Tallinna teletorn

At 314 meters, Tallinna Teletorn is the tallest building in Estonia, readily seen if you enter the city by sea, on the left. It was opened during the Soviet era in 1980 - built to provide better telecommunication services for the Olympics that summer. 

Before independence, a freedom-loving citizen might catch at night sight of the lights of Helsinki on the other side of the Soomelaht - and dream of freedom.

Since then the tower has been renovated, and has even come up with a very modern thing: a chance for the more adventurous visitor, attached to a safety line, to take a stroll on the observation deck at 175 meters height. To do that you need to be julge, at least 13 years of age, weigh between 34 and 140 kg, and also meet some other requirements.

Naturally there is also a cafeteria on the vaateplatvorm, which offers a panoramic view over Tallinn and its surroundings. Look here for all the other features (museum, giftshop, cinema, etc).

How do you get to the tower?

The tower is located about 10 kilometers from the city center. Buses with numbers 34A, 38, 49 and 288 go through there - just push the stop button when you hear "Järgmine peatus: Teletorn"! Or you could just take a takso!

Address: Kloostrimetsa 58a, Tallinn, Estonia

sanasto = sõnastik = vocabulary
haaveilla vapaudesta = unistada vabadusest = to dream of freedom
korkeus = kõrgus = height
näköalatasanne = vaateplatvorm = observation deck
näköalatorni = vaatetorn = observation tower
painaa = kaaluda = to weigh
pysähtymisnappi = stopp nupp = stop button
rohkea = julge = bold
seikkailunhaluinen = seiklushimuline = adventurous
seuraava pysäkki = järgmine peatus = next stop
Suomenlahti = Soome laht = Gulf of Finland
taksi = takso = taxi, cab
Tallinnan televisiotorni = Tallinna teletorn = Tallinn TV Tower
torni = torn = tower
turvavaljaat = turvarakmed = safety harness
äärelläkävely = servakõnd = edgewalk

Pirita Adventure Park

Photo taken from Valgeranna Seikluspark

Do your kids like climbing trees? If they are 115cm+ and you have 2-3 hours to spend, then head for the newly opened Pirita Seikluspark! Open daily 10am to 10pm. Here is how Postimees tells about the park (fully translated below, but  please do check the encompassing vocabulary below):

Kokku on seikluspargis kuus puudele ehitatud kõrgseiklusrada, mis kõik lõpevad pika ahviraudteega. Rajad arendavad lastes loovust ja osavust. Puudel liikudes tuleb kasutada erinevaid abivahendeid ja leida parim võimalus ühelt platvormilt teisele liikumiseks. Kohati 10 meetri kõrgusel kulgevad rajad pakuvad närvikõdi ja eneseületamisrõõmu ka täiskasvanutele.
Vanusepiirangut ei ole, ronimisega saavad algust teha lapsed, kel pikkust vähemalt 115 sentimeetrit. Järgmiseks suveks saab valmis ka mudilaste seikluspark. Lisaks seiklusele pakub park metsikut looduslikku keskkonda, palju rohelust ja rannarajalt avanevaid imelisi vaateid Tallinna lahele. 

Pirita Seikluspark on avatud iga päev aprillist oktoobrini.

There are altogether six tree adventure courses in the adventure park, which all end up in a long zip-line. The courses develop children's creativity and abilities. In order to move between the trees, you need to use different appliances and find the best alternative to get from one platform to the next. The courses - some of which are at 10 meters height - offer suspense and self-transcending joy even for adults.

There is no age limit. Climbing is allowed for children who are at least 115 cm tall. A toddler adventure park will be completed by next summer. 

On top of the adventure, the park offers a wild, natural environment, lots of greenery, and on the coastal course a wonderful view (opens up) over the Bay of Tallinn.

Pirita Adventure Park is open daily from April thru October.

