Narva

One of the most interesting trips I've made went to Narva in Estonia. I didn't go there to soak up the Swedish glory days and the Swedish lion mooning Russia across the river didn't sit well with me.

The one thing which struck me the most was the derelict state Narva is in. It's not as bad as Sillamäe that you pass on your way from Tallinn to Narva, but still. It's not just the houses that are falling apart, but the green spaces aren't dealt with and the streets are in a sorry state. Bring a flash light if you're moving outside after dark.

More than 90% of the population are Russians. In many ways it shows; the massive vodka bottles, the cheap second class fruits in the supermarkets and the stalls with fresh flowers open at impossible hours are things you see in Russia too. And there's a conflict between Russians and Estonians. I'm going to let this 5 Krooni banknote illustrate this issue; note the darkness coming out of Mordor Russia.