Where to take my guests?

[raamv]

Hi,

I really like the idea of going to Tallinn. How is it? Is it interesting to visit? how can I go? Is it expensive?

Many thanks

For drinking its not..expensive
For Night dining it CAN be expensive depending on where you dine..But then Way cheaper than HEL!!!
Again, Stocking up on Booze /cigs is the main goals for Finns...
Apart from that the old town is Beautiful... but at this time of the year, I wonder if the darkness adds any charm..
The Ferry rides ll be very rocky during this time..so if you get sea sick..be prepared..

[sammy]

Hi,

I really like the idea of going to Tallinn. How is it? Is it interesting to visit? how can I go? Is it expensive?

Many thanks

If you wish to have a look at the Old Tallinn, here are some photos from my last summer's visits - but as raamv said at this time of year it's obviously rather bleak (that can be charming too, though).

I'd recommend taking the faster "Jet Line" or "Sea Cat" ferries - it's a bit more expensive, but not that much. The bigger ferries are slower but then again you'd get a more "genuine" Tallinn cruise experience

[JohnWatson]

Nice pics - what camera?

[sammy]

Nice pics - what camera?

You mean my Tallinn pics? Thanks Some are taken with an IXUS 500, some with IXUS 800...

[JohnWatson]

Yes - Tallinn - very good indeed - did you just let the Auto-feature control or did you do some manual settings?

I've been using the A550 but had to put it into guarantee service - and so have gotten the A720 IS (this week) - but picked up an Ixus 950 for son this week.

Have been quite happy with the 550 - but low light never a great parameter - maybe the 720 helps with stabilizer. I'll see.

[sammy]

Yes - Tallinn - very good indeed - did you just let the Auto-feature control or did you do some manual settings?

Usually, when taking photos I dabble with very little else than the ISO value and/or the exposure time setting, depending on the overall brightness.
I was quite happy with the old 500, this summer we got the 800 which isn't very much different (obviously the screen is larger). Technically, I'm a dabbler... but despite that I've managed to get some fairly satisfying shots, it's a nice camera

And oh yeah, low light... neither the 500 nor the 800 are very good in tackling that, at least not without a tripod (or equivalent).

[adamo]

Hi Sammy,

How are you? nice pictures from tallin!
Did you apply for VISA to get there? If yes, How and where? Does it take time?

Thanks

[sammy]

Hi Sammy,

How are you? nice pictures from tallin!
Did you apply for VISA to get there? If yes, How and where? Does it take time?

Thanks

Hi, thanks - the pics are quite "summery" aren't they?

No, I did not apply for a visa (not needed, you see - I'm a Finn so what I do is basically do is grab a passport and step on board a ship... in principle my Finnish ID card should do but I take the passport all the same... Estonia's in the EU you know )

AFAIK Estonia has signed the Schengen agreement, but the Schengen thingy is not yet in force there. To be honest I'm not quite sure what exactly that means to you or your guests (depends on your nationality/ies I guess!) IN CASE you or any of your guests needs a visa, the Estonian embassy is the door you should knock on: http://www.estemb.fi/

A propos, back in the USSR days - I never happened to visit Estonia then, mind you... things were quite different, and who could forget this song:

Kyllä viipyi viisumi Tallinnan
minä hukkasin lanttuni hallinnan
taoin sormia pöytään kuin nuorempi Charlie Watts.

Viimein saapui paperi tärkeä,
hypin ilmaan kuin vailla järkeä.
Pian laivaan töytään, sen nimi on Georg Ots...

R.I.P. Juice!