People often ponder about the so-called carefree spirit of Tartu (Tartu vaim) that will embolden people to do wild and crazy things like wear second-hand t-shirts, write poetry, or have children out of wedlock in that university city.But what of the Tallinna vaim, the spirit of the capital? I felt it as soon as I began walking down its avenues today. Suddenly, I realized that I was dressed like a complete slob.
My shirt wasn't tucked in, my comfortable trousers too loose. And how come I wasn't wearing a scarf? Wait a second, why were all these blond mehed and naised wearing scarves in August? It wasn't that cold, was it? Ei, those fellows were wearing scarves out of their own volition for fashion. I was in trendy Tallinn, where people are supposed to look good.
The truth is that in Tartu it has gotten to the point that I could go to the grocery store in my pajamas and few would bat an eye. I'd be standing next to the PhD, brown with muck from the archaeological dig; the wizened alcoholic buying a new brandy; the local mechanic with grease on his overalls. Everyone is into their own thing; that is the Tartu vaim.
But in Tallinn I feel like I stick out like an extra from Easy Rider. Next time I'll make sure to hit the local Monton before I dare to tread across Tammsaare Park.
18 kommentaari:
Giustino, you have become more Cathotlic than the Pope himself. I mean, you have adopted a typical attitudes of a tartlane and multiplied it to an American scale...
But it seems that you have not been paying attention to the detail, though. Brandy is the last thing a wizened Tartu alcoholic would buy... You should spend a day with those folks for cange.
Well, Tammsaare Park/Viru gate is the patch of land with the highest pickpocketing rate in Tallinn. One doesn't want to overdress, either.
To me, men in Tallinn still look scruffy. Not too many metrosexual types. Shoes tend to be nice.
I think the only place I have ever bought clothes in Estonia is a second-hand shop on Kastani tn in Tartu.
Brandy is the last thing a wizened Tartu alcoholic would buy... You should spend a day with those folks for cange.
The old guy the other day definitely bought brandy. I write from personal experience.
Maybe the person in question had just received his pension... Or was just having a good day. Or maybe he belonged to a higher eshelon of drunks (if there is one...). But I maintain that brandy is not the "main staple" of Tartu drunks. Usually it's cheap vodka, illegal vodka, moonshine, or one of those cheap strong beers in a 2-litre plastic bottle.
The truth is that in Tartu it has gotten to the point that I could go to the grocery store in my pajamas .....
Justin, have you done that in Tartu?
I remember you went to class in DC in your PJ's on occasion...
; )
Spend sometime in Stockholm, that place puts the any metrosexual to shame.
[i] Usually it's cheap vodka, illegal vodka, moonshine...[/i]
Moonshine? Do they drive 78 Dodge Hemis and play the banjo too?
You never know;) But the reason why I used the word "moonshine" is that fon an American it rings many more bells than "puskar" or "samakas".
Mhm, only in Tartu.
I once attended a lecture in my nightgown. Mainly becuse my roommate dared me. The damn thing had barnyard animals on it.
Tartu has fluidum.
Interesting, i wear a scarf, i moved about Tallinn today. Next time ill stop and say hi!
I once wore a silk scarf in college. This was in my Piper at the Gates of Dawn phase, but the hick townies didn't get the aesthetic. Luckily I talked my way out of it.
Spend sometime in Stockholm, that place puts the any metrosexual to shame.
This is one of those occasions where I feel wholly justified calling Estonians Scandinavians.
I once wore a silk scarf in college. This was in my Piper at the Gates of Dawn phase
Lucifer Sam, Siam Cat. Always sitting by your side. Always. By your side.
To me, men in Tallinn still look scruffy. Not too many metrosexual types.
I have to agree with Kristopher. I think the men in Tallinn dress pretty shabby. And don't get me started on what they try to pass off as a proper suit.
...something I can't explain: 10:39 am comment was shown as epppp, now it's Giustino.
Do estonian men still carry "murses"? (Male version of purse)
Scarfs and murses.
Moustaches and funny hats.
Hipster doofuses of Tallinn.
Muah-ah-ah.
...something I can't explain: 10:39 am comment was shown as epppp, now it's Giustino.
I posted under the wrong handle.
I think the men in Tallinn dress pretty shabby.
I think there is a serious Urmas Väljaots-wannabe contingent among the Tallinnlased.
you must be smoking crack if you think men in tallinn dress well.
half of them look like they're the posterboys for skinhead fashion week, while the small minority of viru keskus fanboys you're probably referring to have about as much fashion sense as the russian drunk pissing near my alley right now.
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