And the price? Adults 19€, youngsters 15€ (June 2013)

To have a taste of zip lining, 

check this Youtube-video:

 Zipline adventure in Puerto Rico 

(10:36) 

sanasto = sõnastik = vocabulary
aikuinen= täiskasvanud = adult
apina = ahv = monkey
apuväline = abivahend = aid, appliance 
avoinna joka päivä = avatud iga päev = open daily
ensi kesäksi = järgmiseks suveks = for next summer
ikäraja = vanusepiir = age limit
ikärajaa ei ole = vanusepiirangut ei ole = there is no age limit
itsensä ylittäminen = eneseületamine = self-excellence, self-trancendence
jännitys = närvikõdi = titillation, suspense
kaiken kaikkiaan, yhteensä = kokku = altogether
kiipeily = ronimine = climbing
kiivetä = ronida = to climb
kuuden puun varaan rakennettu rata = kuus puudele ehitatud rada = six trees 
köysiliukurata = ahviraudtee = zip-line, zip line, aerial ropeslide
luonnollinen = looduslik = natural
löytää paras vaihtoehto= leida parim võimalus = to find the best alternative
paikoittain = kohati = in (some) places, here and there
pikkulapsi = mudilane = toddler
pikkulasten seikkailupuisto = mudilaste seikluspark = toddler adventure park
rantapolku = rannarada= coastal course
rata = rada = course, trail
seikkailun lisäksi = lisaks seiklusele = on top of the adventure
seikkailupuisto = seikluspark = adventure park
taito = osavus = skill, ability
upea näkymä = imeline vaade = wonderful view 
vehreys = rohelus = green, greenery
villi = metsik = wild
ympäristö = keskkond = environment, surroundings

Estonian visitors in Finland

The distance between Tallinn and Helsinki is a mere 83 kilometers. This plus the fact that many Estonians work in Finland makes for lots of trips between the two cities by Estonians. Or as Postimees wrote on the subject the other day:

"Eesti elanikud käisid eelmisel aastal Soomes 758 000 korral, mis on seitse protsenti enam kui 2011. aastal ning moodustab kümnendiku kõikidest Soomes käivatest turistidest, teatas Soome statistikaamet. Kõige enam käis Soomes turiste Venemaalt (3,58 miljonit), teisel kohal on eestlased ja kolmandal kohal rootslased (0,7 miljonit turisti)."

Anything there you didn't understand?

Consult the vocabulary below :)

sanasto = sõnastik = vocabulary
eestiläiset/virolaiset = Eesti elanikud, eestlased = Estonian residents
etäisyys = distants = distance
ja = ning = and
kaikista Suomessa käyneistä turisteista = kõikidest Soomes käivatest turistidest = of all the tourists visiting Finland
kaikkein eniten = kõige enam = most (visitors)
kolmannella sijalla = kolmandal kohal = in third place
kymmenesosa = kümnendik = one tenth
käydä = käia/käima = to visit, go to
mikä on = mis on = which is
muodostaa = moodustab = makes (for)
ruotsalaiset = rootslased = the Swedes
seitsemän prosenttia enemmän kuin = seitse protsenti enam kui = seven percents more than
Suomen tilastokeskus = Soome statistikaamet = Statistics Finland
Suomessa = Soomes = in Finland
tiedottaa = teatada = to report
toisella sijalla = teisel kohal = in second place
turisti = turist = tourist
Venäjä = Venemaa = Russia
viime vuonna = eelmisel aastal = last year
vuosi = aasta = year

conjugation of "käydä = käia = to visit, go to"
Present tense: FIN: käyn, käyt, käy, käymme, käytte, käyvät =
                       EST: käin, käid, käib, käime, käite, käivad = I visit, you visit, etc
Past tense:      FIN: kävin, kävit, kävi, kävimme, kävitte, kävivät
                       EST: käisin, käisid, käis, käisime, käisite, käisid = I visited, you visited, etc

Pancakes in Tallinn

Are you fond of pancakes and have some time and euros to spend in Tallinna Vanalinn? Then head for the legendary pancake house called Kompressor! A few steps from Raekoja Plats you will find the street Voorimehe, which takes you to one of  the longest streets in Vanalinn, Pikk. Turn there left and after just a few meters you will see the (rather  unnoticable) entrance to Kompressor at Rataskaevu 3.

