This blog post was written by our student ambassador Pooja, a PhD student at the Estonian Business School.
Last weekend, I had the incredible opportunity to embark on an adventure to South Estonia with student ambassadors from Study in Estonia and the University of Tartu. This trip was a wonderful blend of exploring beautiful landscapes, making new friends, and experiencing the unique charm of Estonia’s nature and culture.
Starting our journey from Tallinn
The excitement was palpable as we gathered at the Tallinn Bus Station early Saturday morning. Though my day started rough, barely making it on time to catch the bus due to a late-night assignment commitment, I was determined to make the most of this adventure. Our team of student ambassadors from Tallinn departed promptly at 9:00 am, filled with anticipation for the day’s activities. We planned to meet our fellow international student ambassadors in Tartu at 11:15 am.
At around 11:15 am, we arrived in Tartu and met up with another group of international student ambassadors from the University of Tartu. The reunion was filled with joyous greetings and laughter as we all boarded the bus together. It was heartwarming to see all student ambassadors from various backgrounds come together, united by a common love for exploration, learning, and a shared admiration for Estonia's natural beauty.
During our bus trip to the first destination, we enjoyed our snacks and refreshments while engaging in an entertaining game. We split into two teams, with each team taking turns picking a card representing a country. The other team had 10 questions and 3 guesses to figure out the correct country. The game was so engaging that we didn't realize how quickly the journey passed as we arrived at our first designation Suur Munamägi.
Suur Munamägi: The First Destination with a Mesmerizing View
Our first destination was Suur Munamägi, the highest point in Estonia. Walking toward the tower, I felt a mix of curiosity and eagerness. As I stood in front of the Suur Munamägi tower, I was struck by its impressive size and significance.
Photo credit: Jorma Suumann
Climbing to the top was an adventure. The spiral, narrow stairs made it fun and a bit challenging. Each step brought us closer to the summit. When we reached the top, the view took my breath away. We could see all of Estonia’s beautiful landscapes spread out below us. It was a moment that made me feel very connected to nature. At the top, there was a compass showing the directions and distances to different cities and countries. It was fascinating to see how far other places were from this point. There is a tradition of placing a coin on the compass for good luck. Doing this felt magical and hopeful. The view from the top allowed us to see in all directions, with the cold wind blowing around us.
While heading back, one of my Estonian friends introduced me to rabbit leaves, an edible plant that appears in summer. Tasting the rabbit leaves was a delightful experience; their unique flavor was a new and memorable encounter with Estonia’s natural offerings.
Lunch at Rõuge
Our next stop was a charming restaurant in Rõuge. This place was a slice of heaven, surrounded by a beautiful lake that showcased the best of Estonia’s natural beauty. The setting was perfect, with nature's serenity all around us. We indulged in a delicious lunch, specially prepared to our tastes. The meal was a culinary delight, featuring dishes that were both comforting and exotic.
During lunch, I also had the chance to connect with various student ambassadors from the University of Tartu. Sharing stories and experiences which was enriching. We talked about our lives in Estonia, our academic journeys, and our future dreams. It was a moment of genuine connection, bridging cultures and creating lasting bonds.
Meenikunno Bog
After lunch, we headed to Meenikunno Bog. At first, I wasn’t too excited about the walk since I’m not usually fond of hiking. But Estonia has a way of changing your mind. The hike through the bog turned out to be peaceful and refreshing. The trail was surrounded by nature’s beauty, making the walk calming and enjoyable. As we walked, we chatted with friends, sharing laughs and stories. We even went on a berry hunt, finding some berries that had survived the winter. This simple activity brought us a lot of joy and made us all appreciate the resilience of nature.
The lake in the middle of the bog was stunning. It was so peaceful, and I took a moment to just stand there and take it all in. The sound of water gently moving, and the rustling leaves created a soothing atmosphere. It was a perfect spot to reflect on the beauty around me and feel connected to nature.
Concluding with Refreshments: Satisfaction and Gratitude
As the day drew to a close, we enjoyed another round of refreshments, including local Estonian pie, wraps, chocolate, and fruit. Each hour of exploring together was a great celebration of the day’s adventures and the time we all spent together. It was a time to relax, share stories, and laugh together, cherishing the memories we had created.
Returning to Tartu: Mixed Emotions
Once we started our journey back to Tartu, I had a mix of feelings about the day well spent. As we reached Tartu, it was heartwarming to say goodbye to our friends from the University of Tartu. We headed to our hotel in the old town, feeling tired but fulfilled from the day’s adventures. Despite being exhausted, some of us wanted to explore the beauty of the old town of Tartu. We decided to visit a local pub where we indulged in watching Eurovision. The performances were incredible, especially the Estonian team’s breathtaking show. As the performance ended, the entire pub stood up and gave a round of applause.
Having lived in Estonia for nearly three years, I felt a deep sense of pride and connection to the country. I truly appreciate everything around me—people, food, nature, and the vibrant culture.
Wrapping Up the Night and Heading Back
That’s how my night ended, filled with friendship, games, nature, music, laughter, and a sense of belonging. The next morning, after a big breakfast with the student ambassadors from Study in Estonia, we headed back to Tallinn. The trip was a blend of adventure, connection, and reflection, making it an unforgettable experience.
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