Estonia - Paradise of the North
Ilus Eesti, beautiful Estonia. My family's homeland. Estonia's countryside and people have an endearing gentleness about them which you fall in love with slowly and imperceptibly. I have nothing but respect and admiration for Estonians' courage and determination to survive despite centuries of repression, tyranny and foreign occupation. This blog aims to promote Estonian news, history and culture and seeks to enlighten readers about everything this unique country has to offer.
Monday 18 March 2024
Saturday 16 March 2024
Old Estonian photographs
It's the weekend and a good time to browse through some old photographs. I enjoy looking at these old photos knowing my grandparents walked along these streets many years ago.
Thursday 14 March 2024
Head Emakeelepäev!
March 14 is Mother Tongue Day in Estonia. It is celebrated on this day to mark the birthday of poet Kristjan Jaak Peterson who was one of the first writers to write in the Estonian language. Peterson gathered his Estonian poems into two small books but never saw them published during his lifetime. In 1822 Kristjan Jaak Peterson died from tuberculosis at the tender age of 21.
Cannot the tongue of this land,
In the wind of incantation,
Rising up to the heavens,
Seek eternity?
- Kristian Jaak Peterson
Sunday 10 March 2024
Did Toompea look like this in the 17th century?
Could Toompea have looked something like this during the 17th century, before it was burned down? The cathedral was said to have been one of the few buildings that remained. On social media there has been some scepticism regarding the accuracy of this depiction of Toompea, but I have to admit I rather like this image.
Saturday 9 March 2024
80 years since the Soviet bombing of Talllinn
On this day 80 years ago, the Soviet air force launched its large scale attack on Tallinn. In the March 9th bombings, Soviet saboteurs disabled Tallinn's water supply and over a thousand incendiary bombs were dropped on the city during the night. 1549 buildings were destroyed and 3350 were seriously damaged. According to official reports, 757 people died as a result of the bombings, 213 were severely injured, 446 people were lightly wounded and about 20,000 people were left homeless.
Today we commemorate the victims of this horrendous attack.
Friday 8 March 2024
Happy International Women's Day!
March 8 is International Women's Day. Today we acknowledge and give thanks to all the amazing women out there who've had a positive influence on our lives. Women contribute a lot to society, and sometimes their work within the home can be taken for granted and not always fully appreciated. Today, women around the world should take pride in themselves and indulge in a few treats. I will buy some colourful flowers, eat my favourite chocolates/dessert and light some candles in the evening. Feel-good stuff! (But I actaully do this most days!) Head Naistepäeva!
Tuesday 5 March 2024
'The Secrets of Longevity' a new Estonian health book now available in English
Dr Priit Tammjarv from Tartu University Hospital and Peep Sooman have recently published a new health book that discusses the importance of good mental health, and how the lack of it, attracts illnesses and disease. “The Secrets of Longevity” concentrates on an extensive list of serious lifestyle diseases and the awareness to avoid them. The key to the secret of a healthier and a longer life is in creating a comprehensive mindset that includes a thought-through lifestyle, reducing risk behaviour and seeking a mental balance. The book is fluent, medically correct and gives the reader a great overview of every danger we may encounter in our lives, and how to skillfully avoid them.
The Secrets of Longevity is now available for purchase on Amazon