 

Get in, grab a menu and take a seat. Go through all the numerous options. Whether you want something sweet or something salty, rest assured that one pancake is enough for most of us since the pancakes come with ample filling! Prices vary, but most pannkoogid are around 4,50 € (May 2013).

When you have decided what you want, go and pay at the counter. Be prepared to wait for a quite a while for your pancake if the place is jammed -  which it often is. Kompressor is well-known among young adults, and the entrance reflects this as well as there are posters and adds to different events in the city.

After Kompressor you may want to climb - with renewed energy - the Pikk jalg towards Toompea for a nice view of Tallinn! Directions: leaving Kompressor turn right, then after a few meters, sharp left!

sanasto = sõnastik = vocabulary
hinnat vaihtelevat = prices vary
lätty, lettu, ohukainen = pannkook = pancake
lätyt, letut, ohukaiset = pannkoogid = pancakes
makea = magus = sweet 
Pidätkö letuista? = Kas sulle maitsevad pannkoogid? = Are you fond of pancakes?
suolainen = soolane = salty
voit olla varma, että  = võid kindel olla =  rest assured that... 
useimmille meistä = enamikel meist = for most of us
yksi lettu riittää = ühest pannkoogist piisab = one pancake is enough
 

All about Tallinn

Here is a list with links of all the articles that have appeared in this blog that concern the city of Tallinn. The list is continually updated. There is also a similar page about Helsinki. You can always get here by clicking Tallinn on the front page under Teretulemast.  Latest update: 24.6.2013

x - Estonian Independence Day - Free rides, for real - Grocery shopping in Tallinn - Jaywalking in Tallinn - Kristiine Keskus - Pancakes in Tallinn - Pirita Adventure Park - Tallinn Christmas Market - Tallinn elephants - Tallinna Raekoja Plats - The Trams of Tallinn -

The Baltic Guide

The Baltic Guide  is a newspaper specializing in travel information about the Baltic countries, especially Estonia. It comes in Finnish, Estonian and Swedish (which is mostly in English), and you can read it both in the internet and in paper version. The ajaleht is made available in numerous, strategic places (check the locations here), and yes, it is for free! Online you can also open the e-paper version of the Baltic Guide (also in Russian). This is a really neat thing to read if you are going to Tallinn - full of information about the things to do there, when and where and how to go. Good enough maps, current events, cultural tidbits and lots more. And if you are really into the Baltic countries - and/or want to support this fine paper - you may want to subscribe to the Guide. Teretulemast Eestisse! 

sanasto = sõnastik = vocabulary 
ajankohtaiset tapahtumat = päevasündmused = current events

Baltian maat = Baltimaad = the Baltic countries

erikoistunut = spetsialiseerunud = specializing in

ilmainen = tasuta = for free, free of charge

lukuisa =  arvukas, rohkearvuline = numerous

matkailija, matkustaja = reisija = traveler

paperiversio = paper version
strateginen = strateegiline = strategic

sanomalehti = ajaleht = newspaper

Estonian Independence Day

Happy Independende Day, Estonia! Every 24th of February since 1918  Estonians celebrate their independence - now for the 95th time. Public celebrations discontinued during the Soviet occupation years 1940-1991, but since the declaration of independence in August 1991, the Eesti vabariigi aastapäev is celebrated with renewed fervor. The place to be in Tallinn is Jüriöö Park, but now also Vabaduse Väljak, finally ready after renovations. Read here a Postimees article about it. Head vabariigi aastapäeva, Eesti!

