I Must Be the Luckiest Person on Earth

It's over. It seems so surreal that all this has come to an end. My internship at Embassy Tallinn has been one heck of a ride - from video making and blog post writing to regional outreach and school speeches, I've had the most interesting, fun, and varied internship experience that I am grateful for everyday. I could tell you so much about what has happened over the past eleven weeks, however I feel as though this blog post marking the end of my internship should instead be dedicated to the person who made it all happen. Of course, I am talking about my boss - Ali.

I'm not one to boast or brag, and I'm certainly not one to suck up, especially since I have it so good already. But I am one to share my experiences so that maybe one day you and I can reciprocate all the good we have encountered through each other to everyone we meet.

I have been fortunate enough to not have had to work under terrible people. My previous employers have been absolutely wonderful and supportive of me, so here’s a quick shout out to them as well. Before I came to Tallinn, I wondered what it would be like. Would I be working with fantastic people or some people who were just “eh.” I didn’t know if diplomats were snobby or if they were the kindest people out there. What was Public Affairs? Was this internship going to be boring? Was I going to have to do lame, boring intern work like shredding papers (wait, I did do some of that) or getting my boss coffee (I didn't do that but we did occasionally exchange tea)? I hope I didn't show it, but I was incredibly nervous and I’ll admit, I was a little afraid – I had only had two jobs, both at the same time and both for longer than two years. I don’t mind change, but I’d be completely on my own in a new country where I don’t know anyone and I don’t speak their language. But – I love new experiences and adventures, and this has been one of a lifetime.

Ali was so bubbly and excited and got me to work immediately, never was there a dull moment. Wanna know our first bonding moment? The moment I found out that she, too, was from the great state of Ohio. It was only uphill from there. She welcomed the jet lagged, extremely tired, slap happy me with all my luggage into her office less than an hour after I got off the plane in Tallinn. I have to tell you, I barely remember any of it - it is all such a blur. I met Filipp that day as well, and I've already told him that I barely even remember meeting him, even though it was he who helped me drag my suitcases up two flights of stairs. I think he might have been a little offended... Just kidding, he just laughed.

Here are a couple reasons why Ali is the best boss you never had (although, her boss - Michelle - can give her a run for her money, she's pretty impressive herself). You're going to hear me boast and brag because I want you to take a leaf out of her book when you yourself are an employer/boss/whatever, as I hope to do the same. She and the office threw me a “Welcome to Embassy Tallinn, Ayesha!” party. I think Jordan was jealous... I knew right then that I was in the right place, with the right people. At every opportunity she tried to get me into trips and events with the Ambassador, with Michelle, with other departments to help me get a taste for work in every part of the Embassy. She was excited when she was able to get me a spot on a trip Saaremaa, but was bummed at the fact that it cost me a trip to Rapla with her.

Ali was honest and frank with me - if she didn't like something or felt something could be better, she told me upfront. Constructive criticism at it's finest - she's very, very good at it. I'm very happy and proud to say that she enjoyed the work I did - making a map of the Ambassador's travels, creating a video, writing blog posts, becoming the Embassy's expert on Trace Effects (wonder what will happen to poor Trace when I leave...). But honestly, I wouldn't have been able to do any of that without her.

Ali is the kindest soul in the world. She's encouraged me to explore all the opportunities out there. When asked for an assignment, a couple times she told me to look into the Peace Corps, knowing I had interest in it. She even told me to take time to write my personal statement for fellowships and scholarships I am applying for (she also helped me brainstorm it - thank you!). Ali provided me with the ability to expand my knowledge of not only the world of the Foreign Service, but also employment in general by allowing me to help her pick the Summer '14 interns and going through the hiring process with the candidates. Everything Ali has asked me to do has only made me more experienced, competitive, and ambitious - ready to take on what's coming in the future.

So, it is with a heavy heart I say good-bye to her. Not for good, I do hope. I must also say good-bye to Michelle, an incredibly confident woman who has oftentimes left me in awe at how resilient, persistent, intelligent, and straight-forward she is - and who has helped me become more confident and knowledgeable as well. I also must bid farewell to Filipp, Tiiu, Jane, Mairis, Evelin, and Aita - the rest of the Public Affairs team. I was incredibly fortunate to have them as co-workers, they truly are incredibly good at what they do and are super kind, friendly, and welcoming that I know I will be hard pressed to find another team quite as awesome. Finally, good-bye to the rest of the Embassy - Ambassador Levine who I had the pleasure of working with on many occasions, all the other American staff who welcomed me so warmly and showed me great hospitality, the kind-hearted Estonian staff, and the Marines who protect our Embassy, serve our country, and who I bonded with immediately. Thank you all for the most incredible three months of my life.

