Kariorg by tram

Lots of pictures today.  Here goes...

We started with the number one tram to Kariorg, where there are lovely gardens - both formal and informal - and a museum.  As you can see, it's a gorgeous day although the wind has a bite to it.  If you buy tickets on the tram you have to supply exact change.  It goes into a little swing box for the driver (who's behind a locked door) and she takes the money and sends the ticket back through.  We coached some other tourists through the process on the way back.  An older Englishman wearing socks and comfort sandals found the whole thing mystifying, as though the little money door was in some way automated (nope), and couldn't quite grasp that the tram driver would most likely only do the ticketing work when the tram was NOT moving.  It's an honesty system on the trams, backed up with a 40 euro instant fine if an inspector finds you without a ticket.

It's been a while since we had a selfie.  And the gardens were so pretty and the sky was so blue and, etcetera.  Geoff didn't take too much persuading (quite a bit) and it was well worth the effort - especially now I notice the fountain spray exactly between our heads, as though we've bombed our own photo.  Ka pai.

Inside the museum which was, as G observed, nice and small (so no museum leg to contend with) there was a mix of exhibitions - including a "real or fake" display that was very cool - and decorated rooms.  The place was originally built for Peter the Great (I think), and variously used as a summer place for holidaying Russian royals; later housing the president (?) of Estonia; then the German governor under Nazi occupation; then the president or Estonian leader again; finally an art gallery and museum.  I think it went something like that (didn't take notes - only skimmed the blurb).

There were lots of Flemish paintings in the collection.  I particularly liked this angel zooming in from on high.  Posssibly an annunciation pic - I've not remembered, despite making a wee mental note at the time.

Here, G demonstrates the correct statue fondling technique.  Please note that he's wearing a special glove (provided free, please do not take away) so he can enjoy the intricacies and curves of this artwork.  There were several pieces available to touch - and many visitors were enjoying the opportunity this exhibit afforded.  I think I've previously observed that Estonian's have a quirky and engaging take on life...

Above we see Catherine in military garb.  I'm not sure what else to say, but she (and her helper) rather caught my eye.

Many of the rooms still have the old heaters.  Obviously no longer working, but very impressive.  We saw these in Helsinki and St Petersburg as well.  G noticed the fire door and instantly opened it.  I'm reasonably certain they were not hoping for people to do this, but there you have it.  I'm relieved to report that the door did not fall off - no harm was done - nor was G noticed by the nearby docent.

There were lots of interesting plates on display, from various periods, but I've never seen one featuring a factory before.  Surely a worthy inclusion...

And now, another nature report:  G was thrilled to see a squirrel alert (below), but later disappointed to find that the one pictured was in fact the only squirrel we saw.

Behold the leafy and informal part of the park.  This went on for quite a few acres and was very lovely.  We went for a bit of a stroll and, after what seemed a relatively short time, found ourselves at the beach.

This statue dates from the early 20th century - possibly commemorating the Russian events of c1905 (?) but we we'ren't certain.  

The beach.  Ducks and seagulls (and a few sparrows) for the avian minded... NB ferries in the background. 

Also, masses of unpleasant weed.  The kids in the distance (two of only three people observed actually in the water) were making weed castles.  There was so much of the stuff and it looked really nasty.  They had huge handfulls of it and seemed to think it was a fun project to cart it up to the sand and pile it up.  Yuck.  No paddling for me.

Wandering back to the park I realised that I'd wandered past this without even noticing.  How?

This is an example of one of the older wooden buildings that used to be found throughout the outskirts of Tallinn.  At least, that's what Geoff told me.  This one's for sale.  A nice do-er upper, right by the park and only a five minute tram ride into the city.

Yes, we had lunch.  This is my goat cheese salad.  Delicious.  Eaten at Gourmet Coffee, found courtesy of the excellent Spotted by Locals app.

Inspired by the goats cheese (and the SBL app) we trammed it back to town and hunted down this cheese shop.  The best one in town (and possibly the world... ok, would you believe NE Europe?) where we sampled and bought several cheeses for our dinner picnic.  We have a local cumin cheese, a Dutch gouda/parmesan combo - that's how the shop guy described it, anyway - and a French blue. We have local dark bread, a lovely pinot noir, some prosciutto, and a single pickle in its very own jar.  Very much looking forward to that...

The single pickle (€0.90):