Laura has been living in Estonia for the past 17 years and is the head of the Latvian Cultural Society. The catalyst for connecting with Estonia came through her acquaintance and courtship with a Seto man, with whom she is now married and has raised two wonderful daughters.
"My life has changed a lot since I moved to Estonia, and I started to do things here that I would have never thought I would know how to or be able to do," Laura says. For example, she became a glass artist here, though she was educated as a film critic and journalist. "Estonia influenced my life in this way that my hobby became my job!"
In regards to Estonia, Laura has been impressed by how Estonians know how to use situations to the benefit of their country and people. A real culture shock was how relaxed Estonians are when hosting guests, as Latvians tend to overdo things to the point that the tables are overflowing with food. "In Estonia though people stop by to visit, sometimes even without calling ahead," she says. "They take something tasty along with them and nobody gets stressed out."
All of the women in the family are terrific singers and involved in traditional culture. In their folklore group, they sing Estonian, Seto, and Latvian songs. Laura has taken a particular interest in the folk songs of Liivimaa, an ancient region in western Latvia populated by Finno-Ugric speakers. Some of these songs feature erotic and fertility themes which taught younger generations the art of flirting. Laura believes that Estonians should also have such folk songs, which are sung to the young couple, and is pleased that the poet Contra has begun to translate them into Estonian.
"I think Estonian youth should be more interested in Estonian culture, because they don't know enough," Laura's daughter Katri agrees. "When I talk to young people in Latvia, they often know some folk dance or folk song or a few sayings," she says. "For the past nine years, I've taught my class about the Latvians, so that they would understand why it's important to preserve your culture and to respect your ancestors."
According to Laura, they regularly organize events that honor Latvian traditions and culture and where Estonians are always invited. One of the loveliest things her Estonian friends and colleagues have told her is this: Laura, you enrich our lives. "That's when I feel that I've brought something of value to Estonia," Laura remarks happily.
