Kelsey's Travels: language

I was so excited to go to Estonia (the birthplace of Skype ;) amongst other historically awesome things) mostly because I was finally able to pick our excursions once we docked in Tallinn!

I chose the witches well/fishing tour because it sounded the most interesting and interesting it was....

Firstly, Historic Tallinn definitely reminded me a lot of Prague, in terms of the Gothic architecture. You got the same feeling you would get in Prague, that you were in another time. I'm always a fan of that- especially open air museums where you see things as they were and people dress in that time period's traditional garb.

The "witches well" sounded most intriguing to me because it is allegedly in this particular area in the countryside that has been documented to have extreme energy that seeps from certain points or tree trunks. This is also an area that predicts floodings.

Me touching an "energy infused" tree.

Our colorful tour guide, on the right

So we get to the witches well and the first thing I noticed (mind you its very early in the morning) were the huge mosquitoes! We were being eaten alive (so do bring bug repellent!) Then I noticed how quaint and lovely the scenery and how green and lush the grass was, as well as this extremely old cottage. Once inside we found our equally very old tour guide :) . His english was broken but I wasn't complaining as we didn't speak a bit of "Estonian" which language apparently mirrors very close to Finnish ( a little fun fact).

During our tour guide's speech I saw a wild cat get it's next meal

This feral kitty had just killed and ate a small rodent, rip.

The group trying to feel the energy that's supposedly radiating from the earth, in this particular area

In front of the well. haha stewie.

Estonian

Mike drinking from the well

Mike at the witches well

After our tour of the witches "well" we then went to this crazy random petting zoo/farm. We walked on a legit Estonian back road, just dirt. The farm was in the middle of nowhere and smelt as you would expect a farm to smell, but it was pretty cool! My favorite animals that we saw were the llamas and a bunch of little piggies! They were precious and they were let loose so they were everywhere. It was fun and I am so grateful I never leave house without my hand sanitizer! Because after petting the animals there was no place to wash your hands.

No car on this road, walking to the petting zoo

We were told the Estonian language is quite similar to Finnish

smelly oinker

Possession? You decide.. ;P

After the Zoo we got back on the bus and headed to the Viking Village.
Photo: first glimpse of the serene Viking village

I desperately wanted to catch a fish!! That was my goal for this whole excursion...but alas no such luck. The fish were there but they gave us some soggy bread to put on the line, so the fish weren't having it (don't think they wanted us to catch anything). However, the guy on the other side of me was quite clever and dug up some worms in the dirt for live bait and used that instead of what the village gave us and wouldn't you know he ended up catching two fish. :)

Mike attempting to fish in vain!

Handmade boat

Gorgeous Viking Village

We ended up having lunch in the Viking Village and it was amazing. Deliciously cooked salmon, bread and a custard desert. Everything was served on wooden plates, much like the Vikings would have used. And the cups were large and round and sturdy, cool to drink out of. It was definitely a fun culinary experience. We ate outside by the water, so it was beautiful as well. We spent about 2 hours there, fishing, exploring and eating. I would most definitely return because it was an all around good time.