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DOUGIE BAIRD IN TALLINN ESTONIA
Let me introduce myself .My name is Dougie Baird I come from Glasgow Scotland.
I have a great love of travel and all my spare cash goes to one of the budget airlines that fly out of Scotland .
Last weekends adventure was to Tallinn in Estonia
SATURDAY
The day started with a train journey through to Edinburgh. We were delighted that Scotrail had started running trains from our local station. Went to the station but they had never heard
of the new route . Ok so we have to change at Queen street for Edinburgh.
One bonus was we were told if your are over 55 you would get £10 off the price.
Thank god I am getting on a bit.
Edinburgh was very busy due to the Scotland/Wales rugby match at Murrayfield so we have to get a taxi to the Airport.
We flew from Edinburgh with Ryanair
We always book well in advance to make sure we get the best price.
Our flights to Estonia were £40 each . Took about 2.5hours and when we arrived it was snowing
and really cold.
Taxi from Airport to our hotel . We stayed at the Hotel Barons . Right in the Old town .
Hotel Barons
Our base for two nights €35 per night full board was a bargain through Hotel.com . Taxis are not permitted in the old town but drop you 100 yards from the back of the Barons. Cost from Airport €7 15/20mins.
Hotel is right next to the bar with no name . Which is open all night.
We heard a lot of noise from the bar.
After we checked into the Barons hotel we went out for a wander round the town . We had a drink in the Olde Hansa. Expensive but fun.
Olde Hansa was the home of a rich merchant. His house is built in a manner to increase the enjoyment of the happy moments in the life of a Hanseatic merchant.
After this we decide to try The bar with no name. Crazy place
Never a dull moment in there and its open 23 hours a day.
After a short wander in the snow we decide to retire for the night.
Sunday
Went on one a my walks before breakfast. After 30mins I return to the hotel to add more layers and put on my hat and gloves. It`s freeeeezin -16
http://bairdstravel.com/freezintallinn.aspx
This is the coldest I have ever had to endure while on my travels.
The breakfast at the barons was fine . Eat all you want- cold and hot and a few pancakes as a treat. After stuffing my self is off to discover Tallinn.
Did not need to walk far and we were at Monument to the Victory in the war
of independence. This Huge cross stands proudly in a cool square.
There are ice sculptures here.
We now walk up the hill to the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. What a stunning building.
The USSR was officially not a religious country and a lot of churches were left
to ruin. Since 1991 when Estonia regained independence this cathedral
has been restored to it`s original glory.
As we walk up Toompea hill we come to the Cathedral of Saint Mary the Virgin
This 13th century wooden Church was built in the 13th century.
Then round to the viewing platform . Great place to get your Tallinn postcard photographs.
View was stunning and you could see the frozen sea in the distance.
Time for lunch
Please note Estonia now part of Euroland Prices are in both but everyone uses
the Euro. After this we stroll down to the town square . There is tons of bars and restaurants in this area . We stop for a bite to eat and try their local beer. .
Beer is around €3 a pint not too bad as we are right in the tourist trail.
After lunch we go back out in the cold.
Town hall is now in front of us.
It`s the only Gothic town hall in Northern Europe . I could imagine what like the square was in the hot summer nights but today it was quiet. Most of the locals were staying indoors to avoid the cold.
At night we have dinner in our hotel . Which was ok all part of the price.
Then its out on the town for a few beers .
Monday
After another good breakfast we head to see the port.
Not far from the port there is a monument to the Estonia Ferry disaster .
Estonia disaster happened on 28th of September 1994 .
852 people lost their lifes. Tragic event.
We then walk to the terminal. Watch the Stockholm ferry come in.
Interesting to see the ferry make it`s way through the frozen sea.
By now it`s really cold [freezing] it`s into a coffee shop to heat up .
In the afternoon we walk through the town hall to have our last look round the town.
Early evening we take a taxi back to the airport for our flight home to Scotland .
Tallinn was freezing but fun and would love to return but maybe in warmer times.
To see my guide to Tallinn visit http://bairdstravel.com/ESTONIA.aspx
Dougie Baird
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