We don’t know about you (unless you say hello) but as we pass our 60th birthday, things that we once found silly when we were in our 20’s don’t seem to be so silly anymore. The world is getting bigger and rounder and full of us humans and as we grasp the fact that what was once “our world” is changing. Whether if it’s for the better or not is up to you. Technology is certainly light years away from that period in time, but have we given up anything that we should have held onto? Each and every one of us has our own opinion, so hold tight to that as we see the past slip away, literally and figuratively.
We’ve already featured some content from a few of the online YouTube channels that resurrect videos – film actually that allow and even encourage us to go back in time to see what was the state of the art in the 1970s for example. One that recently emerged from the mist was a lovely, if a bit silly video from the 1970’s Estonia.
If you’re from that time, you’ll know the tune, September by Earth Wind and Fire. We think you’ll enjoy this. Let us know. There are so many others waiting to be brought into the sun once again, where they belong.
This video is from Estonia in the 1970’s. During that period, Estonia was officially the Estonian Soviet Socialist Republic (ESSR), a constituent republic of the Soviet Union. Life there was heavily shaped by Soviet policies, ideology, and the realities of a centrally planned economy, yet it also had its unique characteristics and underlying currents of national identity.
The 1970s were part of the “Brezhnev era” in the Soviet Union, characterized by relative stability but also increasing stagnation and continued efforts at Russification. This meant that the Russian language was increasingly emphasized in schools and public life, leading to growing concerns among Estonians about the threat to their language and national identity.
Political rights and freedom of expression were severely limited. Media outlets were tightly controlled and used for propaganda and ideological indoctrination. Access to foreign media was restricted, though Tallinn’s proximity to Finland meant that many Estonians could illegally watch Finnish television, providing a window to the West and influencing local trends and consumer values. (not like that is happening nowadays, of course, “said firmly tongue in cheek.”
So, if you’re old enough the remember, or if you’re young enough that your grandparents can fill you in, this is worth watching. We hold up a glass to the new world and wish it well in perpetuity.
Estonia, a Baltic gem, offers a fantastic blend of medieval charm, vibrant modern culture, stunning natural landscapes, and unique experiences. Here are some fun things to do. 1. Walk the Medieval Walls & Towers: Climb the Nun Tower, Kiek in de Kök, or Fat Margaret for panoramic views. Town Hall Square (Raekoja Plats): The heart of the Old Town, bustling with cafes, restaurants, and often hosting markets (especially the magical Christmas market)
Toompea Hill: Ascend to this limestone plateau for breathtaking viewpoints like Kohtuotsa and Patkuli, offering classic postcard views of the red roofs and spires. Visit Alexander Nevsky Cathedral (onion-domed Russian Orthodox) and Toompea Castle (Estonian Parliament)
OMIO have rail, bus or flights for you to explore Estonia. To book, click here.
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