Happy America Days from Viljandi, Estonia! As part of a
two-day event, sixteen U.S. Embassy staff members gathered together in Viljandi yesterday to celebrate the bond between Estonians and Americans.
On the first day of festivities, Ambassador Levine and
embassy staff were first met with a warm welcome from the Mayor of Viljandi, Ando
Kiviberg, Krista Kull, Head of the Department of Public Relations and Tourism
and officials from local schools. After the
meeting, our embassy team split up to visit Viljandi schools and even a local animal
shelter. During our school visits we gave presentations about the U.S. and got
the chance to meet and chat with students there.
One of the most important stops of the day came up next: the
American Corner at Viljandi Library, which just celebrated its 10th
anniversary of sharing the United States with the citizens of Viljandi! After warm remarks from the Mayor and the
Ambassador and a look back through the Corner’s accomplishments, we all enjoyed
a delicious birthday cake.
Then, most of
us set out for a walking tour of Viljandi – we learned about its nearly 800
years of history and visited beautiful buildings, a ruined castle and the newly
renovated Cultural Center. Meanwhile, a
smaller group which included the Ambassador, visited local businesses,
including a factory that makes one million candles a day!
To wrap up a wonderful day, America Days guests were treated
to a reception at the Sakala Center, where local youth musicians (including American
Fulbright Scholar Katherine Marsen) put their talents on display.
What a wonderful start to this year’s America Days in
Viljandi!
Post by PAS Intern Kirsten Anderson
Photos by Social Media Assistant, U.S. Embassy Tallinn
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