Day One Hundred Forty-One - May 26, 2022

Some good news, Janice should be out after her test tomorrow morning.

Our arrival time is quite late at 12:30 but we still have eight hours in port. A shuttle bus is available for Oceania passengers, but I choose to walk into town.

The cruise terminal where we dock looks relatively new. There is sufficient signage to allow one to get into the city easily.

Tallin is the capital of Estonia that lies in Tallin Bay on the Gulf of Finland. It is the biggest port in the country accounting for both cargo and passenger traffic. When sailing into the port once the fog cleared, we could see the RCCL Voyager of the Seas docked across from us. Several ferries use the port as well and are also in port.

Walking through Paks Margareeta Gate along Pikk Road I pass the Swedish Embassy. Many of the city buildings also fly the Blue and Yellow Flag of Ukraine. A disturbing point of my walk was the fence surrounding the front of the Russia Embassy (yes, it is still open here) where citizens have placed placards, pictures, flowers and teddy bears demonstrating against the war.

I am now in the central square with its many restaurants. Directly across the square is the Tallin Town Hall which is the only remaining gothic town hall in Northern Europe. I needed to be aware of the cobblestone streets as there are places where the stones are either missing or not flat.

I was made aware of the flower section in the city which I found near the Old Town where vendors are selling all types of flowers.

The upper town was next where I found the Pink and White Estonia Parliament Building and St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. Again, you could go into the cathedral however no cameras were allowed.

At the southern end of Old Town, I find the Freedom Square. Today a solar power cart and a driverless car are on display. The Cross of Liberty a memorial to the Estonia War of Independence (1918-1920) is quite noticeable in the square.

Across from the Freedom Square is the yellow St. John's Church. I was able to walk in for a few minutes before it closed but was able to hear the organist.

While walking back through the square I am drawn to the music playing. What is it? There is a demonstration in front of the Russian Embassy, but a large stereo is placed outside on the second-floor balcony of the embassy playing Russia music. It is such a sad situation.

The ship leaves at 21:00 for Helsinki 64 nautical miles away.

But Hooray Janice will be out, my fingers are crossed.