|
EUROPE|
Scandinavian Urban Studies Term
1
of 1 reflection
“How
was Tallinn?” my Norwegian flatmates
inquired, when I returned from my field
study, as part of HECUA’s Scandinavian
Urban Studies Term. I was uncertain how
to respond. “It was cold and gray,”
I could answer, as I recall stepping off
the plane and being assaulted by a gust
of wind and snow. “Its years of Soviet-imposed
isolation is apparent,” I could say,
thinking back to the miles and miles of
cement apartments… concrete towers
as far as the eye could see. “It
is poor – stuck somewhere between
communism and capitalism, neither end
an appealing choice,” would also
suffice. I remember visiting a housing
complex that lacked doors, windows or
heat. No human should have to live in
such conditions. “It is struggling,”
would be an appropriate answer as well.
A woman told me it is hard to watch people
become homeless and beg for food, having
grown up in a classless society and never
before witnessing such inequality.
But, on the other hand, I could tell them,
“It is beautiful.” The old part
of Tallinn is full of quaint shops, cobblestone
streets, gorgeous churches, fountains,
statues and parks. One can literally sense
history when standing in its center. “It
is alive,” would be an appropriate
reply. I remember the bustle of the markets,
the crowds on the train, and the countless
new construction projects. “It is
hopeful,” would also serve Tallinn
justice. I will never forget the little
blond girls peeking out at me from behind
a broken window and giggling when I waived
at them; nor will I forget the Russian
who, after seeing me take a picture of
his neatly raked piles of leaves, proudly
gestured for me to take a picture of him
as well.
I paused for a minute before answering
them, and briefly imagined trying to answer
similar questions once I returned to the
United States. “How was your trip?”
I can hear the numerous inquiries already.
But, how can I possibly explain a semester
that combines the realities of socialism,
capitalism and communism? I cannot –
it is something one must experience on
his/her own.
|
