Shreveport Times_Wish you were here: Family heads to Estonia (August 26)

26.08.2007

TRAVELERS: Barret O'Brock, Kenneth O'Brock and their parents, Brenda and Jim O'Brock.

THE SITE: Old Town, part of Tallinn, Estonia, established in 1154. It is the capital of Estonia and about the size of Shreveport. Among the points of interest is Oleviste Church, or St. Olaf's Church, which has stood on the site at least since 1267. Its steeple was intended to be a beacon to guide incoming ships to shore and to attract trade to the city. It was extended to 521 feet in 1500, making it the world's tallest building at the time, said the O'Brocks.

DON'T MISS: an evening sauna. Some of the manors have really nice sauna rooms and they include Sagadi Manor House. The architectural crown jewel of the estate is the early neoclassicist manor house or mansion from the 18th century.

Or, soak in some sun on the beautiful sandy beaches overlooking the Gulf of Finland or Baltic Sea. The travelers spotted many graceful swans from a distance.

BEST MEAL: Although their favorite meals were in the homes of a relative, where they sampled smoked salmon breakfast, herring sandwich cake and fresh picked chanterelle mushroom quiche, they did enjoy eating at Olde Hansa Medieval Restaurant in Old Town. Buckwheat was served with chicken and beef. "It was delicious," said Brenda. Afterward, they bought tasty spiced almonds being sold from a cart on the street.

They also recommend chocolate at the Kalev Sweet Shop-Cafe in Rakvere. Kalev has made chocolates since 1806.

BEST DEAL: shopping was good in Old Town. The choices include jewelry shops with amber bracelets floating in water to prove the amber was genuine, for real amber floats.

BEST TIME TO GO: summer when the temperatures are a comfortable 60 to 80 degrees. The sun sets around midnight, dipping into the horizon for several hours and then up again at 4 a.m.

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