sanasto = sõnastik = vocabulary
aikana = ajal, jooksul = during
itsenäisyysjulistus = iseseisvusdeklaratsioon = declaration of independence
itsenäisyyspäivä = iseseisvuspäev = independence day
juhlia itsenäisyyspäivää = iseseisvuspäeva tähistada = to celebrate independence day
julistaa itsenäisyys = iseseisvust kuulutada = to declare independence
keskeytyä, jäädä katkolle = katkestada = to discontinue
miehitys = okupeerimine = occupation (political)
palo, into = ind = fervor
remontti = uuendus, renovatsioon = renovation
tasavalta = vabariik = republic
vapaus = vabadus = freedom
vuosipäivä = aastapäev = anniversary

Tallinn Elephants

If you ever visit Tallinn Zoo, be sure to see the elephants there! The Estonian Postimees wrote the other day about how they are doing now wintertime with the headline "Päike meelitas elevandid lumisele jalutuskäigule" - the sun tempted elephants to take a snowy stroll. The elephants there do have quite a large area to walk around. 

The article tells first about the zoo getting ready for the cold front by improving upon the old buildings, filling up slots and cracks. And on Thursday with the sun coming out, all of the zoo's three African elephants took a walk in the sunny yard!  

"Neljapäeval Tallinnas siranud päike ja parajalt mõnus kargus meelitasid aga õuejalutuskäigule kõik kolm loomaaia aafrika elevanti. Isegi Draay, kes sageli uste vahel iseloomu näitab, marssis kenasti aediku lumesillerdusse."

PS. If any of you readers have an idea what "lumesillerdusse"means here, please leave a comment.

sanasto = sõnastik = vocabulary 
aurinko= päike = sun
eläintarha = loomaaed = zoo
halkeama, repeytymä = pragu = crack, slit, rift
hohtaa, loistaa = sirada, särada = to shine
houkutella= meelitada = to tempt
jopa = isegi = even
kaikki kolme = kõik kolm = all three
kylmäaalto = külmalaine = cold front
lumikävely = lumine jalutuskäik = snowy walk/stroll
luonne = iseloom = character, personality
melko, aika = parajalt = quite, fairly
norsu, elefantti = elevant = elephant
nätisti = kenasti = prettily
piha = õu = yard
rakentaa = ehitada = to build
rako = pilu = slot
raot ja halkeamat  = pilud ja praod = slots and cracks
riistanhoitaja = ulukihooldaja = gamekeeper 
ruskohyeena = (pruun-)vööthüään = brown hyena
torstai = neljapäev = Thursday
tukkia kiinni = kinni toppida = to tug, jam 
varasto = ladu = storage, depot
viikonloppu = nädalavahetus = weekend
vähän väliä = sageli = frequently, every now and then
yhä vielä = seni veel = still yet

Helsinki-Tallinn by ferry

There are four ferry companies that operate the Helsinki-Tallinn line (click at the links below to check their online pages):

                     Helsingin satama  Tallinna sadam
Eckerö Line - Länsiterminaali ......... A-terminal
Linda Line   - Makasiiniterminaali - Patarei sadam
Tallink         - Länsiterminaali ......... D-terminal
Viking Line  - Katajanokka ...............A-terminal

Each have their pros and cons, and the competition between the companies can be quite intense. But competition is of course a good thing from the customer's point of view, and the several alternatives to combine trips to and from the two cities makes for a more flexible aikataulu for the individual customer. Then as a passenger you just need to remember which sadam to leave from as there are the three harbors in both Helsinki and Tallinn. Noteworthy also is that Linda Line's traffic depends heavily on weather. The distance between the two cities? 84 kilometers, i.e. 52 miles. Hyvää matkaa!