Winter is in the Air!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

I don't celebrate Christmas, but it's hard not to smile and be filled with warmth and joy walking through the streets of the Old Town with snow falling on your face and a skinny Santa driving a van blasting Christmas music through the streets. The Christmas Market in the town square looks like it came straight out of a fairy tale - lights everywhere, a humongous Christmas tree, and the smell of Glögg and warm food spreading like wildfire between the stalls.

Christmas Market in Tallinn. Now tell me that isn't magical.

When it snows, Estonia becomes a literal winter wonderland, straight out of fairytales and Disney movies. Although it has unfortunately not snowed much, I have gotten a glimpse of that world here in Tallinn and on the road. I went to Viljandi on Thursday. Viljandi is well known in Estonia as the cultural capital of Estonia. It snowed a bit the night before, and the road to Viljandi was filled with trees covered in a fresh coat of white snow. Unfortunately, I did not take a photo of the road however I've begun to realize how little justice photos do to the beauty of nature. I urge you to use your imagination, to imagine tall, skinny white trees bearing the weight of fresh snow produced by the heavens above.

While on the topic of Viljandi, my boss Ali and I each gave presentations at a high school there. I wondered the entire time we were in the school why schools in the U.S. don't take a leaf out of their book (Ali tells me it's because the U.S. is not a small Scandinavian country). Here's why: the school was so open! Windows covered the entire length of the vast area I want to call a hallway but really isn't a hallway. The only doors I saw were those for classrooms and bathrooms. The cafeteria gave way to a pyramid where students could take breaks on beanbags between classes and that pyramid gave way to a library. It was a giant, airy, open space. There was so much light from the windows. Everything about the school screamed modern - from the innovative tables to smart boards in every classroom to no bells indicating the beginning or end of class, promoting the idea that students should take responsibility for their education at a young age. The new building I just described connects to the old building, which was built in the 1920's and has been renovated and such. I wish I went to a high school like that.

I'm giving a presentation on the Trace Effects video game. Get over my attractive face.

I have to hand it to the Estonians - for such a small country they sure are innovative. Against all odds, this tiny country of 1.3 million has maintained its national language through centuries of occupation, created what is perhaps the greatest model of e-governance in the world, ranks third in the world in press freedom, and is constantly supporting and creating new ways to improve in every aspect of society, be it technology, education, or anywhere else in between or beyond. God, I love Estonia - I'm not ready to leave.

My Oh My, How Time Flies.

I'm sitting here at my computer in my office staring at the calendar on the wall when I realize tomorrow is the last day of November. It feels like last week was the beginning of November, not four weeks ago. Time flies when you're having fun.

Earlier this week, Melissa and I decided to make sugar cookies - simply because we wanted to cook something. She got a cookie recipe and she told me she had these ninja cookie cutters and I was like "Awesome!". Anyhow. It was only after we put two cups of sugar and FIVE cups of flour into the mixing bowl that we realized how many cookies we were making.

"Melissa, do you realize the serving size on your recipe is 60 cookies?"
"What?! No it's not."

Hiyah! My decorated ninja cookies!

Serving size: 60 cookies. It felt like we made a hundred, and maybe we did. We had ninja cookies, heart cookies, circle cookies, flower shaped cookies, etc etc you get the point. We even made two ginormous cookies and made a small christmas tree cookie. Goodness so many cookies.

Poor, poor headless ninja.

But I honestly think we had more fun playing ninja than anything. I tried to teach Melissa how to do a flying jump kick. I could barely remember - it's been years since I've done taekwondo and my skills are rusty. We posed with our ninjas. Someone bit the head off one of our ninjas. That was sad. Poor ninja. Anyway, it was just great to spend time with Melissa and the other Marines because they're such good people and so welcoming and they make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Or maybe that was just the cookies talking.

Clearly, I fail at running jump side kicks. 

