My favorite joke (and it's sadly true sometimes) about estonians: God is watching earth and is mad at estonians for being so numb and not enjoying life. "How will I ever get an emotion out of these people... there has gotta be a way...", he thinks to himself. After some time, he has a breakthrough. "I've got it!", he shouts! God goes on to gather up all of the estonians on Earth and tells them: "Tomorrow you'll all be hung to death" Not a muscle moves in the bored faces of estonians. After a short time a shy voice asks from the distance: "Is the rope provided or do we have to bring our own?"
About helping... we all fall sometimes on ice, feel the pain, manage the pain, then rise up and continue our way. No big deal. As a native Estonian woman in this case I would never want anybody to ask if I am ok, 99% I am. If I am with a friend I prefer she waits silently until I am well enough to continue our way. I prefer nobody is taking any kind of action if I do not ask because I prefer to manage the pain alone and not to waste my energy on speaking to anybody (and be nice when I am in pain and maybe angry inside). And so my expectation goes with other people as well. If an Estonian man has fallen on ice and somebody would ask if he needs help I consider he may feel it annoying or something (that I doubt a young healthy looking man needs any help in that situation, I never thought it that way as we are taught to manage with this kind of stuff from our childhood). Emergencies is another topic, of course. When my 17y old son fell badly on ice and was bleeding, immediately somebody helped him with the bleeding (it is hard to get tissues if your face is bleeding badly) and somebody took him to a doctor by car (taking the risk that his car will get covered with blood but my son managed to keep it clean). And when my 80 y old grandmother fell and broke her bone immediately a driver stopped and took her to a hospital as well. Although it is not an easy job at all and takes a lot of time, too. And when Ukrainians came, thousands of Estonians worked a lot to help them out (they worked daily for months, not for hours, despite their own families and jobs). I always had somebody to help me and my dear people if we really needed it. And I also help people when they need it. And I let them manage on their own when they can (or when they are very unpleasant persons, I am just a human, too).
"võlg on võõra oma" - "debt is owned by a stranger" meaning you are in debt to somebody, meaning you losing a bit of your independence being one down on somebody else. Great video, like 99% ture on Estonians.
there is a book of anecdotes that describe estonian traits of character. one is hilarious - one estonian man loved his wife so much that after being in marriage for 30 years he decided to tell it to his wife.
An Italian woman has been married to her Estonian husband for many years. She says she is happy because he is a good man and a great husband who spends time with their children. He only never tells her that he loves her. The man answers:”what do you mean? I told you when we got married”.
Three Estonians start fishing at 5:00 am. At the 10:00 am the first fisherman says, “I'm not getting any bites. At 3:00 pm the second fisherman says, “I'm not getting any bites.” At 9:00 pm the third fisherman says, “Yeah, we're not getting bites 'cause you guys can't keep your mouths shut.”
That's a fairly accurate take on us, to be honest. Just to add on the DIY point, there's a really good reason for this. It's not only that it saves money etc, but having a "can do" attitude and some kind of a hobby is actually a mental exercise, it's a sort of meditation , when you, as a man, can just focus on one thing, immerse yourself in a task at hand. It does wonders to your mental health. It's not something that is talked about often or at all, but it's a way how men can affect their mental health in a positive way. Obviously, sometimes things go pear-shaped and we throw the spanner into a corner in anger, but then we come back and attack the problem and solve it, which does good for brain chemistry. As for the helping, i think deep down we empathize with anyone in trouble and we do help, if it's needed, but it depends. Small things that an adult can come back from, we generally don't intervene, it just has that 'embarrassment' connotation to it. But in that aspect of slipping of ice, if you go down and don't get up, people will come and help, if you are an elder or a child, people will come and help. It's really just the level of how serious the situation is.
@@MananAnwar handicraft is more popular among women but sewing, knitting, crocheting etc are also popular. These skills are taught at schools but also passed down from grandparents and parents. When you wanted warm feet in the winter during the soviet time, you had to knit them.
So I fell while riding a bike sometime in May, and a random lady matched her brakes and asked if I was okay and needed help. I was surprised. "Is this Estonia?" I loved the gesture though 😊
As Estonian, I'll add here that we do not accept, support or like whiners and freeloaders. We respect people who learn and respect culture, language, ways of life, who work hard and do honest work. Those who want to live on welfare and support and get everything while returning nothing will not find themselves welcome in Estonia. Our people have lived here literally since the ice receded after ice age, we've lived here and built our lives up no matter who enslaved us, who occupied us, who tried to convert us, run us out, subdue or destroy us. We weathered them all, we didn't leave our land and country when things were difficult and we did not surrender. We picked up the pieces and we rebuilt it again and again. And we will not accept anyone, on any level, who tries to mess with any of that. But people who are honest, who also work hard, who do honest work, who respect our history, language, culture, laws and ways of life and don't try to bring any woke SJW nonsense to convert people into some weird beliefs, who are not afraid to laugh in face of troubles and also laugh about themselves because none of us is perfect - these people will be very fine. Just to add - local people may feel as cold at first, but there's a simple reason for that - respect is earned, it is not given. We will "warm up" to a person and respect that person when they've shown that they're worth it, when they've earned it. No-one is given that just because they exist or showed up. As for the grooming and well dressing point - the simple truth behind is that when we leave the bounds of our home, we consider it as going "outside". Not simply as outside of house, but outside into society. You can have simple and comfy clothing at home, wear whatever you want there - your home, your choice. But when you leave home, we see it as going into society and it's only normal to look respectable and well there. Just as you want to feel comfortable around other people, so do they want to feel comfortable around you and some poorly dressed (not in value, but in a sense of overall look) person is not someone who fits that image. It shows disrespect to others and person itself.
@@Magyar9Andras Considering that the tax goals are usually almost fully met during first days the tax declarations are opened and the traffic is pretty much problem free, I'd say it's quite the opposite. Tax declarations are filled and done literally with a press of a button. There can always be some individuals who don't do it, but overall tax goals are always fulfilled. As for driving, then general issues are like everywhere: speeding - not crazy speeding, but many drive a bit over speed limits (though, as one old time police officer once said jokingly, if you want to make everyone drive at 100km per hour, set speed limit to 90km per hour, as many will then drive at 100); and driving while under influence - as some people think that after a drink or two they can still sit behind the wheel and drive home. But again, there are constant checks and most such drivers get caught and fined. Not all of course, unfortunately, and maybe fines or such should be higher with this to ensure that no-one would repeat it, but overall this is also quite well under control. So yeah, considering that the taxes are always paid, crime is low and driving is normal all around, I'd say things are quite well in these regards, or with regards to the law.
Being very direct to the point that some people will consider it rude is also something Danish people are known for-and sarcasm -Estonia and Denmark also share a bit of history so maybe that's why - Nordic people are also known for being hard to get to know because they keep to themselves with close friends and family
In the summer vacation estonians are not hiking and outside doing sports. They are in their summer cottage, working. Mowing the lawn, growing plants, renovating the old house, digging a ditch, building a shed and so on and so on.
There is a saying 'old word' : "Võlg on võõra oma" It does not translate but means something like "a loan is not yours" or "a lone is owned by someone else" This means Estonians do not take loans and try to survive without them even if they suffer.
