Sunday Spirit // The perfect winter's day

Last glimpses of the year that passed. I just had to post these pictures we took during our walk on one of the most perfect winter's day we had over the holidays. There was a carpet of fresh snow on the ground and more coming down from the sky. The temperature was a few degrees below zero. It was pure magic. For me, that is the definition of winter. We probably won't get any snow in Leverkusen, so I'm so happy we got to experience it while we're here in Estonia.

Can you spot the dog? Pretty good camouflage he's got, right?

We took these in Hiiumaa while visiting Rein's father's family (you can see our previous visit here). These trips become even more special now that we live so far away. Next time it will be high summer already. Sometimes this moving abroad thing really strikes me.

Looking forward to our next adventure on that little island. It's known as a summer destination, but I've got to say it's just as stunning during wintertime. I'm just glad we have a reason to visit as often as we can.

Just a few more days here in Tallinn and then we're back in Leverkusen. I kind of even miss our little place already. But, I'm definitely going to miss our loved ones.

xo. Hanna

Around Nordrhein-Westfalen // Wuppertal's Weihnachtsmarkt

Wuppertal is the second city we visited in our attempt to get to all corners of our home region Nordrhein-Westfalen. You can read about our trip to Bonn here.

Thus far, our trips have been short day trips. It's December already, and although the weather is significantly warmer than in Estonia, it's still a little bit too chilly to walk around town for more than 3 hours. Unless there's Glühwein of course. Which we had, of course.

We've been to three Christmas markets in the are - in Leverkusen, in Cologne (the one at the Dom) and Wuppertal, and I have to say I like the smaller ones more. The one in Cologne was so crowded, we were in an out in 30 minutes, and we didn't enjoy it. A friend of ours told us that there a better one in Cologne, but I guess we'll get to it next year. I hope visiting  a Weihnachtsmarkt becomes a family tradition.

We didn't get around to wondering around the streets of Wuppertal, but we did take a ride on the suspension monorail (Schwebebahn). That was so cool!

I hope we get to visit again in the spring-time. I'd love to see more of this city with a rad-sounding name (Woop-woop-woop-woopertaal).

Cheers to mondays, my friends!

xo. Hanna

P.S! My shop will be on holiday vacation mode starting tomorrow, until the 8th of January. Since we're flying back to Estonia for the holidays, I won't be able to send out orders.

Around Nordrhein-Westfalen // A day in Bonn

It's my last day in Leverkusen, before my final 4 weeks in Tallinn. We've made lots of progress setting up our apartment. Basically, we spent all week unpacking things, cleaning, getting stuff aka spending money, and painting. But, to make this week a little bit less work and more fun, we decided to start a new tradition.

Rein has a semester ticket from school which allows him to use all public transportation in the region for free, and with that ticket he can also take one person with him after 7pm and on weekends. Amazing deal, right? So, I had the idea that we should take advantage of this opportunity and visit every city/town in the region during our 4-year period here. I'd love to get to know Germany more, and also the region we live it. Also, it's a good motivator to get our asses off the couch on weekends.

So, yesterday we visited Bonn, the birth town of Beethoven, one of my very favorite composers. We walked in his footsteps visiting his birth house, and church where he worked as an organist, and the Beethoven family's house where he grew up in. It's funny to think how the times change. As we wondered the streets I kept on imagining what it must've been like almost 250 years ago.

And, of course, we also saw the opera house, where, in fact, the Estonian baritone Priit Volmer is working right now. Who knows, living and working in Bonn might be in our future as well.

Our last stop was Starbucks. If you didn't know, then Estonia doesn't have Starbucks. So, this was my first taste of the famous Pumpkin Spice Latte. Oh my, was it delicious! Even Rein, who doesn't drink coffee, said he'd drink that.

I loved our day in Bonn, and I'm sure we'll be back.

In other news, I've been on a search for good German blogs (written in German that is). If you happen to know any, please leave your suggestions in the comments!

Have a wonderful evening!
xo. Hanna

Sunday Spirit // Snapshots from Hiiumaa

Today I thought I'd share a few snapshots from our trip to Hiiumaa last week. Hiiumaa is the second largest island in Estonia, and we were there camping with Rein's family, who lives there, and some friends. It was just the right mix of sitting by the campfire, having a laugh, sightseeing and good food.

I have an exciting announcement to make tomorrow, so check back for words for the week, and something a little different ;)

Happy Sunday!
xo Hanna

Sunday Spirit // Greetings from Cologne

 

Greetings from Cologne! It's already been a whole week in this beautiful city of Cologne. I won't say it's all been sunshine and butterflies, because, you know, my rejection and all. But, on the bright side, Rein's been doing really well in the auditions, so wish him luck for the final round of examinations on this coming Friday. Which is why we're staying another week. 

It's mostly been a waiting game, but we've also been sightseeing, cycling around the city and enjoying to warm summer days. I could definitely see myself living here. Although the city is big, it's also kind of cozy and full on friendly faces. If all goes well, I'm definitely going to be visiting often. But, we'll see about that in just a few days. 

We're off to buy some ice cream. Have a wonderful Sunday, my friends!

xo Hanna (& Rein, too)

Sunday Spirit: Island trip

I can't believe the summer is rolling to a close. It's seems that this year summer has skipped Estonia 'cause we only had a few hot days to enjoy. But, like my mother says, if their's no summer you just have to make it up. And so we did. We travelled with Tamar's family to Estonia's biggest island Saaremaa and visited all the amazing and beautiful places it had to offer. The trip was full of gorgeous scenery and fun memories. I thought I'd share some moments from that trip with you as well.