The Christmas Market started last weekend, and everyone is so excited, especially me! It doesn't feel right without snow on the ground, but supposedly that's coming soon enough. If you ask me, it can't come soon enough because if it did, it would have been here a month ago. Anyhoo, the Christmas Market is basically a bunch of wooden stalls set up in the Town Square in Old Town and they have all this wintery food, Glogg (hot wine, alcoholic and non-alcoholic), wintery stuff like hats and mittens, and of course Christmas-y stuff like gifts, ornaments, etc. It's pretty incredible and they even have performances every day at certain times. When I went last Sunday with Melissa, I was pleasantly surprised to see these performers dancing to what I was pretty sure was Arabic music! And maybe Turkish music as well. It gives the feel of diversity that is extremely hard to come by here in Estonia.

Posing by the fish tank. Oh yeahhhhh.

 Last weekend I also got my first pedicure ever! It wasn't your average pedicure - my toes and toenails aren't super pretty now. I basically stuck my feet in water for 30 minutes and let these fish eat the dead skin off my feet. It was probably the strangest experience of my life, but definitely not the worst! At first I couldn't control myself - I'm pretty ticklish when it comes to my feet. But then I kind of got used to it but honestly, it felt like my feet were asleep or something when they really weren't. At the end of my 30 min, the fish didn't want to let go. It was only when my feet were actually emerging from the water when they thought "Shit I should probably let go of this yummy foot if I want to survive." All-in-all, a rather interesting experience.

Itty bitty fishies eating my feet!

Finally, yesterday was Thanksgiving. I spent it with the Marines and with Embassy folks at the Ambassador's residence (delicous turkey dinner, thank you!), so even though it was my first Thanksgiving on my own without family, I was by no means alone. It feels so strange that it is Thanksgiving already, and that the new year is just around the corner; and with the new year comes my departure from Estonia. Best not talk about that yet - I'm not ready to leave or become emotional or any nonsense like that. So i'll just stick with Happy Thanksgiving!

More than an Application

I'm going to be frank - Tallinn was not even remotely close to my radar when I applied for the State Department internship. Public Affairs wasn't even my first pick! I mean, I've been studying Russian the past two years - of course my first choice was Russia, my second choice the United Nations. You only get two picks. Let me tell you about the day I got an email from Embassy Tallinn asking if I wanted to be considered for an internship in Estonia. I was sitting in the quietest digital union on campus. I could barely contain my excitement. I reread the email a dozen times, I even refreshed the page to make sure it was real and still in my inbox! Then, I made a phone call. "Mom, I'm being considered for Estonia. I need to let them know by close of business tomorrow." "Go for it," she said - or something like that. And I've never looked back.

We all know what happened - I got accepted, I was placed in Public Affairs, I got my security clearance after a long 4 months of waiting, and here I am in Estonia having the most incredible three months of my life. When I look back, I realize how lucky I am that I even got this internship. I applied for it on a whim, on the day of the deadline, and only because I didn't get into the other program I wanted to get into. Call it whatever you want - fate, destiny, luck, skill - I'm just grateful to be here, grateful that someone at this embassy saw potential in me.

It's no secret my first pick was Pol/Econ. I always mention how glad I am I didn't get what I wanted and got Public Affairs instead. It's not that I don't like the Pol/Econ section or the people there aren't nice - they are some of the kindest people here! I just wouldn't trade my boss, Ali and all the work and FUN I have here in PA for anything. I'm convinced more and more with every passing day that I want to pursue a career in the Foreign Service. It might be difficult, but ultimately from what I can see and from what I've heard it's worth it. The public affairs cone is giving the political cone a run for its money. I'm not sure which cone I'll try to get in to; I guess I still have time to decide. But at this point, nothing is off the table.

Next week is Thanksgiving, and maybe it's corny and cheesy that I want to start giving thanks, but I've been so blessed over the past few months it will take much longer than the day of Thanksgiving to show and tell how thankful I am for everything that has happened to me and for everything that I have.

This blog post is for the people at this embassy to show my appreciation for them and all they do. It is also for all the other embassies around the world who work night and day in good conditions and in horrifying conditions. Even though I am only an intern, I feel as if I am a part of this network of embassies. I hope to one day give other people the same opportunities Embassy Tallinn has given to me. I hope to reciprocate to others all the faith, love, and goodness my embassy team here has shown to me.

Thank you Embassy Tallinn for seeing me as more than just an application.

Happy Birthday Marines!

