Back to School

Nebraska schools open in mid-August now, even the colleges are starting before Labor Day anymore.  In Europe, however, September 1st is the "standard" opening day of school. September 1st is almost like a national holiday.  Kids dress up, families dress up for formal pictures and escort their kids to school.  Flowers are presented to the …

Tallin, Estonia

I loved Tallin's old town, teeming with history and Old World charm, even in the rain. The city first showed up on maps in 1154, but early settlements date back 5,000 years.  It is one of the best preserved medieval cities in Europe, and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Although it is Estonia's largest …

Making Friends

The small town of Tallin, Estonia is a great place to meet and make new friends. The people there are so welcoming and friendly.  Just sit down on any park bench in the Old Town and you will soon be joined by a local resident eager to meet you.  Before you know it, you are …

Waiting

On a wide, pedestrian-only cobblestone street in Tallinn, Estonia sits a quaint little coffee shop.  Across the street are several flower shops with no store fronts, just three walls and a canvas roof that extends over the sidewalk.  Flowers are everywhere: on tables, shelves and afoot.  Shopkeepers are rushing to and fro trying desperately to …

September First

September First is a very important and celebrated day in Estonia -- the first day of school. Flower shops lining the old cobblestone streets of Tallinn are very busy.  Every child, from preschool age through high school, was carrying a flower or bouquet to their teacher. The students dress up and many are escorted to …