Strawberry/Maasikas– About me
I’m a 26-year-old Estonian-American who started working in Tallinn, Estonia in September 2007. It’s not my first time living in Estonia– I got a taste of it when I studied in Tartu for the 2005-2006 academic year. People ask me all the time why I came back. Well, why not? I like it here. This blog documents what’s going on in my expat kitchen and how it is to live (and eat) in a culture that can, at times, feel both familiar and foreign.
This is me (Marika) at a sidewalk cafe in Luxembourg, July 2008.
Ashley replied:
Hello! I randomly stumbled upon your blog. I’m not Estonian, but I am a little obsessed with the country:) I’ve been able to travel there three times in the last 4 years and lived in Tallinn for three months during the summer of 2007. I actually moved back to California a month before you moved there. What exactly are doing in Tallinn? I would love to go back so bad! I’m just waiting for an opportunity to come back. I lived in Pääskula and worked at the Nõmme Baptist Church, I’m not sure if you’re familiar with it. I read your blog on Kohuke, and remember my first experience with kohupiim and that wonderful snack. It took me a while to warm up to it, but now I so wish it was available in America! Have you been to Kompressor in Old Town? That was one of my favorite places to eat! Anyways, hope you’re having an awesome week in Estonia!
-Ashley
Friday, 6 March, 2009 at 2:05 am. Permalink.
marikamaasikas replied:
Hi Ashley, welcome! It was great to read your comments. I always love to hear stories about people who have no inherent ties to Estonia but are still drawn to the country.
I believe I met somebody else who lived in Pääsküla and worked at that church, but she was here last summer. I work at a government institution translating (Estonian to English) and editing English-language materials. I was an English major in college, so it’s a good job for me.
Let me know when you make it back to Estonia!
I love Kompressor! I haven’t been there in ages… maybe I can convince my boyfriend to go this weekend.
Friday, 6 March, 2009 at 6:16 pm. Permalink.
Pene replied:
G’day, Marika, I just discovered your blog, via Pille’s blog. If you happen to be visiting Tartu, let me know. I’ve been here since 2004, & I like it here, but I really miss the Aussie sunshine during the winter months.
Saturday, 7 November, 2009 at 5:10 pm. Permalink.
marikamaasikas replied:
Thanks for visiting! I used to visit Tartu about once a month, but now I haven’t been there in months. Hopefully we’ll go again soon!
Saturday, 7 November, 2009 at 8:05 pm. Permalink.