TalTech New Year’s Stories: I am polishing my dancing shoes
Jeffrey Tuhtan, USA, lead of a research group on “environmental sensing and intelligence” in the department. of Computer Systems.
The time around New Year’s is perfect to reflect about the events of previous year, set goals and resolutions for the next, and simply enjoy some free time with a good food in a good company. Here is how TalTech international researchers and employees are doing it.
My typical New Year
“My wife is Bulgarian, and we go to Sofia for Christmas and New Years to celebrate with friends and family.
We typically celebrate at home, after a big dinner we go out to the balcony and watch the local folks shoot off fireworks in our neighborhood.
There is a traditional “Dunavsko horo” song and dance where everyone holds hands and dances around like crazy. It’s pretty, pretty fun!”
Typical New Year in the US
“In California, where I come from, fireworks are not allowed due to wildfires. So we normally go to a city to see some fireworks. Folks typically go out on New Years, a late dinner.”
A New Year to remember
“11 years ago was my first New Years in Bulgaria. Nobody warned me about the crazy dance!”
Your 2020
“2020 was a strange year. But staying at home more with my family also made it apparent that our modern work-life balance needs to be improved. I guess the biggest take-away from 2020 was that every day matters, so make the best of it!”
How do you plan to celebrate this New Year?
“We managed to escape to Bulgaria, and I am polishing my dancing shoes!”
Goals and resolutions for 2021
“Spend more time with my family, less time at work.”
Wishes to TalTech community
“A happy New Year: we all pulled together this year and it was great to see how folks who never worked together help each other out. TalTech has a solid community spirit, and 2020 made that spirit stronger.”
Traditional New Year Food
California-Style Guacamole
4 ripe avocados
2 ripe large, tomatoes
1 cup of white onion
1 cup of fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons of mayonnaise
1–2 tablespoon of fresh lime juice
sea salt, to taste
Chop up the onions finely along with diced tomatoes and coarsely chopped cilantro. Add mashed up avocados and lime juice. Season with salt to taste. Let sit in fridge for 1 hour before serving with some plain tortilla chips, or spread on toasted slices of baguette. Enjoy!
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