Back to Tallinn

Pretty much the summary of my Estonia for the past 12 years or so.

Cold time, but good times, happy times, even exciting times. With a lot of memories and a few surprises. 

Started with discovering non existent unpaved Saaremaa roads to nowhere or pretty Tallinn old town views. Comparing the capital with its neighbours Riga or Vilnius. Realising that Helsinki is really, really close. Or being charmed by that chap with long hair and a penchant for talking non-stop and for philosophising about life, people and the world. And going back many years later, just for work, to find garlic ice cream and traditional marijuana chocolate and also that Tallinn's summer market sells woollen hats, scarfs and ponchos (and buying one, the blue one). 

Good times, happy times, exciting times. And a pinch of melancholia.
And regret

The notetaker

On a rainy January evening, in the loquacious company of a Finn and a Czech, I am preparing to attend my first informal meeting of the Council of Ministers of the EU on digital stuff. Just my cup of tea, but with a twist. I am going to be... THE NOTETAKER.

Admitted everywhere, talking to everyone, unstoppable. The notetaker is the new power role in modern policy making.

Boat trip to the venue, futuristic videos, live music, geese from Schiphol airport to eat, the King's brother as host, entrepreneurs from small startups (like Uber Estonia or booking.com) giving speeches. All duly recorded. Ready for duly reporting.

Happily, January rainy night gives the stage to January sunny blue day and The Notetaker can therefore even take pictures. In fact, the Notetaker quite likes Amsterdam and would not mind spending a few extra days there.