Mary & Peter's 2023 Trip to Europe

 After a scrumptious breakfast at the Nunne Hotel (smoked salmon, spinach rolls, mustard herring and more - I like to eat traditional local food as much as I can), we caught the bus for the 2.5 hr trip to Tartu.  We had a very early dinner at Restauran Pompei, a lovely Italian place five mins walk from our apartment. The food and service were amazing. The staff were so friendly which is something you don't always find in Estonia.  We shared the grilled red pepper and anchovies on house-made bruschetta - I savoured every mouthfull!  Then grilled octopus, 'nduja-wine sauce & pine nuts - nearly licked the plate - with a kale and beet side. We finished off with the tiramisu, made with their house-made mascarpone.  We didn't plan it but found ourselves back the following night where we were greeted warmly. I had popped my head into the kitchen the previous night to say how much we enjoyed our dinner and Richard, pictured on the left, said he met his wife in Broom...

  I was very pleased to cook some Mayfield Ave dinners (10 pm ish) before leaving our dear friends. They enjoyed Remy's favourite Ya Ya dinner of Miso chicken & beans;  Ottelenghi's lamb patties (made with pork & beef after trying six butchers for lamb mince) and his mint rice with olive & pomegranate salsa; and a mild chicken & chard curry.  And time to say 'see you later' as we have agreed not to say Goodbye 😢. What a wonderful experience we've had thanks to these beautiful people. We can't wait to return 😊 Last sight of Barcelona from Aerobus. First sight of Finland, followed by six+ hr layover in Helsinki, then a 20 min flight to Tallinn with Nordic Air. I've never seen so many beautiful women in a small plane!  Blue mark below is Tallinn. Had to check the forecast. It was pretty accurate.  A slightly weary Mary met Peter at our Tallinn accommodation, Nunne Boutique Hotel . Highly recommend. We stayed an extra night as we were enjoying...

Monday, caught the bus into Gracia and walked into town from there, just soaking in the atmosphere of the squares, streets and people, realising I only had two days left in Barcelona.  The two buildings below attracted my attention - not particularly special but also not unusual to find when just walking around. The trick is to 'look up'.  I was lucky enough to get a ticket on the spot for a tour of my favourite Gaudi building, Casa Battl ó ,  located on Passeig de Gracia. The house was bought by Josep Battlo in 1903. Gaudi was given total freedom in redesigning it from 1904-06. His inspiration for this magnificent building was the Mediterranean Sea. I last saw the inside in 2009 and remember my phone ran out of battery. Not this time!! Room overlooking Passeig de Gracia (for looking out and to be looked at!)  The ceiling is inspired by ripples of water when something is dropped into a body of water. Timber folding doors, allowing the room to be extended. Timber ...