Estonian Independence Day 2013 in Pictures

What a wonderful time I had in Tallinn for Independence Day this year! I went shopping and stocked up on my favourite Estonian food and was relieved to discover I wasn't over with my luggage allowance when the time came to return to the airport. (Last time I was 6kg over!)

On Independence Day we had the perfect weather we had hoped for. I was a bit worried on Saturday as the sky looked drab and grey but when I woke up on Sunday morning I was pleasantly surprised to see a beautiful big blue sky and sunshine. It really was ideal conditions for everyone to gather to enjoy the Independence Day parade.  I watched the parade with my cousin Jaanus, we found a good vantage point on the slope looking down upon Freedom Square. It was great seeing people waving flags and showing national pride. It was a really lovely day.

Naturally I took loads of photos -  I always do! Can't help myself! Here are some of my best ones.

Toomas Hendrik Ilves, President of Estonia On the 95th anniversary of the Republic of Estonia, Tallinn, 24 February 2013

Toomas Hendrik Ilves, President of Estonia On the 95th anniversary of the Republic of Estonia, Tallinn, 24 February 2013

Film Recommendation - "Une Estonienne a Paris"

As an avid fan of French cinema I was pleased to discover that a new Estonian/French film collaboration is part of the Alliance French Film Festival in Australia this year. Une Estonienne a Paris has received good reviews worldwide and is definitely a film worth watching and perhaps one to add to the DVD collection.

New Estonian Book Recommendation: "Eesti Vabariik - Maa, Rahvas, Kultuur."

In honour of Estonia's  95th birthday, TEA/DK Publishing have released a wonderful new reference book about Estonia's history entitled Eesti Vabariik - Maa, Rahvas, Kultuur. (Estonia Republic - Earth, Nation, Culture).

Eesti Vabariik - Maa, Rahvas, Kultuur is a valuable reference book that provides a comprehensive overview of Estonia's history from the first inception of independence to present day Estonia. With over 700 photos, statistical tables and geographical maps it really is one of those books that every Estonian should have in their home.

More information can be found at:
https://kirjastus.tea.ee/est/Tootekataloog/TEA_ents/?productID=23755694
You can also browse a few pages of the book here are well.
Eesti Vabariik - Maa, Rahvas, Kultuur can be ordered online and shipped internationally.

Estonia was featured in "Yours" magazine last week - so was my father!

I'm going to Tallinn for Independence Day!!

All this week I have been debating with myself whether I should fly to Tallinn for Independence Day. I was there last year but of course this year is the big year - the 95th anniversary. Estonia has really bloomed since regaining its independence and I do feel a sense of pride. Sadly both my Estonian grandparents died before independence was restored in 1991. They never got to see their country free again.  If they could see how wonderful and free Estonia has become today I know without a doubt how proud they'd be. All Estonians love their country and they were no exception. Out of all my immediate family I am the one who tends to go back to Estonia the most.  The more I discover about Estonia, the more I love it. It's truly a beautiful country - its people exude strength yet gentleness at the same time. War and occupation may have caused my family to leave Estonia but freedom is what has enabled us to come back.

Pärnu's Ice Festival

They say you learn something new every day and indeed I have today. I was completely unaware of Pärnu's ice festival but now I have read up on  it,  it sounds like a winter wonderland and I can't wait to go! The festival is full of exciting events and things made out of snow and ice, including sculptures, an ice bar and restaurant and ice cinema all illuminated with thousands of decorative lights. A good article explaining what it is can be found on the "Visit Estonia" website.
http://www.visitestonia.com/en/parnu-ice-festival-estonias-biggest-winter-family-festival

The official ice festival website is:
http://www.icefest.eu/2013/