No one comes to help if you do not ask. It is messing into other persons personal life. And that is forbidden by untold rules. But... if you ASK help, everyone comes before you are able to end your sentence. See how it is with Ukraine, see how quickly you get monetary help for a child/grown-up who needs some very expensive treatment the family is not able to afford, how everyone helps when some home is burnt down and they have nothing left , come to clean up on May 6-th ,,Teeme ära" and you see what is done etc.
Not directly related, but the UA-cam channel BalticWorld just did a video on the UN country happiness ratings... Estonia has come up the ranks 30 places in 5 years (insane rise). The reason I bring this up is that it resonates with a lot what you say makes Estonia special in your video. Enjoyed your video (I agree 100%).
funny considering we've been getting it in the ass by our government for 2,5 years. oh well wokers are always happy unless someone says anything truthful:]
Great vids. And very accurate ! It takes time to get used to the Estonian temperament, but after couple of years it feels just so great to live here. I’m coming back in two weeks, looking forward to it 😊
I use to come to Tallinn for 1-2-3 days or a week (around the year) and noticed how decent looking everyone is and no obesity anywhere, of course there are exceptions. Even if I don't know anyone in Tallin, it's so nice being there so back home I have a lingering feeling of Estonian friendliness that I can't put my finger on but it feels I met a bunch of friends. I always greet with a "tere" and then continue in English. Once I was really taken by surprise, as a went to a restaurant, that I visited one months earlier, the staff remembered me and asked if I want to sit by the same table as last time. I don't know what I've said or done, it's a big restaurant with lot of visitors but it was warming I must admit. I don't do any tourist stuff or I'm not a local, maybe the reason they noticed me.
I kind of disagree with your point about us keeping to ourselves and not helping those in need. There is a seriousness level you need to take into account. If you, healthy young man happen to slip on an ice, there are observers, usually. You might have gotten hurt but you can get back up your own and walk it off. It was an embarrassing moment and there is no need for a stranger to come and make it worse. If its more serious however, like, you fell and you wont get up again. Someone will come to check, sooner or later. I mean, we have had people jumping into freezing water after kids and what not! And, when it comes to estonian humour. And i mean real humour, that gets passed around common people. Its quite dark and sarcastic. These days, in the internet age, lets just say that i find myself in a situations where i better watch what i say. Darkness in the humour is a gift from great Soviet Union where jokes were made about darkest things in life. It includes EVERYTHING you are not supposed to say out loud these days, especially when it comes to the west and all the SJW troopers! If one can dig up jokes made couple of decades ago by some rather notable public figures today... well, lets just say that they would have been ''cancelled'' long time ago!
@@MananAnwar Hard to say. What i have dug up from old records, we were much more similar with Finns before the times of the first republic. Even our languages, as similar as they are today, they were more closely related before that. So perhaps that avenue deserves exploration, allthough, Finns themselves have had their own chicken to pluck when it comes to soviets! In either case, the dark humour as i said includes pretty much any taboo subject, be that a race, sexuality, violence, ethnicity... you name it. It is also common to only speak jokes like these amongst your close firends... perhaps old habbits from the past. I mean, speaking ill about comrade Stalin to a wrong person could get you sent into gulag or... you could catch a bullet to the back of your skull!
I agree with you about that we helping people when we see it is really nessesary, in other cases here is expected you manage itself and doesnt want get embarrassed bc other people saw you be weak and rushed to help. About homless people... here we have shelters for them, no need to freeze outside on winter unless they are chosen to be drunk and doesnt care itself...it is their own decision and right. But if they have fallen to sleep on frozen ground on public place....people call to police and soon they get picked up. People doesnt make drama out of it, mostly call is made privately and without any public fuzz. All this comes not from occupation time but from way how estonians have lived in past.... homes where built so that you saw only smoke of neighbour from far. If something happened to you.... you needed manage itself first, there wasnt help near. Asking help with minor things was seen like weakness and bother but with serious cases whole village came to help you.... from that we got our tradition of "talgud". Occupation time didnt changed that side much or made it deeper but latest trend moving to cities has started change it bc people has started loose their roots.
I was going to comment about the jokes i find them with a dash of Soviet times...haha Forgive me..... About the tax one ....goes back to times people had to survive during a Soviet Era.... It was Extremely difficult and complicated laws.....hence the Never know the records are hidden.....😊 And the 1st one.... That's actually a joke about Russia during a Soviet times Or anything has to do with the After the Soviet era..... Again...... In Russian actually sounds super right to the point Post Soviet is everything is Again !
@@gatodelluvia4735 or maybe due to technologies made it easier to not worry about our Neighbors In Sweden i find similar things And weather does matter influence Hugely.....
I think one reason why Estonians dont like to take loans is simply because jobs dont always pay much or arent always stable so we are afraid to take loans if we could be jobless in the future, we hardly have saving or a decent income.
Disagree with u on people helpfulness, Basicly it's like this: If they see u are ok(a small thing) there's no problem and they wont bother u. If people see something bad has happened or is happening yes several to many come to ask or help. Easy example, i am disabled and hard to move, i just got back from store (needed some food) few hours ago, just neeling to get something from a lower shelf 2 different people asked if they can help me, same with me, i saw a water bottle fall from one's purse and i picked it up (supper painful and hard for me) and tried to reatch them (can not wealk fast with crotches) and tried to return the water bottle. Basicly people try to keep to themselves, specially in Tallinn and bugger cities in Estonia, but the more to smaller places and south you go the more open they are (so the helpfulness comes out better). Tallinn is a cold place and most do not like to live and not even visit it (but they need to do it for work, shopping or some kind of official business), that is why they are more cold/closed in Tallinn than in other (and smaller) places.
I think that some of the things may not apply to younger Estonians. Some people do help strangers on the street and most Estonians give help if asked to do so. I also noticed that you have picked up the Estonian English accent by living in Estonia. :) Great video by the way!
My favourite joke as a child was Estonian, German and Russian are in a plane German throws a brick, Russian throws a knife and Estonian throws a bomb. When German arrives home everyone is crying so The German asks “Why is everyone crying.” “Because our president died to a falling brick.” When Russian arrives home everyone is cheering so The Russian asks “Why is everyone cheering.” “Because our president died to a falling knife.” When Estonian arrives home everyone is laughing so The Estonian asks “Why is everyone laughing.” “Because when our president went to the toilet he blew up”
Here is a good one: Estonia has always been an independent country. In the middle ages Estonia was part of the Teutonic Order's independence, in the Rennaisance and a bit later it was part of Denmark and Sweden's independence, in the 19th century it was part of the Russian Empire's independence, in the 1940's it was part of the III Reich's independence, until 1991 it was part of the USSR's independence and now it is part of NATO and USA's independence.
2 years ago my grandma was walking my dog and he fell and broke shes back and 2 little kids and 1 adult came to ask is everything alright did you get hurt.and i nive in estonia
I'm a 64 year old American dentist . My father was 100% Estonian and he and my aunt and uncle exhibited all of these traits LOL.They lived to debate each other. My grandparents both died when I was very young and, sadly, I never really knew them. My grandmother's maiden name was Ilves like the current leader,no? In any event, my son and I are coming to Estonia to walk where our ancestors walked. We're tall, green- eyed, doctor types and I'm looking forward to drinking some of the natives under the table. Hopefully there's some bourbon somewhere in Esti.Great videos, Manan.
