Miss Kathy & Isaac w/ Hat

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Originally uploaded by ronald_gainey.

The Estonians are a distinct ethnic and linguistic group, most closely related to the Finns (not surpisingly, looking at the map), and definitely see themselves as distinct from the other two "Baltic states" they are always lumped in with, which I believe are more Slavic. Much abused and perhaps a bit of a chip on their shoulder. Again, our guide, a young fellow, rather pointedly observed how they got "no support" from the West in their bid for independence, and only half-jokingly worried how they "never know for sure that trouble isn't brewing again in the East". But they do have membership in both the EU and NATO now, so I'd cautiously say they may have a shot at long-term independence and development.