Tallinn is a vibrant city at various levels. On one side you have the old 15th c. medieval centre with fortified stone walls and turrets surrounding the cobblestoned labyrinth of alleys, picturesque courtyards and some architectural remnants of that time such as the town hall or guild hall with the coat of arms reflecting the fierce Estonian lion. On the other, you have the modern Tallinn with glass skyscrapers, big shiny shopping malls, cafes on big sunny squares and free wifi everywhere (hi-tech indeed, dont forget Skype was invented here!). In this contrasting mix you also have some Soviet throwbacks suchs as the massive concrete port overviewing the Baltic sea or the prison of Patarei. Similarly to the Latvians, they were constantly under occupation: The Danes in the 13th, the Germans, Swedes, Russians, the Lithuanian/Polish empire and finally USSR. In 1989 two million people made a human chain accross the Baltic countries to protest against the USSR which fell shortly after and finally gave way to independence in 1991. Considering all those invasions, it is as a surprise to notice Estonians have their identity which resembles more a country of the North (in the làguage aswell!) than a Eastern European country. A sarcastic saying from Estonians regarding their past: 'It could always be worse!'. Hence their calm sympathy and gentle smile upon their current situation. Though it is strange to believe a local tattoed rock metal fan (working as a wine expert..!) who mentioned that barely 5 years ago, the current hipster neighborhood of Tallinn had people gunshot every week or so.. I guess the Estonian saying still applies..? : )
Putting aside the first 'unfortunate' night in a 10 bunk bed dormitory, being wrecked tired on a Saturday in the center of the old town (slightly boring I know!), sleeping close to the window open (after a German girl plead us to leave it as such due to the camembert socks in the bedroom..) on the street with house music till 7am and drunken hyenas laughing like there's no tomorrow, Tallinn was a fun! Just don't hope to sleep at Hostel 'Sleeping Marys' on a Saturday night.. :)
Putting aside the first 'unfortunate' night in a 10 bunk bed dormitory, being wrecked tired on a Saturday in the center of the old town (slightly boring I know!), sleeping close to the window open (after a German girl plead us to leave it as such due to the camembert socks in the bedroom..) on the street with house music till 7am and drunken hyenas laughing like there's no tomorrow, Tallinn was a fun! Just don't hope to sleep at Hostel 'Sleeping Marys' on a Saturday night.. :)