How did it happen that I live with my family here in a small town, near Matsalu National Park? Our home could be anywhere – in any bigger city or why not at the dessert. These days there are not many obstacles what determines where to live. If you want something really bad, anything is possible. I decided to analyse this for myself and this is what came into my mind.
Roots
Estonians have lived here for many centuries although numerous wars and occupations. Our children are already the 8th generation living in the same homestead. There is certain stability and confidence in this disjointedness. There is no place like home.
Nature at Matsalu Photo: Olev Mihkelmaa
Community
About a few thousand people live at our home parish, most of them are also from native families. Everybody knows everybody and feel part of the community. Older people know almost everyone and can tell stories about their family history. Sometimes it may happen that the village knows stuff about you that even you don’t know I find it amusing.
Nature at Matsalu Photo: Olev Mihkelmaa
Climate and living environment
Estonia is not exactly the warmest country, but during the summer one can enjoy a beach vacation. Different seasons show us every kind of weather. We have dark autumn nights and white summer nights. Although our family lives in a little town, we have seen deers passing the streets. One can see other wild animals from the home window not to mention the birds.
Nature at Matsalu Photo: Olev Mihkelmaa
The living environment is very safe. There is not much crime at all. If we leave the house, we lock the door, but it is not necessary. During the winter season the cars are staying in front of the local shop and the engines are running. The child can leave the bike on the street and it will stay there.
Family and raising the children
If our children want to go to play outside, they just put on their clothes and go. The children play together with the kids from around in the streets or in somebody’s yard, adults keep an eye on them.
The kindergarden is close by, homey and kids friendly. Because people leave to the cities there are fewer children in the country and every child is important to the community. Local government tries to support families with children and wants to give the best education possible.
Nature at Matsalu Photo: Olev Mihkelmaa
Work
My photography business gives us the opportunity to live in the country. If I had to work for anyone else, we probably should live in the city. Estonian rural areas don’t have many workplaces and the salaries are low. Many young people and families are leaving to the cities or abroad to look for better opportunities. One way to have a job is to create one for yourself like I did. Being a freelance gives me the opportunity to live anywhere but me and my family chose to live here, near Matsalu National Park.
Nature at Matsalu Photo: Olev Mihkelmaa