Estonia

It's been a while since we have found a wifi, so here, at last, is an update. It's a long one this time, so hope it has some interest; most of the stories are in the pictures.

We have now in Latvia on our way to Riga.

In Estonia we have visited Tallin

To cut a long story short, we ended up taking the motorhome to a 2-hour car-park – tow-away if you exceed it - in front of the central police station, took a 'free' (for 'citizens', but he advised us they never check the tickets on the section we would be using but if there was a problem, just mention his name and we'd be OK!), and at his suggestion, we stayed there the night. We had a lot of funny looks from police officers going about their business as the day wore on, but not one said a word to us. Obviously he ad some clout, and was determined to look after tourists in Tallin – which he did admirably! Our very safe but unusual overnight spot

From there we travelled on to Sillamae. The pictures tell there own story

Can you tell which were the bosses and which were the workers homes? Actually the flats are an upmarket version of the usual workers flats – obviously only the best party-faithful worked in Sillamae!

Things have changed since 1991!

Then on to the border town of Narva. Although there are some Russian cars to be seen in Estonia, there is no evidence of any significant numbers around the border crossing, as applies elsewhere in Europe.

RUSSIA. Do they get grants to paint he houses up which face onto EU countries, we wonder? They still have watchtowers on their banks, but they didn't appear to be manned.

There is another view on the Estonian side- into the past

Interestingly, while all the Soviet statues etc. have gone, they do not intend to let the past be forgotten – this is an Estonian National Monument [ Luckily we know this because most information is given in English and Russian, as well as Estonian; there are many Russian speakers in Estonia, 96% in this border town]

'Joe'is the name of the road, nothing to do with the not-lamented former Soviet leader!

Then on to lake Peipsi - 5^th largest lake in Europe. Home to many 'Old Believers' - traditional Russian Orthodox people who left Russia over 300 years ago and still follow the old ways today. Their museum was, unfortunately, closed, so we went to a restaurant serving their food. It didn't look much from outside

But once inside

it was as good as it looked – just good fresh ingredients, well and simply cooked – two courses plus drinks for 2 - £23! The Old Believers not only believe in (their) God, but also in onions! They grow lots of them, they were served with our food, along with fish -from the lake, of course – fresh that day no doubt.