Found in Estonia podcast episode 64 with Henri Ormus

Meet Henri Ormus, who is a nuclear engineer, and listen to his story of becoming one.
Henri has lived and worked in the US, Sweden, Finland, and Russia and after living 14 years abroad just returned to Estonia. He is the co-founder and board member of Fermi Energia, which aims to build small modular reactors in Estonia.

We talk about:
* How did he discover the nuclear field?
* Differences between engineers in Finland, Russia, and Estonia?
* How can scholarships change people’s lives?

This season features Estonians, who are no strangers to living abroad and today live back in Estonia. We will talk about why, when, and how did they end up living abroad, how was their experience compared to living in Estonia, and how their perspectives shift after moving back to Estonia.

♥︎ This season is powered by a non-profit organisation Mondo, which aims to reduce global inequality. ♥︎

Found in Estonia podcast episode 63 with Maria Sakarias

Meet Maria Sakarias - when Maria was she lived a year abroad in France. After that, she decided to move to the UK for her studies. This led to living and studying in the Netherlands, volunteering in Nepal and India, and traveling to countless countries through her work around creating social impact.

She always thought that living abroad is somehow easier. That she could be this anonymous person, doing whatever and returning to Estonia seemed more difficult somehow.

After two Master's degrees and 10 years of building international connections around linguistics, social impact projects, and the Edtech field, she now lives in Estonia again and shares her colorful experiences with us!

This season features Estonians, who are no strangers to living abroad and today live back in Estonia. We will talk about why, when, and how did they end up living abroad, how was their experience compared to living in Estonia, and how their perspectives shift after moving back to Estonia.

♥︎ This season is powered by a non-profit organisation Mondo, which aims to reduce global inequality. ♥︎

Found in Estonia podcast episode 62 with Andres Sirel

Andres is an Estonian, who is a father, an entrepreneur, and a lifelong learner.
He worked at Microsoft for over 11 years which led him to live with his entire family in Malaysia for 2 years.

Today he is the head of the company Insplay, with the mission to raise awareness among parents through playful development and balance. After returning to Estonia, he discovered his passion for spirituality and today he is also a certified Mystic School healer who holds life activation sessions and offers coaching and consultation for those on the spiritual road.

This season features Estonians, who are no strangers to living abroad and today live back in Estonia. We will talk about why, when, and how did they end up living abroad, how was their experience compared to living in Estonia, and how their perspectives shift after moving back to Estonia.

♥︎ This season is powered by a non-profit organisation Mondo, which aims to reduce global inequality. ♥︎

Found in Estonia podcast episode 61 with Liina Metsküla

Liina Metsküla is an Estonian who has visited 84 countries, and has a dream to visit them all! She is the author of 3 traveling books and a host of an Estonian podcast “Järgmine peatus”, where she shares different people’s travel stories.

This season features Estonians, who are no strangers to living abroad and today live back in Estonia. We will talk about why, when, and how did they end up living abroad, how was their experience compared to living in Estonia, and how their perspectives shift after moving back to Estonia.

♥︎ This season is powered by a non-profit organisation Mondo, which aims to reduce global inequality. ♥︎

Found in Estonia podcast episode 60 with Silver Tambur

Silver arrived in London with his back bag and 50 pounds. He started as a cleaner, then went to study there, then got a job at a law office, and then launched his own global online magazine, called EstonianWorld.com. As he says: in London, one thing just leads to another.

This season features Estonians, who are no strangers to living abroad and today live back in Estonia. We will talk about why, when, and how did they end up living abroad, how was their experience compared to living in Estonia, and how their perspectives shift after moving back to Estonia.

♥︎ This season is powered by a non-profit organisation Mondo, which aims to reduce global inequality. ♥︎

A new season is about to start!

In this short episode, you can hear highlights for Tiina, when spending a summer in Estonia and learn what the new season will be about!

This season features different Estonians, who have lived abroad, gained experiences as an expat, and now live in Estonia again. You can hear small snippets from the next guests before you jump into the entire season!

Your host is Tiina Pärtel

Found in Estonia podcast episode #58 with Tiina Pärtel the creator and host of this podcast.

It’s time for a break. This episode will go over What? Why? When? What else to listen to instead of this podcast? What was created with this podcast? And What else does the future bring?

