Empty streets, a fox and 500 cranes

I spend more than two and a half weeks in Tallinn. I see a lot different faces of this city, I visit historical and ordinary places, meet interesting people and find one who makes my stay unique. I have a good time in Tallinn and the longer I stay the more difficult it becomes to leave. Life is easy in this modern and liveable city. There is only one con: Tallinn isn't really bike friendly with its often bad cycle paths, its rude car drivers and the very high risk of bike theft. One day I am sure, I have to finish my circle... Tallinn is not too far from home, coming back is no problem.

I follow the coastline and after half a day I am in a different world. No more modern, new build houses. No four lane streets, no shiny, expensive cars. Now I am in another Estonia. Tiny villages hidden in the woods. A man marked by life is selling raspberries in front of a derelict supermarket. Young men, maybe 25 to 30 years, are toothless and their skin looks like it has never had any care. Simple cars, trucks from soviet times on bumpy streets and gravel roads. This Estonia looks more realistic then its developed and rich capital Tallinn.

I like the landscape. Open, wide, grass lands, forests and an impressive sky. The sea is close by and offers great views. It is a time to wonder and to enjoy. I visit a medieval church where workers just started renovating. A lady tells me the history in short. Then I come to a Swedish speaking part of Estonia where all names on signs are given in Estonian and Swedish. This region is called "Noarootsi Parish" (thank you, Barbara, for the explanation and the link!)

New animals come to my collection of this journey: a fox, a capercaillie and cranes. The last I spot on the second evening on my way to the guest house. I count more than 500 birds; I can see more of them landing behind a hill. Impressive and majestic. Later they fly over the guest house into the sunset...

This Estonia totally impresses me. And after a break or a shower in the evening I forget the cold and the wind of these days; the wonderful pictures stay...