Signs of Spring 2010 Vol. 4

Almost there.. It's looking a lot greener out there than last week.

Yesterday was 1st of May, the "Labor Day", thus the big festivities on the town's "central square".. an accordion orchestra and all, wow.. ;)

Signs of spring 2010, part III

Not there yet, but soon the nature will bloom, for sure..

Kinda stranded

Nah, I don't feel that way. The airports in Northern Europe are all closed for a few days because of the smoke from volcanic eruption in the Eyjafjallajoekull in Iceland could break the jets' engines.

I don't feel the need to fly anywhere this weekend, but I think where this might show in the end is that all the things I might miss from abroad cannot fly to me. For example some equipment I ordered for my car.

Another thing is that there was a one-day union strike in many of the shops today. No flights, no food.. hmm, get me out of here! ;)

Cold, freezing, Kauppatori..

Today is such a nice and sunny spring day. It was nice to enjoy warm coffee in a torikahvila (orange "tent cafeteria").

(The title refers to the sea breeze that I just wasn't quite prepared to handle after living so long time "inland".. :)

Signs of spring 2010, part 2

Seems that for once I was wrong, most of the snow has disappeared FAST. Now all we'd need are no more sub zero nights, and then the trees will turn to green..

Signs of spring (2010 remake)

Oh c'mon get it on.. Temperature is quite solidly climbing above zero degrees of Celcius, but it will take several weeks before all the snow has melted.. :/

(The bottom picture is from Lukkokoski near Neste Tuuliruusu gas station, by the way..)

(Just) plan B for a rainy day in Tallinn

Hmm, spring seems to be advancing slowly, and Weather forecast for Easter time is not looking very promising.. :( But just in case, I crafted somewhat of a plan for a rainy weekend in Tallinn for the whole family. It seems that focusing on Saturday would be the way to go.

First of all selecting the right hotel is essential part of the plan. Who cares if it's cold an raining outside, when there's hot saunas and pools inside? So I would choose between Tallink Spa & Conference Hotel, Kalev Spa and Meriton Grand Spa Hotel. Pirita Top Spa is the fourth choice, but during last visit we found the pool facilities a bit unsuitable for small kids..

But then again, it's not worth to travel to Tallinn just to spend the whole day inside. So.. what to do? Any sights, or museums - inside? The new Solaris shopping center seems interesting with a 3D movie theatre, but on a second look it might not be that much fun for a 2-years old just yet..

Estonian Maritime Museum would be open on Saturday during the Easter holidays. But eventually I'm not sure if my kid (or wife) would appreciate visiting it as much as I would..

Estonian Puppet and Youth Theater looks very interesting and would certainly be an experience for the kid (unless it's even too exciting).

A bit further from the centre, in Kadriorg park, would be Miia-Milla-Manda activity centre for 3-11 year old kids. Sounds good and it seems to be all inside. During Easter seems that it's also open only on Saturday. Perhaps I would then have a chance to visit KuMu (KUnstiMUuseum) myself if the kid is having a good time..

Hmm, I think these options would keep us busy for at least one rainy Saturday!

Better start checking if reasonably priced tickets are still available..