We ❤️ Estonia

Hei, from the Merchant Ship Finlandia.  We have about 2 1/2 hours to kill while we cross back to Helsinki, so what better time to reflect on the loveliness that is Tallin and Estonia.

A few facts:

- 1.32 million people 

- many forests

- Survivor of endless bouts of imperial conquest

- Filled with quirkily humorous and cosmopolitan people (and a few drunks)

- Awesome speakers of English and their own (endangered) Estonian

- Easy going

- Rich cultural heritage 

What's not to like?  Also, apart from the 10 minutes of steady rain that fell on our heads while we waited for a taxi the night we arrived, we've had perfect weather.  I'll add that to the list:

- perfect weather

Also, G heard, at his conference, that their education system's not too bad either.  So I'll add that as well:

- good education system

I may have previously mentioned that some merry men on a Helsinki tram recommended Rataskaevu 16 to us as a Tallin restaurant not to miss.  We managed to bags a table on our first night and loved it so much we made a booking for our last night.  And we were not disappointed.  Not only was the red mullet (me) and beef (G) delicious, but they make a traditional Estonian bread pudding (featuring apples) that managed to be light and comforting and delicious all at the same time.  Plus, our waiter admitted to being a massive flight of the conchords fan - how much better can one dinner get?  This much better - he gave us some Estonian dessert wine on the house with our pud :)

Final piece of luck was, having reluctantly accepted an early booking, seeing a drunken party of 11 "hens" arriving for their dinner just as we were finishing our meal.  The staff were looking quizzical and we were not unhappy to be heading out for our last walk around the old town as they staggered in.  Even so, I'm sure those 11 hens had an excellent time - everyone is made very welcome at Rataskaevu 16.  Just remember to book.

Walking through the old town we found new streets and sites - perhaps we will have to come back.  Sadly, the Tallinn contemporary jewellery gallery had been lurking here all along and, now closed, was lost to me.  G greeted this information with surprising fortitude.  I think the lambskin driving hat episode (purchased at some cost while he watched the rugby) has made him wary...

As I write the ferry is pulling away from the quay and the man on the speaker is telling us something - I don't know what.  What I do know is that Tallinn is a cracker...

We hadn't even intended to visit yet it's been a real joy... Everyone visit Estonia. You will not regret it!