Marie Under was one of Estonia's greatest poets. She produced numerous works that have been translated into over 26 languages and was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature in 12 separate years. Marie Under died in Sweden in 1980 at age 97.
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These stunning photographs were recently taken by Estonian meteorologist Kairo Kiitsak in Vääna-Jõesuu. Nature can be so beautiful!
Once again Estonia has scored highly in global rankings, this time in the category of freedom of the press. It's great to see Estonia performing well along side its Nordic neighbours. Sadly, to the east of Estonia, freedom of the press simply doesn't exist.
The Republic of Estonia was born one hundred and five years ago. Today Estonians around the world celebrate this joyous day by displaying our beloved blue, black and white flag with pride.
If you have ever wondered how many times Estonia is mentioned in The Guinness Book of Records, the answer is currently 94. Since 1955 The Guinness Book of Records has been educating readers about mankind's achievements in a multitude of fields. Some of these achievements are quite impressive, some surprising whilst others are a bit on the quirky side. The record book contains a treasure trove of information for anyone who loves facts. Here are five Guinness World Records about Estonia you might find interesting.
1. First FIFA World Cup qualifying match. Estonia vs. Sweden.
On 11 June 1933, Sweden beat Estonia 6–2 in the first ever qualifying match for the FIFA World Cup. Later in the tournament Estonia made it through to the quarter-finals.
2. Estonia has the oldest Viking boats
Two ships found on the island of Saaremaa are the oldest Viking boats in the world. The first boat was discovered in 2008, and a second in 2010. The boats contained the bodies of over 30 warriors and four dogs, they were covered with their shields and buried with their bent swords. Radio carbon dating has dated them to between 700-750 AD.
3. Largest matchstick
In 2004 Jaanus Ruuben created the world's largest matchstick. It measured 6.235 metres (20 ft 5 in) long with a cross section of 27.5 cm (10.8 in). It was lit at the Ugala Theatre in Viljandi.
4. Farthest swim with a monofin
On her 30th birthday, Merle Liivand swam 30 kilometres (18.6 miles) off Miami Beach, Florida, achieving the world record for the farthest swim with a monofin. She swam without using her arms, propelling herself with just her mermaid-like fin, for a total of 9 hours and 19 minutes.
5. Most X Games medals won by a teenager
Freestyle skier Kelly Sildaru has won the most X Games medals (10) between 29 January 2016 and 21 January 2022. She has won a total of six golds, three silvers and a bronze before her 20th birthday. Kelly is an Estonian sporting superstar!
Archaeologists working on an excavation site along Vana-Kalamaja tänav in Tallinn recently unearthed pavement from the medieval Nunne tänav as well as several other items dating back to the same period. As little is known about the Kalamaja of that era, this find has an important place in the area's history.
To read the full ERR News story, please click here.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
More information about the history of tennis in Estonia can be found here Eesti Tennis 100
When it's cold and miserable outside the sauna is the perfect place to be to warm up and revitalise. I have a sauna at home and haven't been using it enough lately but I will set time aside today. It has so many health benefits. Sauna design has really come along in recent years and I'm curious to experience them firsthand during my future trips to Estonia.
The 13th Youth Dance Celebration will take place in Tallinn this year from Friday 30th June 2023 until Sunday 2nd July 2023. Tickets can now be purchased online from the Laulupidu website.
A new year brings with it an opportunity to start afresh and pursue new dreams and plans or to explore different ways to achieve long-held goals. Sometimes words of wisdom encourage us to take that bold step to pursue those dreams. Here are thirteen quotes written in Estonian with English translations.
1. Miski pole aja raiskamine, kui kasutate kogemust arukalt (nothing is a waste of time if you use the experience wisely) - Julius Caesar
2. Edasijõudmise saladus on alustamine (the secret of getting ahead is getting started) - Mark Twain
3. Enamik inimesi otsib rõõmu nii kärsitult kiirustades, et nad tormavad sellest mööda (most people seek happiness in such a hurry that they rush past it) - Soren Kierkegaard
4. Tulevik kuulub neile, kes usuvad oma unistuste ilu (the future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams) - Eleanor Roosevelt
5. Rikkus ei seisne aarete omamises, vaid nendest kasu saamises (wealth is not the possession of treasures, but the benefit of them) - Napoleon I
6. Sa ei pääse homse vastutuse eest, vältides seda täna (you cannot escape tomorrow's responsibility by avoiding it today) - Abraham Lincoln
7. Õnnetus on iseloomude proovikiv (misfortune is a test of character) - Honore de Balzac
8. Kogemus on kõigi asjade õpetaja (experience is the teacher of all things) - Julius Caesar
9. Kui kaev on tühi, siis tunneme vee väärtust (when the well is empty, we know the value of water) - Benjamin Franklin.
10. Kui sa lähed läbi põrgu, astu aga muudkui edasi (if you're going through hell, keep going) - Winston Churchill
11. Teada, mõelda, unistada. Selles on kõik (to know, to think, to dream. That's all there is to it) - Victor Hugo
12. Tarvitage, kuid ärge kuritarvitage - selline on tarkuse reegel. Õnne ei too ei kasinus ega liigsus (use, but do not abuse - this is the rule of wisdom. Neither austerity nor excess brings happiness) - Voltaire
13. Inimesed, kes saavutavad maailmas edu, on need, kes tõusevad ja otsivad endale vajalikku juhust (the people who succeed in the world are those who rise and seek the opportunity they need) - George Bernard Shaw
If you are like me and always on the lookout for a good Estonian themed book to read, I recommend 'Sailing to Freedom.' I was recently introduced to this book to by Sirje at the Estonian consulate in Salzburg who told me it's a great real life escape story that took place in 1945. I'm halfway through the book at the moment and found it to be a real page turner. I can well imagine the fear and uncertainty these people experienced because my Estonian grandparents would have felt similar emotions during this time. Thank goodness they all made it to safety!
If you are interested in other Estonian stories that have been translated into English, ERR News recently published a list of the Best Estonian books in translation in 2022
Happy New Year everyone! Looking forward to a bigger, brighter and more optimistic 2023! This year I intend to read more, travel more and indulge in simple pleasures that bring happiness. I have been writing this blog since 2011 and have nearly 700,000 pageviews from readers all over the world. What began as a humble hobby has grown into an enduring labour of love. Thanks for reading!
