Tere!
We arrived yesterday afternoon in Old Town, a section of the capital city of Tallinn. After waiting for our room to be ready, we went on a hunt for some good food. Honestly, I didn't have high hopes for the food here, given that the local diet consists largely of fish, bread, and beer. However we found this lovely restaurant called Aed. All of their vegetarian options were vegan and completely delicious! I chose chickpea quinoa balls with green beans and zucchini purée. For dessert, I ate dark chocolate cake with basil ice cream--which was surprisingly vegan! So good! Dad had a really fancy chicken dish with mixed veggies. Both of us ate for the equivalent of $30! Such a great price for fancy food.
Note the Black Forrest cherries. Mmm.
We were also served rye bread, an Estonian specialty, with creamy herb spread. It is customary to receive rye bread with meals.
Afterwards, we wandered around the city and discovered some beautiful sights. However, it was raining, so I did not feel like taking very many pictures. Lucky for you, I did take pictures of a beautiful church (which is indoors... ;) ).
Today, we started the morning with a trip to the Estonian History Museum. I love this museum! It chronicles Estonia's struggle with foreign powers while offering some very relatable everyday items to observe.
A clarinet played in the very first song festival.
A silk shoe from the 18th century.
A primitive rain poncho made from dried animal gut.
Instead of trying to explain this, I'm going to post a picture of the museum's explanation:
The museum provided a very interesting look into the life of "Estonia past".
At this point, it was time to go find more food. We decided to eat at a place called Vegan Restaurant (translated). The food here was also quite good. Dad ate chili sin carne, and I had gluten-free spaghetti with lentil balls. For dessert, we ate cashew cream with a marmalade made from rare orange berries that grow in the mountains.
While we were waiting for our food, two Spaniards from a porting cruise ship attempted to order in Spanish. However, the waitress could not understand, so I translated. We then proceeded to have a conversation about the importance of music, and I learned that the man's son and his girlfriend were chosen to play in an international orchestra at the London Olympics. So cool! It really pays off to learn a language! :)
After lunch, we wandered around the city for a while. I will now share with you a montage of doors:
The museum
Graffiti seems to be really popular here, as well as in Norway.
Also, we walked 2 miles to pick up our press passes. Apparently, it's basically an all access pass that gives us free entry into everything, including a press breakfast where we can interview the artistic directors of the Song Festival!! Included with our badges was a bag of information on the history of the festival, as well a magazine about Estonia and two chocolate bars! What a great opportunity!
On the way back, we walked past the beach. Of course, I had to think God for what he had just done.
We also went to a grocery store to pick up some fruit. The cashier was quite snappy when I couldn't understand her. God taught me a lesson: Even if you love a group of people and have been studying and praying for them a long while, you cannot expect that everyone will love you right off if the bat. Many people struggle with extreme brokenness and are wary of others, particularly foreigners. Entering a new culture takes time and patience. Essentially, you have to stick around long enough to prove your trustworthiness. Although there may not be visible fruit at first, your efforts are not in vain. At the museum this morning, I learned that Estonia is one of the unhappiest nations on earth, according to polling. They are also considered the most secular nation on earth. These qualities are partially the result of thousands of years of political oppression. That kind of environment takes its toll on a society. Change takes time. But change can happen! This was a very important thing to learn. We need to be realistic when Gid calls us to reach out to others!
I could say so much more, but I will leave you with some pictures.
Building decoration
Interesting way of storing bicycles!
A famous monument by the beach, although I don't know it's significance because I cannot read Russian.
Couples put their love locks on the monument's chain to symbolize an unending love.
Music is everywhere! This society puts on concerts regularly.
Oddly painted car advertising some random tourist trap.
We walked through a flower festival, where artists decorate gardens:
Baby pinecones!
Oh, and
Wild dandelions!
That's enough for today! Festival rehearsals start tomorrow. :)
Until tomorrow!
Amy
The beginning of the parade.
Hirvo Surva, artistic director if the festival.
A choir from California.
The poor guy has no lyre...
Asian women watching the parade.
There are many children's choirs here.
Parading on a penny board! :)
Lady from Setu tribe.
Finding our seats.
See all of those people on the hill? This pic was taken two and one half hours before the concert, and the hill (general admission and cheapest tickets) was not even full yet. We are in the fourth row. :) Here's our view:
