world tour

Around the World in 30 Days – Tallinn

by leekierdorf

Tallinn

Helsinki, Finland is next

This place is great. The Old Town was untouched during the war. As I walked the cobblestone streets in Tallinn, I felt like I had traveled back hundreds of years in time.

The capitals of the Baltic states are Vilnius, Lithuania – Riga, Latvia – Tallinn, Estonia. Each one has an ancient “Old Town” at the center. I didn’t know it but each of these three cities is more charming than the last when you go in this order.

The streets open into areas called “plazas” with enough room to step back and see the great old buildings. Nothing is old like this in America.

I stuffed my guide book in my back pocket and just walked around this city in the evening. I heard some music and followed it to a dark doorway in an old castle wall. It went up a narrow, twisting, stone stairway lighted by candles.

At the top were a few tables and chairs along a narrow wooden walkway attached to the old castle wall. There was a tiny bar at the far end where a woman in medieval dress served warmed wine. I took a glass out to a table and sat alone, looking over the old city for a while. I was lost in space and time as the wine took away the chill.

your intrepid reporter,
Lee

Helsinki, Finland is next

tallinn2

Around the World in 30 days – Riga

by leekierdorf

Riga

Tallinn, Estonia is next

Today was an early start and then 10 hours on the train. The time went faster after I met a couple who were full of good advice about visiting their hometown, Riga.

It was raining when we got here. After helping me get some local money, they got me to a nice place to stay.

It was like meeting angels. I thanked them by saying “ah-chu” which is “thank you” even though it sounds more like a sneeze.

I was directed to a local place to eat where a live rooster meets you in the lobby. I guess the food is something to crow about.

Someone asked me how I could afford to travel around the world. I’ve been saving money for six months and just spending less each day while planning my trip. I found a flight from New York to London for only $250. I’m spending about $50 a day and traveling by train or bus. I am staying in hostels for about $20 a night. It’s just a clean room with a bed. 🙂

Well, others want to use the only computer in the lobby.

your intrepid reporter,
Lee

Tallinn, Estonia is next

Around the World in 30 days – Cologne

by leekierdorf

Cologne

Warsaw, Poland is next

Everyone tells you that you have to see the church. It was really something. The guy in front of me got in trouble for wearing a hat inside. He took it off and told me I would get in trouble for taking flash pictures. That probably saved me being reprimanded by a passing priest.

I met three guys from America on the train. They were from Michigan, my home state. Weird, huh? We talked about how different it was in Europe with the money. They use coins worth as much as $5. You have these coins in your pockets that are worth a lot more than our quarters but you forget their value. Later you find you had a lot of money jingling around in your pockets.

The weather is perfect for walking around. I went down the street to find a restaurant they told me about at the hostel. I’m not sure if it was the one they said but it was a cozy place and the people there were very kind and made sure I had a good experience. The beer was really good but served in a small glass. Much different than England where beer comes in a pint glass.

But the best part is that it is Spring here. I am heading for Poland tonight. Got to switch my euros for zlotys.

your intrepid reporter,
Lee

Warsaw, Poland is next

Around the world in 30 days – London

by leekierdorf

London

Cologne, Germany is next

My plan is to travel around the world by train. I began in London where I was met by a friend. It’s always great to have a friend show you around their hometown.

London Bridge is not falling down. It’s in good shape, but it looks pretty dull compared to Tower Bridge.

Tower-Bridge

One thing about London is that the streets are not straight like in America. You never know what you will find up ahead.

london-street

When crossing the street, you must look to the right rather than the left before you step out on the street. Unlike America, the cars closest to you are coming from the right. My friend pulled me back as I looked left and was stepping out into the street. A truck whizzed by. Close call.

Thames-River

I was just walking around down by Thames River (they pronounce it Tems for some reason) since I like outdoors rather than museums. You can do it riding on the upper level of the bus, too.

your intrepid reporter,
Lee

Cologne, Germany is next

london-bus