Found in Estonia podcast episode number 57 with Michiel Oude Alink from the Netherlands. 

Michiel shares how life can be outside of bigger cities. He explains why after growing up in the Netherlands and using his bike as a basic means of transportation, cycling in Tallinn just seems horrifying and terrifying.

We also chat about: 

*How did his relationship with Estonia got started by an online LOTR game?
*Is taking your shoes off common in Estonia?
*Eating potatoes and sandwiches
*And how the Estonian language seems a bit sing-songy to him! 

Found in Estonia podcast episode number 56 with Maiko from Japan. 

Maiko is a Japanese-born music-loving woman. Unlike most of the previous podcast guests, she is living in a small city Pärnu, famous for its seaside.

In this episode we chat about: 

*How she met her husband back in Japan
*What does she think about Estonian sushi and ramen places?
*Why did she first feel like the Estonian sky is too close to her?
*What do to in Pärnu during the winter, when all the people seem to be lost?
*What's the deal with Estonians and grocery shopping?

Found in Estonia podcast episode #55 with Hande Akiman from Turkey

Hande and her husband decided they are going to move to another country. So they started looking at the world map. 4 years later they enjoy living in Estonia a lot. She says she really feels happy in Estonia. Learn from the episode what makes her feel like that!

Other topics we chatted about include:
* Is eating fish for breakfast normal?
* Turkish hammam vs Estonian sauna?
* Estonia the porridge country?
* Turkish cuisines!
* Why do Estonians compare themselves with the Nordics?

Found in Estonia podcast episode #54 with Nikola Kolev.

Nikola is a professional musician, singing teacher, and voice-over artist with high energy and lots of stories to share. Get ready, grab your popcorn, and join Nikola's stories about:

* how creating a sensational boy band brought him to Estonia

* how he got into trouble with border control, because of reverse head motions they use in Bulgaria

* way he raises his children to speak 3 languages properly

* why is the Estonian language presumably one of the best for singing?

Found in Estonia podcast episode #53 with Piret Potisepp

This episode is in collaboration with Tallinn Designtours. Piret Potisepp is a well-traveled and active Estonian. She has lived in multiple countries and besides her daily job, she is the founder of Tallinn Designtours.

In this episode we talk about:
*How did Piret's interest in design start?
*What is special about her design tours?
*How does she find designers to visit?
*What does the future hold for the Designtours?

Find more about the tours: www.designtours.ee

Listen in and join our chat!

Found in Estonia podcast episode #52 with Ellie from Scotland.
Ellie Shaw decided to make Estonia her home after living in Scotland, Bulgaria, and United States. Being married to an Estonian gave her the advantage to blend in faster.
We’re chatting about:
* How similar are Scottish and Estonian people
* Her secret to making snowy winters pleasant
* Is there anything special about being married to another woman while living in a country that doesn’t allow same-sex marriages?
* Secret benefits behind sauerkraut and sour creme?
* Why shouldn’t you never ask an Estonian for the best places to pick mushrooms? :O

Listen in and join our chat!

Found in Estonia podcasti saade number 51 koos Leonardo Ortega-ga Mehhikost.

Külas on Eesti Rahvusvahelise Maja juht Leonardo Ortega, kes kolis Eestisse umbes 10 kastat tagasi. Täna jutustame me puhtas eesti keeles. Leonardo seletab, millega tegeleb Eesti Rahvusvaheline Maja ja kuidas Eestisse kolinud välismaalased sellest kasu saavad. 

Lisaks jutustame teemadel:

* Kuidas ta eesti keele selgeks sai?

* Tema nipid eestlastega rääkima hakkamiseks?

* 5 põhjust, miks välismaalased Eestisse kolivad?

* Mida peab tema ema Eesti juures ohtlikuks?

* Mis on Leonardo lemmik eestikeelne sõna?

* Ootamatused Eestis lapse saamise juures?

Eesti Rahvusvahelise Majaga saab ühendust siit:

www.workinestonia.com/internationalhouse

www.facebook.com/InternationalHouseofEstonia

#50 Leonardo Ortega from Mexico to Estonia: Making life easier for other foreigners moving to Estonia

Found in Estonia podcast episode 50 with Leonardo Ortega from Mexico.

