Day 19 – Sadness and Joy All Wrapped Into One Day

​Today we set off to the Kommunismiohvrite Memoriaal, or the Memorial to the Victims of Communism. We have been here a few times before but this time my dad was coming to place flowers under his grandmothers name who was stolen and deported to Siberia during 1940’s. My mother and some relatives here had worked hard to get her name onto the wall as there are thousands of names on this wall of people that were murdered and deported by the Russian’s in the 1940’s and beyond, during the Soviet occupation of Estonia until 1991 when we regained our independence. What struck me about this place, this time in particular, something I had not noticed before, was the sheer honesty in what happened and how the Estonians who developed this place were not shy in calling things for what they were such as people were murdered, stolen etc. Sadly they were doing work on the place through the middle so we could not get to the names on the wall but it did not take away from the sheer size and grandeur of the monument. We walked up the stairs and to the open area one side of the monument and it is always so spectacular. There is even forests in the area which are just stunning. It was so peaceful being there though, considering the horrific past where the elite such as doctors and professors were taken to this area to be murdered. There was such a sense of calm being here but also great sadness, at the thought of the terror that occurred here. I have uploaded photos if anyone would like to read the information provided, it is incredible the story they tell. Another thing that always gets me when I come here is the song, ‘Ta Lendab Mesipuu Pole’. This area is based on this song and it talks about the bees (Estonian’s) being taken from the hive and using the apple trees to call them back. It is such a powerful song, and one that is so significant at Laulupidu it is always accompanied by lights that resemble all the bees coming back to the hive. I get emotional just writing about it. We walked out of the area a different way than I had before and saw another perspective of the monument, we even noticed graves to the side, something I had not seen before. Dad went to an area which was fenced off, which we think was the Russian monument to the horror they caused, he went through the barriers and took some photos, of course he breaks the rules!!

​We then headed to Kadriorg park and palace, via bus! Vincent (4 years old) was so excited to take the bus, I think he really likes public transport. We got off the bus right where we were standing in 2014 for the parade with Eva, close to where my aunty and cousins were staying. I remember we had a couch out on the street, it was so much fun. We walked up the Kadriorg park and had some lunch in a lovely little café there. It was so nice seeing the kids be so excited by the water feature in the middle of the lake, especially Vincent who really wanted to see the fish! What struck me was the lack of fencing around the big water area, something you would never see in Australia! The park here is stunningly beautiful and we were fortunate enough to see it on a really sunny day. We wondered around a little, towards this carnival area where kids could go on some rides, but at a big cost! It was something like 4.5-6 euro for one ride, that was stupidly expensive! It was so much fun though watching the joy of the kids delight in the rides, what to choose and go on. Vincent was starting to warm up to me by this time and it really filled my heart. There was such excitement, curiosity and joy!! It was really infectious and Vincent wanted to show me everything through his eyes, I adored it. After a little bit of fun we headed towards the kids museum. I was not overly sure which way it was but we did find it however once we arrived we saw it was sold out for the day. Hot tip, book a spot in advance! There was a small playground the kids wanted to play on so we did that for a little while then headed back to the café from lunch for a Swedish Fika. Vincent was so excited because he found the BIG Estonian ice cream cones and enjoyed the chocolate one. It is nice to stop and pause a little throughout the day and just be together, again, it might be a thing I start up in my own life once I get home. Once we were finished we got on the tram and headed back home. I went and had a little rest because I was so exhausted, same with Eva’s family. Mum and dad went into town for a little wonder and mum managed to find a book Danae (my sister) had been wanting for her son. It is a picture book with all Estonian words, I think this book is going to get a lot of use! We headed to our favourite little pizza place in old town and the kids were so tired, I am pretty sure they had a little nap before their meal arrived. It was a little bit of slow service though. It was delightful being able to just talk to Eva and share stories, updates and learn more about her life in Sweden. After dinner they headed home and I met up with Maria from Sõled ja Preesid for some business discussions and connections. I won’t share what came of that conversation but it really has opened some beautiful new doors for Estonian Designs AU. I am so grateful to have met Maria and she just wants to help and see Estonian Designs AU succeed and continue to connect people with Estonian culture and traditions. I am so grateful for her.
Until tomorrow
Marissa xx