sanasto = sõnastik = vocabulary 
aikataulu = sõiduplaan = timetable
asiakkaan näkökulmasta = kliendi jaoks = from the customer's point of view
hyvät ja huonot puolet = argumendid poolt ja vastu = pros and cons
kilpailu = konkurents = competition
laivat liikennöivät säävarauksella = laevade väljumised sõltuvad ilmastikust = traffic depends on weather
Länsiterminaali = Lääneterminal = West Harbor
satama = sadam = harbor
säävarauksella = soodsa ilma puhul = weather permitting
useita vaihtoehtoja = mitu võimalust = several alternatives
välimatka, etäisyys = kaugus, distants = distance

Silja Europa to Helsinki-Tallinn route

Muutama viikko after the entrance of Eckerö Line's M/S Finlandia, a new ferry enters the Helsinki West Harbor as Silja Europa and Baltic Princess swap routes at Tallink Silja. With the bigger Silja Europa the Tallink cruise passengers are in for a new experience! It is bigger, but is it better? Some will definitely say so. But as you know, there is no accounting for taste. 

So what will you say - try and see for yourself! The ship sails out like always daily at 6.30 p.m. and takes you back to Helsinki at 4.30 p.m. the following day. And as always, you have a few hours to spend in Tallinn as well. Head reisi!

sanasto = sõnastik = vocabulary 
elämys = elamus = experience
Hyvää matkaa! = Head reisi! = Have a pleasant journey!
kuten aina = nagu alati = as always, like always
kuten tiedät = nagu sa tead = as you know
laiva = laev = ship, ferry
makuasioista ei sovi kiistellä = maitse üle ei vaielda = there is no accounting for taste
muutama viikko = mõned nädalat = a few weeks
Onko se parempi? = Kas see on rohkem? = Is it better?
päivittäin, joka päivä = iga päev = daily
reitti = marsruut = route
risteily = ristlus = cruise
risteilyalus, risteilijä = ristluslaev, ristleja = cruise ship, cruiser
risteilymatkustaja, risteilijä = ristlusreisija = cruise passenger
Se on suurempi/isompi = See on suurem =  It is bigger
vaihtaa = vahetada = to swap

Copterline

You have three major options to get from Helsinki to Tallinn and vice versa: on board one of the ferries, by plane or by - helicopter! Copterline is the only company that offers that option, not all the time though. Next available lento won't probably be before this summer. Anyway, the flight itself takes usually only 18 minutes. The company operates a brand new Agusta Westland 139. And what about the cost? The fares (2012 prices) start from 129 euros for a ühe suuna sõit, and a round trip from 258 euros. For flexible departures you need to rohkem maksma.

So if you really want to treat yourself and others to something special, kenties Copterline is something to think about. At least one way. The Helsinki heliport  is  at Hernesaari (bus 14 from Kamppi), and in Tallinn the choppers land and take off at Linnahall heliport.

sanasto = sõnastik = vocabulary 
ainakin = vähemalt = at least
ainoa yritys = ainuke ettevõte = the only company
ennen kesää = enne suve = before the summer
helikopteri = helikopter, kopter = helicopter, chopper
joustava = järeleandlik = flexible
kenties = võib-olla = perhaps
lento = lend = flight
lentokone = lennuk = plane, airplane
luultavasti, todennäköisesti = arvatavasti, tõenäoliselt = probably
lähtö = väljumine = departure
maksaa enemmän = rohkem maksta (maksma=another form) = to pay more
menopaluumatka, edestakainen matka = edasi-tagasi sõit = a round trip
päinvastoin = ümberpöördult, vastupidi = vice versa
vaihtoehto = valik, optsioon = option
yhdensuuntainen matka = ühe suuna sõit = a one way trip

Free rides, for real!

As of January 1st, anyone with a registered Tallinn address can purchase a personalized fare card called "ühiskaart" that will allow them free use of the city's buses, trams, and trolleys. According to Tallinna linnapea Edgar Savisaar this will make the Estonian pealinn the flagship of the green movement in Europe as many car drivers are now tempted to switch to ühiskondlik transport.

