Hi everyone! After a bit of a hiatus (sorry), I figured the state of the world right now necessitates an update. I’ve had a few people concerned about the threat of the virus in Europe, and a few others just asking how I am in general. So here’s what’s going on:

Just like most places in the US, all of our face-to-face classes have been cancelled until May 1st. We will continue with online learning, which shouldn’t be a major problem as all of that infrastructure already exists. Officially, Estonia has declared a state of emergency and all public institutions are closed (except for hospitals and other vital services). We are free to move around (although we are expected to practice social distancing) if we are not infected, but there’s not really anywhere to go. Public gatherings have all been banned or cancelled by the organizers. Most bars and a lot of restaurants are closed by their choice. I have been going for walks and meeting up with a few friends when the weather allows. Luckily it’s been pretty sunny lately! Grocery stores are open and there’s no real problems with people hoarding food and supplies. The government has recommended all local students return home, but most international students are still here. It seems like a big risk of exposure to travel home, and realistically the situation might be a little better here than in the US. It’s a small city with a big university hospital and high-quality healthcare. Additionally, since I am over 26, I no longer would have healthcare coverage if I were to visit the US right now. Here I have student insurance and reasonable price models.

The only thing that will definitely affect my education is the inevitable cancellation of two trips I had scheduled in early May. One was a practical field research class in Moldova and the frozen conflict region of Transnistria, which would have been super cool. The other was a trip to the European Parliament in Brussels that I won as part of a group writing competition–luckily that one I won’t be losing any money on. Also there is a lot of uncertainty about things like internships for the next few months, but we’ll see.

My biggest personal concern is that I am in a dorm, so it would spread like wildfire should anyone here become infected. I am not particularly concerned about the disease itself, but I would have to  self-quarantine for two weeks if that happened. Which would be incredibly boring. We also have very little contact with elderly people, so it is not hard to avoid transmission to them. In an incredible stroke of luck, my roommate just moved out into an apartment last week, so I at least have my room to myself while I’m stuck inside it all day. However, I am still sharing my bathroom and kitchen with 4 other guys. He’s very happy with his decision to move out!

In the meantime, I am studying a lot, reading, watching movies and tv shows, writing, and cooking. I have broken social distancing measures for the purpose of purchasing an acoustic guitar. I was sad to leave my guitar back in the US, but I had so much to do that I didn’t feel the need to buy one here. Since I’m stuck inside for a month or two, I finally broke down and got an inexpensive-but-nice acoustic from the local music store. As the weather improves I will continue to explore and photograph the city of Tartu. I have never minded being alone, so I think the isolation will be easier to deal with for me than some other people. Here are some pictures I took the other day while on a walk through the most beautiful cemetery I’ve ever seen. I never would’ve found it if not for my random walk to cure my cabin fever!