Estonian forests are home to many animal species close to extinction such as the flying squirrel, and the country is working hard to protect the forests as a result. To me the forests look most beautiful when covered in a blanket of snow at dusk. Forests are near and dear to the hearts of many Estonians, especially since they helped hide and provide cover for the Estonian rebels that escaped to the woods during the Soviet occupation. The rebels became known as the "Forest Brothers."
This week, I did a tour of the A. Le Coq Factory in Estonia where I learned all about how barley is harvested by farmers and then fermented in a complicated process that produces beer. Unfortunately, the growing and harvesting season is finished here now, so there is no more fresh barley to collect nor any more fresh fruit. Estonia will now have to import its fruit from southern European countries like Spain and Greece, but it can still grow potatoes and onions!
