A Stop in Estonia

One of the greatest joys of travel is to discover an amazing place you knew nothing about. For me on this trip that place is Tallinn, Estonia. In the heart of its medieval old town (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) is a pharmacy that's been in continuous operation since 1422. Yet the hotel I'm staying in just outside the walls of the old city is a wonder of the sophisticated contemporary design visible everywhere here. The hotel across the street from ours was built during the Soviet era. Now a museum, the top floor was once a KGB listening post. Two of the creators of Skype are from here, a city that is sometimes called the Silicon Valley of Europe. Cool stuff, eh? While I can't give you tips on getting here cheap from Louisiana, it is one of Europe's most affordable cities, a most worthwhile addition to your next trip across the pond.