Along with the
marvelously preserved medieval city, Czars' and Stalin's leftovers, (like a KGB hotel made of
“micocrete” - concrete and microphones) - we pay a visit to an huge outdoor stage in
the capitol of Estonia.
Just a few years ago, this is where hundreds of thousands of Estonians raised up their voices to sing forbidden songs - songs that could land them in Siberia ... or worse.
Just a few years ago, this is where hundreds of thousands of Estonians raised up their voices to sing forbidden songs - songs that could land them in Siberia ... or worse.
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| One of the stones that blocked the tanks |
Their Soviet
minders sent out the alarm. Moscow trucked in - but still they sang.
Tanks rolled up streets blocked with huge stones - and
still they sang. When Soviet
troops came to stop the calls for freedom, Estonians locked arms around their radio station and stared down the gunbarrels.
Starting here in Tallinn, millions of people joined hands and created a human
chain across 3 countries. They
were caged birds singing so the whole world would hear. The song of solidarity and defiance was too loud for the
old Soviet masters. The USSR
collapsed and they were free.
I stand in awe of
the people who walk beside me on these ancient streets. I was born with a full belly of sweet
freedom - yet have little experience in the effort needed to bite, chew and
swallow it. Here in Estonia,
freedom is a new aroma in their air, a new texture on their tongue, a new
taste they are savoring.
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| Freedom tastes good! |
Freedom is their
now their favorite recipe too. It is served to me every day that I wake up American. After being here, I will pause more often during that meal ... to appreciate it.
- Revolutionary
Rod
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| Tallinn Estonia |
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| The KGB desk in the tourist hotel |
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| KGB gear in room that is "not there." |
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| Our hotel an ex-Soviet Navy BOQ (logo at top) |
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| The Baltic nations have freedom (and wind) |
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