Time off in Tallinn

This is my second time in Tallinn, Estonia.  The old town square in my first visit was the first of its kind I had seen anywhere. In 2009 the old buildings and the medieval architecture attracted me instantly, and so I was roaming the streets of Tallinn taking pictures like everyone around me. I even had the customary beer in a restaurant overlooking the town square with hundred’s of tourists like me with a camera in one hand and a map in another.

Today its different .I am staying away from the restaurants of the old town and eating at a place where the students of Tallinn eat. A beer here is for 2.50 and outside its 3.50 .but that’s really not the reason. Its good to go to a place where the locals go. Even though thanks to sites like Trip advisor ,even these places are coming on the tourist radar.

The not so touristy places are always a welcome respite from the crowded touristy sights. The restaurants displaying their menus in atleast 4 languages and one of their waiters standing out to call the tourists in. Just like the guys that in some markets stand outside their shops and invite you in to 'have a look'. 

 There is a difference between shopping and eating. Once you sit at a table you can window eat !! ,So the food is serious business ,once u enter a restaurant especially at lunch ,the food that u eat and the service that you get can make or break the rest of your tourist day. Good food and that too served at good prices can simply give your day a start up kick that your hotel breakfast couldn’t do.

Since 2009 I’ve been to many old town squares and still love being around them. The only thing that has changed however is that I eat out of them. I can understand the ambience and the fixation over sipping your drink and looking at people walk all around. But then that’s the advantage of travelling again and again to a place. You simply ask for more and attempt to get it. 

The Baltic countries of Lithuania ,Latvia and Estonia have always been of interest to me.  But unlike 2009 I am not only interested in their respective Capitals. I want something more out of them and one day I am sure I will be on the path of finding that !

I will be leaving Tallinn tommorow and starting with my last tour of this summer in Scandinavia from Helsinki ..
 I usually research on my travels mostly from the point of view of my 60 + yrs tourist. This time however I have no maps ,no schedule and certainly no one elses point of view !