Leonardo is the head of the International House of Estonia, aiming to make life easier for all the foreigners moving to Estonia. He gives us a rich overview of what it means and how they do it. 

We also chat about: 

* Why does he like Estonian public transportation

* What is a sauna-marathon

* What makes Estonia safe

* Mexican city called Tequila

Get in touch with the International House of Estonia here: 

www.workinestonia.com/internationalhouse

www.facebook.com/InternationalHouseofEstonia

Found in Estonia podcast episode #49 with Ross Allen from the UK. 

Ross Allen is the current British Ambassador to Estonia. He moved to Estonia in June 2021. Since then has joined a choir, passed B1 Estonian exams, has seen most of Estonia, met local troops, and met numerous Estonian politicians, including the previous and current Estonian presidents.

We chat about his daily life in Tallinn and also:

*How does he balance work, family, hobbies, language learning reading, and doing sports? 

*Why did he join a choir here?

*How does one become an ambassador?

*What is the concept of the Mojito sea?

*Things he enjoys and admires about Estonia?

*His recommendations for others planning to move to Estonia?

*Estonian sauna, dill, rugby, cricket, etc.

Found in Estonia podcast episode #48 with Melanie Güllich from Germany.

Join in and listen to how Melanie compares Estonia with 4 other countries, where she’s lived in. 

*She gives a good overview of similarities and differences between Germans and Estonians. 

*encourages parents to trust their kids more, when it comes to settling in a new country

*Gives her secret receipt of how she has made more friends in Estonia than in the UK, within a similar timeframe

*Explains why she appreciates the safety in Estonia possibly most of all. 

*Shares restaurants you don’t want to miss

Found in Estonia podcast meets Living in Lithuania podcast! 

What thrives someone to make their own podcast?

Why speak with internationals living in your country? 

In this episode Tiina and Auste are chatting about how their podcasts got started and how is it going. What are the plans for New Year? What have they learned from making their podcasts and what have they learned in the process. 

*

Listen to the Living in Lithuania podcast here:

https://tinyurl.com/edxcf28c

FB page: https://www.facebook.com/LivingInLithuaniaPodcast

*

Learn about the game Epic Estonia:

www.foundinestonia.ee/epicestonia

Found in Estonia podcast fascinating episode #46 with Nicole from USA!

Nicole Dennis is the president of the International Women's Club in Tallinn. She says the most important thing when moving to Estonia is not to let the weather scare you. And as it turns out she might be now stuck with Estonian “päkapikk” traditions.

In this energetic episode we’ll also cover:

*What is the mysterious International Women's Club?
*Are international school systems in Germany, Turkey, etc the same as going to school in the US?
*What is she most excited to take with her from Estonia?
*How different are the Christmas traditions in the US vs Estonia?
*What is the “elf on the shelf tradition” about?

Found in Estonia podcast fascinating episode #45 with Stefano from Malta!

For Stefano it was a move to a lot bigger country with a lot more people, space, and nature. He says the main thing that has changed for him while living in Estonia is his "island mentality". Listen as he explains what it is.

• He gave himself one rule, when moving to Estonia, what was it and what happened with it?
• Is there a difference between doing UX or UI design in Malta or Estonia?
• And what do those short names mean anyway?
• What made Stefano's smile physically turn upside down?
• What are the differences between Estonia and Malta?

This and more on the latest episode!

Found in Estonia podcast charming episode #44 with Ben from France! ☀️

Meet Ben! He is a passionate learner and creator - he co-curates the beautiful Instagram channel @eestipaigad , which shares amazing locations around Estonia. We talk about how that came about. Also what is the process behind “getting the picture”.

Wanting not to be just simply an employee - Ben shares his initiatives on the startup scene and what got him attracted to Estonia. 

Regarding the French language, we talk about the feminine and masculine differences in both languages, also the “you” vs “You” or “sina” vs “teie” expressions. 

And can you guess what is one thing, Ben says, that Estonia hasn’t been able to do better than French?

Found in Estonia podcast charming episode #43 with Ahmad from Jordan! ☀️

Hello Ahmad and hello Jordan! The land, of deserts, mountains, extremely hospitable people, and what else?

Let's find out! 

*Ahmad shares, how different can be studying architecture in Jordan vs in Estonia

* He shares his story of how it took him 6 years to move to Estonia?

