I've arrived! Wahoo! So much has happened in the last few days that I think it may be close to impossible to give a comprehensive update with the amount of time I have, so here are some quick tidbits to let you know about my new life here in Estonia!
-My apartment is amazing! Two minute walk from the university, rather large, our own sauna and jacuzzi bath, and a good kitchen. The only downside is that I have no chest of drawers, closet, or anything, so my clothes are folded up in piles on my sofa.
-Estonia is one of the few countries in Europe with no Ikea. Many will take the ferries to Finland, then pay one of the many companies conveniently located in house to deliver items to Estonia.
-Many Finns, meanwhile, come here for cheaper alcohol. It's cheaper to take a ferry to Tallinn, stay here all night, then take the first ferry back in the morning than it is to have a similar night out in Helsinki.
-Estonia is one of the most wired country in the world, with near universal wifi coverage. I have an easier time connecting to wifi in public places here than in the States.
-I have a new addiction to cloudberry-cheesecake yogurt. Cloudberries look a bit like yellow raspberries and are found in cold climates in northern Europe and parts of Canada. They're rather difficult to reach, which is why you tend to find them mostly in products (yogurts, etc) than sold directly.
-If you want to know anything about Estonian history, PLEASE find a copy of "The Singing Revolution." It's a beautiful film, and I think it's amazing that independence from the Soviets was won without a single casualty. It was really inspiring to watch people fight so hard for their independence without resorting to the ugliness or divisiveness that seems to characterize so many political interactions today.
-Singing, even prior to the revolution, was one of the most-practices activities among Estonian youth. American kids join AYSO, Estonians join the local choir. The university has tried to point us to various choir opportunities. After informing us that Spaniards believe bad singing brings rain, one of my colleagues announced that Estonian already rains enough, so they really shouldn't be encouraging him to sing.
-Estonian humor is quite dry, and here is my favorite example. Student: Do you need your own equipment for the sports courses, or is it provided? Athletic Director (in a perfect deadpan): It's all provided, except for the course on trampolines. Those you will have to acquire and transport yourself.
-On September 3, it was 45 degrees in the middle of the day. I thought I had a month or two before it got cold, so nearly ALL of my winter gear is still in California. I'm horrified to report that I need to go shopping as a result.
-Speaking of shopping, Fulbright students in Estonia get to go to the Marine Ball at the Embassy, so I have to find an evening gown as well. I'm also tearing myself up over that.
-This semester, I will mostly be taking language courses. Three Russian classes, a class for day-to-day Estonian, and an Estonian history class. Shortly, I should be able to set up a schedule for my work as a research assistant and have more details about my project.
-I've turned a corner and am feeling better.
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