First Journey Day 59: Snowflake Sonata

Date: October 22, 2023
Location: Tallinn, Estonia

In Tallinn, Estonia, rain mingled with first snow, softening medieval stone and sharpening spires. Baltic chill, wet cobblestones, and low northern light set the day’s gentle rhythm.

Snow and Stone: First Flurries

Today was a day of contrasts in Tallinn. The mix of rain and light snow created a mesmerising backdrop against the city's medieval architecture. The wet cobblestones reflected the grey sky, but there was a certain charm to it, a kind of muted beauty. I decided to explore the Old Town, and it felt like I was walking through the pages of a history book. The narrow alleys, the towering spires, and the quaint shops all seemed to tell stories of times gone by.

Quiet Moments at a Café Window

I stopped by a local cafe, where I tried a traditional Estonian pastry. It was warm, flaky, and just the right amount of sweet. As I sat by the window, watching the snowflakes gently fall, I felt a sense of peace. It's moments like these that make travelling so special—the blend of the familiar and the unfamiliar, the old and the new.

Art Between Light and Shadow

Later in the day, I visited the Kumu Art Museum. The collection was impressive, spanning from classical to contemporary art. But what struck me the most was the way the museum was designed. The play of light and shadow, the juxtaposition of different materials—it all added to the experience.

Choosing Stillness Over Sketching

I let the afternoon find its own shape. For a while I simply watched the weather draw patterns on glass rather than open my sketchbook, letting the city compose itself.

A City in Sync with Snow

As the day came to an end, I found a quiet spot overlooking the city. The lights began to twinkle, and the snowfall became more pronounced. Tallinn, with its rich history and modern sensibilities, has left an indelible mark on me. I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings.

Travel Notes

• Weather: Rain and light snow; 1–4 °C. Damp air, breath fogging in the early dusk, cobblestones slick and reflective.
• Scents: Warm pastry and coffee from the café door; faint wet-stone mineral note along the lanes.
• Sounds: Footsteps on shiny cobbles, a murmur of conversation, distant bells, and the hush of falling flakes.
• Reflection: Tallinn’s contrasts—old stone, new light—made a quiet duet. The city felt both held and transformed by the weather.

Continue the Journey

You may also enjoy the steps that led here in Day 58: Baltic Ballet, or linger a little longer in Estonia with Day 71: Palette of the Past.