Thongs in the Snow...or Lumi (snow), liquor (vodka) and love (???) in a cold climate.

Europe » Estonia » Tartu
December 31st 2006

Published: January 13th 2007

Häid Pühi (Happy Holidays) from Tartu, Estonia!!! Well it certainly has been a while since I’ve been in touch with most of you, and as you can see I'm still in in the Baltics in the beautiful little country of Estonia. I’ve been here since the start of September so I’ve had a real opportunity to get to know what life is like here. Now that I think back on the last four months I really ha... Read Full Entry

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Geoff Longhurst

Alt Gr

Hi there, Thank Allah for Turkish emigration throughout Europe! If it wasn't for turkish felafels (im brod, mit salate, knoblauchsosse und paprikasosse bitte - in bread with salad, garlic sauce and chilli sauce please :)) then I would have to relinquish my flexitarian status and become a fully fledged omnivore again!!! I've now finally come back to Sydney after having a fantastic time living in and traveling through bits of western, northern and southern europe. I guess I have experienced a lot, but as any traveller would say, there is still so much left to see and do :) I'm sure th... full info

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Mushrooms!

I was told that because of the cold climate and the 'generosity' of the Soviet system, picking, eating and preserving wild mushrooms and berries became an important part of Estonian culture and cuisine...I guess it was better than waiting in line for hours for some stale bread. This is a display near the main square of Tartu showing some of the types of wild mushrooms you can find here.

Country House and Sauna

My friends parents country house and sauna about 20 mins drive from Tartu. A lot of people still have a strong connection to the land and it seems pretty common for people to own a second house out of the city or at least want to own one.

Chopping Wood

Me about to get a workout at the country house.

Lumi!!!

The reason I had to stop chopping wood :)

Mesipuud

During a walk in Penuja (southern Estonia)we passed a backyard full of colourful beehives.

Beautiful Estonian Country Grave

A recent grave in Penuja for Linda Tõnts. The tradition is to build a mound of sand over the grave and cover it with spruce branches and other flowers. After a while the flowers and branches are removed and the sand is spread over the ground. This is one of many different burial traditions that can be found around the country.

Soviet Housing in Penuja

This is a typical sight in Estonia. Apartment blocks (ie. communal housing)in small country towns. Seems strange but it fits in with the soviet ideals of communal living and also with the reality of creating a cheap way of housing and controlling peoples lives and behaviour.

Abandoned Russian Orthodox Church

This old church was next to the camp that Kati and I worked at in Penuja, southern Estonia.

Old Swedish buildings

Buildings(probably) from the 19th century in Penuja. This area used to be a wealthy flax growing area but this changed in the 20th Century, due to war and the sovietisation of the country. These buildings aren't your typical Estonian timber architecture, and are probably of Swedish design. Oh and by the way, they are for sale if anyone's interested :)

Old Swedish buildings

The kids from the camp take a closer look.

Frozen Lake

The frozen lake in Penuja with a silly tourist in front.

Culture Camp, Penuja

Some of the kids doing a little performance at the end of the camp.

Real Estonia

I've always wanted to be a blonde...

First Day of Snow

This was the first time I saw snow in Estonia :)

Ash Mountain

This is a 'mountain' of ash waste from shale oil processing in the north of Estonia. It is also one of the highest places in the country. Photo taken from another mountain slightly higher. And if your wondering, they are beautiful autumn leaves, not polluted and dying leaves :)

Mine Bicycle

Bicycles in a shale oil mine...ironic don't you think ;) Shale oil is Estonia's main source of energy and it is mined in the north east. The Estonian government is currently looking at ways to make their shale oil energy production cleaner as well as increasing the amount of energy that comes from renewable sources by 67%.

Baltic Watchtower

An old soviet watchtower on the northern Baltic sea coast which has been converted into a conference facilty...Stalin would be turning in his grave.

Püssi

Some people think this photo is funny but I just don't understand....Can someone explain for me?

Russian Truck

Cool old russian truck that's still going.

Buss

This is a shop inside a bus that travels to smaller villages. These buses aren't too common now. This was in Penuja, southern Estonia.

Kissing Students

Florence has Michaelangelo's David, Copenhagen has the Little Mermaid and Tartu has the Kissing Students fountain.

6th September 2010

anonymous
non-member comment

not if you dry it out. welcome to shaman town.

4th October 2010

o
non-member comment

About the mushrooms
Actually the mushrooms here (Aminita Muscaria) aren't poisonous if prepared properly. I guess you're heard some stories about them since you named the pic Fairytale Mushrooms. And the stories hold true: these mushrooms are highly potent psychedelics (as they have been used in shamanistic rituals etc. aswell) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amanita_muscaria http://www.somashamans.com/ http://www.iamshaman.com/amanita/resurrection.htm <- other legends

8th October 2010

jasmine bluebell
non-member comment

ewww ! gross uqly mushrooms

20th April 2011

sagar
non-member comment

Service
good

26th August 2011

Kai
non-member comment

Gorgeous!
The most peaceful and lovely shot!!

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Thongs in the Snow...or Lumi (snow), liquor (vodka) and love (???) in a cold climate.

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