Tallinn, Estonia: A Walk Down Medieval Memory Lane

One of the lesser visited European countries and Baltic States, Estonia, was by far one the most unique places I’ve ever visited. I felt as if I walked back into time where the new town displayed signs of Soviet reign and the walled-up Old Town flourished medieval culture and lifestyle. To say the least, Estonia is a conglomerate of historic treats.
 
With no plans, the best way to explore Tallin is to get lost. Enter through the medieval gates and open your heart to the energy of Tallinn.

One of the most unique aspects to many Eastern European old towns is the “nook and cranny” alleyways hidden away from the main streets. Tallinn’s Old Town alleyways are a mystical exploration to find historic cafes and modern day art shops. Similar to Prague, each alleyway and shop decorates to its own charm. 

Especially on a cloudy winter day, there is no better day to enjoy Tallinn cafes than with a bite of chocolate washed down by a frothy café latte. Sitting in a red velvet chair accompanied by a dresser topped with a candle and a guestbook, I could not help but contemplate how many souls (and visitors) have sat in this very spot. The deep-rooted history is wild. 

Meandering down the cobblestone alleys, I could not help but envision life as a peasant walking to a fro with the biggest worry of, "How will I afford my next loaf of bread?" Today, I worry, "Where is a cafe with free wifi?" I sort of wish life wasn't like that. But among the many secret alleys, you will find dated remedies of art and symbols carved into old stone, which is now displayed on one of the main "secret roads."

Tallin is also a shopper's paradise. There is no lack of modern, traditional and authentic gear. Since the Baltic is temperate, but has the damp-cold of the Pacific Northwest, visitors can find a myriad of handmade sweaters, gloves, socks, scarves and hats all flaunting the Baltic-look. 

During winter, one of the downfalls about traveling to a place is that you do not experience the true bustling squares filled with street side cafe tables and chairs. Although big and still semi-bustling for winter, the church bells struck another of delightful discovery. Medieval restaurants hired peasant-dressed fellows to bargain a token (for a free drink) in exchange for a table underground surrounded by stone walls and dried herbs. 

The Baltic is known for its sauna and spa culture, and healing tea concoctions.. Exploring Old Town we ran across Tallinn's oldest public bath house, Kalma. I stripped off my clothes and entered the tiny and basic bath house only to see three older women with unshaven legs beat the shit out of each other with bushels of leaves and juniper. the saunas are hot and found my mind crashing after several minutes with the need to plunge into the ice-cold bath. Taking my breath away, I walked an old bushel of wet sticks and leaves. I looked at the old women and said, "Can I use this?" In broken English they replied, "Ah no good. No good. Fresh! Fresh!"

After several saunas and ice bathes, I walked into the locker room feeling refreshed. One women also came into the locker room and opened her hot tea canister where she steeped fruit tea. 

She said, "You want?" I obliged and there she handed me a small cup and said, "Tea good. It makes you..." as she lifted her arms and flexed her muscles. I replied, "Oh strong. Yes! Yes! Teas makes you strong." Naked, we smiled and sipped tea and I proceeded with the adventures in Tallinn. 

Feeling refreshed we ended up at a Soviet cafe where the only thing that has changed were the owner's age. Still kickin' it with 1970's Soviet-inspired decor, Josh ate a bowl of soup and bread that cost around 3 Euros. I opted in for one of three of my vegetarian and vegan expeditions, which I might add Tallinn has an active plant-based eating scene. 

Walking up Toompea, the limestone hill, we explored the castle, neighborhood and the cafe built inside the stone wall. How unique, how amazing. Walking up those stairs was not only a mighty-fine glute workout, but I couldn't help but wonder how 5'2" nobles made it up these deep stairs. The doorways were as tall as chin and I huffed and puffed my way to another tea. 

Tallinn's old town, completely left untouched of mainstream bullshit and tourism invited me into a world filled with unique history. From soldiers shooting bow and arrows out of castles to ancient knowledge on the healing powers of tea - Tallinn is by far a spectacle that is true to its roots. Now we must head off to the ferry for our day trip to Helsinki. 

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