Skype, Storks, and Castles

Last week we covered a lot of territory. In fact, in one week's time we visited six northeastern countries in Europe - Sweden, Norway, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Finland. I navigated the ipad map while Dennis enjoyed driving, something he doesn't get to do unless we rent a car. If anybody knows how to lock in a google map on ipad while on the road, please let me know. Five times (at least) I held my finger on the map too many seconds, losing our directions when I "dropped a pin," much to the chagrin of the driver. :)

Our 21 Euro room on the top floor.

We took a day to check out Stockholm before taking the short flight to Tallinn, Estonia. We were able to book online one of the most beautiful suites we ever stayed in for a mere 21 Euro thanks to a mistake involving a 0, which the inn keeper kindly honored upon our arrival. They gave us above and beyond service, including an incredible breakfast in our room. We wished we had booked two nights at what is one of the oldest buildings in Old Town Tallinn, built in the 1400's.

Old Town Tallinn is full of history, the town itself dating back to the 13th century. But did you know that Estonia has left its mark on our current world? Skype was invented by Estonians, and I for one, am thankful for such an invention!

Viru Gate Entrance to Old Town Tallinn

Town Hall Square

One of my many window shots :)

Good coffee and desserts at Matilda's

From Tallinn we drove on to Riga, Latvia's capital. I was amazed at all the stork nests along the drive. Huge nests most often seen built on the top of electric poles.

Baltic Sea

We followed the coastline most of the way. You would almost think it was Lake Michigan if you didn't know any better, but the Baltic Sea is far from a lake.





 Old Town Riga

Loved this :)

Riga Markets - Reconditioned World War I zeppelin hangars

Our last Baltic country was Lithuania. Time-wise we didn't drive to the capital city, but instead went to the city of Siauliai (shoo-lay), founded in the 12th century. During World War I, 65% of the town was destroyed. During World War II, the Jewish population went from 8,000 to 500 and 80% of the town was destroyed. The city was mostly rebuilt in typical Soviet style during the Soviet occupation.

Saint Siauliai's

Walking Street

Hill of Crosses

I will do an individual post on the Hill of Crosses, a place about 12K outside of Siauliai. A sad and interesting history.

And last, but not least, we went castle hunting on our drive through these three Baltic countries.

Our Evee... Five Years Old

Evee & Iris in their Hungarian made dresses

Our Evee turned 5-years-old on the 24th. Dennis and I were able to skype her the morning of her birthday. What would we do without modern technology? It makes living overseas as a grandparent a bit easier. Crazy how we can talk to the kids and see them all the way from Budapest to New Zealand! 

We've been sending "Board Snapshots" from Dennis' ipad to the grandchildren. Another app that we are so thankful for to keep in touch with the family. We sent Evee several birthday messages and pictures using the Board Snapshots. I, for one, love to draw pictures for the kids, along with "We miss you" or "We love you so much."

Jamie has begun to type out email messages from Evee in response to us. The following was her message describing her birthday party. I love her words and Dennis and I always have to smile because we can picture her saying them to her mom.

Thank you for your presents.  I can't wait to use them.  My party was fun and we had a balloon pit on the trampoline.  And the boys on the trampoline were trying to pop the balloons.  And me and my friend, Sarah, we both tried to stop the boys from stopping the balloons but then Rachel, one of my other friends said that we would play a different game.  And we would hit the balloon at someone and they would hit us back with the balloon.  It didn't hurt.  It was just so much fun I couldn't even believe myself.  And in the nighttime we put the balloons in the tiny spot that there is between the couches by the lamp.  I wish you were there. 
Love,
Evee

Along with a few other things for Evee's birthday, we sent dresses we found at the Easter markets for both the girls. Enjoy the pictures that Jamie sent us of the girls in their dresses. They are growing up so fast!

Sweet Girls

Blowing Kisses :)

The Deepest Fjord, the Longest Tunnel, and a Very Steep Railway

What do all three of the above have in common? They all exist in a very small town in Norway. Flåm, "little place between steep mountains," is definitely small compared to everything else that surrounds it. With only 450 inhabitants to call it home, the town is nestled in the innermost part of the Aurlandsfjord - the longest and deepest fjord in the world.

If that isn't enough to make a town famous, it is also home to the Flåm Railway, one of the steepest railways in the world, climbing 20K up the mountain through tunnels, overlooking waterfalls and the valley below.

And on our way to Flåm we drove through numerous mountain tunnels, including the experience of driving through the longest car tunnel in the world at 25K long! It took us about 20 minutes to get to the other end.

Every bend in the road gave us an incredible sight of mountains, rivers, and waterfalls. The further we drove the more snow we saw on the mountain tops, but spring time was definitely coming to the valley areas.

A beautiful drive.

A construction road zig-zagging up the mountain side for building
The Flåm Railway which began in 1924.

The valley floor coming to life after winter.

Winter is still hanging on... frozen waterfall.

Light at the end of the tunnel :)

On our way back toward Stockholm we stopped at the Borgund Stave Church, built in the 12th century. It is the best preserved stave church out of the 28 left in Norway.