*Why are Jordanians pushy when offering food?

*Estonians can be cold and extremely hot at the same time?

*How can living abroad help him to discover himself?

Found in Estonia podcast charming episode #42 with Pono from Hawaii! ☀️

Have you met anyone researching goat cheese making in Estonia? How much do you know about kimchi? How much do you know about kimchi? Pono said she keeps telling Estonians there is more than just kimchi from Hiina kapsas! There are literally 200 types of kimchi! 😮

Can you believe after growing up in sunny Hawaii, she was still impressed by Estonian sunlight?

Among these, we get to the bottom of: 

*Is Hawaii a special place among Americans?
*She came here under the impression, that Estonia is rich with boulders, did she got tricked?
*What do Estonian and Hawaiian languages have in common?
*Two things she would take with her from Estonia?
*Three words how she describes her life in Estonia?

Found in Estonia podcast episode #41 with Jacobina De Rivera from Mexico! 

An episode full of energy, and fascinating topics! First off Jacobina is sharing her story which is a combination of

• how she decided to live in Estonia after traveling to more than 70 countries.
• studying to get a Ph.D. in sexology,
• practicing to become a professional dominatrix,
• sharing her passion for the Burning Man festival,
• creating a project in Estonia called Secret Mexican Society,
• and yep few more things. 

Are you feeling intrigued? Awesome, then let’s jump in!

Get ready to learn how Olla’s growth-oriented mindset works, already within the first 5 minutes of sharing her story! As she has taught herself how to find positive sides from the most annoying experiences with her passport.

Being born and raised in Saudi Arabia with parents from Sudan, having lived years in Malaysia, and now settling in in Estonia - Most certainly means there’s a fascinating mix of stories she’s sharing with us in this episode!

*Her take on comparing Middle Eastern, African, Asian, and European people with each other?
*Why is she so excited about being able to binge on strawberries!? 😄
*What is Sudanese bakhoor?
*Why can’t she keep black bread at home?
*Exclusive insights to the book she is writing 🤫

☀️SPECIAL SUMMER SERIES☀️

Episode #39 from Found in Estonia podcast with inspiring Iverson Ng. He likes how exotic Estonia feels. And shares how he managed to learn Estonian, mainly through putting himself in uncomfortable situations.

We chat about:
*Life in Hong Kong
*His favorite Estonian TV-shows
*Which singer made him fall in love with Estonia?
*Similarities between Hong Kongers and Estonians?
*What makes him like Estonian winter?
*Coconut and peach culture
*Food

Links that are mentioned in the episode: 

* The Baltic Ways legacy in Hong Kong exhibition - www.chainsoffreedom.communistcrimes.org
* Book recommendation: “Minu Hong Kong” by Teele Rebane

If you know anyone else, who could be great for this special series, write to: podcast@foundinestonia.ee and let us know!

☀️SPECIAL SUMMER SERIES☀️

Found in Estonia taskuhäälingu eestikeelne erisaade number #38 külaliseks on Iverson, kes on pärit Hongkongist ja elanud Eestis juba 4 aastat. Räägime Iversoniga eesti keeles. 

Juttu tuleb: 

*Kuidas ta 4 aastat tagasi Eestisse kolis.
*Tänu millele ta oma eesti keele oskust arendanud on.
*Mis talle Eesti juures meeldib.
*Kuidas talle kohupiimakooki süüa meeldib.
*Hongkonglased vs eestlased.

Rääkisime Iversoni kogemustest pikemalt ka inglise keelses episoodis ehk: episood 39 - kuula ka seda!

See saade on erisaade eesti keelsete külalistega sarjast Found in Estonia inglise keelses taskuhäälingus. Tavapäraselt on igas saates külas mõni välismaalane, kellega jutustame inglise keeles - kuula ka neid! Kui sa tead veel kedagi, kes sobiks selle saatesarja külaliseks, anna märku, kirjutades email aadressile: podcast@foundinestonia.ee!

☀️SPECIAL SUMMER SERIES☀️

Episode #37 from Found in Estonia podcast with lovely Katerina Chantzi. She is bubbly, talkative, and a great storyteller. She's been living in Estonia for 4 years. Katerina is passionate about social entrepreneurship, environmental and educational fields.

