'Smoke Sauna Sisterhood' wins Best Documentary at European Film Awards

The Estonian film Smoke Sauna Sisterhood by Anna Hints has won Best Documentary at the European Film Awards in Berlin. Congratulations to Anna and her team, they have made Estonia so proud! This is Estonia's first European Film Academy Award. Smoke Sauna Sisterhood delves into the cultural tradition of Vana-Võromaa’s smoke saunas in South Estonia and how they are unique spaces for healing and community. Smoke Sauna Sisterhood / Savvusanna sõsarad is currently attracting full houses at cinemas worldwide.

 

 

I have yet to see this documentary but going by Anna Hint's acceptance speech,  it's inspiration enough for me to go and see this multi awarding-winning film.

 

Tallinn: Photo flashback

Before World War Two, there was a building located on this triangular plot, that was destroyed during the bombing by the Red Army in 1944. I wonder how many people remember this building. Fascinating.

Estonia is a winter wonderland!

Estonian meteorologist Kairo Kiitsak recently spent hours travelling around Estonia to take these stunning winter photographs. These images were taken in Sirevere in Lääne-Viru County, in northeastern Estonia. Such natural beauty!

 

Estonian 15-year-olds are the smartest in Europe

The PISA 2022 educational survey was published today and shows that the knowledge and skills of Estonian 15-year-olds are at the absolute top in Europe and seventh place in the world ranking. Student from 81 countries were tested for their proficiency in reading, science and mathematics. What a fantastic result for Estonia!

To learn more about 2022 PISA results, please click here.

Nami-Nami's Christmas Calendar

Every day in the month of December Estonia's popular recipe website 'Nami-Nami' will share a new Christmas idea. This is the ninth year Nami-Nami has created the Christmas calendar that is full of delicious treats. Be prepared to be inspired! You can view it here.

 

 

Heavy snowfall across Estonia and Europe

The impact of this year's El Niño is currently being felt across the Northern Hemisphere. 60% of Europe is covered in snow at the moment, there hasn't been snow cover like this since 2010.  I woke up this morning to find snow 40 cm deep outside my house. Snow may be beautiful to look at but it can be problematic when it comes to mobility.

 

Map of snow cover in Europe on December 1, the worst since 2010.

In Tallinn, the capital has been transformed into a winter wonderland due to the recent snowfall. The Tallinn Christmas Market officially opened yesterday and many stunning images have started to emerge on social media, including this one of Viru Gate. The photograph was taken by Michael Huang who has captured many beautiful images of Tallinn over the years.

Tallinn is truly magical during the winter months when the city is covered in a blanket of snow.

Surviving winter - the Estonian way

My cousin recently sent me this amusing picture. When I think back to the times when our ancestors had to brave the cold and harsh winters in Estonia, it really makes me appreciate what comforts we have today. But then again, I have slipped over on the ice in Tallinn despite wearing sturdy winter boots, it's simply hard to avoid. All we can really do is, rug up, slow down and do our best.