We spent a beautiful day on this lovely natural island off the coast of Estonia. In addition to the natural and folkloric experiences, we also had the challenges of coping with typically Baltic weather—40 mph winds and horizontal sheets of rain. We soldiered on nevertheless!
Our first stop was a lunch a Matti’s Farm just outside the island’s capital of Kuressaare. In this lovely garden and sheep farm, we enjoyed a huge meal of smoked local flounder, potatoes, pork, and special Baltic dark breads. A highlight for many was the home-produced beer: thick, strong, with a subtle taste of cider blended in. Subsequently the guests split up on two separate excursions. The first group went to an organic manufacturer of soap and bread, and participants managed to get their hands “dirty” joining in on the making of olive oil-based soaps and local organic and gluten-free bread. The second group visited three locations: an early medieval stone church that still contained pre-Christian pagan drawings on the interior walls; the site of a 4000 year-old meteorite strike that created a natural lake and a volcano-like caldera (and a national park!); and Estonia’s highest cliffs, looking out over the stormy Baltic Sea.
During the drive back, our excellent guides discussed the challenges that faced Estonians during the Soviet period and the process of independence 20+ years ago, as well as the political and economic liberalization now enjoyed by Estonian citizens.
Upon arriving back at the National Geographic Orion, we had a recap session to prepare the guests for tomorrow’s arrival in Riga, Latvia. During the same discussion, we learned about some of Estonia’s excellent musical performers and composers. After another typically sumptuous dinner on board, we had a lovely on-board performance by an authentic women’s folkloric group based here in Saaremaa. Guests and staff retired after a long day and all are looking forward to our arrival at Riga in the morning.
