A long overdue bits and pieces

“I love experienced people. I love people who are phenomenally talented. I love people who’ve worked so hard and been so courageous and are the leaders in their fields. For me to meet somebody like that and learn from them and share words with them—to me that’s magic.” – Michael Jackson, on filming The Wiz

Had a pot-luck boardgame night at a co-workers house, boardgames are such a fun invention, I really don't know why I don't play them more often. Did the vegan cake I've been wanting to make for months. 

cocoa-rasberry-coconut cake

Also, got to see my extended family over a long-long time. A relative celebrated his 50 + birthday-party in a pub in Pärnu with tasty food, fun old Estonin songs and everything else that goes with a good barrelhouse-kinda-party. 

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November is also the month of "The Dark Nights Film Festival" - two weeks is definitely not enough. So many good movies, so few time. Made it to some and also made a huge list of movies I wanna get my hands on, at one point or another. 

Started off with a snowboarding documentary "Higher". The third and last of the trilogy "Deeper, Further, Higher" - about Jeremy Jones and many other top freeriders who travel to world's snowboarding meccas hike/climb to the top of some scary-ass mountains and take the most beautiful runs down. The plot was a bit confusing and weirdly put together, but the mountains, the rides, the music, the talks, the passion made it strong, memorable and oh-so missing snowboarding, where is the snow, please?

"Grandma" - a moving, enlightening, unsweetened, sad-ish yet naturally funny film. Quoting: ""Grandma" tells the story of Elle Reid, a misanthropic lesbian who has her world turned upside down when her 18-year-old granddaughter comes to her help. With a day's journey in front of them, and with a goal in mind, the two women share their feelings with one another while confronting their past, and looking forward to their future."

"Mediterrenea" - part of the 'Lux - European Parliament Film Prize' programme. The topic of human trafficking is basically the main topic in any daily news programme for a long time now, but the journeys of the people escaping there countries have had barely any coverage. The film is about one painful journey from Burkina Faso to Italy, about adapting to a life in a new country where nobody takes you as an equal, gives you a chance or hope of a better future. It is something our society should see. 

"The Danish Girl" - there's oscar buzz around that one. I expected a lot more of it to be honest. Alicia Vikander and Eddie Redmayne were absolutely brilliant in their roles but something about the writing, direction, design didn't work as well as it should've with these actors and that story (that era, that art and a very meaningful true story)! It is still enjoyable to watch, I just expected more. Eddie and Alicia will probably take it to the Oscars.

Last but definitely not least - my favourite watch this season "Pawno" - an Australian movie set in Footscray, Melboure. My home-town for a little while and one of my favourite cities in the world. I loved everything about the movie, every choice was just right, the music (it also won an award for the music), the street views, these unforgettably colourful characters, backstories, that it all took place in one day.. It was sad, yet so hopeful and optimistic. Within one day, lives of 12 people from various different backgrounds intersect. It is a multi-layered story, which when it unfolds celebrates the rawness of humanity and challenges us to see the world from a different viewpoint. 

Damian Hill (writer/actor) and Paul Ireland (director) were amongst the audience and held a Q&A after kind of helping to explain some points yet leaving enough room for everyone's own thoughts, hopes and imagination. Especially loved the directors end-note on why the movie was made the way it was made: "Why not, life is fucking beautiful"

Experienced some fine dining at Restaurant Ö. Very attentive but not pushy at all service. Beautiful-looking, creative, delicious food. Interesting, extra-ordinary tastes blend in really well with every bite. Little surprises like the welcome bite or the dessert before the dessert. Definitely worth the price.