I share about life abroad, about taking care of physical and mental health and being a full-time content creator running their own (1 month old) agency
The first time I knocked on my neighbours door
So there I was,
It was my first day in my new apartment in Estonia. As we used to do in Pakistan, I had prepared a meal and I took it to my neighbour. Just to introduce myself and say hi.
So I knocked again.
The lady came out. I could immedietly tell that she was annoyed and puzzled.
I had already remembered the estonian sentence, I handed the dish and introduced myself.
She took the plate, went inside and came back with an empty one.
And handed me the plate. Turned again and closed the door.
Without saying a single word.
I could feel sweat on my face.
Felt as if I had done something criminal.
I came back, feeling sad. I bet she didn't even eat what I made.
6 years later. She is one the closest neighbours I know, we meet and talk (in estonian), I borrow stuff from her (like snow shovels) and she borrows stuff from me sometimes (like milk), just like ordinary neighbours. I even trust her with my keys when I leave my apartment for a while.
It takes time with people, especially when someone from such a distant country lands on your doorstep and offers you a meal.
Btw thank you for subscribing to the list.
This week I uploaded a youtube video about pros and cons of life in Estonia, you can find it here:
I also found a very fun website (in Estonian) where you can see the marriage statistics for different ages and how they marry. https://www.stat.ee/abielud/
Lastly the story above is a part of a short ebook I am writing, it is about making friends in Estonia and this is part of the chapter where I talk about 'How to make friends with your neighbours?'
Have a great week.
P.S feel free to reply to this email, I am on the other end.
Manan Anwar
I share about life abroad, about taking care of physical and mental health and being a full-time content creator running their own (1 month old) agency
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