Soviet Flashback in Estonia

We had an amazing tour today in Tallinn, Estonia!  It was titled "Soviet Flashback" and it was a very entertaining mix of humour, history, and insight into how modern day Estonia feels about their belligerent neighbour to the east.

Before we boarded our bus, we had to line up along the curb while our guide (dressed in appropriately Soviet style garb) "interrogated" us as to why we were there.  He even singled one of us out for being a "spy" and handcuffed him!  After these shenanigans, we were instructed to board the vintage 1970's era Soviet bus, and set off in a cloud of exhaust, grinding the gears, and jolting wildly.  An especially amusing moment was when the driver brought the bus to a jerking, malodorous standstill, and several of the male passengers (Mr. W included) were "ordered" to get off and push!  As we continued on our way, backfiring and bucking along, inhaling plenty of gasoline fumes, we were served a good Soviet "breakfast" of vodka and gherkins!  (We had been forewarned to be sure to bring our senses of humour along for this trip!)

Our guide was very amusing, but also very interesting to listen to as he talked about life first under Soviet occupation, and now as an autonomous country.  He was a Freedom Fighter in the 1980's and it was very evident how proud he is of his country and their fight for independence.  All in all a fascinating history lesson told in a highly amusing way.