Suzi 25/04/06

"Tere" from Estonia!

We had a brilliant time in Soomaa NP. We stayed at Soomaa hostel in Joesuu, a small village about 20km from Parnu and about 10km from the national park itself. The translation of Soomaa is "Land of Bogs" and it is really beautiful, nothing but a combination of bogs, rivers, forests and pools as far as the eye can see. Our host at the hostel, Rait, was really helpful and looked after us really well. We'd really recommend a stay in the park and the hostel! Yesterday we went for a fantastic walk through the park, about 12km in total, including following a boardwalk circular trail through Riisa bog itself. The sun shone all day and we didn't see a soul the whole time we were on the trail, was amazing! Needless to say, slept like a log when we arrived in Tallinn last night and, if we thought we had sunburnt noses after Oslo, they're now at the Rudolph stage!!

We're in Tallinn now and spending today just wandering around the old town relaxing. Most of the town dates from the 1300's and its really beautiful, not as grand as Riga but has a nicer, almost ramshackle, feel. Quite pleased we're here midweek though as all guides say Tallinn is a nightmare at weekends with British stag parties!! We\re going sightseeing, including a visit to Kadriorg and the TV Tower, tomorrow and then on to Helsinki by ferry on Thursday. Going to go to "Grandmother's Kitchen" for dinner tonight, as recommended by Rait, so looking forward to some hearty Estonian grub!