Northern Europe 2019, day 11: Tallinn

We made it to Estonia! Our ferry got in around 10:00am on Wednesday, so we had a few hours to kill before our flat was ready.

We had brunch at Kompressor, which is a cafe that specializes in crepe-style pancakes. It’s always super busy because it’s been written up in all of the guide books. Fortunately for us, it was right across the street from where we stayed, so we were able to go again on Thursday. Anna had chocolate pancakes, I had banana and honey, and Casey had shrimp.

Anne: I can see what Anna likes!

When we were done at Kompressor, we went to the cafe/deli across the street to hang out. We got drinks and split a sandwich (yes, we were on track for fourth meal). This is the view from the window.

Just as we left the cafe, it started to pour! We had our suitcases with us, so we lumbered over to the doorway of a garage.

It rained for about 15 minutes…all the tourists took cover, which is why nobody is in the street. Usually the old town is extremely crowded from late morning to late afternoon (when the cruise ships drop people off for the day).

Eventually the sun came back out, and so did the people.

Some monkey business on the streets of Estonia…

We went to Old Hansa for dinner, which is a medieval-themed restaurant. Although Rick Steves says it’s a tourist trap, it was actually really good!

The restaurant is lit by candlelight and there are medieval murals on the walls. The staff, of course, are dressed according to the time period. It’s much more accurate than the Renaissance Fairre we went to last June. Casey is making his spooky face because it was quite atmospheric.

I had salmon with lentils and pickled slaw. The chef tries to keep the menu fairly authentic to what people would have eaten back then.

We walked around a little bit after dinner. The evening was mild despite the earlier rain.

The modern world is never far away! The old town is actually quite small.

Anne: Really nice picture!