Traveling Through Europe with My 79-Year-Old Grandma

Last month, we organized a family trip to Estonia and Finland. One of the participants in our tourist group was my grandmother, Lyudmila Andreyevna, who celebrated her 79th birthday during the trip.

How she coped with daily long walks, how her rest differed from ours, and how she continues to amaze us—this is what this article is about.

Lyudmila, 79, and Leah, 2, enjoying the evening in Tallinn

Lyudmila, 79, and Leah, 2, enjoying the evening in Tallinn

Anticipation of the Trip

The first thing you should know about Lyudmila Andreyevna is that she is very curious, loves new experiences, beauty, and art, and besides, she adapts well to all the advancements of civilization. For example, digital technologies are not new to her; she has been using a smartphone and laptop for a long time and manages her pages on Instagram, Facebook, and communicates with us via Viber.

We know that many retirees are also keeping up with the times, allowing them to communicate with family and friends, even in other cities and countries. This is something to be proud of!)

So the fact that the trip abroad, the train, and the plane did not scare Lyudmila Andreyevna at all; rather, it was exciting for her, just like it was for us.

Our tour group (the sixth participant—me, the photographer)

Our tour group (the sixth participant—me, the photographer)

The Journey, Comfort, and Customs Clearance

No matter the mood, it’s important to take care of comfort. In the train, Lyudmila Andreyevna had the lower berth, of course. We took a whole compartment for our family to avoid having strangers around.

We took a large family taxi from the train station to the airport. In such cases, it’s not worth saving by taking the subway; it’s not that much money compared to the entire trip, but it’s convenient and fast.

At the airport, grandmother was just as easily passed through as we were, despite her new passport and the fact that her last trip was during the Soviet Union. The customs officers understood that we were traveling as a family, which played a positive role, but they still asked her to answer questions and present documents: where we were going, where we would stay, when we would return, and where our tickets were. They did not ask about the presence of funds.

Everything was great on the plane as well.

Later, we took a day trip from Tallinn to Helsinki by ferry, essentially a cruise liner. Those were also vivid impressions!

Grandma getting ready to board the ferry

Grandma getting ready to board the ferry (in the background)

Women's club somewhere in the middle of the Gulf of Finland

Women’s club somewhere in the middle of the Gulf of Finland

Accommodation

We rented a 5-room apartment for the whole family through Airbnb. Based on our past experiences with family trips, it would have been ideal to have two bathrooms. Such options can also be found without a problem on Airbnb, but this time we chose a fantastic old apartment near Kadriorg Park, with a separate bathroom and toilet. Grandma had her own room where she could retreat, rest, read her favorite book, and work on sudoku.

First Glimpse of Abroad

If you have already been to Europe, you are surely familiar with the feeling of slight shock when you take your first steps and see the beauty and order in a new country that contrasts greatly with what you have at home. The same goes for Tallinn—great infrastructure, public transport, beautiful roads, everywhere is clean, beautiful, with neatly trimmed lawns and smooth bushes. And, of course, the historic buildings in the Old Town.

So Lyudmila Andreyevna did not gasp or faint; she simply took it all in stride and enjoyed wandering around. Everyone should have such an attitude, even the young.

Strolling in Helsinki, breathtaking views, and the ladies—just as if nothing happened

Strolling in Helsinki, breathtaking views, and the ladies—just as if nothing happened

Grandma and Virtual Reality

Lyudmila Andreyevna even took part in a tough experiment, joining us at the Proto Museum. This is an amazing place for the whole family, especially for kids: two floors and dozens of different attractions and experiments based mainly on virtual reality, laws of physics, and similar topics. The second floor is entirely dedicated to VR. First, there is a room where you can wear glasses and assemble ships in virtual reality. For Grandma, who worked her whole life at a turbine factory, it was great!

You can also shoot at Indians, control a hot air balloon or a submarine, and assemble table lamps with a partner—all of this is very interesting.
Lyudmila Andreyevna tried almost everything, and she managed to not get lost in the parallel reality, control her movements, and complete tasks.

Grandma inside a real submarine. Unfazed!

Grandma inside a real submarine. Unfazed!

14 Kilometers a Day—Easy!

Our family loves active recreation and exploring cities. Every day was filled with a lot of plans: where to go, what to see. And all of this preferably on foot to enjoy the local architecture along the way and really feel the city.

And what do you think? We didn’t even realize how it could be, but Grandma strolled peacefully with us every day, walking 10 to 16 kilometers daily! Occasionally, she even pushed the stroller with our youngest tourist—her great-granddaughter, but, as Lyudmila Andreyevna says (and I, the mom, also confirm), it is actually a bit easier this way. When you push the stroller, it serves as a sort of support, making it easier to walk.

Activities with the Great-Granddaughter

Since we are talking about the great-granddaughter, she is now 2 years old. Her favorite activities during the trip include running, jumping, looking for playgrounds, playing, having fun, dancing—anything, just not sitting still. Since the birth of her great-granddaughter, Lyudmila Andreyevna seems to have rejuvenated. So during the trip, just like at home, she accompanied her at playgrounds, in parks, and participated in home scenarios with dolls.

Birthday Celebration in Tallinn

Grandma’s birthday coincided right in the middle of our trip. We had a secret plan to send her to a concert of a famous opera singer (we even bought tickets), but unfortunately, it got canceled. Nevertheless, as Lyudmila Andreyevna said, she has never had such a birthday. Romantic streets of Old Tallinn, exquisite dishes and delicious wine at a restaurant, a Christmas market with mulled wine, a Ferris wheel with stunning views—this is what made it memorable.

We also decided to give her a local gift as a memento from the trip: a soft and original Estonian wool scarf.

Miniature: a happy grandma and the scarf

Miniature: a happy grandma and the scarf

So Lyudmila Andreyevna at 79 is still quite the tourist! She matches us, the young ones, and is equally open to new countries and experiences.

More articles available on Yandex Zen, Links12

Children, grandchildren—take your grandmas and grandpas!

Grandparents—get your passports and go! There is still so much wonderful and unexplored in the world!

Together is more fun!

Together is more fun!

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About Blogger Man 96 Articles
Nomadic Notepad : Nomadic Notepad is a passionate traveler and storyteller who finds joy in exploring the world’s hidden treasures and sharing them with fellow wanderlust enthusiasts. From uncovering the best-kept local secrets to reviewing futuristic accommodations, their blog offers a unique blend of travel guides, culinary adventures, and cultural insights. As a tech-savvy creator, Nomadic Notepad also dives into innovative travel trends, ensuring readers stay ahead of the curve while planning their next adventure. Every post is a window into a new journey, inspiring others to discover the extraordinary in the ordinary.Whether it’s strolling through animal-themed streets in Helsinki or unraveling the mysteries of Balinese traditions, Nomadic Notepad combines personal experiences with practical advice to craft immersive narratives. Join them to embrace a world of wanderlust, and let every story spark your own path to adventure!

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