June 22, 2010
Tallinn, Estonia
High 68
Sunrise: 4:03 am
Sunset: 10:43 pm
Estonia is a country of great scenic beauty with many forests, lakes and islands. It is bordered by the Baltic Sea, the Russian Federation and Latvia. Tallinn, the ancient Hanseatic city and capital of present day Estonia, has many historical and architectural monuments, particularly in the old town. It is located on the Gulf of Finland and is an important Baltic seaport with a large fishing industry and a naval station. Estonia was independent from 1919 to 1940, when the republic was annexed by the USSR. Occupied by German forces in 1941, then retaken by the USSR in 1944 and served as the capital of the Estonian Soviet Socialist Republic until 1991,
when Estonia again became an independent republic.
Our ship docked right at the edge of the old town and we did a walking tour of the village. The town was almost empty but they were preparing for a celebration and we were apparently too early. Many parts of the walls are falling down and in dire need of repair but it was interesting to see.
June 23 2010
Riga, Latvia
Riga is the capital and largest city in Latvia. It is the largest city of the Baltic States and third largest in the Baltic region behind St Petersburg and Stockholm. During World War II Latvia was occupied first by the Soviet Union in June 1940and then by Nazi Germany from 1941-1944.
Forced industrialization and planned large scale immigration of large numbers of non-Latvians, particularly Russians, changed the demographic composition of Riga. Latvians are still trying to find their place in a divided country. Once again celebrations were taking place and many people were coming from the local farmers market with flowers, fruit and vegetables in their baskets. Bicycles and walking are the mode of transportation for most of the Baltic countries. We enjoyed a roam around old town and returned to the ship for a late lunch and nap.
June 24, 2010
Visby, Gotland, Sweden
SUNNY and warm
It is a glorious day in Visby and the sunshine and warmth are most welcome. We have been very lucky with our weather as the entire region has had unseasonably cold and dreary weather before our arrival. But this is the first clear and sunny day we have had. Visby is on an island of the coast of Sweden and one of the best
preserved medieval cities in Scandinavia and has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We roamed the beautiful gardens and climbed steps and hills and walked charming narrow roads to the top of the hill and outside the walled part of old town. Bill and I both thought we could stay for 3 or 4 days and ride bikes and hike. Our next stop will be Copenhagen. 
Tallinn, Estonia
High 68
Sunrise: 4:03 am
Sunset: 10:43 pm
Estonia is a country of great scenic beauty with many forests, lakes and islands. It is bordered by the Baltic Sea, the Russian Federation and Latvia. Tallinn, the ancient Hanseatic city and capital of present day Estonia, has many historical and architectural monuments, particularly in the old town. It is located on the Gulf of Finland and is an important Baltic seaport with a large fishing industry and a naval station. Estonia was independent from 1919 to 1940, when the republic was annexed by the USSR. Occupied by German forces in 1941, then retaken by the USSR in 1944 and served as the capital of the Estonian Soviet Socialist Republic until 1991,
when Estonia again became an independent republic.Our ship docked right at the edge of the old town and we did a walking tour of the village. The town was almost empty but they were preparing for a celebration and we were apparently too early. Many parts of the walls are falling down and in dire need of repair but it was interesting to see.
June 23 2010
Riga, Latvia
Riga is the capital and largest city in Latvia. It is the largest city of the Baltic States and third largest in the Baltic region behind St Petersburg and Stockholm. During World War II Latvia was occupied first by the Soviet Union in June 1940and then by Nazi Germany from 1941-1944.
Forced industrialization and planned large scale immigration of large numbers of non-Latvians, particularly Russians, changed the demographic composition of Riga. Latvians are still trying to find their place in a divided country. Once again celebrations were taking place and many people were coming from the local farmers market with flowers, fruit and vegetables in their baskets. Bicycles and walking are the mode of transportation for most of the Baltic countries. We enjoyed a roam around old town and returned to the ship for a late lunch and nap.June 24, 2010
Visby, Gotland, Sweden
SUNNY and warm
It is a glorious day in Visby and the sunshine and warmth are most welcome. We have been very lucky with our weather as the entire region has had unseasonably cold and dreary weather before our arrival. But this is the first clear and sunny day we have had. Visby is on an island of the coast of Sweden and one of the best
preserved medieval cities in Scandinavia and has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We roamed the beautiful gardens and climbed steps and hills and walked charming narrow roads to the top of the hill and outside the walled part of old town. Bill and I both thought we could stay for 3 or 4 days and ride bikes and hike. Our next stop will be Copenhagen. 
These are some pictures from St Petersburg that I forgot to include. The Icon is from ST Peter and Paul Church in the Peter and Paul Fortress. The others are from Peterhof's Palace
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