We chat about:
*How can one learn Estonian language in 4 months?
*What can you experience while spending two years living in Tapa?
*Why you shouldn't move to Tallinn, when you first come to Estonia?
*What does it mean Estonians are like coconuts and Greek people like peaches?
*How language learning books and courses in Estonia are gender-stereotypical?
*Her passino for recycling and social entrepreneurship
*How come is Jäneda her favorie place in Estonia?
*Why was she certain that she won't survive her first winter in Estonia?

Links that are mentioned in the episode: 

* Green Month at Tallinn University https://linktr.ee/GreenMonthTLU
* Coconut/Peach article in Found in Estonia blog: https://foundinestonia.ee/metaphors-describing-estonia/
*and the one Katerina wrote: https://studyinestonia.ee/blog/estonian-coconut-hunt
*Her social enterprise: https://www.binfree.ee

If you know anyone else, who could be great for this special series, write to: podcast@foundinestonia.ee and let us know!

☀️SPECIAL SUMMER SERIES☀️

Found in Estonia taskuhäälingu eestikeelne erisaade number #36 külaliseks on Katerina Chantzi, kes on pärit Kreekast ja elanud Eestis juba 4 aastat. Räägime Katerinaga eesti keeles. 

Juttu tuleb: 

*Kuidas jõuab Kreeka noor elama ja töötama Tapale?
*Kui erinevad on kreeklased ja eestlased?
*Kuidas kiiresti eesti keel selgeks saada?
*Mida tähendab, et kreeklastel on alati templeid vaja?
*Mida sinu peaksid teised välismaalased teadma Eesti kohta?

Rääkisime Katerina kogemustest pikemalt ka inglise keelses episoodis ehk: episood 37 - kuula ka seda!

See saade on erisaade eesti keelsete külalistega sarjast Found in Estonia inglise keelses taskuhäälingus. Tavapäraselt on igas saates külas mõni välismaalane, kellega jutustame inglise keeles - kuula ka neid! Kui sa tead veel kedagi, kes sobiks selle saatesarja külaliseks, anna märku, kirjutades email aadressile: podcast@foundinestonia.ee!

☀️SPECIAL SUMMER SERIES☀️

Having a full-length chat with Säba, who moved to Estonia from Iran. He has lived here 10 years, knows his way around, and also speaks fluent Estonian.
We chat about:
*differences between Iran and Estonia
*how he can still remember the feeling he had when he first arrived in Tartu
*Estonian food
*How do enjoy Estonian winter
*Mastering Estonian language
*Secrets of not getting lost, while trying to become a local

This episode is part of the special Estonian-languaged episode series with foreign guests, who also speak fluent Estonian. So get inspired and listen to the previous episode #34, where we chat with Säba in Estonian, and he shares more of his story, experiences, and thoughts over there!

If you know anyone else, who could be great for this special series, write to: podcast@foundinestonia.ee and let us know!

☀️SPECIAL SUMMER SERIES☀️

Found in Estonia taskuhäälingu eestikeelne erisaade number #34 Hesam YR ehk Säbaga, kes kasvas üles Iraanis. Ja on nüüdseks juba 10 aastat elanud Eestis.

Selles osas suhtleme eesti keeles, järgmises osas inglise keeles. Found in Estonia taskuhäälingu eestikeelne erisaade number #34 külaliseks on Hesam YR ehk Säba, kes kolis Eestisse elama Iraanist ja on elanud siin juba 10 aastat.

Arutleme Säbaga:
* kui palju erinevad omavahel Iraan ja Eesti
* milliseid soovitusi on tal eestlastele, kes tahavad välismaalastega suhelda
* mis talle Eesti juures eriti meeldib

See saade on erisaade eesti keelsete külalistega sarjast Found in Estonia inglise keelses taskuhäälingus. Tavapäraselt on igas saates külas mõni välismaalane, kellega jutustame inglise keeles - kuula ka neid! Kui sa tead veel kedagi, kes sobiks selle saatesarja külaliseks, anna märku, kirjutades email aadressile: podcast@foundinestonia.ee!

☀️SPECIAL SUMMER SERIES☀️

Hop on board, because it’s time to make a trip again! This time to… Estonia? 😎 Aili Vahtla grew up in the United States as an Estonian American. So she always knew what Estonia is and what are its people like - or did she?

