Emerging from the Waves: Storm Clouds Over Pärnu

​On our trip through the Baltic States, we drove from Riga, Latvia, to Pärnu, our first stop in Estonia. Pärnu is about 200 kilometers north of Riga. It's a coastal city known for its sandy beaches and as a popular summer destination. During the Soviet era, it was a favored resort town, famous for its sanatoriums offering spa treatments and mud baths. Despite suffering some damage during WWII, Pärnu has preserved much of its character. Post-war rebuilding and Soviet-era construction have shaped the city’s architectural landscape. Today, Pärnu attracts tourists, especially from Estonia, Finland, and Germany. Many Germans visit due to historical and cultural ties, dating back to medieval times when German crusaders and merchants were active in the region. On our first night, a thunderstorm created a dramatic and photogenic sky, offering excellent opportunities for capturing seascapes - Pärnu, Estonia.