Estonia's home cafe days: where an AI pro uses a rope and bucket to serve ice cream to strangers

Each summer, Estonians transform private gardens, garages, and even bedroom windows into temporary cafes open to anyone, as part of a tradition that began on Hiiumaa in 2007 and has since spread nationwide. More than 150 such events run between April and September, giving visitors an intimate glimpse into everyday Estonian life usually hidden behind closed gates. Participants range from elaborate tented setups to a woman lowering homemade ice cream by bucket from her third-storey window — notably the same person who works in AI by day.