She’s sharing her fascinating story, how she spent her weekends as a patriotic Estonian, and her every day as an American. Listen from herself how it all played out!
her story, growing up as Estonian American
comparing living in Narva, Tartu, and also in a farmhouse.
overview of sorority and fraternity system similarities and differences
things she appreciates in Estonia
her tips for learning the language

This episode is part of the special Estonian-languaged episode series with foreign guests, who also speak fluent Estonian. So get inspired and listen to the previous episode #32, where we chat with Aili in Estonian, and she shares more of her story, experiences, and thoughts over there!

If you know anyone else, who could be great for this special series, write to: podcast@foundinestonia.ee and let us know!

☀️SPECIAL SUMMER SERIES☀️

Found in Estonia taskuhäälingu eestikeelne erisaade number #32 Aili Vahtlaga, kes kasvas üles väliseestlasena Ameerika Ühendriikides. Ja on nüüdseks juba peaaegu 10 aastat elanud Eestis.
Selles osas suhtleme eesti keeles, järgmises ka inglise keeles. Aili elas justkui topelt elu - nädalavahetuseti ta reisis ta erinevate osariikide vahel, et tegeleda kõigega, mis on Eestile iseloomulik ja nädala sees nautis hoopis kohaliku ameeriklase elu!
Rääkisime tema taustast!
Miks ta tahtis hoopis Kanadasse kolida?
Kuidas ta Eestisse ära armus?
Millised on Eesti eelised, millest ameeriklased ainult unistavad?
ja palju palju muud!
*
See saade on erisaade eesti keelsete külalistega sarjast Found in Estonia inglise keelses taskuhäälingus. Tavapäraselt on igas saates külas mõni välismaalane, kellega jutustame inglise keeles - kuula ka neid! Kui sa tead veel kedagi, kes sobiks selle saatesarja külaliseks, anna märku, kirjutades email aadressile: podcast@foundinestonia.ee!

Special day = special episode!
*Where did Kaisa disappear?
*What kind of episodes are coming up?
*Any collaborations in the air?
*Anything else happening with Found in Estonia podcast?
*Any get-togethers?

Good that you asked, 'cause Tiina is answering it all in the special solo episode 😎
Listen and join the email newsletter on www.foundinestonia.ee.
And get in touch if you have any collaboration ideas! -> tiina@foundinestonia.ee
💕

Listen to Alex, who is quite a special guest on Found in Estonia podcast! 

He is an Estonian who was born in Narva and moved to the UK when he was 12. Alex spent 4 years working in Japan, 1 year helping to build up a language school in Malaysia. Through the years has launched 4 startups and is now living and working back in Narva, Estonia.

He loves challenges, design, startups, Japanese culture, Estonian nature, and the startup world.

Even though he doesn't speak Estonian, he thinks Estonia is amazing and has lots of cool stuff. 

Wondering why he moved back to Narva? Listen to our chat to find out! 

Quote from Alex: "Also expats, if you’ve been here, in Estonia, over a year and haven’t visited Narva, then what are you doing?”

Listen to Joy and Jessi, who are brothers having lived in Estonia 8 and 10 years. They have several things to share! 

They're both passionate about the finance world, cryptocurrency, blockchain, and building businesses. Besides that they are super impressed with Estonian nature, love walking in the forest or in the bog, winter swimming, and yes sauna as well!

Not only do we talk about Estonia, but they share their TOP must-know-about-Peru facts and explain how can one catch a bus in Lima and what's up with their “Two hour consideration rule”?

Listen to highly energetic young guy Avishek sharing his story!

He introduces himself as a simple data guy - but what does it mean? It's quite remarkable, that Avishek spent 3 years and filled in over 300 job applications since he already knew, he wants to move to Estonia (or to Berlin)!

We'll hear what's up with frozen veggies or the lack of them in India, how Indian people distinguish between spicy and hot foods. 

How do Indian people plan their time without using a calendar?

And how he had to relearn how to make compliments in Estonia 😅 

Listen to Andrew sharing why Africans never sleep in a tent, how does the naming system function in Ghana. Why does Andrew like the cold and sauna in Estonia?