Interesting takes and perspectives, can agree with all of them. But is it only me, or you’re fighting off your Estonian accent? 😂😂 I’m working for a US tech company, with Estonian market, and I have distinct American accent. But my colleagues are spreading Estonian accent like wildfire 😂😂 All the Latvians have Estonian accent instead of Latvian now 😉😁 Your English is very good, but have you ever felt like the accent is rubbing off on you too?
Really good choice on jokes, but catch is, those who have not lived here and donˇt know the history, will never understand ;D, but suppose thats the point. As far as helping people in need - the point is kind of right, however, it needs more of a context, as self sufficient and independend, we do not interfere if there is no real need, if we see people really hurt, then we do help, but small fall, we expect people to handle it. About homless and beggars - call it negative experience, they are generally shunned and exiled from "human" state, in short, if on right you have a kitten in trouble and on left a homless human, we will help the kitten.
As far my best knowledge for 7 years living with a Estonian family : 1. If people knows you are cool and you can easily integrate with the society then all good. So, just change your appearance how you look like in Bangladesh or in India 2. There are many uneducated Estonians and little bit " poverty " here and there 3. People mostly eat very less so that's why they are slim. ofc, a big population also does active sports 4. Its one of most Expensive state in EU, as they are every time increasing tax to give money atm to Ukraine, 5. No long living plans, no good company coming here, some local startup they are starting their own business. 6. Ofc, a most safe country, it was not but now its becoming. 7. Still some areas in Tallinn are Ghetto (I am not saying the names) 8. Professionals are leaving the country and they are going to better place. Tip : Best if you are coming here for short time for work / study and then in meantime a full planning to go to other EU state (Germany, Netherland, Italy ) Future of Estonia started getting doomed from 2018 - 2019 (more is on the way) Not a best place for settling at all, in my most personal experience.
I can imagine, that moving from Pakistan to Estonia or Europe in general have been a cultural shock. Did you discuss it somewhere in your videos? This is an interesting angle, assuming you want to talk about it. I get it may be personal, so that is OK if you don't want to talk about it.
@@MananAnwar We do have plenty of cultural shocks videos, but they are mostly from people comping from western cultures anyway, so the difference is there, but not as high as in your case, I imagine. For example, in Poland, we have a guy, who moved from Iran, so his perspective is very interesting and unique, and I expect, yours will be too. I also suspect, that one or even few videos are not enough to went through it all, so in the future, you might be doing more videos on more detailed topics.
Another good one! ****************************************** Seems that Japan has a some similarities: -healthy, lean and physically active people ✅ (Due to Japan being mountainous, hiking is also a big thing , but I fear that Estonia may be too flat...) -people don't bother you (relatively peaceful) ✅ (The Japanese will definitely help people on the street; on the flip side, sometimes some people avoid sitting next to foreigners in trains, especially in the city) -stylish guys and girls ✅ (definitely gonna look like a peasant in Tallinn as I did in Harajuku)
@@MananAnwar Been here for more than four years, but work culture is a bit stiffening, hoping to get a bit of that EU work culture people have been talking about 😅 (and more English - I know Japanese and can write and read in kanji, but adds mental fatigue on top of regular engineering work 😆)
There is a gathering of representatives of different nationalities, and an Estonian is also represented. The question arises as to which nation is the most selfish, envious, petty, etc. As the discussion progresses, the Estonian’s face gets redder and redder until he finally explodes: "At least we are a great singing nation!”
My all time favourite joke is: “shit fast, the bear is coming.” Not really a joke but just something we say if we want to use toilet also and we are in hurry. It’s usually said only in big families where there is only one toilet.
Yeah, Katy said it right, “situ ruttu/kähku, karu tuleb” Ruttu - root word is Ruttama(to hurry up, to finish your thing sooner than later) Kähku - means fast or quickly, basically same meaning as ruttu.
i think this not-helping person when e.g. you slipped on ice and fell, this person is thinking: if i fall like this, do i want to be helped, or do i prefer to stand up myself / die trying? yes, obv i choose the latter, so... :) but when clearly asked for help, then i think, most ppl would help if they can. oh, and are you so used to it now - most estonians are naturally poker-faced. confuses the hell outta americans and even germans. (no, wait, this topic was covered somewhere, not under this name...together with personal distance and non-hugging?) like, in university we had actually very well loved professor from germany. our love language was that we showed up to his lectures, even when it was scheduled ungodly early hours, like 10 or even 8 morning. but he thought we hate him bc no one showed any emotions and were sitting there like - well, poker team or smth. fortunately, he asked department's secretary, why we hate him or what, and got explanation. that greatest love student can show is to come to lecture and stay awake all time, but that's it. esp morning. and, when said student will once get their dissertation done, they may dedicate it to loved professor. but nothing cheesy like smiling. :D
10 or 8 isnt early morning in Estonia. 5 or 6 is early, after 7 it is just morning until 11-12 and late starts from 21, so you dont call or go to visit people after that time...that is in general. By persons it might be different bc some are morning people some are evening people.
@@gatodelluvia4735 :D laughing in student :) as for Tartu university lecture, 10 counts as early morning and 8 is ungodly early, practically small hours of day after midnight. at least for us lazy theology students; i tried to study estonian philology same time, they were maniacs, usually started at 8. for ordinary ppl, yes, your statement stands.
The devil had a field day in Hell, and was lecturing the interns. They came past two couldrons. One was guarded by an elderly sleeping guard, while the other was guarded by five buffed young demons, who had their work cut out for them. the interns there perplexed and asked. "Sir, why do we have this kind of resource management?" The devil was at first confused at the quetion, but then he saw the pointed thinger, he mused. "That pit with the Young soldiers is filled with Russians. You can't be vigilant enough. The moment one thinks himself worthy to break out, everybody wants out." Then he looked grinningly at the other, "This is filled with Estonians. The moment one thinks to break out, the others smother him down, for being so selfish and not suffering together! Don't worry about them!"
Most things are sort of true. But humor is different, yes. It is like roasting between very good friends. Even, if you barely know each other. For example, I started working in big car dealership/repair shop. Maybe it was 2nd workday there, and there was a moment - half complete car without doors, body panels etc. and I said "something is missing" and other guy said "your eyes are f**ked up, everything is normal". So, you have to get use to it. It is normal here.
My favourite joke in Estonian! Hull põgeneb hullumajast. Hullumaja direktor istub oma kabinetis, trummeldab sõrmedega vastu lauda ja pomiseb endamisi: "pole hullu, pole hullu..."
one day god thinks: ''damn those Estonians don't care about anything'' so the next day he goes to them and says: ''tomorrow you will all die. any questions?'' one Estonian raises their hand and asks: ''will the rope be provided or do we have to bring our own?''
Psychologists claim that if you need help in some public place, it's the least likely place to get some. Everybody's thinking that there are a lot of people, let them help the one in need. In U.S. the most likely to help were the minority men, for example, the least likely were the black women. So it's not only one nations problem - it's being a human problem.
I met Estonian ,this is my honest comment based on what I observed,yes these two people was numb,no respect,plastic,a scammer too I treat them good but in exchange oh my gush disaster but I will never wish them bad I hope they will realize one day and never do it again to other people .