November 10th marked the 238th birthday of the United States Marine Corps. On Saturday, November 16, the Marine Detachment at Embassy Tallinn hosted a birthday ball - a tradition practiced by U.S. Marines across the globe for decades. I am happy to say I attended, and what a ball it was.

In May, I thought I would not have to shop for a dress for a long, long, long while. Dress shopping is my arch nemesis. I hate it and it hates me. When I heard about the ball, I thought it would be great to attend but I wasn't quite sure I wanted to spend the money. However, what you must know is that my closest friends here are in the Marine Detatchment and when I heard the ball tickets were going fast, I had to get one because it would be such an honor to support my local marines as well as the ones who have served and continue to serve our country. I also thought what the heck, it's a ball! I've never been to a ball!

So, I got a ticket and I delayed dress shopping for literally the longest time - basically by time I started it was too late to order one from the States (too damn expensive as well). So I asked around and opted to rent one. I went to ONE shop and ONE shop only - it's a good thing I found a dress at that one shop because I was really not looking forward to going anywhere else. Melissa the Crandallster gave her stamp of approval, and that is how I managed to find a dress with relatively low amounts of stress involved. Before you ask, she gave her stamp of approval on the name as well. Score!

All the women were presented roses by two marines as they walked in. I know it's cliche, but I actually really love roses. Pictures were taken - I got a couple candid ones myself, courtesy of photographer extroadinaire Filipp.

I think this has become a typical "Ayesha" candid photo.

The ceremony was fantastic - the Marines doing their march with the American and Marine Corps flags, the presentation of the cake, the tradition of the guest of honor (in this case the Ambassador) getting the first slice of cake, and then the second slice goes to the oldest Marine present who then passes it to the youngest Marine present, symbolizing the old and experienced Marines passing on knowledge to the younger Marines. Then it was dinner time! I'd long since forgotten what I ordered since I decided what meal I would have when I bought my ticket. I had chicken something which was delicious, and beef something with mashed potatoes which was delicious as well. I love how inclusive of potatoes the Estonians are.

I had to say good-bye to Melissa the Hardcore, All Work, No Play Marine as she had to work early (tears). I went up to the open bar area where pictures with the remaining four marines were being taken. Apparently I was swishing my dress and shawl back and forth causing Coral the Marine to have problems focusing on smiling and not smiling for the camera because she's trying too hard not to laugh hysterically at me. I guess payback was her making faces during my photos with the Marines.

Just look at that face. Oh Coral.

When I got back to the ballroom, people were dancing! At first I didn't want to join. But then I didn't want to be that person sitting at the table all alone looking depressed and not having a good time at all. So I immersed myself with Coral. Then I saw the Ambassador standing by his table. I motioned for him to come in, and HE DID. Score one for Ayesha! Just kidding, but forreal, it was great.

Then the Marine driver asked me to dance, and I did and then I accidentally abandoned him because someone put the Ambassadors tophat on my head and I had to go dance in the middle and pass off the hat to someone else. Then, I begged Filipp to come in because he had been taking pictures and videos the whole entire time and he needed to come join the fun. After much persuasion from the Ambassador and I, finally I managed to pull him in. Score two for Ayesha!

Finally, to pretty much top off my night the song "Summer Lovin" came on and I needed to dance this one with someone, and since a certain someone said no I went to the Major S and he gladly danced with me. He was silly too, it was hilarious and awesome and fantastic and he's such a sweet person. Score three for Ayesha!

Good guy Filipp getting a picture of me coming out of a twirl with the Major.

But really, I had a fantastic time. Hats off to all the Marines who made it possible. One person told me it was the best ball he'd been to yet. I'm so happy for my Marines, and in this month of thanks I am so thankful for them. I am thankful for everyone here at Embassy Tallinn who have welcomed me so warmly with open arms into their community.

Happy birthday Marines. Thank you for serving our country and fighting to protect our freedoms.

Semper Fi.

A Failure, and a Promise

I apparently fail at keeping up a blog.

At first I just didn't know what to talk about. And then I didn't have anything to talk about. And then I had so so much to talk about that I didn't know where to start, and now I'm beginning to think I'm just plain lazy.

So my hopefully faithful readers - I promise to post a new blog post at least every 3 days. Please feel free to slap me (literally or virtually) if I fail to keep my promise.

