Ninth Day: Business and Culture

Starting off with a rainy day, the group began on our journey towards discovering work opportunities around Tallinn. We headed off to Transferwise, an Estonian-born company providing easy and instant overseas currency exchanges. We were split into two groups and given an informative tour around their multi-level building. The group was astounded by the casual environment and laid-back atmosphere in such a serious business. With a variety of facilities: including a sauna, ball-pit, gym, games room, and a multitude of individually themed meeting rooms, it showcased Transferwise's youthful and rebellious attitude.

After this insightful tour, we traveled to the Estonian Tax and Customs Board and were given a brief introduction into the inner workings of this area of Government. We visited their office as well as the museum of contraband and historical items. We were surprised by the lengths smugglers go to in order to bring items into the country, i.e. cigarettes, alcohol, counterfeit clothing and weapons. 

After a hearty meal at our local café, we traveled to the Kiek in de Kök and Bastion Passages Museum in Vana Tallinn. At the museum, we were introduced to Tallinn's history by a short animation before delving into the depths of the freezing cold bastion passages. Our tour guide gave us a history lesson in relation to the uses of the passages over time with additional films along the way. 

 

At the end of the tour, we arrived at Vabaduse väljak to witness the noticeable presence of armed guards and police around the Vabadussõja võidusammas (the War of Independence Victory Column) to realise that the President of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, was to arrive to lay a wreath. We were ecstatic to have met not only the President of Estonia (briefly) yesterday, but now to have seen the President of Germany the next day. 

Having a break in between then and dinner, some went to the Kassikohvik Nurri (Cat Café) and we went to dinner again at our local cafe, then baking Canadian cookies for dessert. Today was a very inspiring day for us as we saw the different opportunities Estonia has to offer both native and international youth. As the trip is winding up, we appreciate each other more than ever and dread the day we must part ways. 

Written by Lachlan, Eliisa and Paul