Trickster

With fall upon me and a partner abroad, my nightly entertainment shifted from a duo project to a solo affair. Too many evenings found me rushing home from work—where I spent the day clicking away on a large screen—only to continue tapping on a smaller one at home. By bedtime, the day was a blur: glimpses of TikTok and Netflix swirling in a fog of exhaustion. This routine wasn’t enriching my life, so I decided to explore new ways to enjoy my evenings without relying on small screens (big screens were still fair game). Below, you'll find 10 forms of mini-escapism, ranked from worst to best.

While I chose to move away from Netflix, I made an exception for Teleparty—an app that lets you watch a movie or show together with someone online. It’s not quite the same as a physical movie night, but it mimics the concept well, allowing you to chat with your co-watcher in a side panel. It’s nice in the sense that you’re spending time together, but not so nice because you’re multitasking and not fully engaging with either activity. I wouldn’t watch an Oscar film this way, but a show like Love is Blind—big yes. Conclusion: binge-watching semi-trash (respectfully) alone is sad, but doing it together somehow seems fun.

I’ve always found Ikea to be a rather romantic place full of hopes, dreams, and new beginnings. And there’s always-always something you could potentially build or improve in your home. So why not spend an evening there? In search of some Swedish romance, I headed to Ikea. After a few hours of strolling around, making some purchases, and walking several thousand steps, I sat down to enjoy Swedish meatballs with cranberry juice while watching the melting pot of Ikea’s crowd around me. While the trip served its purpose and the meatballs were tasty, I don’t think I’ll do it again for romance.

As a non-arty-crafty person, this was a big leap for me. Even my mum laughed when I told her I was embarking on a crochet journey. After I confessed to the nice lady at the fabric store that the last time I crocheted was in third grade—and that I wasn’t any good at it even back then—she kindly picked out a hook and some yarn for me, wishing me all the best in my endeavours. As for the process, it was surprisingly enjoyable. There’s something really humbling about hearing a stranger on YouTube tell you what to do with your yarn, and you follow without objections. So, for a few nights, I practised different stitches before starting my project: a crochet wine bag. Why, you might ask? Why not, I might answer. Against all odds, I successfully finished the bag and might even start another crochet project. All in all, it’s a great way to get your mind off things and remind yourself that your hands are capable of more than just scrolling.

Botaanik envelops you in a distinct aroma, the product, as the owner notes, of countless litres of perfume sprayed over the years. And it shows—or rather, it smells. Chic yet cozy, welcoming yet intimate, Botaanik bar is pure hygge. The cocktails are crafted with care, featuring homemade syrups and a friendly owner who adjusts each drink to perfection. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to throw on red lipstick and an outfit you wouldn’t normally wear. With a two-page menu brimming with intriguing options, my top pick is the India Whiskey Sour. Going out on a weeknight in Estonia’s chilly fall and winter months is considered wild, but if there’s a spot worth breaking the rule for, it’s Botaanik.

I’ve always thought the concept of cinema was pure genius. Whether you’ve had a great day or a terrible one, for around €8, you’re transported into another universe where everyday problems can’t touch you. I honestly don’t know why cinema is seen as a place for dates, as going solo is so great. I’ve found Kino Sõprus to be a reliable go-to—even when I’m not in the mood for something new, they always have some classics worth watching. With PÖFF coming up, I feel like November is already sorted for me.

Due to the reasons mentioned above, ceramics wasn’t an obvious choice. However, I’m glad I tried it. Learning something new as an adult brings a sense of childlike joy and being allowed to be clueless—it’s actually so nice. Just sitting there, moving your hands, and focusing solely on the clay: cutting it, forming it, firing it, glazing it. You don’t really know what you’re doing; you just have to trust the process. Isn’t that a metaphor for life, too?

Fall is the unofficial season of crime fiction, and it’s one of the few reasons I look forward to the leaves falling. There’s nothing like cuddling up in a blanket, sourcing some nice tea, and immersing yourself in a thick detective story. My big recommendation goes to J.K. Rowling’s adult books published under the name Robert Galbraith. I’m forever grateful to the friend who casually mentioned that Rowling has written adult literature as well. After reading half of the first book, I ordered the entire series (five books), which I found second-hand, by the way. The feeling of knowing there are 2,000 pages of a parallel universe waiting for you—it's a bloody good one. Oh, and to top it off, there’s a BBC series too, featuring the rugged detective with a troubled past and the witty, humble assistant discovering her secret talent as a detective. Yes, it might sound like a cliché—and it probably is—but it’s a terrific getaway nonetheless.

The gym can be hard to get to at times, but once you’re in, it’s great. Definitely the highest-reward escape on this list. If you’re allergic to the bright lights of a typical gym, give darkroom workouts a chance. Look up StudioX for high-intensity interval training where the music is blasting and the lights are low—just the way I like it. It gets your heart rate up and your mind off things. Dare I say, it’s perfect.

Inviting yourself—or better yet, being invited—to a friend’s place on a weeknight brings a refreshing change. Planning what snacks to bring and which wine to choose adds a layer of anticipation, and in my book, anticipation is the foundation of happiness. This experience is even better with a cozy couch. While one shouldn’t choose friends based on their seating, a comfy couch definitely helps boost the hygge factor. To sum it up, spending 3-4 hours off-screen, engaged in conversation while sipping wine, feels like therapy, entertainment, and relaxation all rolled into one.

As an Estonian, I don’t think further explanation is needed. You get to be warm and quiet while experiencing both physical and mental cleansing. Sauna—the GOAT.