Tallinn is however not the esimene linn to have free public transportation. Hasselt in Belgium has it since 1996 - even for tourists! Which Üllar Luup in Postimees was quick to point out last year. Alas, as a tourist in Tallinn you still have to pay the appropriate fare - unless you want to risk paying the trahv. For non-residents, a day pass costs 3 euros and a 3-day pass 5. Well, at least those passes are pretty cheap... You can purchase them at any R-kiosk or through the internet. And Tallinners: Congratulations!

sanasto = sõnastik = vocabulary 
autoilija = autojuht = car driver
ensimmäinen kaupunki = esimene linn = first city
ilmainen = tasuta = free (of charge)
julkinen liikenne = ühiskondlik transport = public transportation
kaupunginjohtaja, pormestari = meer, linnapea = mayor
lippulaiva = lipulaev = flagship
matkakortti = ühiskaart = fare card
paikkakuntalainen = elanik = resident
pääkaupunki = pealinn = capital 
sakko = trahv = fine 
taksa = sõiduraha = fare
vihreä liike = roheline liikumine = green movement
voimassa yhden tunnin = kehtiv ühe tunni jooksul = valid for one hour
yhden vuorokauden lippu = ühe päeva kaart = a  day pass

The Trams of Tallinn

Ever take a tram ride in Tallinn? Trams are not nearly as predominant there as in Helsinki city traffic, but there are actually four trammiliinid in Tallinn. Purchase your sõidupilet in advance (e.g. at R-kiosk) and then stamp it in the ticket machine aboard - or get a Tallinn Card. Here below are the routes with some additional information, but before all that, why not take a virtual ride on tram #2!

1 Kopli-Balti jaam-Kadriorg
2 Kopli-Balti jaam-Tallinna bussijaam-Sikupilli-Ülemiste
3 Tondi-Vabaduse väljak-Kadriorg
4 Tondi-Vabaduse väljak-Tallinna bussijaam-Sikupilli-Ülemiste

Lines 1 and 2 go between east and west, and 3 and 4 from north to south, more or less. They all traverse through the city center near Viru keskus. Anything to see in Kopli or Tondi? Well, there is now an interesting place called Lennusadam (not to be confused with Lennujaam) at Kopli - the Seaplane Harbour well worth your time and money! Or you could just take any of these trams for the scenery, and maybe some off center grocery shopping, especially summertime. And then of course near the lines 1 and 3 end station Kadriorg you have the beautiful Kadriorg Palace!
Also, if you are heading for Pärnu or some other city in Estonia, and need to find the (recently renewed) Tallinna bussijaam, tram 2 or 4 will take you there. Tram 1 and 2 towards Kopli will take you to the main railway station in Tallinn, Balti jaam. 

The Tallinna trams are pretty old, but there will be brand new wagons on line 4 in a couple of years (ca  2014). And the older ones do carry a certain charm.

If you know enough  Finnish, here is some more reading on Tallinn trams: Matkalla Maailmalla-sivuston juttu Ratikkaretkellä Tallinnassa,  and here an excellent article by Helsingin Sanomat (Nov 2012).

PS. This blog will be publishing articles on Tallinn bus, trolleybus and train services as well. Finally, here is the link for Tallinna sõiduplaanid.

sanasto = sõnastik = vocabulary 
hiljattain uudistettu = hiljuti uuenenud = recently renewed
idästä länteen = idast lääne suunas = from east to west
kaupunkiliikenne = linnaliiklus = city traffic
lento-asema = lennujaam = airport
linja-autoasema = bussijaam = bus station
maisema = maasikupilt, maastikuline ilme = scenery
matkalippu = sõidupilet = ticket
matkalla = teel = heading for, on your way to
ostaa ennakkoon = ette osta = to buy in advance
pohjoisesta etelään = põhjast lõuna suunas = from north to south
raitiovaunu, ratikka, spora = tramm = tram
ratikalla = trammiga = by tram
ratikkalinja = trammiliin = tramway
ruokaostokset = toiduostude tegemine = grocery shopping
Tallinnan reittiopas = Tallinna sõiduplaanid = Tallinna route planner 

