Writer's Block

I am suffering from vicious writer's block, hence the lack of blog. I sit at the computer screen and my eyes sort of go cross eyed and then all of a sudden it's four hours later and I've written a sentence. But nevertheless, here I am about to attempt to relate to you bits and pieces of my life in the former Soviet Union. I've settled into my apartment and classes have allowed a sort of routine to settle in around me, rather like dust. I have Estonian, Russian and Constitution of the European Union which deals primarily with shared and individual competencies of government and the terms of constitutional law. You know you have problems when that is the class that I have dreamed of taking since realizing that I really like politics. Is your nerd radar working? Because it should be beeping frantically right about now. In addition to getting a bit too excited about the inner workings of the EU, I have managed to pick up most Estonian pleasantries, vowels, and a couple of verbs. The Russian is going much slower, but it would probably help if I had the text. Woops. That might be tomorrow's project, along with filling out my impossible residence permit papers that asked me a multitude of questions about my family's secret service and military history. A bitter aftertaste of Soviet dominance perhaps? In any case, it will all shake out in the end.

In other interesting news, I, who abhor all physical activity taking place in the cold, have taken up skating. There is a wonderful little outdoor skating rink about ten minutes from my front door called "Uisuplats" where you can rent skates and twirl your way around the ice with the shadow of St. Nicholas' Church behind you and twinkle lights strung in the trees. Since I haven't skated since I was maybe nine, I thought that the first time I went it would be a complete disaster. But! I either have a knack for skating or it's like riding a bike. Two times gone, two times tumble free. It was also National Sledding Day here a few days ago and most of the foreign students gathered together at "Lauluvaljak" or "Singing Square" for some good old fashioned, sitting on a garbage bag in lieu of a real sled, sledding. If I had nickel for how many times I narrowly escaped death, I wouldn't have a loan anymore. I think every person in Tallinn, sometime during the day, made an appearance at this hill, which is also on song festival grounds (incidentally how Estonians gained their freedom, during a "Singing Revolution"). It was a truly great day and for the first time in my entire life (because I loathed the cold as a child), I am enjoying outdoor winter sport. Hell just froze over. Did you hear that?

Now after the wholesome talk, we will take a moment to bow our heads for the amazing Estonian nightlife that I have come to fully partake in, which is really unlike me. I have learned thus far, that for European ERASMUS students, these exchanges are meant for a well rounded education in how to party, in addition to economics or politics. Every weekend is filled up with this or that party, and they are really worth going to. There have been a few places I wouldn't care to go back to but for the most part the clubbing is exceptional. Good music, safe environment, and open until the wee, wee hours of the morning. Also on the menu are a list of pubs that, for this East Coast Canadian, could rival any Haligonian Pub. Molly Malone's for soccer and a beer or for live music and Irish coffee. Hell Hunt for delicious pub fare including dumplings and meatballs as well as your favourite drafts. Really, for such a small city, you could find something for every one and find plenty of time to enjoy it.

But I don't just drink. I've also revived my long lost verve for cooking. That's right, I referred to cooking in a positive manner. I've attempted and been relatively successful at bruschetta, beef stew, not burning chicken, roasted vegetable and feta salad, among other things. It started as a housewarming party issue where I needed to bring something edible and now has become a way of giving the possibility of getting scurvy the finger. That's right! No scurvy for me. I can cook. Kind of.

Lastly, the temperature dipped again today so that the hairs inside your nose would have frost on them if you were here. I'm actually starting to enjoy the weather. It's becoming refreshing.

Anyway, my writer's block decided to clear at 1am and so now I can hear my bed calling to me. Until next time, keep fit and have fun.