Day 16 - Friends, Family and Swedish Connection

Read full story and photos here.

Today began like many others, with some writing, blogging, and Instagram catch-up. Mum and Dad were off meeting some extended family visiting from Finland (and also from Canada!), relatives from my grandfather Alan’s side. I didn’t go, but I’m looking forward to hearing the stories soon.

I met up with Anne from Baltic Folk and her husband for a lovely coffee and chat. Afterwards, I popped into the Estonian sock shop across the road, filled with traditional folk flower designs. I managed to resist buying too many socks this time, but still picked up a few for friends.

Later, I met Dad at the supermarket and then got a message from Taimi, finally! She came over for coffee and a long catch-up after her week dancing in Tantsupidu. Hearing her joy and passion for the festival was contagious, 11,000 dancers and our Aussie group among them. So proud.

Then it was time to head to the airport to meet Eva and her family, my Swedish exchange sister from Year 11. She lived with us for 11 months, and I hadn’t seen her in two years. Seeing her again (and her cute kids) was beautiful. It was their first time outside Sweden, and watching their curiosity in Tallinn was joyful. We had dinner at Lido and laughed over potatoes and language barriers, kids really are the same everywhere.

That night, Mum sang in Laulupidu, after almost backing out. I’m so proud she went; it was powerful to watch 35,000 singers on TV, part of Estonia’s Singing Revolution.

Later, I met Taimi and other Aussies in the square. We danced spontaneously to Tuljak, even doing the boy’s part! The night ended walking peacefully through Old Town at 3am, greeted by Denis for one more late-night catch-up, doing a video call with his wife in Siberia! An unforgettable day.