I was surprised to see people with trucks boarding the boat that took us to Tallin from Helsinki. I thought you had passed away since an anonymous benefactor of mankind invented the trolley. But it was seven in the morning and was not to discourse much. Enough with the early start we had in a city we did not know, cold deserted at that hour of the morning, and the hike in search of a taxi to take us to the West Terminal, western terminal where the ferry left.
We had bought the tickets online (Slightly more 40 euros for a round trip), but now had to be exchanged at the box office of the terminal. Is secured shipment of 7:00 to 7:10, veinte minutes before zarpemos. As good Spanish, boarded just in time, between trucks that aroused my curiosity.
We ended up at the supermarket, the busiest. Three quarters of its surface was filled with bottles
Soon I understood everything. In a two-hour cruise on a ferry nine-story (passengers could only move at our leisure for the last four, including cover) is forced to wander the ship curiosearlo all. Inevitably, ended up in the supermarket, the busiest. Three quarters of its surface was filled with hundreds of bottles. Vodka, whiskey, cognac, champagne, Vana Tallinn (the bebida spirited Estonian), gin, medium wineries wines world (Spanish also), beers… And deals, many offers.
This was the paradise of the Holy Drinker, nirvana where to buy gallons of alcohol without being looked askance. The board Regis it "tax free" (duty-free products), so that prices were not competitive on either shore of the Baltic. Some Finns came exclusively to fill the pantry of alcohol, four hours of crossing and back home by buying alcohol made, a provision that the Finnish harsh winter just around the corner should not be any nonsense.
This was the paradise of the Holy Drinker, nirvana where to buy gallons of alcohol without being looked askance
People wore them in pairs, by boxes, and clear, nothing better than a wheelbarrow to carry all (have not yet been invented, I know, the roller bottles). Even sold on board. Confused between stacks of alcohol, as intruders in the seventh heaven of lush ("Profession? Lush ", answered Bogart in Casablanca in one of the most memorable quotes in film history), small were sold to five euros and large, to ten. Cheaper than a Carrefour. A perfect hook for doubtful buyer does not know how to get home comfortably so many bottles.
Some, sighted, brought home the, even shopping carts. I read somewhere that the shipping companies are rewarded with free tickets to those who spend more than 100 euros on board. I could not see and the ferry did not see any similar offering announced. Nor that some of the usual of this golden mile alcoholic even landing to reach the destination, no more waiting on board return to Helsinki. We returned already dark, and the story was repeated. Upon reaching the Finnish capital pouring and we got the chance in the first tram stop opposite the pier. Beside us, a father protecting his treasure, an immaculate free case of beer taxes.
Bottle on board
Another ferry a few days later, Este de Helsinki a Stockholm. Belen and I are spending the night on board (an interior cabin sale for only 120 euros if booked some time). Ahead 17 hour crossing. At eight p.m., the supermarket looks a Day on a Saturday morning. The tax free rage and flying bottles. Some young people are realizing their case of beer in the same boat and half-empty walk the halls like a trophy. It is the whole night ahead. In the numerous monumental boxes are organized queues to pay. A grandfather charged with four bottles of French cognac. Almost embarrassed queuing without a bottle in his hand. Do they think that we are in some obscure sect?
Some young people are realizing their case of beer in the same boat and half-empty walk the halls like a trophy
At ten p.m., four security gorillas take handcuffed to two drunks who stumble, one look defeated and another, yet, challenging. In the small casino blackjack continue playing as if nothing had two Russians big as castles (of cards). It is difficult to find a free toilet, because the bladders start incordiar. On the stairs you come across teenagers tipsy beer in hand. From karaoke está in full ebullicion. I hope not interfere treble radar desafinos.
Four security gorillas take handcuffed to two drunks who stumble. At his side they are playing black jack as if nothing had two great Russians as castles (of cards)
At nine o'clock, when less than an hour to get to Stockholm, PA advertised offers bottles of wine at this point if someone has not done so stock up on supplies. Next to a glass, a Russian is a beer breakfast staring at the Baltic.
