Day 9 - Tallinn Estonia - Monday

Sunny day at 13 in the morning and it warmed up to 18 or so.



Freddi shopping

The morning started when the engines reversed slightly to slowly move into the harbour mooring in Tallinn Estonia. We gathered Lucy for breakfast and went up to Horizon for breakfast. That went quickly as we wanted to walk to Tallinn and walk around for the few hours that we were in port for. The stroll to the old town was easy and pretty straight forward as there was a steady stream of folks from the two ships that had pulled in this morning. A Celebrity cruise line was berthed beside us. We entered the old town and started our walk through the town. A walled city with heritage buildings that went back to the 13th C. A beautiful sunny morning greeted us and our photographs demonstrate that the sky was clear and blue. We strolled and caught up to Paul and Mary Ellen for a short time. We walked up to the higher part of town and visited Russian Cathedral. No photos were allowed of this church but it's alter was a demonstration of wealth as it was all gold and plenty of it. The church was very large with many steeples and round in shape. As we walked about many chauffeur driven cars arrived with important government people in the cars as the Prime Minister's residence and office was in the upper part of town. There was much fuss with the arrival of each impeccably dressed representative. In addition the town's streets were filled with tourists from both ships in small groups or tour groups. We then wandered into the main square where an anxious restaurant owner motioned us to his restaurant. It was too early for us to stop as it was still only 11:30 AM. We continued on and found a Gypsy market in one of the smaller squares. We walked about looking over the merchandise and purchased some small things. Freddi and Lucy bought pashminas and I found a new soap pumice and a very different striped shirt. The clothing was exceptionally well made and used different materials in unique ways. The children's clothing was adorable but I was unsuccessful in encouraging Freddi to buy Skylar a dress. Apparently it was too expensive as she would only wear it for a couple of months. Our walk continued and we returned to the main square for a sit down and some nourishment. Freddi ordered brochettes and Lucy and I shared a pizza of 4 quadrants. All was good with something to wash it down and off we went to continue wandering the streets. The day had remained sunny but a freshness in the air signaled a change in weather. On our way back to the ship we found a concrete area that was huge and currently unused. Apparently it was an observers area for the 1980 Olympic sailing events. Although all blocked off it became apparent that there were facilities inside. A local office worker gave us the information about its origin. Many things came to mind that could be executed in such a space but primarily it could be used as an outdoor farmers market even though it had lots of steps. It was a shame to see such a large space going to waste.

Inspiring rooflines



On the final steps of our walk we were channeled through some small shops that sold local wares. The we found some souvenirs and both Freddi and Lucy bought Cotten shawls or jackets. These we Beautifully made with precision and unique design. After some time we made it back to the ship for a rest before our Chef's Dinner evening. At around 5 PM we all met together to finalize our strategy for the long day ahead in St. Petersburg. Paul had all the details about requirements (passport, visa, ticket for DenRus) and we agreed on timing to meet to get off the ship together and get on our way by 6:30 AM.



Lucy, Freddi and I then set off for our food adventure for the evening. We met at the International Cafe where Generoso (food director) met us to collect our waiver documents that stated we understood the restrictions of this event. Basically we were to tour the kitchen area and see how it works. We met Giuseppi (the main chef) inside the stainless steel kitchen with its rows of both cold and hot serving areas. We washed our hands thoroughly and walked through the galley. The serving teams we very happy to see us and chatted us up as we passed. In the pastry galley they had converted the area for an eating area where we enjoyed some appies as the two seniors talked to us about the food on board. The staff of 275 worked around the clock preparing the meals from the stored food on the 4th deck. Examples of the volumes were given such as 1.5 tons of potatoes each day at sea. The appies were set up beautifully and accompanied with the Champagne arranged for to compliment the food. Giuseppi and Generoso gave us a talk about the kitchen and how it runs while we were served the first 4 items on the menu. We then walked back to the entrance of the Michelangelo dining room where there a beautiful table set up for us. We were informed about the next courses and we watch Giuseppi flambé the beef filet. The entire menu follows:

Lobster Margarita with Avocado and Mango

Tuna Tartar

Tuna tartar with condiments

Fortina cheese quiche with truffle and sun blushed cherry tomato

Bliss new potatoes with Sour Cream and Caviar

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Asparagus Risotto with Lobster Tails and Claws

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Lemon Sorbet with lemoncello Marinated Strawberry

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Roast Lamb Shank & flambéed Beef Tenderloin carved at able side with crepes and jus, today's vegetables and mushroom potatoes

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Baked Camembert with pine nuts

Giuseppe and Generoso

Port wine reduction and walnut (fig) bread

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A Princess Fantasy Delight

Lemocello Flavored Sponge Cake arranged with a delight Saboyon Coating

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Chef Giuseppe's homemade Bon Bons

Wines:

Champagne Nicholas Feuillatte -Chouilly, France

Chablis, de Aoura Spirito, Burgundy, France

Cabernet Sauvignon Kenwood Jack London, Sonoma USA

Sauvignon Blanc Late Harvest, Errazuriz

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All the courses were wonderful and attentively served to us while we chatted about many different experiences that the different members have had on cruises. I sat beside David, a pastor in Lake Tahoe with his wife Mary Kay. There was a tired military guy about 40 years old and his wife who lived in Qatar where he taught military strategy, a retired pediatric dentist and seemingly his newly we'd and two other couples which we didn't talk to much. It was a mixed bag of folks but a fine group to spend an evening together enjoying some fine food and information about how the ship runs their kitchens. Giuseppi and Generoso ended the meal with a gift of red roses for the ladies and copy of Princess' cookbook with a printed copy of the menu and the wine list. It was a fine event for sure and both informational and entertaining.

We returned to our rooms about 10:30 PM and retired as it was going to be a long day the next day.

The group at the Chef's Table dinner