Estonian specific joke: An Estonian, a Russian and an American look at the elephant and think to themselves: American: "It's still a powerful animal!" Russian: "This creature can still eat a lot!" Estonian: "I wonder what the elephant thinks of me?!?!"
Brother i start process to move to estonia.. Iam from india. My actual proffesion is in accounts. But now iam comming as warehouse worker. Can i change my job to accounts after i reached there.. Kindly advice me from your experience..
Statistically actually, Estonians are getting really overweight. I remember a men's health convo where the doctor said that people in the 40-49 age bracket, atleast 60% are overweight with this being the leading factor in health problems. Obesity is also on the rise. Children are also getting overweight a lot. About the debt: I don't know how much you keep an eye on the politics, but current debt to gdp is over 20% right now and previous government decided on taking more loans in the upcoming years up to 30%. Even more the spending is so much higher than tax income to gov budget that we're actively living off of loans right now.
Interesting, the first point was based on observation, I didn’t have any stats for that. About your second, can you share any news about it that I can read.
@@MananAnwar That would depend on if you speak Estonian. I can try to look up some of the stuff. The loan taking split up per multiple years is pretty old news already, but the current debt rate should be available. The National TV news, ERR, has said the debt number multiple times in their analysis, but I'll recheck some of the sources to link them
@@MananAnwar it all depends places u go .. sometimes u can see lot of overweight ppl in malls... but still it's not so much as in west europe or scandinavia ... but it is getting worse
The work thing/DIY is from hundreds of years ago, we are basicly farm macgyvers, had to do everything ourselfs for hundreds and hundreds of years and it's in our dna, nothing to do with Russia, please do not put "russia" everywhere, they are only one small part of our history and nothing of our identity, we kept our identity from before Rus.
Theatres are not the best place to judge well dressedness in Estonia, because it is almost a law that you have to dress well to visit one. Even when the show is not an opera but a stand-up.
"Occupied" is not an adjective that one would use for a toilet ("bathroom") in Estonian. That joke can't be told in Estonian, i.e., not an example of Estonian humour. Still a bit funny, though 😅. One can see that they've at least tried.
Resourcefulness and tinkering is also present in Poland. Almost everybody does it, which drives me crazy, because I'm a specialist and I hate manual tinkering, but even work colleges, with high education will do home renovating or car repairing jobs when they need it for themselves or family. Directness is a cultural trait common to Slavic countries, but since Estonia is surrounded by Slavic countries, they integrated it ;),
I think resourcefullness come from communist times when especially services like car repair shops, home remodelling/redesign were minimal or absent at all, so people had to learn to do a lot by themselves
There was a disabled homeless man, begging for a smoke in the morning of a blizzard in the winter, I sayed "No! late for work!" 3 hour later, he as dead. police putting a boddybag over him, waiting for the mourge. Am I a sociopath, or is this normal for estonians. Did'nt feel the need to call for help, instead of giving him a smoke, witch I denied. On the other hand, he di'dnt seem like he needed help.
Can be terrible sometimes to get things done. Like lets say you're a foreigner managing a top floor apartment in Tallinn. They will let the roof leak for years if they want to Send pictures of lamps falling, parquette floors ruined and no-one gives dam. You call the maintenance company and they literally just start hanging up on you. This was not a language obstacle thing either. Some person taking kickbacks hiring some incompetent company to do a job that they do like crap. Solution: hire them to do it twice more.
I can't really understand that Estonians don't help people in need.... I am an Estonian and in my world helping each other is a matter of course... I never believe that when someone is seriously in need they have to die miserably and everyone is watching... this is wrong image of Estonians... and that is also quite wrong statement that Estonians are not emotional...look closely...but they have been trained to keep their emotions in check..deep inside it is bubbling...I think that is something like protective shield because they don't want to show themselves vulnerable.... Estonians have been treated very hurtfully by other nations for hundreds of years...that sits deep in the Estonian soul...is my opinion....
Thank you for commenting. Regarding helping: I have heard similar incidents from many other expats. Not emotional: yes that’s quite true. And that’s why drinking is considered essential for socialising. Thank you again. Please understand that these are just my opinions and based on my observations. And obviously it’s very generalised because I don’t know all Estonians.
Come on, no Estonians are stopping at the road for pedestrians, I am now here, nobody stops, thats Cliche that they are stopping! So take care like in any other Country
My favorite joke (and it's sadly true sometimes) about estonians:
God is watching earth and is mad at estonians for being so numb and not enjoying life.
"How will I ever get an emotion out of these people... there has gotta be a way...", he thinks to himself.
After some time, he has a breakthrough. "I've got it!", he shouts!
God goes on to gather up all of the estonians on Earth and tells them: "Tomorrow you'll all be hung to death"
Not a muscle moves in the bored faces of estonians.
After a short time a shy voice asks from the distance: "Is the rope provided or do we have to bring our own?"
🥹🥲
A good one. (y)
hahahaha, YES, this is accurate enough
Will there be free food?
As Estonian i can say its joke but its true same time
9:32 "An Estonian visits Russia, he goes from Tallinn to Narva" - haha, there's a joke right there on its own.
LMAO
About helping... we all fall sometimes on ice, feel the pain, manage the pain, then rise up and continue our way. No big deal. As a native Estonian woman in this case I would never want anybody to ask if I am ok, 99% I am. If I am with a friend I prefer she waits silently until I am well enough to continue our way. I prefer nobody is taking any kind of action if I do not ask because I prefer to manage the pain alone and not to waste my energy on speaking to anybody (and be nice when I am in pain and maybe angry inside). And so my expectation goes with other people as well.
If an Estonian man has fallen on ice and somebody would ask if he needs help I consider he may feel it annoying or something (that I doubt a young healthy looking man needs any help in that situation, I never thought it that way as we are taught to manage with this kind of stuff from our childhood).
Emergencies is another topic, of course.
When my 17y old son fell badly on ice and was bleeding, immediately somebody helped him with the bleeding (it is hard to get tissues if your face is bleeding badly) and somebody took him to a doctor by car (taking the risk that his car will get covered with blood but my son managed to keep it clean).
And when my 80 y old grandmother fell and broke her bone immediately a driver stopped and took her to a hospital as well. Although it is not an easy job at all and takes a lot of time, too.
And when Ukrainians came, thousands of Estonians worked a lot to help them out (they worked daily for months, not for hours, despite their own families and jobs).
I always had somebody to help me and my dear people if we really needed it. And I also help people when they need it. And I let them manage on their own when they can (or when they are very unpleasant persons, I am just a human, too).
"võlg on võõra oma" - "debt is owned by a stranger" meaning you are in debt to somebody, meaning you losing a bit of your independence being one down on somebody else. Great video, like 99% ture on Estonians.
there is a book of anecdotes that describe estonian traits of character. one is hilarious - one estonian man loved his wife so much that after being in marriage for 30 years he decided to tell it to his wife.
😂
An Italian woman has been married to her Estonian husband for many years. She says she is happy because he is a good man and a great husband who spends time with their children. He only never tells her that he loves her. The man answers:”what do you mean? I told you when we got married”.
@@erkim7547 hahahahahahahaha
Recently met an interesting Estonian, Had a loving family. Most Estonians are special in some way
Three Estonians start fishing at 5:00 am.
At the 10:00 am the first fisherman says, “I'm not getting any bites.
