Week One: A simple recount of events
It’s Friday. My first week of vacation. Of career break. Of unemployment. Unlike a regular week of vacation, disconnecting was easier than I expected. Probably because of the obvious: there is no worry about what work I am not getting done. No thoughts about what I forgot to communicate or handover. No fear of missing out on events or meetings. Monday was the only day in which I experienced some level of anxiety and it was along the lines of “what the hen am I going to do about my future?”. I quickly talked myself into the fact that I have not even been on a 3-week break which would be a perfectly normal summer vacation. So it is way too soon to think about it. So I went smoothly after that conversation with myself into contemplation, learning and exploration.
Here’s a little recount of this week’s events:
Although I pictured spending most of my time in Tallinn this first week, it has been stimulating to change scenery to get started. We rented a little apartment for the whole week in the south of Estonia, and a friend did the same for herself. While she and Luis work during the day, I have been doing a couple of the things I had visualized as part of this break.
FIrst, I spent a few hours in the Central Library of Pärnu. Not the beach, nope. But the Library. There is such a wonderful feeling of calmness and openness in libraries. I love going without a plan and just walking between the shelves and looking at the titles. Taking a book, and leafing through its pages to then put it back. On the first day I landed on a book about Minimalism and a handbook on woodwork. I also came across a very practical Estonian-Spanish dictionary so there I sat, with my three books, to read and learn and translate and take notes. On days 2 and 3 I went with a plan and continued going through the woodwork book. Learning about the tools, techniques, and types of wood for different types of works. The third day I found an even more beautifully illustrated manual on the topic. But after 7 hours of theory I got tired and decided to put the books aside and instead, wait for my time at the workshop next week in Tallinn. Getting my hands dirty will teach me what the real thing is about.
Second, I discovered two new specialty coffee places. The best, so far, is a beautiful wine, tea and coffee place by the riverside called Kohvila. It had a free seat facing the river and I spent some time there reading and sipping my fruity drink. The second best I found, called Sonne, is in the city center. It’s a small design shop with a fresh feel. They also sell the little dutch pancakes that have become so popular but I somehow didn’t find them fitting the vibe of the place. Kohvila remains my favorite. No snacks, but a delicious coffee and a wonderful view.
The mornings have been a bit more physical. I have started every single one going for a walk with Lumi. Since we are not in a hurry, I let him smell and explore for as long as he wants, which is surprisingly not too long since he is tired from all the extra activity he gets during the days we travel. After our walk I come to the apartment to work out, take a shower and go explore the town until it’s time to meet with the others for lunch.
Between those activities I’ve been getting some inspiration from reading A Craftman’s Legacy.While reading it I imagine myself in my own workshop, making and selling coffee, building things. And then I terrify myself by thinking I’m not made for something like this. Why would I quit product management if I enjoyed it and was good at it. Right after I calm myself down by reminding myself that I don’t have to commit to anything just yet. Just explore. There is time. Appreciate it and enjoy it.
Then again, I am all about balance, so to soften the dreamy feelings a bit, I get myself to do a couple of things just for the sake of keeping discipline. Studying the traffic rules in preparation for my practical classes soon to begin has been one. It is just plain boring, but necessary (although I still question it!). Another practice for discipline has been going to the market to get ingredients and cook simple meals in the tiny kitchen we have. The discipline here is in managing the temptation of wanting to eat out every meal, every day, or wanting to eat unhealthy readily available things.
And then, of course, there has been the usual fun. We went riding in scooters around the city, watched Top Gun in the local cinema (spoiler alert: there is more cheesiness than the action you’d expect) and went for dinner to celebrate important events in life 🙂
Overall, I feel this week was a good kick off to this period of exploration. I know to be smart and keep expectations low, but also appreciative of what is and has been: a well-balanced week.
Happy Friday,
Maria 🌺
Originally published at https://marialasprilla.wordpress.com on June 10, 2022.
