About

This blog is by an Estonian discovering her childhood dream country Canada. Based in Toronto, but sometimes traveling. Looking for an Estonian connection in the far away country and giving away tips about what to see, what to do, what to experience. Hence the name of the blog: Toronto. Canada. Estonia.

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Estonian-Canadians photo project



Few months for now I have been having a little side project on my own - a photography project of portraying and interviewing dozen of local Estonian-Canadians. I do not want to tell so much about it yet, now when it is just at the beginning phase. I have met some great people who have had such a hard time while making it to Canada from Estonia with their families. I chose them out just on my own that they had done something amazing in my eyes. 

Evelyn Koop was one of the people I took portraits of. She is so-called the grandmother of gymnastics. The things she shared were amazing. She had done and seen so much and all the hard work she had put into...I was amazed. Her portrait also turned out quite great.


Monday, February 27, 2012

Katre is leaving



That is the last photo I snapped of Katre before she was off to home to Germany. It was so much fun with her and she is a true party animal. Whohooo! All the best to you, Katre and see you soon!

Saturday, February 25, 2012

"Am I Estonian" opening



was a success. Me, Katre and Piret worked so hard on making it come true. We had the opening, we had performances, speeches and a wonderful exhibition created by us. It was a lot of hard work, but we made it on time, just before Katre had to leave back to Germany, as her internship was done.

Thank you for the experience and thank you for the first blue rose in my life.

Check the events many galleries HERE.

The photo was taken in Tim Hortons by the way, a famous cafe franchise in Canada, but I will introduce it later in some other post.


Friday, February 24, 2012

Estonian Independence Day





I had heard that there is an event on every 24th of February in Toronto Town Hall. It seemed a little hard for me to believe, as Estonia is such a small country and there are not so many Estonians in Toronto...but seeing is believing, right? So I made it there myself. I was glad to see that it was really happening. Young and old had gathered with little Estonian flags and wearing the sorority caps were singing Estonian anthem together. Wow. Wow. 

A little side remark, it was a terrible day. Sleet wasn't definitely in my plans when I was cycling to there and then had to attend in an exhibition meeting of "Am I Estonian". I was soaked when I got there and then I had more to cycle. Yucky. I was completely wet!!!


Read more about Eesti Vabariigi aastapäev HERE.

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Toronto Marlies





I was never supposed to put these photos up, but I couldn't resist, so here are few just to show the pride of Canada: ice-hockey. I was invited to take photos there by my friend Peeter, who is keen on enhancing his skills on photography. What was truly an experience to me is how much these two teams were fighting on ice. I am not an avid hockey follower, but this was just too much, as fights broke out very often. 

One great thing was, that there is a player in Toronto Marlies called Kadri. Kadri happens to be my best photo pal as well :) Kadri is a very common Estonian female name.

Power foods



I was eating some leftovers from Tartu College office and while doing so in the kitchen I read the wonderful cutout of power foods we should eat, that somebody had put there.

Health is always important so you know how to take care of yourself. I can't understand what is the first, but the following sever are: nuts, blueberries, salmon, legumes, spinach, avocado and eggs.

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Night over Toronto



This is how downtown Toronto looks like from East York. Kind of nice and distant.

Monday, February 20, 2012

Spinach stew




We went to visit Katre at her rental apartment, that she is sharing with Kim and Mike, her two super awesome Canadian roomies. Evelyn brought a spinach stew, which her auntie, who was visiting over, made. It was kind of chilly for me, as I am not used to hot foods yet. 

Fun fact is we watched one of  the most known and loved film at their place called "Suvi" (Summer) and Mike fell asleep while watching. Hehehe, we Estonians, I mean me and Katre were of course surprised. Clash of cultures! :D

Friday, February 17, 2012

Lock is stuck!




It has been quite busy for some time, as I have been here and there. All was great until yesterday when I was trying to get home, but my bike didn't think so, or I should say that my lock wasn't co-operating. With heavy heart I had to leave the bike there for the night and try to figure out the solution tomorrow. It was actually easy, as the people of Estonian House had the tool needed for the job, so I was forced to give up my good U-lock, but my bike was freed and I could go to places again. Thanks!

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Token tip



It is great when somebody leaves you such little gifts. Thank you fairy!
If you do not know, then these tokens are meant to commute in TTC - Toronto Transit Commission. One is equal $3, when you buy in bulk, you will save and get to commute more for the same money.