RODEO - Taming a Wild Country

In 1992, Estonia saw its first free election since World War II. The young republic was in chaos. Still, a 32-year-old idealist called Mart Laar was elected into office and went on to become Europe’s youngest Prime Minister. Rodeo- Taming a Wild Country is an Estonian-Finnish co-production that recounts what happened in the first few years when Estonia regained its independence.

Estonian Independence Day 2019 - Military Parade in Tallinn

Last year when I was in Tallinn for Independence Day, the weather was absolutely freezing! It got as low as  -15 °C ! I'm glad it was a bit more comfortable this year for those who lined the streets to watch the parade. But it still would have been cold!

Head Vabariigi aastapäeva! Elagu Eesti!

Today Estonians around the world are celebrating Independence Day. I am so proud of the achievements of my beloved Estonia. We have come so far! Elagu Eesti!

The Estonian national anthem will be sung with such pride today!  The words are dear to us all!

Happy birthday Estonia. 101 today! 

The Estonian War of Independence

As Independence Day will take place tomorrow now is a good time to take a look at how the war was won. This excellent animated video explains it all.

Elagu Eesti! EV101.

How to celebrate a birthday like an Estonian

I love birthdays and celebrations and not just that of my own, but those of beloved family and friends.  The best gifts are always the most thoughtful ones and they don't need to be expensive, just chosen with love. When I buy gifts I tend to buy something the recipient wants, plus something nice and unexpected. The desired response is always to receive a 'wow!' 

When I was growing up, it was common to have a birthday table with a nice tablecloth and all the presents put on display. In the afternoon there was always a large cake and a bottle of champagne. These days people sometimes replace the glass of bubbly with a glass of Vana Tallinn when doing the birthday toast.

Many Estonians are deeply connected with their roots and appreciate gifts relating to their home parish.  Presents to do with hobbies and interests are always appreciated especially when  wrapped in folk print or national colours.

A few people dear to me celebrate their birthday today and naturally I am thinking of them. If you are celebrating on this day too then I wish you a very happy birthday. Palju õnne sünnipäevaks!

Kaljulaid: Estonia is run like a tech company

President Kersti Kaljulaid wrote an excellent overview of Estonia's digital society that was published today in Quartz magazine. 'If private companies can continuously innovate and provide better services more efficiently online then so too can government' she states. 

To read the full article click here: Estonia is running its country like a tech company

Kersti Kaljulaid: “Access to internet is considered a human right”