Rudolf's last stand

The Finnish capital is only 80km from Tallinn, so we decided to head over there for the day on Sunday. We were accompanied on the ferry by all the Finns returning home with their trolley loads of duty free grog from Estonia, and got to Helsinki in time for some lunch and a bit of touring in the afternoon.

Sights from the 3B tram... Spring flowers, and the 'White Church'

We took the 3B tram (which is the 3T tram in reverse, an important distinction) which showed us the spectacular sights of Helsinki (the brochure listed amongst other things the Social Insurance building as a notable sight) followed by dinner and drinks with a group of friends where I ordered a dinner named 'Pimp my Reindeer', which consisted of reindeer (sorry Rudolf) and lingonberries. Following that, we made it back to the ferry terminal, just in time for our ferry back to Tallinn.

Rudolf's last stand - my dinner!

4 stamps in the passport for one day, not a bad effort!

It was cold in Helsinki... but that's really no excuse for the dodgy headwear

Leaving Helsinki on the ferry, the sun still high at 9:30pm

Led astray in Tallinn

Having a beer at the top of the Radisson, with its fabulous view over Tallinn

I've now come to Tallinn, to visit my cousin Mark, who lives here, conveniently at the same time as his brother Robert, also visiting. Tallinn is the capital of the former Soviet country, Estonia. Following the nation finally receiving its independence in 1991, the country has developed as a thoroughly modern and pleasant place, with Tallinn being a fantastic place to visit. The old town of Tallinn is World Heritage listed, and very deservingly. We had a great time wandering the streets of the old town, visiting art shops filled with original and stylish pieces, rather than the standard touristy tack, beautifully maintained buildings, and medieval hilltop towers and walls. Tallinn is certainly a beautiful city.

Contrast between Estonian traditions and the Russian influence, even in religion

View over Tallinn from the top of the hill

But... as usual when meeting up with these particular cousins, I've been led astray... In the first 24 hours of my visit, we managed to complete a Tallinn pub crawl where one of my cousins was propositioned by a drunken Finn (also male), with the evening finishing at the same time as the sun was coming up (admittedly that's fairly early here in Tallinn at the moment), followed by a political protest in the morning where we were wedged between the Estonians and the Russians.

Left: Robert (left) and Mark at the start of the damage, and the Estonian flag flies at a political demonstration

And here I am with my newest cousin, Paddy (Mark's pet rabbit)