The Republic of Estonia consists of a mainland and 2,222 islands in the Baltic Sea and has been inhabited since at least 9000 BC. After centuries of successive German, Danish Swedish and Russian rule, the Estonians decided they had had enough and on 24 February 1918, independence was declared. During World War Two, Estonia suffered occupation by The Soviet Union, Nazi Germany, and Soviet Union again, resulting in its annexation. So this folks is why Harry’s mum and dad came to Australia and decided to raise chickens. Oh, and Harry.
In 1987 the peaceful Singing Revolution against Soviet rule began (the Russians had more guns so singing was a good option), culminating with restoration of its de facto independence on 20 August 1991. Twenty seven years ago for those not so good at maths.
Back in the 60’s Harry’s parents purchased a car for the relatives back in “the old country” and this gesture has ultimately led to Great Granddaughter (and Great Photographer) Lyndal winning a grant to go to Estonia and document the gesture. We’re just tagging along for the food sights, holiday, etc. etc.
Lyndal, Sam, Garry, Kerry, Jen and an empty Hat.
First impressions of Tallinn, well it speaks for itself actually.
Fun Fair for Kids……and adults actually.
By the way in 1965 the first school computer in the USSR, Ural-1, was set up in the town of Noo Estonia. Mass usage of computing networks in Estonia appeared in 1989. The first Internet connections in the country were introduced in 1992 at academic facilities in Tallinn and Tartu. Estonia was the first country to use the internet for elections. In the first quarter of 2010, 75% out of 1.34 million people in the country used the Internet. eSTONIA!
And one for Ally and Nick at Kuru Distillery at the mouth of the The Devils Wilderness (orders now being accepted):
Six Row Barley distilled Estonian Gin. Not bad, not bad at all.
leschalmers 