Updated 2.2.2013

Tallinn Christmas Market

Tallinna jõuluturg Raekoja platsil has a lot to offer, among other things the famous jõulukuusk that has been placed in the square igal aastal since 1441 -  probably the oldest Christmas tree in Europe! The market is open every day between 10am and 7pm. You can buy here all sorts of käsitöö from mugs to mittens, and hot drinks and nice things to eat. There is a petting zoo for the children, and pony rides, and nädalavahetustel special Christmas programs. Walking in the Tallinn Christmas Market can at best feel like being in the middle of a medieval fairy tale.

sanasto = sõnastik = vocabulary
eläintarha = loomaaed = zoo
glögi = kuum jook = hot Christmas drink
joka vuosi = igal aastal = every year
joulu = jõulud = Christmas
joulukuusi = jõulukuusk =  Christmas tree
keskiaikainen = keskaegne = medieval
käsityö = käsitöö = handicraft
lapanen, kinnas, rukkanen = käbik, labakinnas = mitten
lapaset, kintaat, rukkaset = käbikud, labakindad = mittens
lapsille = lastele = for children
muki = kruus = mug
muun muassa = muu hulgas = among other things
parhaimmillaan = parimal juhul  = at best
poniajelu = poniga ratsutamine = pony ride
Raatihuoneen tori = Raekoja plats = Town Hall Square
satu = muinasjutt = fairy tale
viikonloppuisin = nädalavahetustel = on weekends

Grocery shopping in Tallinn

One of the interesting things to do when you are traveling välismaal is to do some grocery shopping. Whether you are looking for some picnic material or things to use to make a meal of, if you are jalgsi on your way tagasi Tallinna sadamasse, a convenient store to visit is the RIMI hüpermarket (open 8-22) at Norde Centrum. 

And of course, enamus meist are looking for things we don't find at home. Below you can see some of the things to buy in the three blog languages.

 
sanasto = sõnastik = vocabulary
ateria = söök = meal
etsiä jotakin = midagi otsida = to look for something
jalkaisin (liikkeellä) = jalgsi = on foot
joko - tai  = kas - või  = whether - or
ruokakauppa = toidupood, toiduainete kauplus = grocery
ruokaostokset = grocery shopping
takaisin  satamaan = tagasi sadamasse = back to the harbor
ulkomailla = välismaal = abroad
useimmat meistä = enamus meist, enamik meist = most of us

söögisõnastik = ruokasanasto= food vocabulary
aedvili = kasvikset  = vegetables
apelsin = appelsiini = orange
juust = juusto = cheese
juustuvõileib = juustovoileipä = cheese sandwich
jäätis = jäätelö = icecream
kala = kala = fish
kana = kana = chicken
kanamuna = kananmuna = egg
kapsas = kaali = cabbage
kartul = peruna = potato
kaste = kastike = sauce
koor = kerma = cream
kuivatatud puuvili = kuivatut hedelmät = dried fruits
küpsised = keksit = cookies
leib = leipä = bread
liha = liha = meat
maasikas = mansikka = strawberry
mahl = tuoremehu = juice
maitseained, vürtsid = mausteet = spices
maksavorst = maksamakkara = liverwurst
pannkook = ohukainen, lettu, lätty = pancake
piim = maito = milk
piimatooted, piimasaadused = maitotuotteet = dairy products
pirukas = piirakka = pie
porgand = porkkana = carrot
puuvili = hedelmät = fruits
pähkel = pähkinä = nut
riis = riisi = rice
sai = vehnäleipä = white bread
saiake = sämpylä = (bread) roll
sibul = sipuli = onion
sink = kinkku = ham
sool = suola = salt
suhkur = sokeri = sugar
suitsutatud = savustettu = smoked
supp = keitto, soppa = soup
šokolaad = suklaa = chocolate
vaarikas = vadelma = raspberry
vesi = vesi = water
viilud = leikkeleet = cold cuts
vorst = makkara = sausage
või = voi = butter
võileib = voileipä = sandwich
õun = omena = apple

