Sailed into Tallinn and disembarked for our city tour. Under light rain, toured the Old Town and other highlights. Humans have lived here since the end of the last ice age, with archaeological digs finding habitations as old as 3,000 years. Conquered and/or occupied by a dizzying succession of invaders since Viking times, little (population 1.3 Million) Estonia has nonetheless maintained its culture and identity. They consider themselves as quiet, even closed (especially after 50 years of Soviet rule!) and a nation of singers. They love singing so much that the town sports numerous concert halls and annually hosts an international choir competition, with as many as 30,000 singers and 400,000 audience attending.
Much has been lost over time, but many attractive buildings have survived.
Lower Old Town from the pier
Russian church in upper old town, built in 1900 in front of Estonian Parliament, to remind them who was really boss.
Orthodox high altar
Street musician with medieval instrument (possibly a Chitarrone).
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