Narva 2.0

It is difficult to describe the feelings I had gazing across the river into Russia. On the one hand, I irrationally worried that I might somehow be captured by Russian police. On the other hand, I knew I was safe in Estonia, a NATO member and part of the European Union.

It was truly surreal — both terrifying and yet thrilling to be on this precipice between two worlds. I could not help but think of the extreme difference between those living on the eastern and western sides of the Narva River.

Narva is a city of two worlds. Russia ethnically cleansed the city of native Estonians after WWII and implanted Russians. To this day, while Narva lies in modern day Estonia, the city is >80% Russian.

And, while the city continues to modernize to western standards, there are stark reminders of Soviet-era construction throughout the city.