20.8.15

18.8: To Räpina!

The main aim of today was to get to Räpina, with my bicycle, by bus. As the bus wasn’t due to depart Tartu until 12.00, I had a relaxed morning – did some shopping and had a coffee. I was a tad worried about getting my bike on the bus, apparently they’re only let on if there is enough room. Fortunately a gang of German cyclists didn’t turn up and there was plenty of room in the cargo hold. The journey only took one hour and was over in a flash, passing through some scenic countryside, with the occasional barn and windmill.

Windmill spotted en route, only just managed to get a photo
The hotel I chose to stay at is really nice. It’s a bit more expensive than what I’ve been paying so far but it was really the only option for what I wanted to see and do, so I’m enjoying it while it lasts. In the afternoon I went for a ride around the town to see what’s what. One thing that struck me was the number of really nice, well kept gardens around the town. Having spent so much time gardening in Adelaide, I find it really pleasing to see. As it turns out, there is a large horticultural college based here, so I suspect there would be a ready supply of eager gardeners on hand. The grounds of the college form the town’s garden and include the large Sillapää Manor.

View over one of the many lakes around the town
Sillapää Manor 
Lutheran Church, currently being renovated
A veggie patch
Another thing I noticed is that for some reason, people here like their big angry dogs on chains, which is a bit disconcerting as you ride around, but I’m kind of used to it now.


For dinner I went to the hotels restaurant and had a dish which consisted of bacon wrapped chicken with rice and a baked tomato, which sounded good on the menu but was a bit so-so in reality. There are a total of three places to eat in town, so I’ll try those in the coming days.

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