Estonia

On our free day we made our way down to Estonia!

Reino, Weiping's host father was kind enough to take us there and back. Without him I'm sure we would have been lost somewhere along the way, since we left at 5am by train, arrived in Helsinki then jumped onto a tram car and boarded a ferry across to Tallinn.

This is what 5am frost in Finland looks like. Bleary eyed and cold we met at the Lahti train station.

Finnish morning train commute.

Our fearless leader, Steve and gracious guide Reino.

The Helsinki train station also designed by the architect who built the Lahti City Hall.

Michelle was the only one who wanted her picture taken with the train station as her backdrop.

Weiping snatched the only train seat available.

Lovely Michelle

Reino being very suspicious of my photo taking, as well he should be.

The ferry we took over was large and known as a party boat. The live band played smooth songs that gently guided the few dancers around the floor. They serenaded us the entire way. 

A view of the gangplank and a Tallinn spire from the ship.

The view of the prow area. You can see why how it can be a bit of a party area.

You may not be able to see it, but the whole side of that building is covered in graffiti, so sorry folks it's an international phenomenon.

Our ship belching out cars, only 27 euros to cross, only about 6 euros more than a passenger ticket.

Carful!

Apparently it's popular everywhere.

The Merry Finlandia, just like the vodka.

Hyundai as a cab.

The Russian flea market area, apparently I wasn't supposed to take a photo of their meats. Oh, well.

First we stopped and had lunch at Scotland Yard. Very funky decor.

Le Coq beer

As per Michelle's request, the food. This was the goat cheese salad, balsamic vinegar.

One Weiping and I were not allowed to eat, chicken stuffed with apricots and cream cheese in a pomegranate sauce.

The Old Town, Tallinn.

The flower market was gorgeous, and cheaper than Finland. The tulips are apparently out of season already in Finland.

Michelle and her nuts. There were many stalls selling a variety of nut snacks.

Calif. I found this amusing.

Tallinn is known for their amber, this shop had a ship made of small pieces of amber 50% off 8,000 euros.

Cobblestone streets

The main square of the old town.

And adorably cute Estonian boy who gave us the history of this well. Apparently part of a school project, he and his fellow students were free guides in the town.

Said well, that they sent cats down to scare the ghosts.

I think Michelle would have stayed here if she could.

For the win!

Church spire

View from the look out point.

Us girls and Tallinn

Reino and us in the town square.

Us and Steve.

So...Estonia was notably warmer than Finland. Weiping learned that Helsinki is a cold place.

I like the reindeer.

It's cold!

Thank you Reino for being kind enough to take us. And to entertain yourself while we all zoned out on the boat. It was very nice of you to be so gracious.