M-whY

First things first though, and I located an ATM to withdraw some local currency. I wasn't clear on the exchange rate, but 1000 kroons should be enough to get me through a couple days. Next, I tried to figure out where I was. I knew about seven hours west of St Petersburg, in Tallinn, capital of Estonia. More specifically, I was at the city's autobussijaam, or bus station. Flipping through my guidebook, I found a paragraph that suggested to get to the Old Town, walk a block, cross the street, and catch the tram. Figuring out a block in which direction was an exercise left to the reader I suppose. Well, when in doubt, do as the locals do, and a group of them led me to the tram stop. Within a couple minutes, tram #4 rolled by, and I got on looking for someone to pay fare to. No one was collecting, and so for at least one ride, Tallinn's public transportation was free.

I got off at the fourth stop, again, at my guidebook's advice. Now what? Fortunately, someone noticed my confused look and offered to help.

"Hello, do you speak english? You looked a bit lost there on the tram."

That's right, I had read that most Estonians were proficient in english. "Yeah, actually, I am. Can you tell me where we are?"

"This is the entrance to Old Town. Keep going down this road about 100m and you'll be at the town hall."

Right. If I could find the town hall, I could handle it from there. I thanked the man, and following his instructions, arrived at the tall gothic spire. Built in the 14th century, it's probably been serving as a guiding beacon to many weary travellers before me. The hostel I was looking for was just around the corner. Overlooking the fact that a strip club occupied the same building, Vana Tom turned out to be a great place to stay. The rooms were spotless, breakfast was included, the lady at reception looked like she could've worked upstairs. Feeling drained - I think I caught a cold in St Petersburg - I immediately crawled into bed and dozed off. Once asleep, I didn't stir again til noon. I probably could've snoozed until evening too. But then I'd be up all night, and probably be bored into doing something like buying lap dances.

So I went out for walk, and I'm glad I did. Tallinn couldn't have been a more enchanting place. The building architecture, cobbled streets, and laid back atmosphere was enough to impress me, and then you had these haunting spires everywhere you looked. Throw in a Russian orthodox church and some old city walls, you've got the grandma's secret recipe for charm.

Rising high above the other buildings, the steeples might've served as orienting landmarks, if there weren't a one, sometimes two, around every corner. I wasn't sure where I was going - in other words, still lost - but it wasn't necessary to consult a map. Like the city and country it was a part of, the Old Town was small and easily explored in a day. Then again, coming from the vast Russia and her overwhelming metropolises, most places would probably feel small.

I ducked into a cozy pizzeria for dinner, then wandered about a bit after dark before returning to the hostel. I got to know the other traveller in my room, a Korean girl who has been all over the world herself. I was amazed at the places she's been; She hardly looks like the type to endure the rigors of backpacking. Then again, I should know better. Some of the most hardcore travellers I've met have been solo females. People who've been on the road for over two years, who've been to over 100 different countries, in places you don't normally think of as a backpacker destination. Just wait til I get that many under my belt. Then I'll think even less of being lost at a bus station.

Thanks to everyone for their support and comments! Knowing people are reading keeps me motivated to continue the updates!