We left Riga today on the bus. It's not raining but is threatening to do so! The route went through endless pine forests with occasional glimpses of the Baltic. The beaches looked good but by then it is now raining , a bit forlorn. We arrive in Tallinn - it's still raining and we have to queue for a taxi - not very pleasant. The hotel is in the old town and is quite quaint. We are in a room at the back of the hotel - we need a map just to find our way back to reception - lots of long corridors that turn left and right. We go out to check out a few things - we are delighted to book our train to St. Petersburg as we had read that it had been stopped in August - in fact it stops at the end of the month. Its over night with a border stop at 4am- we will let you know how we get on.Then we are off for a walk round town - it is still raining and is a bit miserable. Decide to give today away as we are too wet - so find somewhere to eat tonight and go back to the hotel to dry out.Next day we get up and it's not raining! Breakfast in the hotel is good - it's in a very grand room with lots of old pictures. Then off we go round the town. Up to the castle area first we see a couple of churches - the Russian Orthodox one was quite something. We then went down to the lower town - the place has a very nice feel to it. We went round the town hall which is easily the most impressive building in Tallinn. We decided to go to Kadriorg in the afternoon as everything in town is closed on Monday. The guide book said it was 15 min walk but it seemed like miles. Kadriorg is a park and formal gardens just outside of Tallinn with the summer residences in the grounds. We walked round gardens and park - the palace (now an art museum) is closed but the formal gardens were very good. We then walked along the beach and back to hotel just to completely exhaust Fran.We could not get going the next day. We had to pack up as we were on the night train to St Petersburg. Today was fortification day. We first went to the tunnels under Tallinn - built in the 17th century but used right up to Soviet time. We then walked round town to see the last church - Fran's decided she prefers the Orthodox churches as they are more colourful - good job there will be lots in Russia. We then went round the city walls and climbed up a couple of towers. These were quite scary as they were dark and the city authority had not heard of health and safety - but at least the views were good. Overall, we really enjoyed Tallinn it's picturesque, lots to see and some nice restaurants (even though some are a little pricey). It is the best of the Baltic capitals.We are now off to dinner - it maybe the last decent meal we get this side of Beijing!