Estonian adventures

I will be disappointed to leave Estonia, a very beautiful place. I've just returned from the market in the main square of the Old Town of Tallinn where I am staying. Got some nice presents for my girls (wait and see my lovelies). The Old Town really has been beautifully preserved (UNESCO listed) and traffic is kept out so it feels like a time warp and there are lots of people in traditional costumes, obviously to stimulate commerce from tourists but it's still nice of course. The Old Hansa restaurant is fun, like a mediaeval feast, pitchers of honeyed ale, roast bear, serving wenches etc. I'm based in Tallinn but not playing here, we're travelling to the gigs in towns within 1-2 hours of the capital. Last night it was Pärnu in the lovely Ammende Villa, the music was well received by a small but appreciative crowd. Tonight we travel to Haapsaalu to play, returning to Tallinn after the gig. Tomorrow I will jump the jazz ship and travel to the island of Saaremaa with cellist and festival director Aare so we can get some extra rehearsal in. This is a very secluded island apparently, Aare says it's like the "end of the earth", we'll stay on there but no hotel, only beach-houses, sounds fine to me. Gastronomically I'm skipping lunch and eating two cooked meals a day. I love the "five grain porridge" for breakfast in this hotel, served with a decadent blob of excellent butter in the middle.