Having never visited northern Europe in adulthood, I am curious and excited to see what this part of the continent has in store. I have preconceived ideas of fashion, architecture and nature, whether those hold true remains to be seen. Here are my first impressions of Tallinn Estonia as I get out and begin to explore my new home.
Weather
I assumed that being summer still, the sky would be blue and sunny most of the time. Boy was I ever wrong. 😂 My weather app shows quite a different story and one that I am finding rings accurate. Most days are overcast, grey and even rainy. The sunny days are few and far between. This means I am going to have to select what I do on my precious sunny days with care.
Clean
Having spent much of this year in Asia where humidity, smog and heat prevail, the clean fresh cool air is hitting me with force. I find myself almost gulping it down, like I would a glass full of ice water on a hot day. Every time I go outside it is the first thing I notice and I breath deeply filling my lungs. The streets, sidewalks, parks and well everything is absurdly clean of litter too. There are areas that I walk where the previous night has seen a boisterous atmosphere and remnants of that remains to be tidied up by the city. But for the most part, everywhere I walk is clean.
Maintained
This city is cared for, that is obvious. Sidewalks are wide, lined with benches, trees and wild flowers. Houses in my residential area are either kept authentic with their worn patina (which I prefer), or completely renovated in the most beautiful way. Yes there is tagging (gang graffiti) and the like, but its not overwhelming. I don’t see boarded up buildings and ones beyond repair as I did in Bratislava. I’ve even discovered old industrial sites that have been repurposed and transformed into completely new venues.
Expensive
I knew this would be an issue, as my accommodation is at the top of my budget, is small and without certain items that are a priority for me. The grocery shops are abundant but the prices are high, especially for produce. I spent my time in Bratislava gorging on fresh cherries (€0.66/kl 🤯) and seasonal stone fruit. I probably won’t be eating any fruit here at all. Conversely, they have items available that I haven’t been able to get and am eager to include in my diet again. Actual cottage cheese that is creamy and has flavour. Supplements such as inulin and hydrolyzed collagen I can purchase from the average grocery store. I can tell by this, that the society is a health conscious one and that is exactly what I need right now.
Oh how excited I am to be in Tallinn! It’s not a part of the world that I really ever though I would get to see, mostly because of budgetary restraints. But here I am, calling this home for the next few weeks and wow am I ever thrilled. I can’t wait to show you what the Old Town looks like, perhaps we will explore that next.
