kids spotted

In Estonia we have "tutipäev" - it is a day before the exams start and all the school-leavers (9th or 12th graders) dress up like kids and have a lot of fun!
Here are two guys I spotted on the street.

Japanese and Estonian

SI: "Where are you from?"

The girl: "From Japan, we study at the university of Tartu."

SI: "What is the biggest difference between Japan and Estonia?"

The girl: "Estonians tend to drink a lot.."

SI: "So are you both from the same city?"

The boy: "Actually - I'm Estonian."

SI: "No waaay.. you don't look like one."

The boy: "Ausalt, ma olen eestlane."

Special

"Live for love!"

Seen in Tartu

No Facebook

"I have no Facebook, I find it overrated and it drifts apart people. Facebook provides talking online, but I prefer to communicate in person. I will stay away from Facebook as long as I can," said she and asked for my phone number. 

- Seen in Tallin

ps. This girl was so nice to lead me when I got lost in Tallinn. She showed me where I had to go and even waited for the bus with me.

Tree of life

"On my left arm there is a motif, inspired by Halliste Parish's apron, which is made by Anton from Tartoo Tattoo. I originate from Halliste (situated in South Estonia) and that is why this tattoo has  diverse interpretations for me. It symbolizes my roots, my field of study (folklore) and my future - what I expect from it; for example: circle -  light and life, rose - love and reincarnation etc.

On my right arm there is a tree of life, which was drawn by an artist Siret Roots, but made again by Anton. In the centre you can see a mulk's* symbol - cross, which describes the equilibrium between the world and the heaven. In addition the tree of life denotes strength, life force, flexibility and harmony. Archaic versus modern. This tattoo gives me strength and flexibility whenever I feel down. "

*Seen in Tallinn

*In case you are not from Estonia and you have no idea who is "mulk" - http://www.estinst.ee/publications/12/kymnes.html

*I suggest you to take a look at Siret Roots's website, if you are interested in arts - http://www.siretroots.com/

Purgimütsid

I spotted these three women crocheting and sunbathing at the same time  - the view was pretty funny but also sweet.

It came out that they were actually crocheting for a firm "Purgimütsid" (English translation  - Can Hats) they created. The small business was started in September and the main idea is to make hats from all kind of cans. 

By the way, the woman on the left has been doing it for 5 years already - also she was the one who started this business.
You will find more about Purgimütsid - here!

"She loves to collect spiders."

Two sisters spotted enjoying the sun

ps. The weather in Estonia has been insane for the past 2 days - it has been even over 25ºC.

Pakistanian

It was really hard to pronounce her name - Urooj Fatima. She is from Pakistan studying business administration  in Tartu's University. 

She was so outgoing and friendly that we chatted for 25 minutes I think. She told me how she loves Tartu - it's quiet and small but there are still things to do. She came in Tartu because she wanted to be close to her brother who studies in Helsinki.

When I asked her to tell me the biggest difference between Estonia and Pakistan she told me that in Pakistan drinking isn't allowed but here it's quite common. 

The favourite thing about Estonia is "kama" (for non-estonian: kama is a traditional food in Estonia, it is finely milled flour mixture). 

Some people believe that Estonians are reserved and emotionless nation. She told me that this is absolutely not truth. There was one story she shared about Estonians' kindness:

"I have met some really nice and kind Estonians but one story that sticks out in particular is from the time I was very new to Tartu. I lost my way and was helped by this elderly Estonian woman who didn't know any English. But she went out of her way to find somebody for me who could speak English. 

Another thing is I have found myself really liking Estonian names here. They are so short and brief, moreover they sound so pretty. I am actually tempted to name my future children Talv and Tuuli. Talv coming from winter in Estonian and Tuuli from wind. But I also wonder if it would be a bit weird having children named after Estonian names back in Pakistan. I love how Estonian language sounds and how beautiful it is but I find it difficult to learn."

About fear

I was walking and suddenly noticed this young woman - she was stylish and lovely, but unfortunately somehow miserable. She was in hurry, but despite that she agreed to take a picture. 

Meanwhile taking photos she confessed me:

"I'm currently going through a tough time. I am expecting a baby boy and my boyfriend went to Afghanistan. There is one thing that he taught me and that helps me keep going. He told me that there is no such thing as fear, once you stop having fear, nothing bad will happen."

Lovable kids feeding the birds

Outstanding couple