A beautifully ornamented building in Tallin, Estonia:-

Another:-

Kulturministerium (Culture Ministry building):-

A set of ornate doors:-

Opera and drama building:-

On his (or her) perch in Tallinn. Street furniture (litter bins anyway) seems to be the same everywhere:-

Fourth stop on the Baltic cruise was Tallinn, the capital of Estonia one of the so-called Baltic States. In modern times it has only been an independent country between the two World Wars and since the collapse of the Soviet Union.

The city centre (well, the old town) was a reasonably short walk from the port past an old bastion:-

The streets in the old town retain a traditional feel:-

(Church of St Nicholas to rear here.)

Thee are views of old city walls:-

But beyond this gate a more modern city is evident:-

View through that same gate from the other side:-

And from further away:-

Green-roofed building to the right above:-

And its weather vane:-

International Friendly, Pittodrie Stadium, 6/2/13

I suppose we should be grateful for small mercies. A win’s a win after all – and those were difficult to come by under Craig Levein.

The highlights didn’t look very exciting and a poor pitch didn’t help. The goal came from a set piece – which is how we’ll have to hope to score against the likes of Belgium and Croatia – and Allan McGregor saved the jerseys at one point.

Gordon Strachan’s mood music is brighter than Levein’s, he’ll most likely play in a more attacking style. The players might take heart from it.

It was only Estonia (no mugs, but also no great football power) but a clean sheet is always welcome.

We also have a few players in England’s top level, not something that could be said for a while.

It’s still going to be an uphill struggle to get a decent draw in the next European Championship.