TALLINN — The Lonely Planet, Rough Guide and Bradt guidebooks all describe people in the Baltic states, particularly Estonians, as reticent to talk to strangers, especially foreigners.
Brusque, downcast and cynical are not unjustly listed as common attributes of locals. Simply going to a restaurant or shop, much less trying to interview someone, can be challenging at times. It’s not unusual to have someone yell at you for asking a simple question related to their line of work or be completely ignored, seemingly without reason.
Sparking friendship with locals can be even more difficult for a foreigner. As Lonely Planet points out, an invitation to an Estonian’s home is a rare treat.
A group of Couch Surfing members hailing from several different countries take a train in Lithuania for a group excursion.
Chin up though, as there’s a subculture of people here that will not only be friendly to foreign visitors, but actually invite them to stay in home liberally and free of cost. It’s part of a worldwide phenomenon called Couch Surfing, and it’s quite popular in the Baltic states, despite the reputation for taciturnity.
Besides a free place to crash, using Couch Surfing for a trip to either of the Baltic states can open truly native experiences that someone staying at a hotel misses out on. Besides getting to know a local well, Couch Surfing members also hold events year-round.
Sauna parties, secret nooks and crannies, obscure but beautiful islands, quiet beaches, summer houses — you name it, it’s open to you and is often free as well.
Tallinn alone has over a thousand members registered on the website, which is just one of many offering this free service.
You can get involved with Couch Surfing without taking the plunge and getting hosted by someone. Some people have reservations about sleeping in stranger’s house, but anyone can always go along to a meeting or event regardless if you’re registered on the website or not.
Next week there are two meetings in Estonia, one in Tallinn and one in Tartu. Meanwhile events and couches are just a click away in Latvia or Lithuania, too, on the Couch Surfing website.
— Baltic Reports editor Nathan Greenhalgh contributed to this article.
