Estonia second best in EU for renewable energy

In the European Union, the share of renewable energy in gross final consumption for heating and cooling was 22.9% in 2021. In Estonia that figure was much higher at 61.3% making it the second best performer behind Sweden. Most of the renewable energy comes from biomass and heat pumps and the current trend is gradually increasing.

The EU countries with the highest level of renewal energy are: Sweden (68.6%), Estonia (61.3%) Latvia (57.4%). The lowest are Ireland (5.2%), The Netherlands (7.7%) and Belgium (9.2%).

Well done Estonia!

Estonian Traditional Dance

Jaan Kross' ''A Book of Falsehoods'' now available in English

If you are like me and have been eagerly awaiting the release of the final installment in the Between Three Plagues trilogy by Jaan Kross, then you'll be pleased to know it's finally available in English. After a few delays with the translation release date (it was originally scheduled for last year) readers can now continue the journey of Balthasar Russow in this epic historic novel.

Jaan Kross' A Book of Falsehoods : Between Three Plagues Volume 3 can be purchased from all good book sellers. I purchased my copy at the Book Depository.

January 30 is Estonian Literature Day

Today, for the first time in Estonia, we celebrate a new national holiday - the Day of Estonian Literature. On this day we commemorate the birthday of acclaimed Estonian writer Anton Hansen Tammsaare who has contributed so much to Estonia's literary culture.

Statue of Anton Hansen in Tallinn's Tammsaare Park.

Anton Hansen Tammsaare's most classic work is Truth and Justice and it is interesting to note that over the generations,  many people have named their children after characters from his books. I once met a woman who lived in Albu who named her son Pearu. She seemed quite proud to have given him that name!

Estonian roast pork recipe

Roast pork is a family favourite in Estonia. I last made one on Christmas Eve then realised it's been a while, so I did another one last night. The combination of flavours - pork, cabbage and potatoes is classic Estonian.  It's absolutely delicious!

Natural wonder: rare ice eggs found on the west coast of Estonia

On the shore of Kabli beach in Pärnumaa a very rare phenomenon can be seen when conditions are just right. Ice eggs, or ice balls as they are known, form when the temperature falls slightly below freezing along the shallow and slightly sloping sandy beach. A slight swell in the water then creates a gentle back and forth rocking motion that results in small pieces of sea ice collecting into smooth and round egg like shapes. Estonian nature is so beautiful!

Ice eggs at sunset

How tennis began in Estonia

With the Australian Open currently taking place in Melbourne it made me wonder about the history of tennis in Estonia. The first tennis club in Estonia was formed in Narva-Jõesuu (formerly known by the German name Hungerburg) in 1909. The sport was initally played by the Baltic Germans then became increasingly popular with Estonians. By 1913 the Kalev tournament had all Estonian participants including the multi talented Eduard Hiiop who was an accomplished skater, gymnast, athlete and cyclist. 

Estonia has produced many fine tennis players over the years including Anett Kontaveit, Jürgen Zopp, Kaia Kanepi, Kristian Lasn and Maret Ani who are considered some of Estonia's best.

More information about the history of tennis in Estonia can be found here Eesti Tennis 100