Visa trips to Tallin
BKC teachers are on titled to paid holidays; many of them take this opportunity to visit Baltic countries or even Egypt to combine business and pleasure. It's the easiest way to re-new your visa and to fulfill registration rules.
Do's...
Do try to have more than an afternoon in Tallinn. Therefore, sweet talk Oxana into giving you a couple of well earned days off and spend the whole weekend there. The place maybe small, but it's like a breath of fresh air to your carbon monoxide polluted lungs!
Do, after you've sorted out all your visa stuff, get somewhere to stay. I was recommended 22 Uus, a good B&B (but there was no room at the inn for little me) so i opted for the $10 a night YH at 26 Uus, which is not spectacular, but it's run by 2 lovely old dears who are great if you want to practise your Rusian. If not, they speak English as do most people in the town.
Do, when you're in the vicinity (which will probably be almost all of the time considering Tallinn's not so vast city centre) take time out to visit and relax in the quaint little cafe opposite the back entrance of the Russian Embassy. Not only does it sell marvellous little cakes, but they have what could even be described as sausage rolls!! Admittedly, it's only a frankfurter and not a butcher's best, but not bad if you're yearning for a few party snacks!
Don'ts...
 If your train arrives a little later than 7.50am (though it's usually dot on) don't panic about getting to the Embassy. It's really easy to find so there's no need to rush, remember you're not in Moscow. Stroll and take in the fine sights which greet you as you arrive.
Don't forget to change a bit of money before you leave the station. Of course, having to go back to the station after you've got to the Embassy is no calamity. But why waste valuable energy on holiday!
Don't forget to ask for your receipt back after you collect your visa. It makes life easier for the ladies in Central Office who do the important job of giving you your money back!
Don't wear high heels! (This applies to the gents too you know!) The streets are cobbled so it'd be hell tottering along with wobbling ankles.
So, as you can see, there are more do's than don'ts. This either means that I'm just a bossy mare who enjoys telling people what to do, or that Tallinn is really just a cool place to visit. Personally I'd choose the latter of course.
TALLINN: THUMBS UP FROM ME!
Rachel Peacock
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