At 3:00 pm the second fisherman says, “I'm not getting any bites.”
At 9:00 pm the third fisherman says, “Yeah, we're not getting bites 'cause you guys can't keep your mouths shut.”
That's a fairly accurate take on us, to be honest. Just to add on the DIY point, there's a really good reason for this. It's not only that it saves money etc, but having a "can do" attitude and some kind of a hobby is actually a mental exercise, it's a sort of meditation , when you, as a man, can just focus on one thing, immerse yourself in a task at hand. It does wonders to your mental health. It's not something that is talked about often or at all, but it's a way how men can affect their mental health in a positive way. Obviously, sometimes things go pear-shaped and we throw the spanner into a corner in anger, but then we come back and attack the problem and solve it, which does good for brain chemistry.
As for the helping, i think deep down we empathize with anyone in trouble and we do help, if it's needed, but it depends. Small things that an adult can come back from, we generally don't intervene, it just has that 'embarrassment' connotation to it. But in that aspect of slipping of ice, if you go down and don't get up, people will come and help, if you are an elder or a child, people will come and help. It's really just the level of how serious the situation is.
Thank you for such a thoughtful comment. I’m glad to have you here.
Swedish help in a similar way
😊
@@MananAnwar handicraft is more popular among women but sewing, knitting, crocheting etc are also popular. These skills are taught at schools but also passed down from grandparents and parents. When you wanted warm feet in the winter during the soviet time, you had to knit them.
So I fell while riding a bike sometime in May, and a random lady matched her brakes and asked if I was okay and needed help. I was surprised. "Is this Estonia?" I loved the gesture though 😊
As Estonian, I'll add here that we do not accept, support or like whiners and freeloaders. We respect people who learn and respect culture, language, ways of life, who work hard and do honest work. Those who want to live on welfare and support and get everything while returning nothing will not find themselves welcome in Estonia. Our people have lived here literally since the ice receded after ice age, we've lived here and built our lives up no matter who enslaved us, who occupied us, who tried to convert us, run us out, subdue or destroy us. We weathered them all, we didn't leave our land and country when things were difficult and we did not surrender. We picked up the pieces and we rebuilt it again and again. And we will not accept anyone, on any level, who tries to mess with any of that.
But people who are honest, who also work hard, who do honest work, who respect our history, language, culture, laws and ways of life and don't try to bring any woke SJW nonsense to convert people into some weird beliefs, who are not afraid to laugh in face of troubles and also laugh about themselves because none of us is perfect - these people will be very fine. Just to add - local people may feel as cold at first, but there's a simple reason for that - respect is earned, it is not given. We will "warm up" to a person and respect that person when they've shown that they're worth it, when they've earned it. No-one is given that just because they exist or showed up.
As for the grooming and well dressing point - the simple truth behind is that when we leave the bounds of our home, we consider it as going "outside". Not simply as outside of house, but outside into society. You can have simple and comfy clothing at home, wear whatever you want there - your home, your choice. But when you leave home, we see it as going into society and it's only normal to look respectable and well there. Just as you want to feel comfortable around other people, so do they want to feel comfortable around you and some poorly dressed (not in value, but in a sense of overall look) person is not someone who fits that image. It shows disrespect to others and person itself.
Really well said. I agree as an Estonian.
as your southern neighbor I'd like to say - Elagu Eesti!
Most Estonians don't respect the law, especially when it comes to driving a car or paying taxes :D
@@Magyar9Andras it's your personal experience or just Hungarian style trolling?
@@Magyar9Andras Considering that the tax goals are usually almost fully met during first days the tax declarations are opened and the traffic is pretty much problem free, I'd say it's quite the opposite. Tax declarations are filled and done literally with a press of a button. There can always be some individuals who don't do it, but overall tax goals are always fulfilled.
As for driving, then general issues are like everywhere: speeding - not crazy speeding, but many drive a bit over speed limits (though, as one old time police officer once said jokingly, if you want to make everyone drive at 100km per hour, set speed limit to 90km per hour, as many will then drive at 100); and driving while under influence - as some people think that after a drink or two they can still sit behind the wheel and drive home. But again, there are constant checks and most such drivers get caught and fined. Not all of course, unfortunately, and maybe fines or such should be higher with this to ensure that no-one would repeat it, but overall this is also quite well under control.
So yeah, considering that the taxes are always paid, crime is low and driving is normal all around, I'd say things are quite well in these regards, or with regards to the law.
Being very direct to the point that some people will consider it rude is also something Danish people are known for-and sarcasm -Estonia and Denmark also share a bit of history so maybe that's why - Nordic people are also known for being hard to get to know because they keep to themselves with close friends and family
I have many Scandinavian friend. I have also visited and worked in Sweden. The people are quite different.
@@MananAnwar Why is it bad to hear at once that someone does not want to date you? Why would someone want to be strung along with indirect answers?
All of this is 95% true. Our humor is truly unique😂
In the summer vacation estonians are not hiking and outside doing sports. They are in their summer cottage, working. Mowing the lawn, growing plants, renovating the old house, digging a ditch, building a shed and so on and so on.
Love it!
There is a saying 'old word' :
"Võlg on võõra oma"
It does not translate but means something like "a loan is not yours" or "a lone is owned by someone else"
This means Estonians do not take loans and try to survive without them even if they suffer.
No one comes to help if you do not ask. It is messing into other persons personal life. And that is forbidden by untold rules. But... if you ASK help, everyone comes before you are able to end your sentence. See how it is with Ukraine, see how quickly you get monetary help for a child/grown-up who needs some very expensive treatment the family is not able to afford, how everyone helps when some home is burnt down and they have nothing left , come to clean up on May 6-th ,,Teeme ära" and you see what is done etc.
Now I get the transformation between current look and the old one. It's a vast difference. Now you are so good-looking, like an actor or a model ;).
Thanks Michał glad to have you here.
Not directly related, but the UA-cam channel BalticWorld just did a video on the UN country happiness ratings... Estonia has come up the ranks 30 places in 5 years (insane rise). The reason I bring this up is that it resonates with a lot what you say makes Estonia special in your video. Enjoyed your video (I agree 100%).
Thanks Eddy. Hopefully we see each other in Kalamaja sometime.
@@MananAnwar I’m the guy with a Springer spaniel ( not many of those around here )
funny considering we've been getting it in the ass by our government for 2,5 years. oh well wokers are always happy unless someone says anything truthful:]
Really? Everyone I know is so serious and numb most of the time
As an estonian i really enjoyed that 😊. It was interesting to hear your perspective. My favorite qualitys are dark humour and straightforwardness.🤭
kas "must lammas" peres tähendab, et beebi on must ja vanemad on valge nahaga?
Spot on! Some of the things are more subtle, but Yes, You got it!
Great vids. And very accurate ! It takes time to get used to the Estonian temperament, but after couple of years it feels just so great to live here.
I’m coming back in two weeks, looking forward to it 😊
Let me know.
Sweet
Loved the Finland house building joke! Never heard it but its totally on point :D
I use to come to Tallinn for 1-2-3 days or a week (around the year) and noticed how decent looking everyone is and no obesity anywhere, of course there are exceptions. Even if I don't know anyone in Tallin, it's so nice being there so back home I have a lingering feeling of Estonian friendliness that I can't put my finger on but it feels I met a bunch of friends. I always greet with a "tere" and then continue in English. Once I was really taken by surprise, as a went to a restaurant, that I visited one months earlier, the staff remembered me and asked if I want to sit by the same table as last time. I don't know what I've said or done, it's a big restaurant with lot of visitors but it was warming I must admit. I don't do any tourist stuff or I'm not a local, maybe the reason they noticed me.
