July 24, 2022 Tallinn, Estonia
(This date used to be my anniversary. So bizarre. Year and a half post divorce finalizing. Empty Nest in full force. Nomad for two and a half years. Traveling with my daughter from L.A. for a summer holiday while I’m staying in London. ) Welcome to Estonia!
Previous post: https://secondchapternomad.blog/2024/01/30/one-summer-day-in-sweden/
From the journals:
Good morning from Tallinn, an intriguing medieval city in Estonia, one of the Baltic countries (neighboring Russia). Along with Latvia and Lithuania they are part of the EU and NATO. They speak their own language. Daughter and I got off the 24 hour ferry from Stockholm (via Helsinki again), checked into our adorable Airbnb in the heart of Old Town (after lugging my beast of a suitcase up five flights of stairs!) and went straight to explore.
Estonian food and alleyways
Meandered through historic alleyways and cobblestone streets. Ate an authentic Italian lunch and an interesting Estonian dinner (with a hit or miss traditional appetizer plate; just not a fan of dill on everything or pickled herring common in this region).
Alone Time in Estonia
Daughter went out on the town and I relished time in the comfy flat (laundry! Phone calls!). Now with a cup of coffee, hearing church bells (which reminded me this used to be my anniversary, when we often celebrated on exotic trips; happy to enjoy the day with Daughter… and her birthday in three days!).
Nomad Thoughts of Family
Daughter and I have our groove back. We especially had a lively entertaining time on the ferry aka party boat – Swedes and Serbians. Danced till 3:00 am! Waking up in the tiny cabin rocking at sea was rather nauseating haha. But we had such fun and memories of a lifetime. I’m grateful she’s choosing her b-day with me this year. Two weeks with a nearly 24 year old is priceless.
This will buy me time to stay abroad as well. Seeing her and my son while I’ve been in London so much is the best thing in the world. My parents are healthy and super busy with my siblings and their other grandchildren, so really this is a guilt free long stint away (something I often worry about as a nomad).
Close to Ukraine
Tiny Estonia borders Russia and one can’t ignore the Ukraine situation in this region. Pro Ukraine flags are everywhere. Below is the Russian embassy adorned with anti war posters, photos and other powerful statements. Across the street from it the windows are papered with Ukraine flags. The Baltic States of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania all border Russia (and pro-Russia Belarus separates Lithuania from Ukraine). They joined the EU and NATO in 2004 and strongly support Ukraine.
Estonia Day 2
Enjoyed a mellow Sunday, actually embracing the cool temps and drizzle. Saw more sights, indulged in more regional food. Loving time with my daughter!
July 25, 2022, Lithuania bound!
Early morning trek to airport for first flight… to Lithuania! Tiny airport, Baltic Air. The kind people of Estonia to the rescue again! Uber cancelled and we were pressed for time. A female meter reader patrolling the 6 am street called a “taxi” for us. A gruff fellow in a skull bandanna (on his.. skull lol) delivered us safely on time. Tallin is beautiful and welcoming. Would definitely spend more time here.
Next up – a half day in Vilnius, Lithuania before flight to Zakynthos, Greece!
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