Finland did not capitulate in 1944

I also couldn't help but notice how Estonians speak quietly in public places, such as restaurants, and how they understate their thoughts and emotions in personal conversation. My (non-Estonian) spouse thought that this gave them an air of dignity. In his autobiography, Jaan Kross mentions this trait, in passing, and ascribes it to the caution that Estonians learned to exercise when communism came. According to Kross, it didn't exist during the independence period.

I wonder if there is an Estonian out there who's prepared to make some equivalently candid observations about us -- the children of the exile generation who have grown up elsewhere, yet maintain an interest and allegiance to Estonia? I'd be interested in reading such an account, even though it might be painful, because it would help me sort out a confused sense of personal identity. I was at ease with myself as a Canadian of Estonian heritage until I got to Estonia. There I received an unexpected shock as I instantly fell in love with the place and its people. I'll be returning at the first opportunity to sort this matter out and I'd retire there if my spouse could learn the language.

Thanks for your interesting commentary. I'm looking forward to the next installment.