I kind of disagree with your point about us keeping to ourselves and not helping those in need.
There is a seriousness level you need to take into account.
If you, healthy young man happen to slip on an ice, there are observers, usually. You might have gotten hurt but you can get back up your own and walk it off. It was an embarrassing moment and there is no need for a stranger to come and make it worse.
If its more serious however, like, you fell and you wont get up again. Someone will come to check, sooner or later. I mean, we have had people jumping into freezing water after kids and what not!
And, when it comes to estonian humour. And i mean real humour, that gets passed around common people. Its quite dark and sarcastic. These days, in the internet age, lets just say that i find myself in a situations where i better watch what i say. Darkness in the humour is a gift from great Soviet Union where jokes were made about darkest things in life. It includes EVERYTHING you are not supposed to say out loud these days, especially when it comes to the west and all the SJW troopers!
If one can dig up jokes made couple of decades ago by some rather notable public figures today... well, lets just say that they would have been ''cancelled'' long time ago!
Thanks for sharing. Interesting insights about the origin of dark humor. I wonder what was Estonia humor like previous to any Soviet occupation.
@@MananAnwar Hard to say. What i have dug up from old records, we were much more similar with Finns before the times of the first republic. Even our languages, as similar as they are today, they were more closely related before that. So perhaps that avenue deserves exploration, allthough, Finns themselves have had their own chicken to pluck when it comes to soviets!
In either case, the dark humour as i said includes pretty much any taboo subject, be that a race, sexuality, violence, ethnicity... you name it. It is also common to only speak jokes like these amongst your close firends... perhaps old habbits from the past. I mean, speaking ill about comrade Stalin to a wrong person could get you sent into gulag or... you could catch a bullet to the back of your skull!
I agree with you about that we helping people when we see it is really nessesary, in other cases here is expected you manage itself and doesnt want get embarrassed bc other people saw you be weak and rushed to help. About homless people... here we have shelters for them, no need to freeze outside on winter unless they are chosen to be drunk and doesnt care itself...it is their own decision and right. But if they have fallen to sleep on frozen ground on public place....people call to police and soon they get picked up. People doesnt make drama out of it, mostly call is made privately and without any public fuzz. All this comes not from occupation time but from way how estonians have lived in past.... homes where built so that you saw only smoke of neighbour from far. If something happened to you.... you needed manage itself first, there wasnt help near. Asking help with minor things was seen like weakness and bother but with serious cases whole village came to help you.... from that we got our tradition of "talgud". Occupation time didnt changed that side much or made it deeper but latest trend moving to cities has started change it bc people has started loose their roots.
I was going to comment about the jokes i find them with a dash of Soviet times...haha
Forgive me.....
About the tax one ....goes back to times people had to survive during a Soviet Era....
It was Extremely difficult and complicated laws.....hence the
Never know the records are hidden.....😊
And the 1st one....
That's actually a joke about
Russia during a Soviet times
Or anything has to do with the
After the Soviet era.....
Again......
In Russian actually sounds super right to the point
Post Soviet is everything is Again !
@@gatodelluvia4735 or maybe due to technologies made it easier to not worry about our
Neighbors
In Sweden i find similar things
And weather does matter influence
Hugely.....
I think one reason why Estonians dont like to take loans is simply because jobs dont always pay much or arent always stable so we are afraid to take loans if we could be jobless in the future, we hardly have saving or a decent income.
Hello Manan, I just discovered your channel. I am traveling virtually these days. Thank you for the insight and the quality production values.
Disagree with u on people helpfulness, Basicly it's like this:
If they see u are ok(a small thing) there's no problem and they wont bother u.
If people see something bad has happened or is happening yes several to many come to ask or help.
Easy example, i am disabled and hard to move, i just got back from store (needed some food) few hours ago, just neeling to get something from a lower shelf 2 different people asked if they can help me, same with me, i saw a water bottle fall from one's purse and i picked it up (supper painful and hard for me) and tried to reatch them (can not wealk fast with crotches) and tried to return the water bottle.
Basicly people try to keep to themselves, specially in Tallinn and bugger cities in Estonia, but the more to smaller places and south you go the more open they are (so the helpfulness comes out better).
Tallinn is a cold place and most do not like to live and not even visit it (but they need to do it for work, shopping or some kind of official business), that is why they are more cold/closed in Tallinn than in other (and smaller) places.
I think that some of the things may not apply to younger Estonians. Some people do help strangers on the street and most Estonians give help if asked to do so.
I also noticed that you have picked up the Estonian English accent by living in Estonia. :)
Great video by the way!
My favourite joke as a child was
Estonian, German and Russian are in a plane German throws a brick, Russian throws a knife and Estonian throws a bomb.
When German arrives home everyone is crying so The German asks “Why is everyone crying.” “Because our president died to a falling brick.”
When Russian arrives home everyone is cheering so The Russian asks “Why is everyone cheering.” “Because our president died to a falling knife.”
When Estonian arrives home everyone is laughing so The Estonian asks “Why is everyone laughing.” “Because when our president went to the toilet he blew up”
😂
great videos!
Glad you like them!
Here is a good one: Estonia has always been an independent country. In the middle ages Estonia was part of the Teutonic Order's independence, in the Rennaisance and a bit later it was part of Denmark and Sweden's independence, in the 19th century it was part of the Russian Empire's independence, in the 1940's it was part of the III Reich's independence, until 1991 it was part of the USSR's independence and now it is part of NATO and USA's independence.
Ai
2 years ago my grandma was walking my dog and he fell and broke shes back and 2 little kids and 1 adult came to ask is everything alright did you get hurt.and i nive in estonia
I'm a 64 year old American dentist . My father was 100% Estonian and he and my aunt and uncle exhibited all of these traits LOL.They lived to debate each other. My grandparents both died when I was very young and, sadly, I never really knew them. My grandmother's maiden name was Ilves like the current leader,no? In any event, my son and I are coming to Estonia to walk where our ancestors walked. We're tall, green- eyed, doctor types and I'm looking forward to drinking some of the natives under the table. Hopefully there's some bourbon somewhere in Esti.Great videos, Manan.
Hey, Toomas Hendrik Ilves was president 2006-2016. Ilves is pretty common surname in Estonia, also meaning lynx 😊.
Hit me up when you’re here. If I am here we can talk.
@@MananAnwar Will do and thank you.
Last joke was good :D that was so true and funny :D
Interesting takes and perspectives, can agree with all of them. But is it only me, or you’re fighting off your Estonian accent? 😂😂 I’m working for a US tech company, with Estonian market, and I have distinct American accent. But my colleagues are spreading Estonian accent like wildfire 😂😂 All the Latvians have Estonian accent instead of Latvian now 😉😁 Your English is very good, but have you ever felt like the accent is rubbing off on you too?
Yes I have heard that from my friends too. My english accent is Estonianized.
Greate Information Manan ❤❤❤❤
Well done.
