20180724 Plan for Russia (6 photos)

We check the Viking Daily for each day's info and select gear and clothing. The bottom two photos come from the cruise book, another good way to build excitement for activities.

20180723 Dinner (9 photos)

Dinner always begins with proseco while we peruse the menu. I start with crab soufflé, Jim prawns. The sommelier's recommendations help us settle on previous successes. Tonight Jim has red with ribeye and I have white with mussels. Dessert is creme brûlée for him and wedge salad with bacon and blue cheese for my final course. Tomorrow Russia!

20180723 Back to the Ship (8 photos)

Approaching our ship, we see more boats have docked, ours again the smallest, much to like about a smaller cruise boat. We have lunch at the World Cafe, every mealtime there a huge buffet. We begin with beer, and Jim ends with his usual gelato. Ship is scheduled to depart port at 3:00pm, so we watch the harbor pilot boat come to pick up the pilot. That boat has speed and maneuverability with everyone involved on alert. Evening cocktails at Explorers Bar are Crown and ginger ale for Jim and a Viking Royal for me. Before dinner we have an appointment to discuss future cruises, anywhere cool in July.

20180723 Tallinn Tour 8 (7 photos)

This farm scene is in a store window but strange to explain. At the end of the tour, we have five minutes to wait for our bus, enough time for Jim and me to split a local beer. We leave through the old gates of the old town, and in the distance looms a new modern hotel forbidden to enter these gates -- at least for today.

20180723 Tallinn Tour 7 (7 photos)

Cute couple never notice us, only each other. Katariina Church preserves ancient wall sections. Narrow passages keep us close to the guide but nooks and alcoves distract us.

20180723 Tallinn Tour 6 (7 photos)

Here are stalls on the market square, panorama, oh la la for amber, photo menu on wall outside restaurant, clock on city tower, garlic restaurant and menu.

20180723 Tallinn Tour 5 (7 photos)