So much has happened over the past 3 weeks that it's impossible to jot it all down in one sitting. I went to the island of Saaremaa last week and got to climb into a yacht (probably the only time I will ever have that opportunity). I also probably drank more tea in those two days than I probably have ever drunken in my entire life. Maybe I'm over-exaggerating a bit, but every time someone offered coffee, Filipp would stare at me and ask expectantly if I wanted tea, and I couldn't refuse. Not one time.

I also took a weekend trip to the Netherlands, where I visited high school friends (yes I'm naming you) Nour and Omotola.

On Halloween I dressed up as a mime (but ultimately failed at being completely silent) and participated in a pumpkin carving contest with an embassy team at an Estonian high school (we won the most traditional pumpkin - but not best overall, I don't even think we came close). We had trick-or-treat at the embassy and props to the Marines who created a (pardon my french) kick ass haunted basement.

Crandall the Vampire, Brown the Zombie, and Myself the Mime.

This is a very dull blog post, but starting tomorrow it will be event after event after event and so there will be no time for dull! So bear with me please, I have a lot in store for you for the next month and a half.

Until next time, it's time for a ball!

There's a First for Everything

Tere! Welcome to my brand new, squeaky clean, fresh blog! By the end of my three months in Tallinn, Estonia I hope to have used it up, made it smell of travels and adventures, like a book almost but with a very real story - my story, at the heart of the Baltic.

This is the very first blog entry of my very first blog ever. Only fitting it should be about firsts! I've been in Tallinn, Estonia for three weeks now. Time is flying! And yet it also seems like forever ago that left my fine, fine hometown of Columbus, Ohio. Have I mentioned this is my first time in Estonia? It's also the first time I've traveled abroad alone. That was quite the experience. No one to rant to on the plane because the person beside you is being rude by taking up the whole empty row to sleep. Did I mention said person didn't even have a seat in the row to begin with? That row was supposed to be all mine! Yeah I guess I'm still a little bit bitter. But enough about that.

Sunrise over the clouds. It's the little things in life.

Let's talk about my first security clearance for my first internship in a far off land. And how the security clearance was my first look into how the U.S. government works - four long months of waiting and biting fingernails (wait, that actually didn't happen, just a figure of speech), some tears over what I should do if I don't get clearance, and so on and so forth. But I hear that top secret clearances take way longer! I guess I should count myself lucky. But I'm here! And that's what matters. And when I got here, what did I find? My first ever roommate! And my first apartment with a terrace (and a spectacular view I might add) - all courtesy of the USG (thank you, thank you).

I really wasn't kidding about the view.

But let's not forget my first Eid alone, and the adventure of finding the mosque (it's not a real mosque, more like a cultural center; but it's still cozy and functions as a mosque should), and my first lesson in Estonian pronunciation (you gotta make it sound like you're about to throw up basically) - all in one day! Did you know Estonian has 14 cases? Yeah, neither did I. I thought Russian was impossible with it's 6 cases. Sheesh. I commend anyone who can master it, hats off to them.

Last, but certainly not least my very first Holocaust site. That was certainly humbling. I never thought Estonia would be the first place I walked on the site of a former Nazi concentration camp (or forced labor camp). It came to the realization that I was standing on what used to be a forced labor camp as I was standing on a memorial where the bodies of the dead are now buried. Nothing is left of the camp, but there is a brand new permanent exhibition there that tells the story of the Klooga Camp, and is a stark reminder that one of the largest mass murders in Estonian history occurred there. 2,000+ poor souls lost their lives here when the Germans liquidated the camp as the retreated from the advancing Soviets.

I lied about the Holocaust being the last. Finally (and this truly is the last first for now), I made my way to an army base, the very first time I'd ever been on an army base. That was fantastic! I was given the opportunity to see how Estonian forces live while on base, what the battalion there does, and I even got to sit inside a military APV! How incredible!

I told you, it was pretty exciting.

Internships are meant to be for learning. I've been with the embassy just about 3 weeks now, and I've learned more than I ever could have possibly learned in a classroom or from someone regurgitating facts and stories and whatnot. This internship is incredible and I'm extremely lucky and grateful to be working with the best of people, in the best of environments, in a pretty kick ass city, in a pretty unbelievable country. I'm sitting on Russia's doorstep. I'm drinking tea in the heart of the Baltic. Estonia truly is the hidden gem of the Baltic, and I feel as if it's constantly underestimated. In a beautiful country with beautiful people teaching me hands on the life of an expat and the traditions of locals, what's not to like?