The point No3 i really want to be. Recoursefullness is really a part of Estonia
Great sense of humor😢
Really good choice on jokes, but catch is, those who have not lived here and donˇt know the history, will never understand ;D, but suppose thats the point. As far as helping people in need - the point is kind of right, however, it needs more of a context, as self sufficient and independend, we do not interfere if there is no real need, if we see people really hurt, then we do help, but small fall, we expect people to handle it. About homless and beggars - call it negative experience, they are generally shunned and exiled from "human" state, in short, if on right you have a kitten in trouble and on left a homless human, we will help the kitten.
I will go to Tallinn next week if u want to meet up.
Hit me up on Ig
@@MananAnwar Corrently my only sotcial network is YT, my 3ma1l is my YT username in/at Google m
Very true. Quality stuff. THE LAST JOKE lmao!!!!!!!!! :DD
😀👀
As far my best knowledge for 7 years living with a Estonian family :
1. If people knows you are cool and you can easily integrate with the society then all good. So, just change your appearance how you look like in Bangladesh or in India
2. There are many uneducated Estonians and little bit " poverty " here and there
3. People mostly eat very less so that's why they are slim. ofc, a big population also does active sports
4. Its one of most Expensive state in EU, as they are every time increasing tax to give money atm to Ukraine,
5. No long living plans, no good company coming here, some local startup they are starting their own business.
6. Ofc, a most safe country, it was not but now its becoming.
7. Still some areas in Tallinn are Ghetto (I am not saying the names)
8. Professionals are leaving the country and they are going to better place.
Tip : Best if you are coming here for short time for work / study and then in meantime a full planning to go to other EU state (Germany, Netherland, Italy )
Future of Estonia started getting doomed from 2018 - 2019 (more is on the way) Not a best place for settling at all, in my most personal experience.
This is nice!😎 Ty
I can imagine, that moving from Pakistan to Estonia or Europe in general have been a cultural shock. Did you discuss it somewhere in your videos? This is an interesting angle, assuming you want to talk about it. I get it may be personal, so that is OK if you don't want to talk about it.
I have planned a video on cultural shocks next. Glad you mentioned it.
@@MananAnwar We do have plenty of cultural shocks videos, but they are mostly from people comping from western cultures anyway, so the difference is there, but not as high as in your case, I imagine. For example, in Poland, we have a guy, who moved from Iran, so his perspective is very interesting and unique, and I expect, yours will be too. I also suspect, that one or even few videos are not enough to went through it all, so in the future, you might be doing more videos on more detailed topics.
Another good one!
******************************************
Seems that Japan has a some similarities:
-healthy, lean and physically active people ✅
(Due to Japan being mountainous, hiking is also a big thing , but I fear that Estonia may be too flat...)
-people don't bother you (relatively peaceful) ✅
(The Japanese will definitely help people on the street; on the flip side, sometimes some people avoid sitting next to foreigners in trains, especially in the city)
-stylish guys and girls ✅
(definitely gonna look like a peasant in Tallinn as I did in Harajuku)
Whao you have lived in Japan? Always want to visit there.
@@MananAnwar Been here for more than four years, but work culture is a bit stiffening, hoping to get a bit of that EU work culture people have been talking about 😅
(and more English - I know Japanese and can write and read in kanji, but adds mental fatigue on top of regular engineering work 😆)
Yes and some foreign people also say that estonian and japanese language sounds similary 😀
There is a gathering of representatives of different nationalities, and an Estonian is also represented. The question arises as to which nation is the most selfish, envious, petty, etc. As the discussion progresses, the Estonian’s face gets redder and redder until he finally explodes: "At least we are a great singing nation!”
👀
My all time favourite joke is: “shit fast, the bear is coming.” Not really a joke but just something we say if we want to use toilet also and we are in hurry. It’s usually said only in big families where there is only one toilet.
Can you say it in Estonian.
@@MananAnwar “situ ruttu, karu tuleb”. I am an au pair in US and I use the same phrase on my host kids as well - so accurate
Yeah, Katy said it right, “situ ruttu/kähku, karu tuleb”
Ruttu - root word is Ruttama(to hurry up, to finish your thing sooner than later)
Kähku - means fast or quickly, basically same meaning as ruttu.
slipping on ice isn't asked about cus we are use to falling on the ice lol but the homeless thing is a real problem we have
i think this not-helping person when e.g. you slipped on ice and fell, this person is thinking: if i fall like this, do i want to be helped, or do i prefer to stand up myself / die trying? yes, obv i choose the latter, so... :) but when clearly asked for help, then i think, most ppl would help if they can. oh, and are you so used to it now - most estonians are naturally poker-faced. confuses the hell outta americans and even germans. (no, wait, this topic was covered somewhere, not under this name...together with personal distance and non-hugging?) like, in university we had actually very well loved professor from germany. our love language was that we showed up to his lectures, even when it was scheduled ungodly early hours, like 10 or even 8 morning. but he thought we hate him bc no one showed any emotions and were sitting there like - well, poker team or smth. fortunately, he asked department's secretary, why we hate him or what, and got explanation. that greatest love student can show is to come to lecture and stay awake all time, but that's it. esp morning. and, when said student will once get their dissertation done, they may dedicate it to loved professor. but nothing cheesy like smiling. :D
10 or 8 isnt early morning in Estonia. 5 or 6 is early, after 7 it is just morning until 11-12 and late starts from 21, so you dont call or go to visit people after that time...that is in general. By persons it might be different bc some are morning people some are evening people.
@@gatodelluvia4735 :D laughing in student :) as for Tartu university lecture, 10 counts as early morning and 8 is ungodly early, practically small hours of day after midnight. at least for us lazy theology students; i tried to study estonian philology same time, they were maniacs, usually started at 8. for ordinary ppl, yes, your statement stands.
Hey Manan, you still around? I just moved here for the summer and need friends!
DM me on Instagram
The devil had a field day in Hell, and was lecturing the interns. They came past two couldrons. One was guarded by an elderly sleeping guard, while the other was guarded by five buffed young demons, who had their work cut out for them. the interns there perplexed and asked. "Sir, why do we have this kind of resource management?" The devil was at first confused at the quetion, but then he saw the pointed thinger, he mused. "That pit with the Young soldiers is filled with Russians. You can't be vigilant enough. The moment one thinks himself worthy to break out, everybody wants out." Then he looked grinningly at the other, "This is filled with Estonians. The moment one thinks to break out, the others smother him down, for being so selfish and not suffering together! Don't worry about them!"
Most things are sort of true. But humor is different, yes. It is like roasting between very good friends. Even, if you barely know each other. For example, I started working in big car dealership/repair shop. Maybe it was 2nd workday there, and there was a moment - half complete car without doors, body panels etc. and I said "something is missing" and other guy said "your eyes are f**ked up, everything is normal". So, you have to get use to it. It is normal here.
😀
im SPECIAL cause I'm Estonian
My favourite joke in Estonian! Hull põgeneb hullumajast. Hullumaja direktor istub oma kabinetis, trummeldab sõrmedega vastu lauda ja pomiseb endamisi: "pole hullu, pole hullu..."
one day god thinks: ''damn those Estonians don't care about anything''
so the next day he goes to them and says: ''tomorrow you will all die. any questions?''
one Estonian raises their hand and asks: ''will the rope be provided or do we have to bring our own?''
