Tallinn Estonia

Using the ferry is a great way to hop from Helsinki to Tallinn. The favourite past time of the Finns is to visit Tallinn to get cheaper alcohol and not for its beautiful city. I had been warned about ‘dodgy’ people in Tallinn preying on tourists and it being a dangerous place. Tallinn must have made major steps forward as I have seen more ‘dodgy’ people walking down Fitzroy Street in one afternoon than I did in 3 days of my visit. The old city is what it is best know for, with its beautiful cobbled streets and medieval buildings. The great wall that once stood around the city is in parts still functioning. There seems to be churches plotted in every street, even just nestled between dwellings. The one downside to the Old City was the amount of tourist blocking the pathways and streets. The streets become passageways for motor vehicles and pedestrians which is an annoyance to the locals. Finding a place to eat or drink is not a problem, I highly recommend the oldest pub in Tallinn (so I was told) Hell Hunt which dates back to 1993. This pub has a great marketing scheme with loads of merchandise for tourist to buy. Beyond that it is the best and cheapest place to eat in Tallinn, they make a great dark beer and the couch seating to the rear has a relaxed vibe. Now cheapest place to drink without the as many tourists…is at Levist Väljas. I will translate it as Filthy Black Hole! This is the place to drink at 12pm once everyone is well past it or past out. Located in a cellar this place attracts all types of locals, but is not recommend if you have your head up your own ass.

Drinking beer on the ferry over is a must at 7.45am.Tallinn has plenty of these bars.The open air theater.Milja and myself...Chees(i)eStairs from the monk house.St. Olav’s Church St. Olav’s Church Memorial to the ferry that sank.Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.

Sailing in Tampere

The next day the weather had fined up.

Definition of fine: there was a gusty wind with little to no rain, ending in a thunderstorm.

The weather was good to go sailing with an Australian ex-pat Ben Sykes who welcomed us upon his vessel. Armed with a 3man & 2 woman crew which looked like a scene from a comedy skit show we headed out to open water. I thought it was good enough weather for shorts and t-shirt, well so did Ben. The Finns aboard came decked out in full ski gear with woollen undergarments. Main sail up and one wave later I came to terms with being wet, cold and after 30mins frozen. Using my reaction method I put on a jacket and had a beer at first chance and enjoyed the rest of the trip.
The finns: I'd hate to see what they wear in sub 0 temperatures.Australian Vs Finnish Sailing gear... Remembering we are in Finland.

Skipper Ben with a smile for the papers.
*photos suppiled by Milja Knight

Tampere the return

The return to Tampere saw less sun than the weather we had weeks earlier. As with anywhere you visit there are so many unvisited places you leave behind. Without the hand of Jami and Tuija I doubt we would have visited these following places. PYYNIKIN KESÄTEATTERI is the summer outdoor theatre in Tampere, it is also the first revolving theatre in the world. Making your way here from town you pass through the wealthier area of Tampere with lakeside views from restored timber villas and newer concrete houses. Check for dates as the summer theatre it looks fun.


The roof was only added in the past few years... The 'workers'. This is the outdoor bar area at the entry to theatre...nice modern addition.

Winding your way through the old motorbike GP track you head for the Pyynikki ridge which is the highest point in Tampere. A short climb up the stairs of the Pyynikki tower and small fee of €1 will give you a 360º view of the city and its outer limits…if you are really cheap you could get away with just not paying. Once you have taken in the views or the rain becomes too much head downstairs to the best munkki in Tampere. I would recommend a visit for the doughnuts alone.

The view to the revolving restraunt...I dont know what Tampere has about revolving items.

If you are a rose lover or a lover of a delicate flower then head to the Hatanpäänpuisto Arboretum.
Unfortunately our stay was cut short by a downpour but I would recommend it to any hopeless romantic. A picnic in the gardens in front of the haunted mansion would be a beautiful experience on a sunny day. You may even get some weirdo’s on bikes that look like children’s cars.

Motobecane Mirage Sport

My bike finally arrived on Tuesday August 12 2008. It took me 2 days to find the interest into fixing it up as I had foreseen some expenses I did not really want to spend money on. The tires are shot to pieces and look like they have not been ridden on in years, the guards are slightly bent and rub on the front wheel. On closer inspection these are the only major faults I can pick with the bike. It is surprisingly light for its age which it still unknown, all running gear look original and the handlebars look bling!!! Well they did until I rode the thing I never really checked it for turning before buying it. It makes for amusing riding with a battle for steering control between my arms and my knees. On top of this fun I found loads of single track and rock gardens hidden amongst trees on my first ride… I can officially say the bike can go off road and down dirt single tracks… but on 25mm hard rubber it was sketchy to say the least. But I did give some teenagers on motorbikes a laugh as I belted towards them due to lack of braking ability with wet wheels.

Please take time to appreciate the bike that is: and anyone who can tell me what year it is will get… well something. Old Skool Bikes.

Look at the detail... the break cable passes through frame...French.



It is already up for sale...make an offer... I need a hard tail & any donations or sponsers email me.
Steady fall to rock with 1m drop off... 2min from my house.

The cross roads where two 10yo kids went nuts.

Religious dream

It there has ever been a time in life to become religious entering into Temppeliaukio may be it. I have seen some beautiful churches and cathedrals throughout Europe but never had a feeling of being totally in harmony. My religious views are I do not have any, but I do not think you need to be religious to attend a service at this beautiful wonder. Or maybe I have found God in my time of need!? (edit: witty outburst has been removed due to the public status of blog. An American approach has been taken by not being offensive to anyone) Entering you head towards the light…The cave that you first enter is lost as light fills the space as a mix of bronze, rock, concrete and timber curve around your every step. Sitting on a pew time passes by and bus after bus load of tourist flood through… If you have time the almost empty church feels as cosy as your own couch, highly recommend you wait it out.

Central ceiling is made from brass & in some light appears almost timber. It is a fantastic sight to see as the light filters in fron the sides.

My apologies for the bad images… new ones will follow as I will revisit.

Ankkarock - Duckrock

The rock festival that has been going as longer than any I can think of in Australia. It was a good chance to spend time with Juri, Heidi, Jarkko & Mr Wormhill. I recommend it to any international people who are in Helsinki-Vantaa area at the time of the festival. The people are in good sprits and really friendly no matter how much leather, studs or tattoos they are covered in. We were lucky to make friends with a bloke who had been drinking since 8am and had no real understanding of the English language apart from AC/DC & Angus Young…. “You from Australia? AC/DC” with fist pumping. The highlight was the Hives as they really know how to put on a stage show and interact with the audience. I will admit this was not the favourite act of 80% of the Finn’s as it was a bit more ‘girly’ rock for their liking.

Juri, Heidi, Me, Jarkko & Mr Wormhill

Milja's boyfriends from Savonlinna

*all photos by milja knight 'designer of fashion'