Russia and the World

The BBC World Service has released an interesting series about Russia's relations with the rest of the world. The latest instalment focuses on the relationship with Russia, particularly in light of the "Bronze Night" riots in April last year. It was interesting to hear the Estonian President Toomas-Hendrik Ilves speaking English. I've heard him make speeches in Estonian before, but was surprised to hear how American his accent was when speaking English.

Independence Day at Toompea

Today marks the 90th Anniversary of the declaration of Estonian independence. As Sirli and I did last year, we went to Toompea castle , which is where the Estonian parliament is located, for the ceremony. Basically it involved watching the flag being raised on Tall Hermann Tower and singing the national anthem . Historically the flag flying atop Tall Hermann has signified the power who rules Estonia, so it means something to Estonians that they can put their flag up there now days. The weather was quite mild this year, which was a relief as I thought I had frostbite last year!

Outside Toompea Castle with the Estonian flag.

Sirli with the flag, Kaarli Church in the background.
The flag in the foreground is an example of the type
of flag that is put up outside every building today.

If anyone is bored, here are some interesting articles just published about Estonia.

1. The normally Russian favouring BBC may finally begin to see it Estonia's way.
   
2. A good article about Independence Day.
   
3. A very interesting article from the Telegraph about cyber crime/terrorism, and the role estonia is playing it its prevention. If you read any of these, read this one.
   

Independence Day

Tomorrow is the 90th Anniversary of Estonian Independence. Rather than me blabber on about what it all means here is a link to a good article which sums it all up pretty well. It's a bit of a strange source... The Kuwait Times!
Happy 90th Birthday Estonia.

Fresh Perspectives

Having just arrived back in Tallinn after 6 weeks in Australia, there are some things which stand out in great contrast to Melbourne after a bit of time away. They are things I always realised about Tallinn, but had stopped taking notice of as I became accustomed to them after living here for so long. Here's what I've noticed:

1. The streets are dirty! Not with rubbish, but actual dirt. I've never figured out why that is. Tallinn has street sweepers, but I guess just not enough. And using little old ladies to sweep the streets only removes so much dirt!
2. It pays to be young. I went to the supermarket and there was a 60 year old man collecting trolleys. In Australia it would be a 16 year old, or possibly someone with a disability who has been kicked off welfare! In Estonia old people do menial work. Young people run large corporations. Baby-boomers may rule OZ, but not Estonia.
3. People aren't friendly. Well they are, but not to strangers. Not in an outgoing way. No one smiles at you in the street. I was a bit shocked by this after easy-going, happy go lucky Australia.
   
4. Waiting staff are really good. HANG ON, WHAT???! I'm sure that when I left Estonia the staff in restaurants were all rude, incompetent bastards. Since I've been back, everywhere I've been the service has been outstanding. In fact much better than any restaurant I ate at in Australia. (Piece of advice - avoid the Wood Oven Pizza Restaurant in Mercer Street Geelong like the plague.) However, the down side is that eating out doesn't seem that cheap. Last time I came back from Australia I remember thinking how cheap restaurants seemed compared to Melbourne. Not any more! I guess that's what 11% inflation does. Well at least I don't live in Zimbabwe!
5. It's cold in Winter.