Updated 5.12.2012

Tallinna Raekoja Plats

Tallinna Raekoja Plats

Tallinna Raekoja Plats, the Town Hall Square in Tallinna vanalinn, is older than you might think. It is first mentioned in 1313. Läbi ajaloo the square has preserved oma vana funktsiooni: see on populaarne turistide ja kohalike seas kohtumispaigaks või vaatamisväärsuste alguspunktiks. Talvisin it is home to the town's jõulukuusk – a tradition that stretches back to 1441 – and a buzzing  jõuluturg.

sanasto = sõnastik = vocabulary
aloituskohta = alguspunkt = starting point
joulukuusi = jõulukuusk = Christmas tree
Joulutori = jõuluturg = Christmas Market
kauppatori = turg = market square
kautta historian = läbi ajaloo = throughout history
kohtauspaikka = kohtumispaik = meeting place
mainita = mainida = to mention
nähtävyys = vaatamisväärsus = sight, show-place
paikallisen väestön keskuudessa = kohalike seas = among the local people
perinne = traditsioon = tradition
raatihuone, kaupungintalo = raekoda = town hall
säilyttää = säilitada = to preserve
tai = või = or
Tallinnan vanhakaupunki = Tallinna vanalinn = Tallinn's Old Town
talvisin = iga talv = each winter
toiminto = funktsioon = function
tori = väljak, plats, turg = square
turistien keskuudessa = turistide seas = among tourists
ulottua (johonkin) = ulatuda = to stretch back (to)
vanhempi = vanem = older
vilkas = vilgas, elav = buzzing

Updated 13.11.2012

Kristiine Keskus

Tallinn, the pealinn of Estonia, is an interesting place to visit, and this blog will be showing aeg-ajalt different sides of the city. Seekord: Kristiine Keskus. It is a nice shopping mall worth visiting even though you need to take a bus or a taxi to get there. You can take for example the linnaliin 4 which leaves opposite Kaubamaja. The closest bussipeatus in Kristiine will be on the "wrong" side of the road, but going back to the city is kerge - the bus stop is just outside the kaubakeskus.  Sometimes there is also the tasuta buss from the A- and D-harbors (check the timetable). Whichever way you get there, be sure to enjoy a nice lunch or dinner - for example at Pizza-Pasta - before you leave. Tule, võta aeg maha ja naudi!

sanasto = sõnastik = vocabulary
aika ajoin= aeg-ajalt = from time to time 
bussipysäkki, linja-autopysäkki = bussipeatus = bus stop
eri = erinev = different
esimerkiksi = näiteks = for example
helppo(a) = kerge = easy
illallinen = õhtusöök = dinner
ilmainen bussi = tasuta buss = free bus
kaupunki = linn = city, town
kaupunkilinja = linnaliin = city line
lounas = lõunasöök = lunch
mennä bussilla = bussiga sõita = take the bus
mennä ostoksille = sisseoste tegema minna = go shopping
ostoskeskus, kauppakeskus = kaubakeskus = shopping mall
puoli = pool = side
pääkaupunki = pealinn = capital
takaisin = tagasi = back, back somewhere
tavaratalo = kaubamaja = department store
Tule, vaihda vapaalle ja nauti! = Tule, võta aeg maha ja naudi! = Come, take time off and enjoy!
tällä kertaa = seekord = this time
vastapäätä = vastas = opposite
väärä = väär = wrong

Päivitetty 31.10.2012