Bulgarian Pjotr Zotovitš, a father of five children and a talented musician from Odessa, moved to Estonia with his wife and three younger kids; he has been familiar with Estonia for a long time, since his first trips in the 1980s. It was not by chance that Estonia became a new home for Pjotr and his family; here he has been developing his career as a musician and contributing to the local culture by combining the musical traditions of the two nations.
I represent the Bulgarian culture. My surname – Zotovitš – is Serbian. I was born in Moldova; I lived in Ukraine for many years, and I also have Greek roots. I was born and grew up in a small country with a great history and bright cultural traditions. Moving to Estonia was a big step for me, driven by a desire to explore new horizons and learn more about another culture. When I first arrived here, I was amazed by the quietness and pace of life. Estonia seemed to be a place where time went slowly and people could live in harmony with nature and with each other.
I have always tried to do my best to maintain a connection with my culture even when I am far from home. I find it important to maintain my own traditions and share them with new friends and acquaintances. It helps me to feel closer to my roots and, at the same time, enriches the cultural space around me.
I feel part of this society now and I am happy to see that my experience and culture can add something new to Estonian life. I hope that my presence helps to build bridges between cultures and enhance our mutual understanding.
I was familiarised with Estonia years ago, although I have been living here for only five years. I first visited Estonia in 1982, because my brother lives here. Afterwards, I visited many times back in the late 1980s.
I run a family musical band. I have five children – they all professionally sing, dance, and play music. My elder kids graduated from the University of Odessa, the faculty of choreography. My middle daughter plays the saxophone, the youngest plays the violin. The youngest son plays the drums and sings.
As a vocalist, I took part in a competition in Harjumaa and I won the grand prize there. Although, frankly, I have never considered myself a vocalist. Although, to be honest, I have never considered myself a vocalist. My main instrument is still the accordion, after all.
If a culture lives in its own stew then after a while it becomes bland and dull. When we meet Estonian bands on the stage: not only do we learn from the Estonians, for example, or from someone else, but they also learn from us – some musical patterns and phrases.
It is worth traveling and seeing Estonia to understand how cool and nice it is here and how many exciting things are available. Far too many. Sometimes I even regret that I do not have that much spare time to visit all the places. It is a beautiful green country.
I have become addicted to and developed a keen interest in visiting Estonian lakes and ticking them off my list. ‘I have been there, and I liked it.’ I especially like the quarry lakes, they are deep and clear.
Please describe how you see our Estonia.
To me, the face of Estonia is quietness and balance reflected in nature and people. This is a country where traditions and innovations go hand-in-hand, thus creating a unique cultural landscape that inspires and calls to be explored.
What do you like in Estonia?
I like Estonian nature, its dense forests, clean lakes, and fresh air. Estonia fascinates with its calmness and peacefulness, here you can find harmony and seclusion. I appreciate the modesty and self-restraint of the locals and the technological development of the country.
What surprises you in Estonia?
I am surprised by the fact that such a small country has managed to balance its traditions and advanced technologies. I am also impressed by how well Estonians have preserved their cultural authenticity and language, despite the historical challenges.
What do you find unexpected or unusual in Estonia?
To me, the way how quietly people can live was unexpected. Even in the capital, Tallinn, there is an atmosphere of calm and moderation. To me, it was also unusual to see how much Estonians value their personal space and independence.
What aspects of your culture could be implemented in Estonia?
I would say that more openness and friendliness could be introduced, especially in terms of social communication. In my culture, active hospitality and warmness are widely adopted, which could make life in Estonia even more comfortable and cozy.
What do you miss most in Estonia? What is lacking in Estonia?
Most of all, I miss familiar tastes and meals. Despite the diversity of foods in Estonia, it is quite difficult to find certain ingredients or methods of cooking. I also miss the more active way of social life that is more specific to my culture.
How do you think your presence enriches Estonia?
My presence in Estonia provides the country with more diverse cultural traditions and approaches. I do my best to share my experience and knowledge by introducing the elements of my culture into my daily life and communication. This helps to build bridges between different cultures and enhances mutual understanding.
What Estonian habits have you adopted for yourself?
I have adopted a habit of savouring the moments of peace and quiet that Estonians value so much. I have also learned more about planning and the value of personal space, which helps me better cope with everyday challenges.
What is your favourite Estonian food?
My favourite Estonian food is blood sausage with cranberry jam. This unique combination of tastes first seemed unusual to me, but I have grown to love it over time.
Do you have a favourite Estonian musical composition?
I really like the composition ‘Eesti muld ja Eesti süda’ performed by the Estonian choir. It reveals the deep feelings of Estonians towards their homeland.
How could you describe Estonians?
Estonians are reserved but, at the same time, they are warm and sincere people. They appreciate honesty and respectfulness, although they can sometimes seem withdrawn. It is important to understand that behind the external restraint lies a deep sense of pride for their country and culture.
