Estonia

Have you ever heard of Estonia?  Do you know where it is?  Could you find it on a map?  I'll give you a hint.  It has been part of Sweden, Denmark and Russia, among others. In 1917, when Russian Tsar Nicolas II stepped down from power, Estonia became a free country for the first time in who knows how long.  Their freedom was short-lived, as when WWII came to an end, they were awarded to Stalin...a horrific illustration of that trite phrase, "To the victor goes the spoils."  In 1991, when the USSR disbanded, Estonia once again became a free country.  And they LOVE their freedom.  We were there the day before the 26th anniversary of their declaration of independence from Russia.  There was a party brewing, and flags were flying EVERYWHERE.

 The shoreline emerged from the fog, and as we moved to dock, the view of sailboats and seagulls could have been taken anywhere.   I guess somethings are universal.

 We took a bus ride to the old town center, driving past this museum.  They will not forget.

 I don't remember the name of this church, but I do remember that the domes were not called onion domes.  Our guide referred to them as "holy flames." 

The streets were beautiful, lined with buildings painted in bright cheery colors.

 Even the shortcuts, through areas not yet renovated, were quite colorful.  Apparently when Peter the Great saw Tallin, the town we toured, he wished he'd chosen this spot to build his city, rather than St. Petersburg.  We heard that he vacationed here a lot.

 There were a lot of turrets in Tallin, something I did not notice in any other ports of call.

The view of the city was breathtaking.  If you click on the photo, you might be able to see our ship (middle one of three) in the center background.

 We left the town and headed to the country.  There, we saw a restored manor house, that has been under restoration for the past 22 years.  The owners live in the home, and give tours to help finance their restoration.  I was thrilled when we were led upstairs to tour the Lady of the manor's craft studio.

 She had quilt tops hung everywhere, in preparation for the next day's festivities.

 Her studio was so large, the full-size loom had plenty of space.  It is not for display, she weaves regularly.

They also do wool work in her studio.  I believe they said she teaches classes.

 We left the manor house, to tour a dairy farm and cheese factory in a neighboring community.  Estonian cows keep their horns, and eat clover.

 Hubby, the cow vet, was in his element.

 Look at that grin!  Seeing the cows helped ease the homesickness of missing too many days of work.

And finally, I'll leave you with this street musician.  He was singing American songs.  I think he was belting out Bob Dylan when I took this picture.  Everyone speaks English, so he probably knew what he was singing about.  He was certainly enjoying himself, no doubt about it.

That evening, we pulled out and headed to St. Petersburg, Russia.  I was sad to leave Estonia behind, but so very glad that I had a chance to visit this remarkable country. I hope for their sakes, that hope and freedom will continue to reign in their land.