I grew up with a small group of Estonian families as my ‘extended family.' I moved to the San Francisco Bay area in 1994.
Why were you willing to take on such a big responsibility to organize this festival?
As I age, I am coming to more fully appreciate the value of heritage. My parents wanted us to assimilate into American life so they did not insist that we learn Estonian language as children. While I understand their motivation, in some ways I regret not having learned more about Estonia as a child. Now that I am fifty something, I have found a wonderful group of ‘adult learners' in the Bay Area and we have been blessed with a delightful teacher. My mom was particularly committed to the Upstate New York Estonian community. She passed away more than 10 years ago. I suppose in some small way, I am carrying on her tradition in helping to organize LEP-ESTO.
Do you have previous experience attending and/or organizing previous LEP And/or ESTO?
I attended the 1984 ESTO in Toronto. Beautiful city. I have fond memories of being there with my parents. As for my organizing experience, I am a novice. Each member of the organizing team brings a unique set of skills and has been most generous in sharing their time and insight.
What event specifically do you recommend, especially at this ESTO, for people to attend.
Oh no, I could not possibly recommend one event over another! There is definitely something for everyone. What I can tell you is that we have been ever so fortunate in lining up some magnificent venues for you to enjoy. Opening ceremony at the Palace of Fine Arts, Laulupidu at the Calvary Presbyterian Church in Pacific Heights, Tantsupidu at the Yerba Buena Gardens and Rahvapidu at Castle Rock Park. And of course, I hope you find time to explore San Francisco on your own too.
If someone has never been in SF before, what place would they have to visit?
For children and young at heart, the Exploratorium has just recently opened in its new waterfront location. There are a number of museums within walking distance of Union Square. Golden Gate Park offers a variety of attractions or opportunity to get some exercise. Most importantly, pack your most comfortable walking shoes.
If you have any other points That you want to promote or talk about, she would like you to send it over to her as well
Had history taken a different turn, I may very well have been born and raised in Estonia and would not likely be able to imagine the life I live today. I visited Estonia for the first time a few years ago. With my parents gone, my uncle travelled with us to provide valuable context to our journey. Walking through Old Town, I recall a distinct sense of welcome and of joy. That is my wish for all those who come to San Francisco to attend LEP-ESTO 2013 – a distinct sense of welcome and of joy.
Lugupeetud lugejad, kõikides paikades maailmas – saatke meile oma mälupilte (kas eesti või inglise keeles) ning allkirjadega varustatud fotosid Estodest ja Lääneranniku Päevadest – neid tõeliselt meelespidamist väärivaist suursündmustest! Jagame ja hoiame oma kultuuripärandit, eriti silmas pidades tänavust kultuuripärandi aastat!
Ootame Teie lugusid ja/või fotosid: eetalitus@eestielu.ca või eetoimetus@eestielu.ca