Dark 🖤🖤🖤
Psychologists claim that if you need help in some public place, it's the least likely place to get some. Everybody's thinking that there are a lot of people, let them help the one in need. In U.S. the most likely to help were the minority men, for example, the least likely were the black women. So it's not only one nations problem - it's being a human problem.
I think there is a name for this phenomenon.
@@MananAnwar, yes, there is. I couldn't recall it, however.
Edit: It's "Bystander effect".
I met Estonian ,this is my honest comment based on what I observed,yes these two people was numb,no respect,plastic,a scammer too
I treat them good but in exchange oh my gush disaster but I will never wish them bad I hope they will realize one day and never do it again to other people .
Estonian specific joke: An Estonian, a Russian and an American look at the elephant and think to themselves:
American: "It's still a powerful animal!"
Russian: "This creature can still eat a lot!"
Estonian: "I wonder what the elephant thinks of me?!?!"
😃😂
Brother i start process to move to estonia.. Iam from india. My actual proffesion is in accounts. But now iam comming as warehouse worker. Can i change my job to accounts after i reached there.. Kindly advice me from your experience..
It’s possible if you learn Estonian.
Statistically actually, Estonians are getting really overweight. I remember a men's health convo where the doctor said that people in the 40-49 age bracket, atleast 60% are overweight with this being the leading factor in health problems. Obesity is also on the rise. Children are also getting overweight a lot.
About the debt: I don't know how much you keep an eye on the politics, but current debt to gdp is over 20% right now and previous government decided on taking more loans in the upcoming years up to 30%. Even more the spending is so much higher than tax income to gov budget that we're actively living off of loans right now.
Interesting, the first point was based on observation, I didn’t have any stats for that. About your second, can you share any news about it that I can read.
@@MananAnwar That would depend on if you speak Estonian. I can try to look up some of the stuff. The loan taking split up per multiple years is pretty old news already, but the current debt rate should be available. The National TV news, ERR, has said the debt number multiple times in their analysis, but I'll recheck some of the sources to link them
@@MananAnwar I don't think I can share a link, but search for this article from ERR: "Riigil on kavas tänavu laenata vähemalt 1,3 miljardit eurot"
@@MananAnwar it all depends places u go .. sometimes u can see lot of overweight ppl in malls... but still it's not so much as in west europe or scandinavia ... but it is getting worse
omg the second joke hahahaha, that was good tbh
The work thing/DIY is from hundreds of years ago, we are basicly farm macgyvers, had to do everything ourselfs for hundreds and hundreds of years and it's in our dna, nothing to do with Russia, please do not put "russia" everywhere, they are only one small part of our history and nothing of our identity, we kept our identity from before Rus.
Dont worry, i like the video ;)
Thank you, always appreciate (constructive) feedback.
I assume it has to do with you, rather than Estonians
The chicken joke is British
Theatres are not the best place to judge well dressedness in Estonia, because it is almost a law that you have to dress well to visit one. Even when the show is not an opera but a stand-up.
What about grocery stores
@@MananAnwar grocery stores, on the other hand, are very good judging places
Illustrate not just describe. Show not just tell.
"Occupied" is not an adjective that one would use for a toilet ("bathroom") in Estonian. That joke can't be told in Estonian, i.e., not an example of Estonian humour. Still a bit funny, though 😅. One can see that they've at least tried.
Are you an Estonian citizen?
No
@@MananAnwar how long do you have to live in Estonia to become eligible to apply?
@@tariqkhader6196 Five years.
@Urmas Alas thank you. What level of Estonian does one have to reach to pass the language test?
@@tariqkhader6196 B1
With all these can they then do interracial marriage,just curious 😂
Occupied🤣🤣🤣
I Luke you but yu dont now me
You do realize that there are 1.33 million people in Estonia, right? They're not all the same.
Yes, thats why there is a disclaimer under every video.
@@MananAnwar Fair enough.
Chicken didn't make it chicken is in McDonald's now
You look like the Pakistani version of Artur Rehi
Resourcefulness and tinkering is also present in Poland. Almost everybody does it, which drives me crazy, because I'm a specialist and I hate manual tinkering, but even work colleges, with high education will do home renovating or car repairing jobs when they need it for themselves or family.
Directness is a cultural trait common to Slavic countries, but since Estonia is surrounded by Slavic countries, they integrated it ;),
In fact, we are so sick of this Russian-era lying and beating around the bush that we don't bother anymore.
Directness is also a trait of Nordic people
@@henrikmanitski1061 yes, i think it can as well be other way around :)
I think resourcefullness come from communist times when especially services like car repair shops, home remodelling/redesign were minimal or absent at all, so people had to learn to do a lot by themselves
I noticed substance abuse and depression are rampant in Estonia. Syringes lying around where children play and walk.
Are all Estonians able to speak English!?
Majority yes.
There was a disabled homeless man, begging for a smoke in the morning of a blizzard in the winter, I sayed "No! late for work!" 3 hour later, he as dead. police putting a boddybag over him, waiting for the mourge. Am I a sociopath, or is this normal for estonians. Did'nt feel the need to call for help, instead of giving him a smoke, witch I denied. On the other hand, he di'dnt seem like he needed help.
That’s heartbreaking
Can be terrible sometimes to get things done. Like lets say you're a foreigner managing a top floor apartment in Tallinn. They will let the roof leak for years if they want to Send pictures of lamps falling, parquette floors ruined and no-one gives dam. You call the maintenance company and they literally just start hanging up on you. This was not a language obstacle thing either. Some person taking kickbacks hiring some incompetent company to do a job that they do like crap. Solution: hire them to do it twice more.
When does “they” become “you”. You have lived here 8 years. When does the cultural adoption happen?
Good question. Maybe I’ll talk about it separately.
cultural adoption usually happens after 1 or 2 generations :)
Estonians don't take criticism very well or at all
😀👀
Nojah, kui elada kuskil hipsterirajoonis, siis võib sellist jama ajada.
Tallinn on hipsterirajoon või mis koht?
no
According to the UN the catastrophic population decline will make it really 'special' soon!
Hi Manan, Your videos are very on point and helpful. Is there anyway i can private chat you please?. I have couple of information to share with you
You can DM me on Instagram. Or email me.
I can't really understand that Estonians don't help people in need....
I am an Estonian and in my world helping each other is a matter of course...
I never believe that when someone is seriously in need they have to die miserably and everyone is watching... this is wrong image of Estonians...
and that is also quite wrong statement that Estonians are not emotional...look closely...but they have been trained to keep their emotions in check..deep inside it is bubbling...I think that is something like protective shield because they don't want to show themselves vulnerable....
Estonians have been treated very hurtfully by other nations for hundreds of years...that sits deep in the Estonian soul...is my opinion....
Thank you for commenting.
Regarding helping: I have heard similar incidents from many other expats.
Not emotional: yes that’s quite true. And that’s why drinking is considered essential for socialising.
Thank you again. Please understand that these are just my opinions and based on my observations. And obviously it’s very generalised because I don’t know all Estonians.
I hope you have more positive than negative experiences with Estonians and you feel comfortable and in good hands here, be blessed 🙏🏻
Come on, no Estonians are stopping at the road for pedestrians, I am now here, nobody stops, thats Cliche that they are stopping! So take care like in any other Country