I was super glad to see that so many media outlets shared my press release about the opening of the photography show “Toronto Estonian House: Last Act”. Way to go! I am super happy – most likely my most shared photography exhibition so far.
Have you seen it yet? If not, then it is up until the end of October, 30th to be exact. So you still have some time!
The joy started at the end of August when the Toronto Animal Rights march took place. It was my first time participating in this small but powerful parade. It was very well organized, and those who were late to show up didn’t have to worry about missing the march, as there were speeches, music and intros to the walk presented. The whole march was powerful, and even the rain didn’t bring our mood down.
Then there was Veg TO Fest at Nathan Phillips Square. Lovely festival of wonderful vegan food, products, performances and speeches. It was a bit overwhelming to choose the food to eat. But we went by the style and the portion size and chose Ital Vital Rastarant’s ever-so-good container filled with all kinds of goodies. For the sweets we chose a selection of 6 small butter tarts, they were gluten-free and vegan, by…. They are not a vegan company, but we couldn’t resist trying their mouth-watering gluten-free treats.
And at the end of September Vegandale took place by Polson Pier by Lake Ontario. Another event I had never been to, so it was pure joy for me to be part of it. It was very similar to the To Veg Fest, but it was a ticketed event, which doesn’t make sense really, and the food was quite similar. Except for some special guests from the States. We wanted to try something different and went with this wonderful Chicago-based Light Eye See. Their portions were huge and the food was so good and filling. Like wow! For the dessert, we chose cruffin and two cupcakes from The Big Vegan Cake. Wow, wow, wow. The best vegan baked goods we have bought in the city so far!
I am delighted that September brought all this attention to veganism, as in the summer too much is happening, people are out of the city and travelling. September in that sense is the best month to organize these events. And the weather held. Thanks for this, Toronto!
I have found more of my photos published online. This time two can be seen at Visit Tartu website from 2020. A story of Seeking stories and Literature in Tartu displays my photos. Nothing ever makes me happier when I can shoot cyclists and people in their natural state.
Thank you for giving me credit!
Though June was an official Pride month, then usually the beginning of July marks the big Pride parade in Toronto. What a beautiful and sad month June was, as there was so much joy and so much grief due to the passing of Ülle.
I have always taken my time to visit the Pride parade. There are some years when it is not so good and then there are years when the parade leaves a really good impression, like this year. It was well organized, it was flowing and they gave away lots of nice freebies. I usually do not care about random knick-knacks, but some practical things like fanny packs, hats and bags and even some cute buttons, I appreciate a lot.
I chose this photo to represent this year’s parade, as you can see two races here and they are not white Caucasians. Makes me so happy to see different colours and different races, being proud of who they are and spreading the love.
If you want to know more about Pride and the meaning and read news etc, then please check this website www.pride.com.
The other day I was going through my photos and I came across the ones from Ottawa, taken in February 2022. I actually should have posted this earlier, but February was such a busy month anyway, so I hope this still fits here just fine.
I was able to visit with a bunch of friends the historic Canada Freedom Convoy in the streets of Ottawa. I still consider it one of the most fun events I have ever been to, though no, I haven’t forgotten the crisp, but sunny day that it was. I am not a fan of -17 C, especially knowing that I have to spend the whole day outside. Oh well, I survived and was able to get even my photos published. So I lived to tell.
I am still surprised that people had such bad impressions of the whole convoy. I hear you, the constant honking, and disturbance of usual peace and movement most likely was pretty annoying. But those people were taking an extra step to fight back and make themselves heard. I mean, this was a pretty bold move, especially during those freezing days!! Even if not the biggest changes were achieved and mandates were broken, it was still a very bold community action, which bought together so many strangers, who made this, at least during the weekends, a beautiful place to be.
What are your thoughts or comments on CFC? Perhaps you were one of the many to visit it?
Today marks the 105th year of the Estonian Republic. It is an important anniversary for a small country like Estonia. We have managed a lot after we got our independence back and continue growing. Next week the parliament elections are taking place, giving the people an option to choose the representatives of their voices. Let’s see what the new year will bring.
For an Estonian living abroad, it is crucial to celebrate all the local holidays, which allows me to be an Estonian. I was planning to go to the Estonian flag raising on the 24th of February, by the Toronto City Hall, but because of the one-year anniversary of the Ukrainian-Russian war, they raised the Ukrainian flag. The Estonian flag was to be erected on Saturday. Obviously, I didn’t go, as after working until 11.30 PM, the girl needed a little rest after getting to bed at 4 AM!
Hence I share the photos of the last year’s event by the Estonian House, which marked the last time when the Canadian and the Estonian flags were ever raised there. Also, this was my first time going there, as I had gone downtown before, but never to Estonian House.
Well, it was great to see so many people present on that cold, but sunny day, mostly masked as you can see. But I think I got some great shots nevertheless. Below is a small gallery of this historic event, as the Estonian House is sold now and all activities there have ended. The building has been sitting empty since the 1st of November, 2022.
Here is a selection of the photos taken during the flag-raising by the Toronto Estonian House.
It is not an everyday event when a president comes to visit you at your workplace. Right? Luck was on my side yesterday. I was able to take photos of the Estonian Republic’s president Alar Karis’ visit to Tartu College. This organization is a well-known Estonian temple of culture and research. Acting also as a dormitory, offering students from all around the world accommodation in Toronto. Plus offering a home to hundreds of Estonian-Canadian personal archive collections and thousands of books. Tartu College has worked hard for tens and tens of years to develop the preservation of Estonian culture and heritage in Canada.
President Karis met with local Estonian organizations, society and group leaders, who all had a chance to introduce their present activity and their history. It was time well spent and hopefully, good relationships between Estonia and Estonians in Toronto will arise from this meeting.
After the meeting, a panel discussion took place at the Tartu College hall, which was packed with people, who all wanted to meet the president and take part in the discussion. The stage was taken by Laas Leivat, Juku Gold and Alar Karis, and the panel was moderated by Reet Marten-Sehr. Most of the questions circled around the war in Ukraine, but there were other questions asked, such as: “I want to go to Estonia, what can I do to make that happen?”. The president’s answer was: “Get airplane tickets first.”
The visit was short, as usually, such visits are, so it was really difficult for Mr. President to leave for the airport. As many wanted to speak, take pictures with him or show him around. So much to do, so little time. But the time was well spent and the result was a wonderful evening with merry Estonians enjoying good company and good Greek food catered by the Master’s Bufferia, which has their buffeteria opened in Tartu College.
Please take a look at the gallery HERE, before I will put together a small overview of the event.