Estonia (Tallinn) - December 2017

Travelling with a colleague whom we barely known each other, but merely by name for almost a decade, and finally having some connection through work projects which eventually led us to the path of becoming the great travelling companion.

I did at some point regretted my decision on booking the 7.30am ferry to Tallinn, as we needed to be there at the terminal at least 1.5 hours prior to departure, which signifies getting up as early as 5.00am. However everything turns out to be well planned and we do have sufficient time going round the old town and enjoying our meals in an absolutely relaxing pace.

Knowing my motion sickness that constantly ruined my sea trips, I took two anti-nausea pills in advance hoping to withdraw myself from the fate of feeling sick. However 2 pills for a 2 hours journey doesn’t seems to be adequate and thus I am forced to swallow some additional dozes in order to feel better. Looks like I have to seriously contemplate my future plan of visiting St.Petersbourg by ferry, and wondering if I could survive that 14 hours of misery.

Landed at the port of Tallinn at 9.30am, we wrap ourselves completely well before starting our adventure. The old town of Tallinn is indeed beautiful, unique and adorned with the Christmas ornaments that creates the perfect seasonal ambiance. People we have met are fun, friendly, and the restaurants we visited provide great services and delectable food. The Unesco listed Historic Centre (Old Town) of Tallinn has been really well-preserved, and most of the buildings are uniquely constructed. Tallinn is definitely a great weekend destination due to the physical proximity, affordable ferry options, the ease of getting to the old-town by foot and with minimal language barrier. 

 The Asian physique that doesn’t fit well to the cold have given us some tough time. We were almost frozen due to the long outdoor hours and constantly seeking for shelter either in the shops, café or restaurants. But the coldness doesn’t stop us from having fun throughout the day. It was fortunate that it only drizzles a little in the evening, thus sparing us from becoming completely frozen.

The returning ferry is scheduled to depart from Tallinn at 7.30pm, and we were both exhausted from the 13 hours day out. Luckily we found a comfortable seat in the ship to have a sip of coffee and a cup of sundae, as well taking turns to linger around the shops. Having being told the fact that many Finns travelled the weekend to Tallinn just for cheaper alcohols, we finally witness how insane they could be by purchasing a few cartons of beers and luggage of wines, liquors, spirits and etc. Without the absence of drunken souls who tried to talk to us while we were waiting for the tram and inside the tram, we just laugh and joke our way off to reduce the level of interactions. Nonetheless, every one of these tipsy individuals expresses their friendliness to us and did uttered the same sentence sincerely: “Welcome to Finland” – thank you for making us feel welcomed! :)