.  Most of all what was evident was the humour, irony and honesty that the Estonians display.  Only Sarajevo could match the enjoyment of the experience of this city tour and beguiling guide.

The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Tallinn depicts the Russian influence of a country of a time when Estonia was under the control of the Russian empire.  It crowns the hill of Toompea in the Old Town is impressive and richly decorated..

On the advice of the tour guide I spent the afternoon at “Hell Hunt” ~ it sounds painful, but actually it was delightful.  A beautiful and ornate bar that sells Tallinn off to perfection. All that you would want, great beer, great food and an enjoyable atmosphere.

Over the last few years I have traveled further and further east in Europe and have been surprised a number of times by places that are truly wonderful despite expectations sometimes.  Tallinn is right up there with the best of them !!