We have been on the move since our last post. Tallinn, Estonia was our next stop after St. Petersburg. Our perfect, sunny tourist weather stayed with us for this stop. Old town Tallinn was walking distance from the ship. With only a few hours to explore, the tiny old town with narrow, winding, ankle wrenching (no place for high heels) cobblestone streets kept us entertained. Traditionally home to artisans, merchants and just plain ordinary folk, Old Town today is the center of souvenir shops and restaurants. Located within the original walled city, it is fun to explore and made our half day on shore a casual, carefree outing.
Overnight we sailed for Stockholm, Sweden. Our stop was short, only a few hours before our train to Copenhagen where our trip west began in earnest. With a quick stop at the train station to store our luggage, a very civilized system that takes credit cards and a keypad/code system for fetching luggage at the end of the day. Stockholm is made for walking. After picking up a map and getting directions at the nearby tourist info office, we took off. First stop The Grand Hotel, site of the Nobel Prize awards. Because I missed the ceremony, they gave my prize to someone else =(, but did allow me a cup of tea. On the ship we were a bit isolated from the cost of things on this side of the pond, so we were’t prepared for tea for two, no biscuits or other bread to cost $30. Guess I should have arrived in time to receive my prize, the tea might have been comped. The rest of our tour took us through parks, one church, the Hard Rock Cafe and past the Ice Bar where you are issued a parka and mittens to enjoy your beverage in an ice lined room from a glass made of ice. Running short of time, we passed on the chance to spend $60 or so for a drink.
Our train ride from Stockholm was to Copenhagen was smooth, peaceful and a quiet respite from the quick morning outing. We arrived at 7:30, but the long summer days met us with plenty of light for making our way to the hotel. It was close enough to walk and our wheeled bags performed well on the cobblestones.
Our hotel, the Carlton Guldsmeden, is a bit funkier than I expected. Reception is up a floor from street level, accessed by stairs or a very tiny elevator – small enough we each took a bag and made the ride separately. The staff is a bit eccentric, but good hearted. There is nothing fancy, but we are within walking distance of a few sights, so should have a great day. We did learn last night could have been more interesting than going out for a bowl of soup. We are just a few blocks from the red light district. None of the guests at breakfast this morning looked like employees and every else looked too well rested to have had a late night visit there.
Prices continue to astound me. Went out for a quick snack last night, just a bowl of soup. The cafe was very modest, a place I would have passed on if there had been any thing more desirable open. My tomato soup was $13. With that kind of pricing, I almost licked the bowl to get my monies worth.
This morning we are enjoying a traditional small hotel breakfast of bread, cheese, fruit, cereal and lots of good coffee. Cost about $15 US per person.
Now off for a day of sightseeing, then tonight the train to Amsterdam.
