Obligatory Christmas decoration shot. Although the town hall of Tartu really deserves a shot on it's own.

Today was a cold but fun day in Tartu. Got up early (for me) to meet a friend from the internet who just happens to live here, and we walked all over town, through the wonderful park on the hill, down to an older district full of worn-down wooden houses from the first Estonian independence period, and then in the afternoon through the town's industrial southeastern edge; where totally devastated warehouse buildings are still serving as the locations of various businesses, some of which seemed slightly on the sketchy side. Walking back on the river past a really interesting modern apartment building that is slated to be the first of many (called 'The Hedgehog' in Estonian) and then back through the new malls to the central square, where it started to snow. Very beautiful, especially with the seasonal music playing.

My friend was extremely gracious, he's lived in Tartu all his life and was very knowledgeable about the recent history and past history of the city. Also interesting to get his perspectives on Estonian politics and foreign relations, with countries like Russia, Latvia, and Finland. Really enjoyable and fascinating day.

One thing about Estonia that I find really funny. All the electronic sliding doors only open half way, so that the space between them is just about enough for two Estonians, while in the US, all the doors open all the way, wide enough for two Americans, or four Estonians. My friend says it's to save energy, but I think it's an elaborate joke for travelers like me, who think the door is going to keep opening, and don't walk straight through. Instead, I always end up performing a funny hop when I remember the door won't open any further and I need to avoid smashing into it like a bird on a windexed window.

Riga tomorrow.