Last week, I spent four days working in a little town in central Estonia,
Viljandi at the
Tartu University Viljandi Culture Academy working with staff there. It is a smaller town (population app. 20,000) and a bit quieter and folksier than Tartu. It is also something of an artistic enclave with the study of dance, theatre, music, handicrafts, Estonian culture, vernacular building, and visual arts housed there rather than at the more traditional university in Tartu. A breath of fresh air, this Bohemian community has a liberating and creative spirit. You can sense it from the moment you enter the door and are greeted by students breezing by in multi-colored scarves and funky hairstyles. I attended some dance examinations and a jazz concert, and I couldn't help but take in the handcrafted rugs and artwork hung in the doorways.
The atmosphere reminded me to take time to slow down and appreciate the creativity and beauty of being in such a wonderful place. To make the week even better, we were covered with the magic of snow falling wetly over us as I toured the town to learn of it's wintry secrets. After four days working in such an environment, I hope that I can slow down to take some of the freedom, inspiration, and expression of Viljandi back to my work in Tartu!
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