euro 2009

When I landed on shore of Estonia, I had little information guiding my decisions of things to do or see in this country. Making my way to my CS's house about 20 kms out of the city, this was my first challenge. Having just left Finland and only just grasped enough words to say goodbye and thank you, I was now completely thrown by the new language again and decided I would just see how far english would get me before I would need to resort to body and sign language oh and public humiliation that goes along with that.

I arrived at Laura's home, which is set in a forested area on the outskirts of the city with my ever growing backpack and stumbled up to meet her. We hit off straight away and from there on in the 'WELCOME TO ESTONIA' was about to begin... Now hold on to your seats because estonia, although a small nation, they have a lot of heart, passion and pride (well, mostly haha) and they really know how to show a kangaroo a good time.

First night was a house party/cocktail party, I forgot my cocktail dress so instead resorted for my eskimo suit instead... as prior to the party, Laura and her family invited me to their grandfathers birthday and anniversary. Which I might add was a fantastic opportunity to listen to some interesting stories...eh in estonian... im sure they were good... oh and the food was great.. I love estonian food... All fed and ready to go, we ventured to the party in the Old town of the city. Drinking, socialising and making new friends was just the beginning for this young joey... as the party lead to more than just drinking and laughing... The next part of the adventure was the recovery.. oh and heading to Tartu for traditional country style estonian life... And ah picking apples... Now I am kind of use to doing some form of manual labour... but eh... Im on holidays.. and I think i definetly worked my fair share in the picking department of tartu apple factory on the 'Saks' family farm. I even learned to juggle... Yep.. well ok I didnt learn to juggle... i was just... ahh practicing... right paul... Anyways... The traditional food and new flavor sensations such as smoked chicken now my new addiction we had more partying to come and more people to befriend in order to make my stay in Estonia complete.

The next party was a house warming party where I met some new great people, and thankfully to this point nearly everyone was estonian so it made for a great, authentic experience. After leaving this party and taking our glasses with us (sorry kadri) we headed back to the farm for a new day and a new adventure. It was time to explore a little of the town and country, lakes and parks before heading back to Tallinn which was about 300 kms away. We finally made it back and just in time for some sleep before planning to then head into town to stay with Paul in old town. Pauls apartment is located right in the middle of all the action, a huge space and cool amenities like a huge spa and sauna. I was made feel very welcome and this was to be my home for the next week.

While staying in Estonia, I was ordered to experience a traditional sauna, one in which smoke is good and clothes are forbidden... Ah yeah so I hear its common to be beaten with spiky tree branches and shit... But as they say... when in rome.. right!! After 100 lashings and a cold shower.. the parties weren't over... From here on in it was time to start seeing Tallinn... I met progressively each a new challenge and experience which was fantastic. From walks around the old town at night, to home cooked meals, drinking cider dressed as a gothic femme fatale or just relaxing in a huge garden filled with Candles and live music. The memories of Estonia will be ones I will remember forever...

Estonia has had a black history, one which as risen from the ashes and shone like a newly polished diamond. From a seemingly endless battle for freedom to the devastation of a nation much like, if not worse than that of the Holocaust. If you don't understand what I am talking about, please research estonian history and learn this for yourselves. I have seen people with an obvious distrust for outside existence, but once you crack that firm stern exterior, you will find the most kind hearted and passionate people on this planet. My experience with such a culture has made me more aware of what I have and had, and although all things relative, I could never understand the devastation and hardship which has faced this beautiful country for so long. Yet like all that history has shown us, these issues, events and chapters only carve the face of that country and their people. Estonia is a country not to be missed... to all my good friends I have made on my travels here I wish you all the best and look forward to seeing you again somewhere in the world... Until next time...