Greetings from Tallinn. We’ve only been here a few hours, but already we are feeling butterflies in our stomachs for this insanely adorable city. The mixture of extremely-well-preserved medieval and recently-updated buildings is irresistible, despite the fact that the place is teeming with tourists.
Because it seemed inevitable, we jumped right in and ate at the city’s most touristidisnified restaurant, the medieval Olde Hansa, for our first meal here. It exceeded all our (admittedly low) expectations, particularly in the food department. My vegetarian dish was one of the most delicious restaurant meals I’ve had in a very long time, and Scott enjoyed the duck, too. The medieval beers got mixed reviews, but the cinnamon beer was definitely the best. And the in-character serving wench was oh so endearing.
Dinner was the first time we used Estonian money. We were surprised when our change didn’t include any coins; instead, the notes went down to denominations of 2 krooni (about 13 euro-cents). Estonia will start using the euro in 2011 at the earliest.
Ah! you have inspired me. Jeff has been to Estonia but I haven’t so, on my list it goes! 🙂
Nice money shot.
killer title
I love Talinn, totally an off the beaten track gem- enjoy your time there!
Tazz – definitely worth a trip!
Headbang – Coming from an expert such as yourself, that’s quite a compliment.
Em – glad you like it 🙂
Jemma – it doesn’t feel too off-the-beaten-path anymore – the old town is full of tourists, and restaurants trying to lure them in. But there are other areas that feel a little less commercial.
Wow – interesting, thanks for sharing and inspiring us on some new places! Ive covered quite a bit of Europe but a few places here I am quite convinced, thanks to you 🙂
Cinnamon beer? I think I might have to go there. — Amy
We’ve been dying to go to the Baltic countries! Thanks for the great photos!