Finland’s capital, Helsinki, sits on a southern peninsula in the Gulf of Finland. We have arrived at the port and I’m itching to get into the city but as usual, it’s a bit chaotic getting five people ready. … Read the rest
Helsinki
Venice Of The North
Today we get to experience St. Petersburg’s canals. Alexander the Great founded this city as his own and had a vision to turn it into the Venice of the North, criss-crossing the city with canals to provide a means of transport as well as beauty.… Read the rest
A Taste Of St. Petersburg
After a day of exploring Peterhof and the Catherine Palace at Pushkin, I’m ready to delve into St. Petersburg proper. After dropping the rest of the tour group back at the port, mum and I are taken to the metro at Primorskaya where we are handed over to another guide for the evening. … Read the rest
Catherine Palace
As the second wife of Peter the Great, Catherine I, Empress of Russia, came to the throne by chance. She was orphaned at an early aged and spent her youth as a maid. Nevertheless, they met soon after Peter moved the capital to St.… Read the rest
Tallinn, Estonia
The wind whips through my hair as we walk along the pier to our first glimpses of Estonia. There’s not much by way of sign posts to the Old Town but I know Tallinn is going to be special. … Read the rest
At Sea
“Forgive me for saying so, but you’re too young for cruising” my work colleague quips a few weeks before our departure. On the contrary, I rather wish we had discovered this way of travel long before now.
We’re on our first day at sea travelling from Warnemünde, Germany to Tallinn, Estonia where we will dock tomorrow morning. … Read the rest
Marienkirche
Today we are visiting Marienkirche (St Mary’s Church), located in Rostock, a city in northern Germany. After a walk through the town square we come across this charming church and enter into the dazzling interior, the whitewashed wall reflecting the light of the bright day outside.… Read the rest
Warnemünde & Rostock
I wake up in Warnemünde, our first port of call, and I can’t wait to get out and explore. After dressing, breakfast and other morning tasks, we walk from the port into town and follow the pretty canal lined with boats floating prettily and little pension (B&B) along the banks.… Read the rest
Kastellet
Our holiday begins in earnest today. Whilst yesterday was filled with waiting, today dawns to coffee and croissants (after Jason takes an early morning walk to find provisions). Suitably fortified we ready ourselves and set off for Kastellet.
As we set off from our Friederickstrasse apartment and out along the cobbled streets I breathe in the chill of the clean, cool air and stretch my arms towards the blue sky.… Read the rest
Cairo By Night
I’m a bit surprised at first when Ahmed arrives to pick Vaishali and I up in a van to explore Cairo. Then I remember his sister, Dina and her three children, Aya, Adam and Hana are joining us too so the van makes sense. … Read the rest