How did he survive his first winter in Estonia, when the heating broke down? How did he manage to study and work full time? What are the differences in school systems in Ghana vs Estonia? What are the staple foods in Ghana? How does he enjoy winter sports here? And most importantly why did he prefer moving to Estonia instead of Australia?

Let’s find out!

Listen to Eunice, who is a bubbly soul with a love for African food and entrepreneurship. She says Nigerian people are happy people and you should approach them more to get to know them better!

We talk about how Estonia is the first country, where she traveled outside of Africa. Why she decided to stay here. What does she think about Estonian foods, are there any similarities between her native language and Estonian?

Her first experiences with snow, sauna, and much more!

Join in and let’s travel to Nigeria!

Listen to how Nikki explains what it’s been like to travel the world as a digital nomad and how is it different from being a slow nomad.

Why after living in Estonia for three years, she still appreciates Estonian air quality and how clean it is!

She loves the sauna in her apartment (despite coming from a warm country), and tells why it’s hard to eat green leafy vegetables in Estonia.

She is amazed by our sour creme and dairy selection and compares it to tofu choices in Asian countries.

You might also ask, what’s up with giving our red envelopes and tangerines when you visit someone? And even if you didn’t ask it - we will talk about it! 🙂

Listen to how can one Moldovian woman, who has lived in Estonia for 6+ years, say that she doesn’t feel like an Estonian, rather “Kohilane”? Enjoy Miha’s very lively personality explaining how she first moved to Estonia. And how did she end up working in Kohila? In a village with just around 3000 people living there, is it worth living there?

Miha has a very colorful way of explaining everything to us, starting from the languages used in Moldova. Then sharing her transforming journey from studying architecture, learning woodworking, and now being immersed in Fin-tech and the world of numbers.

Listen to Viktorija sharing her passion for the jewelry world, giving insights into what it’s like to study in the Estonian Academy of Arts, how she got good at art history. How basketball in Lithuania has a similar meaning as singing in Estonia. Why do hey talk with their pets?? And hey are Lithuanians and Estonians actually similar?

Listen to our very bubbly chat with Ucha from Georgia. Ucha is passionate about startups, has contributed a lot to Garage48 and ESN networks, and focuses on building his own platform under the name Startup Ventures.

He is a true activist, though at the same time a total introvert as he says. He shares how Eminem and hip-hop world kickstarted his journey to the startup world and living abroad. You’ll hear the inspiring story about how one project and opportunity took him to another! Today he’s lived in Estonia for 5 years and totally appreciates this opportunity!

Listen to as we chat with a lovely lady Penelope Piip, who has lived in Tartu for nearly 16 years already! She has seen Estonia changing and developing from inside and outside. And her first impressions coming to Estonia from Australia, were: it’s like going back in time with these tiny highways!

Get ready to hear more about lace making and handicraft, her journey ending up in Estonia, how she became board member of Eesti Niplispitsi selts and whether she wears shoes indoors and much more!

Time for a duo show! Tiina and Kaisa sending away year 2020, discussing what were their highlights this year and what are their plans for the next year!
The majority if this episode goes over all the 16 episodes published! Tiina and Kaisa put themselves to the test and share what stood out to them from each episode!
They share memories from behind the recording and things they can recall from the chats!
Let us know if you can also remember all of these things and what would you add!

Timestamps:

• 00:00 - What were our highlights in 2020?
• 12:14 - Revisiting all the episodes
• 1:03:11 - From which countries would we love to have our next guests?
• 1:05:35 - Things gained from making this podcast?
• 1:07:18 - What is something in your bucketlist for 2021?
• 1:09:7 - Podcast goals for 2021!

Listen to how Jameela talks about differences between Palestinian people and Estonians. She shares, how she learned to speak almost perfect Estonian, how she doesn’t think winters here are too harsh. She shares her love for mashed potatoes and explains as how she grew up wearing hijabi. Get ready for some Palestinian health hacks and hearing about traditional Palestinian wedding traditions.

Listen to how Marino talks about working in IT during the day and in the dance world during evenings. Marino started to appreciate Estonian food and the life in Tartu after living in Finland. He shares, how he turned his passion for latin dances into a blooming dance studio. What are the differences between Estonian introverts and Estonian extraverts. How different it might be to take care of some paperwork in Italy vs in Estonia. And Italian espresso vs Estonian coffee.

