Today was much more low-key than yesterday. We began the day with a guided tour of the Occupation Museum just down the street. Our tour guide's grandfather was alive during the Soviet occupation of Estonia, so he had some interesting personal stories on top of all the information provided at the museum. After the tour we had two lectures. My favorite one was about Russia's branding and self-proclaimed image that they show the world when they host large events like the Olympics, World Cup, or the Universiade. We got to watch the opening ceremonies for a lot of them and discussed why Russia chose to highlight the parts of their culture and history that they did.
Afterwards we were free to roam around Tallinn. it was only 5:00 but it was dark enough to be midnight. I used it as an opportunity to take pictures and go souvenir shopping!Tallinn's Old Town is adorable in the winter. It's a large public square with a decadent Christmas tree in the middle and tons of booths spiraling out around the tree. All the buildings are lit up and there was a small stage on one side of the square where Estonian folk dancers performed. The booths sold everything from usual tourist chachkies (like key chains and snow globes) to homemade socks and hats to hot glogg and gingerbread cookies.
There was no snow on the ground as it stayed consistently at 35 degrees these past two days, but the Estonians were so festive with gorgeous lights and trees everywhere that they made up for it. Tomorrow we board our cruise ship to Stockholm and I am so excited to begin the journey!
