If you are looking for a few Christmas carols sung in the Estonian language here are some of the best ones I've found on YouTube.
Oh Kuusepuu
Talve Võlumaa
Jõuluöö
Jõulukell
Talveöö
Tuesday, 25 December 2012
Sunday, 23 December 2012
Merry Christmas everyone!
Christmas is undoubtedly my most favourite time of year. I love decorating my home with all the different ornaments I have accumulated over the years, cooking delicious treats and buying gifts for my beloved family. I love nothing more than seeing the look of delight upon their faces when they open their gifts and it's clear I have chosen well (such a relief!).
This year is the second consecutive year I will be away from my family at Christmas. It's hard. Coming from a large family I'm used to a big celebration, lots of laughter, fun and games etc. Whatever I do this year will be so much quieter in comparison. There was a big family gathering at home yesterday, a pre-Christmas party and everyone was there apart from me. It was great to see everyone on Skype, having fun and enjoying themselves but it really made me miss them all. More so than usual.
Christmas really is the time of year when you need to reach out to those you love and let them know you care. Sometimes we may not say the words "I love you" out loud as often as we should; we might assume it's understood but the truth is, it's always good to hear. Everyone wants feel loved, valued and cherished and hearing those tender words really does warm a person's heart. So to the special people in my life - (you know who you are!) I love you all, very, VERY MUCH! And to everybody else - Merry Christmas!
This year is the second consecutive year I will be away from my family at Christmas. It's hard. Coming from a large family I'm used to a big celebration, lots of laughter, fun and games etc. Whatever I do this year will be so much quieter in comparison. There was a big family gathering at home yesterday, a pre-Christmas party and everyone was there apart from me. It was great to see everyone on Skype, having fun and enjoying themselves but it really made me miss them all. More so than usual.
Christmas really is the time of year when you need to reach out to those you love and let them know you care. Sometimes we may not say the words "I love you" out loud as often as we should; we might assume it's understood but the truth is, it's always good to hear. Everyone wants feel loved, valued and cherished and hearing those tender words really does warm a person's heart. So to the special people in my life - (you know who you are!) I love you all, very, VERY MUCH! And to everybody else - Merry Christmas!
Friday, 21 December 2012
Estonian Christmas Customs
Here's a good article I recently found on the www.estonia.eu website.
Christmas Customs in Estonia - Estonia.eu
Christmas Customs in Estonia - Estonia.eu
Monday, 17 December 2012
Saturday, 15 December 2012
Estonia's Ice Roads
With the coming of winter comes the opportunity to do something in Estonia which you can't do everyday - travel along the country's ice roads.There are six official ice roads in Estonia connecting the mainland to the islands of Hiiumaa, Vormsi, Muhu and Kihnu across the Baltic Sea. There are also ice roads between the islands of Saaremaa and Hiumaa and between Haapsalu and Noarootsi. The longest ice road in Europe is the 26.5 km journey to Hiiumaa from the mainland.
For centuries people have taken advantage of the ice season to get across to the islands. In the 13th Century Teutonic knights used to thunder across the ice on horseback to conquer the isles but today people use the ice roads as a cheaper and more convenient method of travel, compared to paying for passage on a vehicle ferry.
There are certain road rules you must be aware of before venturing out onto the ice roads in Estonia. Ice roads open once the ice reaches a minimum thickness of 22cm and in March they can still be half a metre thick.
To ensure your journey is a safe and happy one, please keep these road rules in mind.
* Ice roads can only be used in daylight, no driving allowed after sunset.
* No vehicle heavier than 2.5t is permitted.
* The recommended speed is below 25km/h or between 40-70km/h.
* No driving is allowed between 25km/h and 40km/h. The vibrations in this speed range can be dangerous and create cracks beneath the surface.
* Vehicles travelling in the same direction must be at least 250m apart.
* Vehicles must enter the ice in three minute intervals.
* No seltbelts are to be worn when travelling across the ice in case you need to make a quick exit.
For centuries people have taken advantage of the ice season to get across to the islands. In the 13th Century Teutonic knights used to thunder across the ice on horseback to conquer the isles but today people use the ice roads as a cheaper and more convenient method of travel, compared to paying for passage on a vehicle ferry.
There are certain road rules you must be aware of before venturing out onto the ice roads in Estonia. Ice roads open once the ice reaches a minimum thickness of 22cm and in March they can still be half a metre thick.
To ensure your journey is a safe and happy one, please keep these road rules in mind.
* Ice roads can only be used in daylight, no driving allowed after sunset.
* No vehicle heavier than 2.5t is permitted.
* The recommended speed is below 25km/h or between 40-70km/h.
* No driving is allowed between 25km/h and 40km/h. The vibrations in this speed range can be dangerous and create cracks beneath the surface.
* Vehicles travelling in the same direction must be at least 250m apart.
* Vehicles must enter the ice in three minute intervals.
* No seltbelts are to be worn when travelling across the ice in case you need to make a quick exit.
Thursday, 13 December 2012
Estonia Will Celebrate its 95th Birthday in 2013
2013 is going to be a big year in Estonia. Next year the Republic of Estonia will celebrate its 95th birthday! A webpage has been launched detailing the official programme and other events dedicated to the anniversary. The other events constitute a programme of self-initiated event celebrations, dedicated to the 95th birthday of Estonia, and can be added by everyone who wishes to do so.
The further information please click here
http://www.eesti.ee/ev95/en/programme
Happy Birthday Estonia!
Just think, we can do it all again in five years time, when you turn 100!
The further information please click here
http://www.eesti.ee/ev95/en/programme
Happy Birthday Estonia!
Just think, we can do it all again in five years time, when you turn 100!
Monday, 10 December 2012
Estonian Folk Costumes
Eesti Post has put together an outstanding collection of postage stamps commemorating the diversity of Estonian national costumes between the country's regions. For the past eighteen years, new stamps have been added to the catalogue and are a must own for any serious collector.
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