Day 12 – Exploring The Old Town

Today was such a lovely day just exploring the old town with some wonderful friends and young kids. This day was really special to me because it just brought about so much joy and a reminder of how strong our connections are in the Estonian community. We met up with Jaan’s (an old friend from my childhood) wife, mother-in-law and kids. He is off dancing so we thought we would show them around the old town, with some local knowledge. When Erina first saw me, she ran and gave me a great big hug! I promised her in January at the kids camp, that I would see her in Tallinn and do something with her on her birthday, and I wanted to keep that promise. Her birthday is on Friday. It was so soothing and nourishing getting that hug from her and experiencing in her delight in seeing us. Marju, her sister was also excited but a little unsure of who I am. We first set off to a Käsitöö shop where they wanted to visit. Again, there were so many beautiful things here to choose from and I couldn’t help myself but spend some money! It is really dangerous going into these stores because I just fall in love over and over again. The Estonian folk costume patterns really bring me so much joy, I can’t even describe it. We then headed towards another one, but first we had to stop at the duck shop. This is new, as I had never seen it before and the girls absolutely loved it. There were so many ducks here! We arrived at the next Käsitöö and oh my, so bad for my bank account. This one is a good one and I got a lot of inspiration for Estonian Designs AU here, as I always do. I couldn’t help myself but purchase items I could make or already have but with different designs. My logical brain just goes out the window when ever I go into these stores. We then headed to lunch at one of our other favourite Italian restaurants, we thought the kids would enjoy it. As we were sitting there Erina kept telling us about all these inventions she was going to do, including a cheese helicopter. I just adore the imagination of a child, they have no restrictions and just share what is on their mind, it’s fantastic. One of the kids pizzas were in the shape of a bears head, it was cute. Erina and I started trying to speak Estonian to each other so we could practice, I did tell her I wish I kept speaking it so I would be able to speak it fluently now, because I did until I was 5 years old.

​After lunch we started heading up the hill, to the top of the town. On the way of course we stopped at all the stores to see what they had to offer, and we found some wonderful things, maybe even some things you might see in Estonian Designs AU one day! We saw some lovely artwork of the old town, mum already has some but we got some new ones from new areas we hadn’t seen before done in art work, so of course, mum got them to add to her Estonian wall at home but I think it is becoming an Estonian room. We got to the top of the hill, but not before picking up another Australian, Richard, who continued on with us. He is always good value and knows the drill with photos now. Dad did get a fair few selfies on this day, but he did tell me only 1 a day but I broke that rule, rules are made to be broken of course. When we got to the top, it was just as breath taking as I remembered it. Beautiful weather, combined with picture perfect scenes, we really did get lucky! It was so lovely to share that moment with Nichole, her mum and the two girls. Being around kids just brings a whole other meaning to life, especially when you can relish in their delight of you. We wondered to a few spots around and took some more photos then we had to part ways. Dad and I put mum in a bolt then wondered home ourselves. Dad and I headed to the beer hall for a nostalgic moment, but as soon as we sat down I heard music playing in the town square so naturally I had to head down there. I stood for a moment and listened to the music then I noticed two people dancing on the other side and I realised it was two fellow Australian’s! Esmee, of course was one of them and I joined in the dancing. This was such a special moment for me, dancing some type of folk dancing steps in the town square to music. There was such a sense of pride and connection for me in this moment and I am so grateful I went where the music was and that Esmee had the courage to do folk dancing and invited me to join them! 

​In the evening, mum had to go to a choir event and dad and I went to the food court at Viru Keskus and had some lovely dumplings for dinner. In the evening we also had some secret business to attend to. Dad did learn on this day he needs to give me a 5 hour warning of when he wants dinner because sadly I did make it very late for him, we were even ushered out of the food court! Earlier in the evening, we called our driver (Denis) and he took us to a secret location for something very special for Estonian Designs AU, but those photos are not featured here, you’ll have to watch this space on our website for those delights!
Until tomorrow
Marissa xx