Its always a weird feeling to hear Estonian in videos Like I'm listening to English and suddenly I hear Estonian and so I have to turn off English mode
Speaking about that Kuki Muki thing, there is another brand Liepkalni (specializing more in bread baking). They have similar sticks with rich caramelised condensed milk taste and softer texture. I love them, but since they are quite difficult to find, looked for something similar, and guess what I found in my local store? Kuki Muki. Not even close.
The use of "sorry" to also mean, "excuse me", amd "what" is also very similar to Japan, where words of apology can be ised even more widely, such as when expressing thanks.
Many former Soviet people I know say that someone who smiles at them on the street is probably either just a bit crazy, but if not then likely to be trying aiming at trying to get something from them. They tend to live a life of 'going about ones own business' and not interfering with others, though there's a lot of distrust behind it too, maybe developed in that kind of society over many years. But also its maybe to do with a history of hardship, hard work, harsh climate, etc. You get on with what you need to, and let others do so too. When they actually make a connection though, whether some situation outside makes it necessary, or especially in their homes or at social events, things turn around massively, and they tend to see even friendships made so casually as quite strong, permanent friends, whereas further west, particular the USA, it's more this 'friendly with each other' but also kind of 'casual', we go our own ways, never really know each other, etc. Also they tend to see American friendliness as mainly fake. I think they're wrong much of the time, and that it's a genuine friendliness and kindness on the whole, even though it's in passing and brief relationships that then disappear forever, because life is simply more pleasant that way. Sometimes fake, yeah, but generally not. But they're not used to it, so are kind of mistrustful of it.
You are a great girl, but you need a Latvian guy. Your pronunciation is such that I don't understand anything you say. Thanks for the fun. I laughed like a tickle. You should read the weather forecast on TV in the morning. Latvians would love you with all their heart.
Karums means "craving" . Laima is pronounce "lie-ma" the small clock tower in the city is from this company. Laima is the old pagan Latvian goddess of fate, from which we take the word laime, which means luck. I'm glad you enjoyed most of the treats you tried!
So, regarding the reason Americans don't know about Latvia, here's my theory: After the second World War, the leaders of England, America, and Russia got together in Yalta, and divided up the planet. Russia had control over Greece, and America couldn't leave the origin of Democracy in Communist hands, so they traded the Baltics for Greece, as they didn't see any monetary value from our countries, even though we wanted to be free democracies. I believe this shame is why they never speak about us, or ridicule us in popular culture (Latka Gravas, in the tv show Taxi).
I just started self-studying Estonian, too. I had to laugh at your pronunciations only because I know how hard it is to say some of these words and phrases, but you need to listen to more natives on RU-vid; otherwise, it will be difficult to figure out the pronunciation. Your "Kuidas laheb" was wonderfully terrible.
I haven’t laughed so hard in a long time. I guess because it reminds me of myself trying to pronounce Latvian words. I’m currently learning the Latvian alphabet, which I believe is the key to their pronunciation. I read another comment which stated that the way it’s written is the way it’s pronounced and spoken. This gives we Americans an advantage over Latvians who are learning English. I’m also working on vocabulary before I attempt the grammar. Being the richest and most powerful nation in the history of the world supplies we Americans with the arrogance to live in a foreign nation without learning their language. Jess, you are a very sweet woman for posting this video and very brave for leaving your native country to live in a foreign land. I wish you all the best. From your accent, I think you are a fellow midwesterner?
Yh im not gonna lie the dry joke thing and sarcastic humour is definitely a white people's thing especially here in the UK white Americans in general i don't see them being too into it maybe some are but yeah whites in general love there sarcasm.
Yeah the warming of plates before eating is definitely a preference for some people like your husband etc not everyone does that I've never done it 😂😆😆🤣
Why is it so easy for Americans to just come to Europe and live for years undisturbed (legally) but if I need a fresh start in USA, oh boy....nope. You don't belong here, boy! You need a visa just to breath US air for more than 3 months, and $4000 for applying for a work/stay visa that has only like 10% accept rate! I couldn't even rent a car in Florida because I was European or maybe because the people at the rent-a-car place just didn't like Europeans. I was given some bullshit excuse and was sent off, ruining my entire vacation.
I too left Latvia, albeit only in January this year, having logged 5 years in total living in Pinki near Riga The Russian build-up in the Ukrainian border and the stress of the Covid restrictions and being away from the UK for so long just pushed me over the edge and I had to leave. If the world were stable, I would love to spend time there again... I can't get it out of my heart, and our kids say the same. When we're here, we miss Latvia; when we're in Latvia, we miss here... Anyway, best wishes for the future, Jess!