Listen to how John's life changed after he started drinking kama with keefir for breakfast to blend in more or maybe it was thanks to the clever hack, how he learned to say the letter “Ö” in Estonian and probably getting into composing music had its contribution.

We’ll find out through his highly entertaining stories. He also shares, why Colombian people are so intense in making eye contact. And how feelings in general are just not Estonian thing, except maybe, when it comes to our Singing festival. Then it’s a totally different story.

Listen to how we chat with Iriyna about her upbringing in Belarus. We talk about Belarusian language and its new wave, about how she uses Russian and English language in Estonia. We dive deep into her musical background. We talk about how much Estonians dislike talking on phones. We get into different local traditions Kadripäev, Mardipäev, Jaanipäev and the story of Tahma-Toomas - let us know, if you’ve heard about Tahma-Toomas before!

Listen to how Jaime talks about moving to Tartu, Estonia which is on the opposite side of the world fir him. First impressions after landing - wow, this country is so FLAT!
Some other memorable impressions were seeing an Estonian hot dog for the first time, realising that his university building has its own sauna, people eating open sided sandwiches, not being able to find Pisco sour here and so much more.

Listen hilarious stories about studying art in Estonia, how sauna can help one feel better in their skin, 3-course eating habits in France, Mathilde's first impressions when seeing Estonia's highest hill..  Stories behind her tattoos, how safe is it really to walk around in Tallinn, as a female, in the middle of the night. How she is constantly impressed, being able to see stars in the sky here and how she compares Estonians with jam and coconuts.

Listen to how Taavi shares what annoys him about Estonia and Estonians. And also, how he enjoys the speed of Estonians. He shares his opinion about whether Estonians actually have their own standards, whether we should accept Russian language as our national language. The pressure of today’s society etc. He also shares his views about HR and music industry.

Listen to how Tati found out that Estonia is the best place in the world, to live surrounded by beautiful women. After reading that and knowing, that her boyfriend is moving to Estonia, her decision was easy. Now she says Estonia truly is a sweet spot and she really likes it here. Some things started finally making more sense here - like Santa wearing an actual winter coat and winter boots. And something that shocked Tati was seeing people sunbathing in the middle of the street.

Listen to how Ada shares a glimpse of her life in Estonia, how she moved to Tartu to learn Spanish language and literature. How she loves dancing both male and female parts. How she is crazy about Estonian pastry kohupiimatasku, how she keeps a list of boardgames, that she has played or wants to buy.

Listen to how Shahab shares a glimpse of his life in Estonia. As the only computer vision scientist in the whole of Estonia, he established the first and now the largest computer vision lab in the Baltics! Being born in Iran, having lived in multiple countries and now having lived 8 years in Estonia, Shahab says for him Estonian culture is the perfect culture!

Listen to how Avery shares his story of living in Estonian startup bubble, how everybody in Estonia is 2 calls away, differences between Estonian and South Western book salesmen, why does he think our cakes are weird. How he likes the supportiveness of Estonian entrepreneurs. And how to get to know people in Estonia.

Listen to how Buluthan, found out about Estonia through Eurovision Song Contest. Among learning, that he now has his own candy here, he also discovered, that Asia is not the only place, where people enjoy eating plain rice. We’ll also make a deep dive into - are Turkish and Estonian languages similar?

Listen to how Rafiki came to conclusion, that it’s his destiny to move to Estonia! He came here with a hobby of visiting all the museums around him and 200 different museum visits in Estonia and still going strong!? And he really says, there’s more to visit!

Listen to how it turns out, that all Chris needed to start taking Estonian language learning seriously, was to miss one train ride with his Erasmus friends. And thanks to singing in a choir, taking intensive language courses and bathing in “Estonian showers” as he calls it - he can now confidently add Estonian to one of the languages that he speaks.

Listen to, why there are no SPA’s in Mexico, how Estonian can be used as a secret language, Sandra’s love for “heeringas” and why you shouldn’t smile too much during Estonian winter and what does it mean, that Estonia and Mexico are opposite.

Listen to how Rufat recognizes Estonians on the street, how he already grew up with the love for potatoes, why the word “allahindlus” made him think all the shops in Estonia are religious! How he managed to get locked up in a local church. Also how Estonian weather is similar to Kinder surprise!