Hey guys! I'm back for Part 2 of Tallinn, Estonia! If in case you haven't seen the part 1, you may find it here: Tallinn, Estonia (Part 1)
Let me take you to Tallinn again and discover more places!
1. Lennusadam Seaplane Harbor
Visiting the Seaplane Harbor is truly an experience of a lifetime. I've been to many museums in my life but most visitors are restricted to touch anything. But NOT in this museum!!!
We were able to get inside and explore "LEMBIT" - A mine-laying submarine built for the Republic of Estonia before World War II (Launched in 1936). This submarine is well preserved in this museum and is the oldest submarine still afloat in the world today!
Fact: My husband told me that the submarine service is for volunteers only because the job very risky that they don't even allow women to be in submarines due to irresolvable health risks and operational complications.
Despite that it is a mine-laying submarine, Lembit was never used for minelaying role in the Estonian Navy. It carried out torpedo attacks!
This museum doesn't only preserve the submarine but also preserves old tanks and weapons used during the war.
Sadly, Estonia had its unfortunate share in World War II. They were occupied by the Soviet Union in 1940 despite declaring neutrality in the war between Germany and the Soviets. This means mass political arrests, deportations, and executions. And the reason why Lembit was taken over by the Soviets.
The museum is also child-friendly. They offered many games for kids including controlling toy ships on the water, making paper planes, and taking a picture in the booth with navy uniforms.
Here are some photos from the booth:
2. Suur Tõll
Suur Tõll is a museum ship anchored just outside the Lennusadam Seaplane Museum in its harbor. Yes, you read it right! It is a museum and you can explore it.
Suur Tõll is an Estonian steam-powered icebreaker that was originally built for the Russian Empire in 1914. It carried so many flags over time such as the flags of Imperial Russia, the Soviet Union, Finland, and Estonia. Needless to say, Suur Tõll had been through a lot but still stands today for us to explore.
Onboard the icebreaker, we were able to visit the captain’s and other officers' cabins, the crew’s rooms, and dining areas.
We also went to the engine and boiler rooms which is totally mind-blowing for me. It was hard work in the old times to be working on a ship. Not that it's not hard work anymore today but it was definitely a lot harder before to labor all day in the midst of war and poor health conditions.
There are the other ships in the harbor:
3. The Great Guild Museum
The museum has a very interesting collection. From a severed hand of a king to the original music sheet of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
It also shows the story of Estonian history. The rooms tell a different story, They have a Gun Room that tells a story about wars, a room that tells a story about the Elites, and a room of different currencies to name a few.
The museum is huge and has very interesting collections from all over the world. I saw an old Chinese shoes used for foot binding to make Lotus Feet, a robe worn by the first pope and many more.
The only downturn was, I was tired for walking the whole day (38,000 steps already under my belt) and I was starving that's why I only had a few pictures. I was on low energy mode.
4. The House of the Blackheads
The House of the Blackheads was a professional brotherhood of ship owners, merchants, and foreigners in the 14th century. They were active in Livonia (Now known as Estonia and Latvia) before they fled to Germany during the Soviet occupation in 1940.
It was almost empty when we visited. It was divided into halls and rooms which according to the staff are used for a variety of events in music, business parties, and other gatherings. It also serves as a rehearsal place for the Tallinn Philharmonic Society.
5. Museum of Photography
I've always been fascinated by old photographs. I love looking at old snaps that capture memories and history. This is also the reason why I take tons of pictures when I'm traveling. I want my pictures to tell a story. Maybe tell my grandkids one day, how "adventurous" their grandma was. I could actually make myself seem cooler with proof!
In the age of Social Media - "Look my life is cooler than yours" era, we are seeing images all day every day but regardless of how common it becomes, it is still magical for me.
I look at old photos and wonder what their lives was like, how they died (weird I know) and also realize how short life is.
Visiting the Museum of Photography in Tallinn, Old Town did not disappoint. It is housed in a 15th-century building behind the Town Hall. It has antique cameras, old photos, and photo exhibits and as you can see below, it also has antique stairs!!!
Here are some old photographs from the museum that are heavily pixelated because of my outdated iPhone camera:
Northern Europe is a fan of Saunas! It started around 2,000 BC and has remained an important part of their lives to this day in Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Sweden, and Russia.
I did not attempt to try the ice-cold swimming followed by Sauna when I was in Finland. The cold terrifies me but it is still on my bucket list - Maybe in Sweden or Latvia one day!
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A Few moments later...
They also have a photo exhibit about animal (cows) cruelty.
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It is sad and made me feel ashamed that I still eat beef despite watching "Cowspiracy".
But maybe (just maybe), it's not about eating beef that should be stopped entirely but the rich corporations that treat animals like this for business. But who am I to comment and point fingers? I eat beef and I'm not worthy! **Case Closed. **
6. KGB Prison Cells
This place in the heart of Old Town at Pagari street gave me chills. It reminded me of how I felt when I was visiting the Nazi Concentration Camp in Dachau Munich, Germany.
This building is a reminder of the Soviet oppression in Estonia. If you don't know what KGB Prison Cell means, it is a secret prison cell where suspected enemies of the state were taken, tortured, imprisoned, and interrogated before they get killed or sent to labor camps.
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There was a painting exhibit in the cells by Joan Saarniit depicting memories of war, torture, and suffering.
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I can't believe that in this age, war and oppression is still happening! There is no winner in wars only losers!
You can see below photos in front of the Russian Embassy in Old Town, Tallinn:
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My heart sank, silently hoping this war ends soon. Why do innocent lives including children have to pay for others' greed of power and political disputes? Words elude me. I felt as gloomy as the sky and said a little prayer.
7. Music Museum
It's my first time visiting a Music Museum. Also, my first realization that our ancestors were a lot weirder than we think we are or they were just downright clever, creative, and innovative. What else to do without Facebook and Netflix right?
**
One day, Pedro slaughtered a Seal and thought "Eureka, I think the seal stomach can become a music instrument. I'll be the coolest guy in parties!"
**
In this museum, I did not only discover the Estonian History of Music, cool old instruments, and instruments owned by renowned Estonian musicians and composers but I've seen instruments made of a Bladder Pipe and a Seal Stomach.
The most interesting is, that you can listen to every instrument! How cool is that? I did not know a bladder has more potential than you know...being a bladder.
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