Over the Gulf and Through the Medieval City

to Estonia we go! 

We took the bus from Pia's house to the train, then hopped on a tram to the ferry (actually closer to a cruise ship).  Four hours later we were in Estonia.  The Ferry ride was really cool as we were able to see the coast of Helsinki and all the small islands with homes and former forts. There was a beautiful view of the City if you could brave the cold and wind long enough out on deck.

View of Helsinki

Mom had a little trouble with motion sickness and did better once we went to the top deck.  The buffet was probably not the best idea for her, but Pia and Sarah enjoyed tasting all Estonian/Finnish cuisine. 

View of Tallinn

After a few hours on the boat we hopped a cab to our hotel, dropped our backpacks and started exploring Old Town Tallinn!

It's such an old City, we had no idea before we came.  There is a medieval wall that surrounds Old Town which itself is full of churches and museums, a town hall, and gorgeous old row homes.  It's super difficult to navigate as all the roads wind and intersect where you least expect it.  Thankfully we were able to use Alexander Nevsky as our point of reference since we kept accidentally ending up there.  Thanks Al, we're tight now.

Alexander (Al) Nevsky Cathedral

After a delicious bowl of pumpkin soup we ended up in Town Hall Square at a Christmas market! A real Christmas Market! With Glogg, handicrafts, a tree, and lights.  Sarah was thrilled.

Marzipan

Blueberry and Black Currant Glogg

Pia had been to a cafe in a parapet that overlooked the City but couldn't quite remember how to get there so we followed along the wall until we found it.  This cafe was worth the search.  We ventured up steep narrow stairs with chains as railings and across a wooden walkway that we hoped would hold and found ourselves with the most amazing view and a nice glass of gluhwein and hot chocolate.

After a nice break from the cold we headed back to our hotel.  Shout out to "Al" for helping lead the way.  More from Estonia tomorrow and back to Finland tomorrow night, after a quick stop for some Dramamine before the boat ride...