We are in Tallinn now, capital of Estonia whose money (Kroona) is internationally identified as EEK, which for some silly reason amuses me. Well, Tallinn is wet, cold, foggy - and absolutely fantastic! Im sure Poland is a great place, certainly it has its own beauty, but for me it just didnt feel good and Tallinn is such a wonderfully liberating place to be in contrast.
Both countries were subject to control and opression in the last century firstly by Germany and subsequently by Russia and have now both gained independence. It seems to me, based I must say on very little experience, that Poland have now chosen to subjugate themselves whole-heartedly to the opressions of capitalism instead while retaining the soviet bureacratic systems, as where liberation in Estonia seems to have focused more on a reestablishment of their own unique cultural identity and a shrugging off of the communist yoke. Both places make me think that discarding communism is not the same thing as embracing capitalism. Interestingly this is a nation that won independence from Russia not through blood but through song! From what I understand, towards the end of the eighties massive, organised singing protests were held across the country until the Russians finally gave in - now thats cool!
The country is very flat apart from the hilly south-east, and Tallinn in particular is very scandinavian for a Baltic country. You can see it in the buildings very much and also in the quiet, slightly more orderliness of the people here. It seems to be a very open and trusting environment and we have not yet seen signs of the hoards of British stag parties that Tallinn now has a reputation for. Many of the larger buildings are from pre-Soviet Russian influence which adds a tinge of opulence here and there - as you can tell I am already a big fan of Estonia!
Our host Annely is very nice and has kindly taken time to show us around today. We are staying with her again tonight and tomorrow staying in a hostel for 3 nights, in the centre of the old town. Much needed RnR before We get to Mother Russia on Thursday, when I expect it to all go, well, unexpectedly! We also met on the coach from Warsaw a really great lady called Maria from Estonia who is leaving in a couple of days to work the summer in Alaska looking after huskies and horses , but who has recommended some good places for us to visit while we are here.
Brimming over with happiness once more!