Hello all! I know that it has been a while since I left and I apologize for only being able to send bits and pieces of information to you over the past few days. The internet is good here; it’s just the fact of getting it up and running. Cassie and I are going to split the internet costs and get it for the room, which I think is the best plan. So, let’s recap the past week.
My flights coming here were really not bad at all. I will say, though, that the international part of O’Hare really needs to be updated. The place looks (and smells) like a small Ellis Island. Once I got through security there, everything was a breeze. There was a small issue of scanning my passport, like in Louisville, but everything turned out OK. The flight to Stockholm was fantastic. I ended up having two seats to myself because the guy that was on the left of me upgraded. They allowed you to choose your own in-flight movie from a selection they offered on your own screen. I also had dinner, breakfast, snacks, a hot towel, and ear phones all for free. I don’t know if that’s typical or not, but I definitely enjoyed it. From Stockholm came Tallinn (a for-real puddle jump) where I was greeted by only one of my bags. I’ve become accustomed to that reality, so it was not a big deal and it ended up coming the next day.
The guy behind the counter of the exchange kiosk (a graduate of the University) explained that it would be best for me to take the bus to the bus station (bussijaam [boos-ey-yaam]). After three tries and a change of clothes - it was freezing compared to home - I finally made it on the right bus. From there I missed my stop and had to get off about a mile down the road. There I spent the better part of an hour trying to figure out where to go. Finally, I found a tourist info kiosk inside the city bus terminal, which is evidently not the same as the bussijaam. From there I finally got the right place where I bought my ticket for the bus. Amen! On the bus, I fell asleep a couple of times, not realizing just how tired I was from the traveling. After 2 ½ hours, I finally made it to Tartu where I took a taxi to Raatuse 22, my new home-away-from-home.
The first few hours were really rough. I realized just how far away I am and how shut off from the world I was at that point. Not having a phone or internet really makes you feel lonely. I met Lena after I arrived. She is studying Communication and will be getting her doctorate soon. She only speaks broken English, so speaking with her was kind of pointless. But late Monday evening Cassie (West Virginia) came. It made things a lot easier knowing that I had another American staying with me. She is really great and we get along wonderfully. She is learning Russian at home and here, so it helped when talking with Lena.
Tuesday brought Orientation, which helped me meet some of the great people that are around me. I met my tutor, Mari-Liisa, as well as others that also have her as a tutor. That afternoon we met our newest flat-mate, Anna. She is from Latvia and is a sweetheart. She’s kind of bossy, but it works for her. She speaks Russian and English fluently, which is just another reason I need to learn Russian. I’m out-numbered!
Wednesday was the same deal with Orientation. Thursday, however, I was sick and decided that sleeping was better than learning about safety. I think it’s because I am not used to the tap water here, so it might have been something like Montezuma’s Revenge for Eastern Europe. I’m not sure, but I know not to take chances, so I’m sticking with the giant bottles from the Comarket next door. Later that day, though, we walked around Supillinn (Soup Town) which has some of the oldest parts of the city in it. Anna lived here before for a short while, so she wanted us to see just where her flat was. That night was the Pub Crawl, but I just couldn’t do it. After the morning I had and all the walking of the past few days, I wanted to call it a night. It was nice to stay in and just read, write, and only worry about myself. It’s funny that I needed people on Monday, but by Thursday I was ready for some alone time.
Friday was not exactly a treat, however. We needed to by things for the flat, so we set off for a store Anna knew about. We were going to just take the bus there since it was a decent walk, but decided that it would be faster to walk than to wait for the bus. After walking for an hour and a half, and getting seven blisters on my feet, we realized that we were not where she thought we would end up. I can’t be mad, though, because any of us could have made the same mistake, and I should have worn better shoes. We called it a night early on after we all fell asleep watching a movie. We woke up when we heard a party going on across the hall. From there we found Mickey (Holland), who has internet in her room, and made some quick emails out to the folks back at home - I only had a quick bit, so I apologize if I did not get one to you.
I’m writing this on Saturday, which has been a good day. We went shopping where we were supposed to go yesterday, so I now have sheets versus the sleeping bag I’ve been using. I’m now waiting on some friends to get back before we have a chill evening in Mickey’s dorm.
I miss you all dearly, you have no idea. Cassie and I have actually been talking about how we miss home, especially the food. Oh. . . food, that is something we evidently take advantage of at home. It’s getting better, though, but I definitely think I should be coming home at least one size smaller ; ) School starts next week, so that will make the time go by faster. For those that are missing me, I can only hope that the time is going quickly for you, too. I love you all and I promise to update more often!
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