Tallinn, a city of contrasts was the name of the tour that the group had booked, and Tallinn definitely lived up to this title.
We got an hour back last night, so a bit of a lie in. Tom and Rose knocked for H&R at 7.15am, but they weren't ready, so they arranged to meet them up at the buffet. The weather was glorious. The sun was shining and the sky was a beautiful blue. The tour was due to leave the ship at 8.45am so they had plenty of time to have breakfast and then meet up with the rest of the RCCL tour in the Safari Club.
As they leave the ship to make their way along the dockside, they realise that even though it is sunny there is a very chilly wind blowing. So they get on the coach as quickly as they can.
The tour guide today is a chap called Stanislav, but even though he is quite young, he is very knowledgeable about his home country. The coach driver takes them on a tour of the city whilst Stanislav explains about the medieval parts, the traditional wooden houses, the more modern buildings and how they all work well together in Tallinn.
The first stop outside the city was the ruined Pirita Covent/Monastery which was run for both monks and nuns. Even though a complete ruin, it was very tranquil and peaceful. Once back on the coach they are taken past new houses built after the independence of Tallinn from Russia and communism. Very lovely and very expensive.
The next stop was a refreshment break in a bar that had been built from an upturned boat. Lovely cake and coffee was served. Next door to the restaurant is the final part of the tour, which is the open air museum of Kingu. Examples of a traditional farmstead from the 19th century and the first settlers are preserved here and is used to provide school children and visitors to the Country an idea of the history of Tallinn.
Back on the coach, the final leg of the journey takes the group along the shore road and eventually back to the port. There are some little wooden huts along the quay side selling souvenirs and gifts. H purchases a rather nice tablecloth and some other little trinkets.
Once back on the ship, it's time for a spot of lunch. Not a lot going on round ship until it leaves port at 3.30pm, and then it's the traditional round of trivia. But before that they do take a stroll round deck 11, trying to stay out of the chilly breeze. Who would have believed at the beginning of the cruise that there would be people in swimwear, sunbathing (and not in the Solarium).
Dinner again in Tides Dining Room and tonight Tom and Rose are presented with an anniversary cake, even though it's not their anniversary until August (their Golden). Brazillio, their waiter, presents the girls with a hand-made paper rose each, and even shows them how to make one.
70's party night in the Centrum with John 'Joff the Cruise Director' Travolta and the Village People, aka the cruise staff. H helps them bop the evening away to disco tunes from the 70's. We had Extreme Vegas in the Coral Theatre tonight with Justino and Daniela - "a high energy journey thorough the best in Las Vegas variety acts - magic illusion, stunts, comedy and more". Lastly, the group wait for the final show of the night - The Millionaire Show, based on Who wants to be a millionaire. Very entertaining.
Collecting a cup of tea on the way, it's time to call it a night at 12.00 midnight, but with the extra hour it's 11.00pm.