The nice weather continued today in Tallinn, Estonia. We took a full-day tour in Tallinn and shared out bus with 6 French passengers. They did not speak English, and the tour guide did not speak French (but she spoke almost every other language). Two got lost and the rest of the tour was filled with comments about “our French” lagging behind, etc.
Tallinn has 2 districts. The Old Town has a large number of gothic-style cathedrals and buildings. To the left and right are two of the most famous and picturesque churches in upper Old Town.
Upper Old Town overlooks the rest of the city and has gorgeous views.
The streets and alleys leading to the main square were lined with small cafes.
Other alleys had street vendors who had set up shops offering, pictures, souvenirs and amber.
Many of the streets were narrow and barely had room for cars to pass through.
To the right is the sailing regatta venue for the 1980 Summer Olympics. At the time, the USSR was occupying Estonia and built this and 4 other buildings for the event.
Tomorrow, we say goodbye to the Norwegian Dream (4 days early) and begin the next leg of our journey in St. Petersburg, Russia. We have already have had to get special visas, sponsors (you have to be invited to the country to get a visa) in order to stay in St. Petersburg.
There have been quite a number of hoops to jump through with the cruise line as well in order for us to disembark in Russia. Even for the passengers who just want to set foot in Russia, they have to be on an organized tour through the cruise line, have their passport as well as a copy in hand and be escorted by their tour guide everywhere. If a cruise ship passenger has not booked an excursion, they will not be able to leave the ship.
