VIDEO: Tartu - a city full of good thoughts

I'm thinking of joining my sister in Tartu next month. It's always good to head back to the homeland for a little R&R. This short video gave me a bit of inspiration about things we can do.

Wild Souls: Symbolism in the Baltic States - Âmes sauvages: Le symbolisme dans les pays baltes

A new art exhibition has opened in Paris celebrating the works of Baltic artists to commemorate the centenaries of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. The exhibition “Wild Souls. Symbolism in the Baltic States”( Âmes sauvages. Le symbolisme dans les pays baltes) opened on 10th April and will run until 15th July 2018 at the Musée d’Orsay in Paris.

A total of 150 works are currently on display featuring iconic Baltic artists such as Konrad Mägi, Janis Rozentāls, Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis, Kristjan Raud, Nikolai Triik amongst others. The artworks date from the 1800s to the 1930s.

For more information, please click here: Wild Souls. Symbolism in the Baltic States

Kamille Saabre: Apples are like Estonians

Estonian artist Kamille Saabre recently completed a series of paintings dedicated to Estonia's 100 birthday. Each apple painting is accompanied with a short story and is symbolic of Estonia and its people. 

So why apples? The artist explains:

'Apple, for me, is Estonian national fruit. Every Estonian has a memory associated with the apple or apple tree. Traveling through Estonian countryside one notices apple trees in most peculiar places. In the middle of desolate field, by the road or even in the forest. That is how you know, once there has been someone's home, house or farm. Even when the buildings are long gone, apple tree still stands. And not only stands, but bears fruit. Apple tree does not give up easy. Here is a similarity to Estonians. Despite of hard times, tough circumstances, painful events, Estonians do not give up easy. As a nation and as a individual. Each of us has a scratch, spot or taint, but despite all of that we persevere. Stubbornly withstand. Just like the apple tree.'

100 things you should do in Tallinn in 2018

In 2018 the Republic of Estonia celebrates its 100th birthday, Kadriorg Park turns 300 and the Tallinn Card is 20 years old. Lonely Planet also chose Tallinn as the Best Value Destination 2018. There’s really no better time to visit Tallinn and Estonia than right now!

Visit Tallinn have created a list of the best things, sights, events and activities to participate in Tallinn this year. All the places mentioned on the list have links provided in order for you to easily explore and seek further information.

Click here ot view the list. 100 things you should do in Tallinn in 2018

Head Ülestõusmispüha! Happy Easter!

Happy Easter everyone! This year I decided to do something a little bit different so I am spending my Easter holidays in beautiful Ukraine. Wishing you all a very safe and happy Easter long weekend!

Estonia 100: Free children's book ‘Tiny tree’ (Pisike puu)

The Estonian Children’s Literature Centre and the Ministry of Culture have a lovely custom of presenting all newborns with the book ‘Tiny tree’ (‘Pisike puu’ in Estonian). In 2018, on the initiative of the organisers of the Estonian centenary celebrations, every child born to an Estonian citizen abroad and added to the Estonian population register will also be given the book.   

For more information please click here: https://www.ev100.ee/en/pisikepuu

VIDEO: Artur Rehi - How American Estonians celebrated EV100

I recently discovered the YouTube videos produced by Estonian vlogger Artur Rehi. Artur is a 22 year old student from Jõgeva who is currently studying acting in Hollywood. Artur is a prolific YouTuber who has been making videos since the age of 14. His channel now has over 600 videos, most of them about his beloved Estonia. He covers a range of topics including history, culture, the things he loves and misses about Estonia and tips for the wannabe traveller. Artur is a very likeable and entertaining character and quite outgoing for an Estonian! The video below is one of his latest.