Estonia Photo Gallery @ National Geographic Traveler

from November/December 2007

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Estonia Photo Gallery
Photographs by Sisse Brimberg and Cotton Coulson/Keenpress

Photo: Fountain in front of Tartu's City Hall, Estonia

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ourists in front of Tartu's City Hall, built in 1789, are inspired by the pose of the fountain's sculpture, which depicts a young couple embracing under an umbrella, defying traditionally stoic Estonian style. "Estonians are known as cool and rational, not given to quick emotions," says Vesilind. "If you smile too much people will think you're overly familiar, or a bit daft. But there's no phoniness to most Estonians, and they make fast friends." Tartu is Estonia's second largest city, after the capital, Tallinn. The city is known for its Art Museum, which leans precariously to one side due to its faulty foundation.

Read more about Estonia in "Up from the Ruins" in the November/December 2007 issue of National Geographic Traveler.

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