The Fabulist Adventures in Tartu, Estonia of the Old Man from Kentucky And

Once upon a time, in the ancient city of Tartu, Estonia, an old man from Kentucky set foot on an adventure that would change his life forever. This is the extraordinary tale of his encounters, woven with elements of fiction and charm.

The Arrival

It was a brisk winter morning when the old man, named George, arrived in the picturesque town of Tartu. Having heard captivating stories about the city's rich history and enchanting aura, George felt a magnetic pull towards this hidden gem of Estonia. He embarked on an aimless stroll, eager to immerse himself in the mysteries this place held.

A Chance Encounter

As George wandered through the winding cobbled streets, he stumbled upon a quaint cafe tucked away from the bustling crowds. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafted through the air, inviting George to step inside. Little did he know, this was the beginning of his remarkable journey.

Nights at the Museum: or the Fabulist Adventures in Tartu, Estonia of the Old Man from Kentucky and His Familiars

by Ron Whitehead([Print Replica] Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3942 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	110 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Paperback	:	80 pages
Item Weight	:	4 ounces
Dimensions	:	5.85 x 0.2 x 8.27 inches

FREE

Seated at a small table near the window, George noticed a peculiar man in a tailored suit sitting across from him. The man introduced himself as Vladimir, a master storyteller known for his fables and legends. Intrigued by Vladimir's aura, George struck up a conversation that would set the stage for their adventures together.

The Magic Map

Vladimir shared a secret with George – an ancient map filled with markings and hidden paths leading to whimsical places. Legend had it that those who followed the map would unravel the city's mystical secrets. Entranced by the possibility of extraordinary encounters, George and Vladimir decided to embark on this magical journey together.

The Talking Trees

The first destination marked on the map was an enchanted forest on the outskirts of Tartu. As they ventured deeper into the woods, they encountered trees that whispered ancient tales and secrets. These talking trees were guardians of Tartu's folklore, and they shared their stories with George and Vladimir, captivated by their genuine curiosity.

The Troubadour of Tartu

Continuing their expedition, George and Vladimir stumbled upon a lively square filled with musicians and street performers. Among them was a troubadour named Jaan who possessed a voice that touched souls. Mesmerized by his melodies, the trio spent hours absorbed in the magic of his music, creating lasting memories beneath the starlit sky.

The Lost Library

Guided by the map, they discovered a hidden passage leading to a forgotten library in the heart of Tartu. The shelves were stacked with dusty tomes, embellished with age-old wisdom. George and Vladimir methodically flipped through the pages, unearthing stories of forgotten times and forgotten worlds.

The Great Gathering

Word traveled fast about George and Vladimir's remarkable adventures in Tartu. People from all walks of life flocked to witness the magic themselves. The city soon witnessed a grand gathering where locals and visitors alike shared tales of their own extraordinary encounters. It was a night filled with laughter, wonder, and the collective belief that magic truly exists in the world.

The Farewell

As George prepared to journey back to Kentucky, bidding farewell to Tartu was bittersweet. The city had become a part of him, woven into the fabric of his soul. However, he carried with him the memories, friendships, and the understanding that the world is a tapestry of stories waiting to be unfolded.

The fabulist adventures of the old man from Kentucky in Tartu, Estonia are a testament to the power of curiosity, friendship, and the enchantment hidden in every corner of the world. They remind us that by embracing the unknown, we can embark on journeys that redefine our perspectives and reveal the extraordinary within ourselves.

Nights at the Museum: or the Fabulist Adventures in Tartu, Estonia of the Old Man from Kentucky and His Familiars

by Ron Whitehead([Print Replica] Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3942 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	110 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Paperback	:	80 pages
Item Weight	:	4 ounces
Dimensions	:	5.85 x 0.2 x 8.27 inches

FREE

In 2019, Ron Whitehead was named Writer in Residence for the UNESCO City of Literature international residency program in Tartu, Estonia and invited to spend April and May 2019 living in the Karl RistikiviMuuseum in Tartu. When he arrived, he had no intention of writing a book of poems about Estonia. He had resolved to use the gift of the residency to finish two manuscripts; he also eagerly anticipated helping coordinate Estonia’s first Insomniacathon—a 24-hour nonstop poetry and music performance to conclude Tartu’s 2019 International Prima Vista Literature Festival. Since he was young, Ron has had wanderlust and simultaneously experiences profound homesickness immediately upon leaving. To help distract him from missing home as he adjusted to complete immersion in Estonia and to challenge him to get out and about, Ron’s partner in art and life—Jinn Bug—suggested he take long walks and write a daily poem about what he saw and experienced. Ron’s first poem—which does not appear in this manuscript—was raw and painful. Jinn invented a device—the adventures of an old man and an imaginary boy in Estonia—and suggested creating a series of fairytale-like storied poems that explore the folklore, myth, politics, and culture of Estoniawhile simultaneously capturing a bit of the poets’ own human experiences. Separated by 5,000 miles and a seven-hour time difference, the two poets visited daily with each other via Facebook video calls and in the body of this manuscript. In late April 2019, Jinn joined Ron for ten days in Estonia. The poems in this book were born out of research, reading, and personal experience, enriched by contacts made and friendships formed by Ron during his time as Writer in Residence. The poems were also enlivened by mutual puzzling over and attempting to explain and understand things that were foreign to us. Simple questions such as “What to do with my trash in Estonia?” and “What is up with this stupid coffee machine?” challenged creative minds to supply answers and explanations (see The Ogre’s Lunch, the illusion of Choice). Trying to wrap our hearts around what it might feel like to experience genocide and atrocity, occupation, war, and exile influenced other poems in the book, including Words Worth Dying For, Homeland, and The Ghost of Karl Ristikivi. Other poems are our humble attempt to share the flavor of the history and culture of Estonia (Soup Town Days, The Cathedral of Crows). Still others explore our experiences of love and longing and loss and the phenomenon of aging in body while growing ever more unguarded and full of wonder inside (When Everything Blossoms, On the Terrible Loneliness of Heroes, The Field Guide). The Afterword contains more information about our process of writing these poems and some hints as to which poet wrote what. It is impossible for two travelers to capture the rich culture, history, and spirit of a country and its people in a slim book of verse. Our hope is that these 31 poemed stories will entertain, provoke and—more importantly—encourage others to learn about and dream of a fabulous place that transcends time and space, that encompasses myth and history, and which symbolizes for us the freedom song of an oppressed yet resilient and triumphant nation: Eesti Vabariik, the Republic of Estonia.