Day 20 - Return to U.S.

Wed., May 22, 2013

It's over!  Our huge, action-packed, fun-filled, exciting, educational tour of Russia et al is over so soon.

We are the last to leave the hotel (with the exception of a couple spending an extra day).  We have a few adventures remaining in the next 24 hours though:

• Several hours at the Helsinki airport, where there are no overhead announcements for flights or missing passengers.  They just seem to know when to show up and are sooo polite!
• Connecting flight in Frankfurt, complete with drama of an American in the next line over who's having a fight with the security police over something.  At least we didn't have to walk two miles this time to the next plane.
• An endless flight back to Dulles but without the terrible turbulence we had over Greenland going over.
• Standing in the re-entry line for an hour+ to get back into the U.S.... and waiting and standing and waiting...
• Finally released!  Except our luggage isn't here. 
• Finding our luggage had been put with that checked to Tampa.  Ooops.  Another 45 minute delay.
• Collapsing at the hotel for an short overnight stay before tomorrow's early AM flight back to Tampa.  

So for now, Do svidaniyaght ('til our next meeting)... maybe in another three years?

Day 19 - Helsinki

Tues., May 21, 2013

As part of our package, we were provided a free transportation pass today.  It will take us anywhere in Helsinki we wish to go via ferry, bus, or trolley.  Based on our program director's recommendation, we chose to start with a short ferry ride to Suomenlinna, a fortress built on six islands and dating back to the 1700's.

The fortress's church

 

In and around -- I think we were just tired and skipped parts of this huge UNESCO World Heritage site (unfortunately)

 

We also used our pass to ride the trolley on its entire city loop.  Although Helsinki is interesting, it feels like just another big city by now.  The real fun is people-watching!

 

When we returned, we were starving and opted for lunch at the Market Square, where I had reindeer meat balls (I'm sorry, Rudolph!).  Paul opted for seafood. 

 

 

Our Helsinki hotel

Spartan but green-friendly.  Everything must be recycled.

 

One last toast by our Program Director at the Orange Group's farewell dinner.

 

Day 18 - Estonia to Helsinki

Monday, May 20, 2013 

 

We had to leave lovely Estonia behind and head today for Helsinki via ferry across the Gulf of Finland.  Our bus took our luggage while we lolled about, shopping and eating during the two-hour crossing (huge ferry).  Our program director doesn't believe in letting his group loll in the hotel though so soon we were off for a Helsinki city tour.

 

The Temppeliaukio Kirkko (Rock Church) was completed in 1969.  It is built entirely underground and has a ceiling made of copper wire.

 

Rock Church organ

 A glimpse of its copper ceiling, which is made of winding cords of copper wiring.  The acoustics are extraordinary.

 

 The Sibelius Monument in Sibelius Park is dedicated to Finnish composer Jean Sibelius (1865–1957). 

 

A bucolic scene despite the many tourists in the park.

Day 17 - Tallinn and Magic

Sunday, May 19, 2013



 

Today we learned about Estonian village life by visiting a collection of preserved buildings and a visit to a working dairy farm, complete with lunch comprised of its products.

 



 Rocca al Mare Tour

 

A lonely calf who only wants her mother -- she bawled the whole time we were there

The dairy farmer -- his "horsepower" consisted of many tractors in this barn

 

In the evening, we were treated to a magical unscheduled tour of an unusual monastery.  It is staffed by a Ukranian monk who believes in peace among all living things (plants, animals, humans).  He created everything inside, including show-and-tell items with accompanying stories.  One was a stick with two talking bird heads (his version of marriage counseling, I believe, based on the running conversation he gave between them).  

 

The "vestibule"

 

 His campaign to stamp out smoking -- lighting fire for a cigarette by rubbing sticks together

Day 16 Tallinn, Estonia

Sat., May 18, 2013

 

Located in the Baltic region of northern Europe, Tallinn is the capital of Estonia and its largest city.  Estonia has a 10,000 year, complicated history with Scandinavian and Germanic roots.  Its official languages are Estonian and Finnish.  It has a stable, thriving economy and is part of the European Union with euros as its currency.

 

Soviet Russia occupied Estonia from WW II to 1991.  On the way to Tallinn, our Program Director showed a movie about Estonia's success in gaining its independence 1989-91 through the "Singing Revolution."  Today, one must pass a rigorous naturalization test to become an Estonian citizen, which includes speaking the language. 

 

In addition to an overview, we explored Old Town, which is encircled by city walls, remaining much as when built in the 1200's by Danes.

 

Birthplace of the Singing Revolution 

 

Paul with Composer Gustav Ernesaks at the Song Festival Grounds 

St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church

 

Toompea Fortress with Estonian flag

 

Vintage weather vane

 

 Lunch at a medieval restaurant where there is no lighting inside but great (expensive) food

 

 Relaxing at the Hotel Euroopa

 

 

Day 15 - St. Petersburg to Estonia

Friday, May 17, 2013

 

Today we traveled by bus from St. Petersburg, Russia to Tallinn, Estonia.  The trip took about six hours.  Evgeny was ecstatic that we were in a good slot.  He told us although buses trump trucks, trucks sometimes have to wait in line up to three days to pass through customs!

 

Scene at the Narva customs crossing

 

View of Jaanilin Castle from top of Hermann Castle

 

While we had about 20-30 minutes after clearing customs, I dashed to the top of Hermann Castle.  Little did I realize how far up (and back down) it was!  I got into big trouble with Paul for being five minutes late getting back to the bus, but the view was worth it.

 

Paul got sick on the bus (second time sick on this trip).  Luckily, this round lasted less than 24 hours.  Not so luckily, at least four others became ill in the next few days.

 



 

 

 

Day 14 - The Music School

Thurs., May 16, 2013

Initially, Grand Circle Foundation found it hard to find a school in Russia that wanted to accept its support.  According to our guide, Russians don't understand the concept of "charity."  However, Grand Circle didn't give up so easily in its quest to share its generosity in the St. Petersburg area and started calling local schools, simply going down the list in the proverbial phone book.

Eventually, the company found a local music school that serves as a boarding school for children from what we'd call first grade through high school.  Exactly how they are chosen is not clear, but all must show an aptitude for music.

A portion of the funds for Grand Circle tours to Russia go to support this school.  Today, the children put on a two hour performance for all tour participants.  Like kids everywhere, they may have to be coaxed into starting, but once doing it, they really enjoy showing off!

The orchestra

 

Russian folk music