January 2004, USA

The prevailing emotion about our trip to the US is that its a very nice country with wonderful people. In the media, America has been depicted as an extremely capitalist society, where only money matters and everyone has a gun which he/she uses at every possible moment and every woman looks like a supermodel, etc. While we were there, our daughter sent a message advising us to duck and cover whenever we heard a blast for she had just seen a broadcast that everybody had guns there. But we met only very friendly, helpful and kind people. We were most impressed by people just walking by you on the streets or elsewhere, greeting and smiling.

Being at the meeting of the Friends of Estonia was just fantastic. It was so touching to meet people who care so much about Estonia. The children who served us dinner were especially cute and admirable. What we saw encouraged us to try to do more ourselves and get more involved at home. We hope that the spark of the friends of Estonia will never go out!

We also did some traveling outside the meeting. The nature in the US is wonderful. At times it was similar to Estonia, but at the same time totally different. It was new and exciting to see the different places people live. In Smokie Mountains we saw many deer which was an experience. Hawks circling above our heads is a sight you won’t see in Estonia. New York was grand, but very tiring. We have very many experiences and all of those are positive. In fact, we can’t even recall a negative one. After the trip we were not too tired, but we were very very content. Personal relationships with local people and the opportunity to stay at people’s homes contributed at least one half to the success and value of the trip. Many many thanks to all of you who hosted us. We will always remember your kindness and hope we can return your hospitality at least in part when you come to Estonia!

God Bless you,

Enn and Kyllike Laansoo