Cupcakes & Tea with Elizabeth

Tag: book

  • A Hidden Gem: Exploring Tallinn, Estonia

    A Hidden Gem: Exploring Tallinn, Estonia

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    While studying abroad in Sweden, a group of us decided to hop on a two-day cruise to Tallinn, Estonia — and wow, what a hidden gem! Tallinn felt like stepping straight into a storybook, with its medieval towers, cobblestone streets, and dreamy sea views.

    We took the Baltic Queen (Tallink) cruise ship, which was clean, surprisingly spacious, and served the best mixed drinks. (Seriously, I’m still thinking about that mojito.) Plus, bonus points — they have accessible-friendly rooms, which is always great to see.

    Once we arrived in Estonia, we had a guided tour planned… but about 15 minutes in, we collectively decided, “Nah, let’s do our own thing.” 😂 Best decision ever. We found a cozy café for lunch and wandered through the old streets at our own pace.

    One of my favorite discoveries was a local bookstore filled with international editions of Harry Potter. I love collecting the series in different languages — though my wallet did not approve at the time! I ended up skipping the Estonian version, but I did grab a copy of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone in Swedish. The cover? Absolutely gorgeous.

    Later that day, a friend and I split off from the group to explore some of Tallinn’s hidden corners — old walls, watchtowers, and postcard-perfect views everywhere we turned. It was the kind of place that feels magical without even trying.

    Tallinn, I’ll definitely be back. 💙

  • The Magic That Stays With You ✨Page 394

    The Magic That Stays With You ✨Page 394

    If you know me at all, this post probably won’t surprise you — because yes, I’m that person who still adores Harry Potter. The books, the movies, the characters… they’ve been a part of my life for as long as I can remember.

    When I heard about Alan Rickman’s passing, I felt this wave of nostalgia and sadness. It reminded me just how much these stories have shaped me.

    I still remember one Halloween in elementary school when I dressed up as Hermione. It was the perfect costume — all I needed was my curly, slightly wild hair and a wand. My mom even entered me in a Hermione lookalike contest at our local bookstore (I felt so cool).

    To this day, whenever I’m sick, bored, or just need something comforting, Harry Potter is my go-to. It’s like revisiting old friends who know exactly how to make things better. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve started to relate to the characters in new ways — especially Severus Snape. Alan Rickman brought such depth and humanity to that character. His performance taught me that people are rarely just good or bad — there’s so much in between.

    I love that these characters — Hermione, Luna, Snape — still live with me in some way. They’ve grown up with me, comforted me, and inspired me.

    So thank you, Alan Rickman, for giving life to one of the most complex and unforgettable characters in the wizarding world. Always. ⚡