Upon Arrival

Hello from Estonia... I have arrived safe & sound.

Some first impressions of Tallinn:

- First thing I noticed is how "Soviet" Tallinn looks. There are many large menacing concrete buildings and wide streets that depict the era of soviet occupation for some 50 years. Of course, I knew this coming here but am still struck at the sight and feel of it. It is quite overwhelming and very, very interesting. For those who do now know - the soviets took over Estonia (and the other Baltic countries) in 1944, giving them up just recently in 1992. Estonia has been independent for 13 years now but the romances of the occupation are still very much part of the city of Tallinn. Having said that, much has been done in 13 years and you do see Estonian culture as soon as you get off the plane.
- The second thing I noticed are the beautiful tall, blonde women. There are so many!! My-my, this IS going to be a fun year!
- As you pass people on the street, I found every second or third conversation is Russian. The population that make up of Tallinn is 50% Estonian, 40% Russian. Which is quite different for all of Estonia: two-thirds Estonian and one-third Russian.
- The jewel of Tallinn is the old town. It is quite romantic, charming and quaint. Cobblestone lanes, old castles and walls, several old churches with their very high steeples and a very impressive town square. It is full of pubs, restaurants and shops. Though it sounds very touristy, it is not. You feel the charm and history as you walk along the rounding lanes. It is very, very alluring.
- I have walked quite a bit since I arrived and am starting to feel a solitudeness of the city. This is certainly not Taipei where you will never find yourself alone on any corner. Here, you do. It is not a deserted or abandoned feeling. It is solitude and it feels quite calming to me. I cannot wait to walk around on those winter nights in this solitude.
- Estonians love their alcohol. Beer and vodka are part of their history and culture. By a strange coincidence, I happen to be working with many Brits so I think I will be having a brew or three throughout the year. There are many German beer halls here as well and was in one on the weekend. Lots of singing and dancing..
- On a similar note, Tallinn has become the stag capital especially from males in Finland and Great Britain. I saw many such staggering around the old city this past weekend.
- There are many casinos around town.
- One phenomena I have experience every day since arriving are rain storms followed by sunshine (and at times simultaneously). Very strange and very cool.
- TV - about 40 channels: 5 Estonian, 5 Finnish, 5+ Esglish, rest Russian. St Petersburg is about 400 kms away.

That´s all for now...

Martin.