Kadriorg Palace, Tallinn

The drive to Tallinn was fascinating. Ok it was five hours, with stops in sort of motorway services en route. Lots of the journey was through forests, and the Latvian trees were nearly all pines and much taller whereas the Estonian trees were all shorter and more varied.

Estonia is more Nordic, more of a modern Scandinavian flavour. Slick, and smart, and clearly more wealthy.

This is actually my third visit to Tallinn. I first stayed in the city for four days on a holiday in 1998 (only 7 years after freedom from Russia.) It was a very quiet and charming city, virtually no tourists, so beautiful and with the Estonians so welcoming and proud and ready to share their excitement. I loved it.

My second visit was a rushed and overcrowded visit as a cruise port stop. Thousands of tourists filed along the streets. It was crowded, touristy, and I was so sad to feel the contrast (and that it was impossible to take photos in the Old Town because of the crowds.)

I’m unsure how I’ll feel this time. We had a lovely tour of the outskirts of the city and a visit to Kadriorg Palace and Peter the Great’s House. Everywhere is super modern.

We’re going into the Old Town to eat this evening and will have a walking tour tomorrow.

I just wonder.........