Tales from Turku

New Blog

2010-02-21T19:07:00.006Z

Just to let any old readers, or those that stumble across this dead blog, that I have a new blog set up at thelifeandtimesofkeira.blogspot.com if you want to keep updated on my goings on now I'm back in the UK

Back in the UK

2009-08-03T23:43:00.003+01:00

So I arrived safely back home with my mother after a 2 day long jaunt across Europe (my mother doesnt like to fly anymore, so we went by boat and train and eurostar). I say home, although it doesnt feel much like it. It hasnt done for a few years now though, and I'm confident when I get back to Guildford I'll start to feel more normal again. I'm not sure I'll have much to say on here for now, or if I'll even carry it on. We'll see when I get back to Guildford. Of course you might still get the odd post from me, but given the title of the blog, it seems a bit silly to carry it on.

I'll leave you with a pretty Finnish song that I listened to over and over on the journey home. A certain special someone translated their whole album for me, so I now know exactly what they are singing about. I'm not going to tell you though. You'll have to listen to my radio show to find out, hehe. Talking of which, on a side note, I got around to emailing the manager today to ask to have the show back so fingers crossed.

In the meantime, here is Vieläkö Soitan Banjoa? by Scandinavian Music Group

Final 3 Days

2009-07-29T07:45:00.004+01:00

I return from a lovely trip to Russia. Honestly, I wasn't that fussed about going again, but my mum was so keen to go that I agreed, but now I glad I did go again. I did more shopping than sight seeing this time. I bought a big Russian nesting doll, along with a porcelain one (in the dance outfit with rabbit hair and stuff... dont know the proper name, but I'll put a pic up eventually), and a couple of CDs (Ani Lorak and Bis). So I'm happy enough with that :)

As for this week though, I have just 3 days left in Turku. I cant even begin to gather my thoughts well enough to put it into words how I'm feeling right now.

Edit: Here's the pic as promised...

Die Tränen sind aus Eis

2009-07-22T07:30:00.003+01:00

While in Tallinn, I spent a lot of time browsing the many music channels provided in the hotel, one being German channel Viva. I got to quite like this song, called Stadt by Cassandra featuring Adel Tawil (from German Prison Break Anthem fame). The official video wont embed, but here's the song for now...

Crazy Busy Week

2009-07-22T07:21:00.003+01:00

Last night was the first night I slept in my own bed in about 10 days! Crazy busy couple of weeks. Firstly, we went to Rovaniemi, which was just brilliant. The scenery was beautiful, we met Reindeer, Husky dogs, Santa Claus, and swam in the huge river up there. We also went to the museum (Artikum) and did a spot of shopping. Along with the open boat trip that we took to get to the Reindeer farm. Then it was back to Turku for one night before heading off to Helsinki. Then it was an early start to get the ferry for Tallinn, where we spent one night, got very sunburnt, and then came back to Helsinki to meet the brother. We then did the touristy bus tour in Helsinki (mother wanted to see the Sibelius Monument, and the Rock Church, both a bit out of the centre, and it was pouring of rain, so walking wasnt an option). Then we headed back to Turku, where I immediately ran off to the boyfriends yet again. I'm not very hospitable it seems. Anyway, yesterday we saw the catherdral, the observatory hill, and the beach at Ruisalo. Nice day. Today we are heading off to the Castle (again... eugh), and a few other spots round town (university etc). Then tomorrow is the Baltic Sea Tall Ships Race. Or something like that. Which means there will be lots and lots and lots of tall ships lining the river down to the harbour, so that will keep us occupied for a while I expect. Then on to St Petersburg at the weekend!

You Spin Me Right Round

2009-07-16T11:59:00.004+01:00

So, as promised, my picture of the Moomin souvenir...

Its a spinning top! How retro. I havent seen these in years. I used to have one as a kid. And well, when I saw it, I knew I had to get it. Has most of the moomin characters on it too, you see...

Reindeer!

2009-07-13T14:41:00.003+01:00

I finally saw a Reindeer. More than one in fact. We wasted no time apon arriving in Rovaniemi this morning, and booked ourselves onto a boat trip to a Reindeer farm, where we got to mingle with the horned creatures. Beautiful weather here today as well, so the boat trip itself was also very nice. Just thought I'd let you all know :p

I'm sure there will be pictures to follow once I'm back.

Week one of the mammoth trip

2009-07-11T20:25:00.002+01:00

So I've returned from a very busy few days in Stockholm. We seems to do quite a lot, which obviously makes for a lot of walking, and my feet were so sore! After my mum arrived and we'd checked into the hotel, we went for a tourist-type boat trip around some of the waters of Stockholm. Was very nice, even if I was falling asleep a bit...
Day two we ran round and saw the Palace, along with the changing of the guards, and the treasury. Then we had a quick sandwich and rushed off to the Vasa museum. We also saw a few churches along the way.
Day three, we took a steam boat to Drottingholm Palace. Much nicer than the one in the main square. The gardens looked beautiful in the sunshine. We then headed back and went up Katarina lift (near Slussen) to get a high up view of the old town. Well worth the trip. Kaknas tower was a taller alternative, but we decided it wasnt worth the bus trip.
Day four was our final day, so we did a tour of the city hall (not something high on our list, but actually surprisingly inetersting) and then we jumped on another boat tour, purely becuase it was raining, the ticket was free (included on the Stockholm card that we had purchased for the trip) and it was leaving from outside the city hall 15 minutes after our tour had finished. After that it was just time for some serious shopping. I bought 8 CDs (Mans, Danny, September, Molly Sanden, Sanna Neilsen, Jonathan Fagerlund x2, and Velvet) and we bought some nice souvenirs too. Back to the ferry, exhusted but happy.

Friday was my mothers first taste of Finland. Unfortunately I wasnt much of a guide, as I fell alseep for 4 hours, and then was a bit grumpy on the quick tour of the town I gave her before running of to my boyfriends. Not many brownie points there then. But today I took her to Naantali, which looked lovely in the sunshine and was a lot busier than the last time I went in the Autumn. We just strolled around, taking it all in, and then gave in a bought a Moomin souvenir (picture to follow... if I remember). We then headed back to the flat where I cooked shepherds pie for us both, so hoping that makes up for the lost brownie points of yesterday. Tomorrow, we're going for lunch with the boyfriend and then off to Ruissalo (weather permitting) before catching a night train to Rovaniemi! Busy busy busy.

Hello from Stockholm!

2009-07-06T14:08:00.003+01:00

I'm currently sitting in the Centralen station of Stockholm, killing time while waiting for my mums train to arrive. Its been a weird morning. I arrived at 6:30 with the ferry (after only 5 hours sleep...) and spent the first few hours wandering from cafe to cafe waiting for the city to liven up. Then it was time to do a spot of Cd shopping and what not. Also had a trip to the Tourist information centre and then did a sweep of the old town and the area by the town hall. But my bag is very heavy (I refused to pay 50SEK to leave it in a locker in the station... bad move) and I am very tired, so decided to come and make use of the internet terminals here in the station and await my mothers arrival. Only another 30minutes!

In Other News...

2009-07-04T21:23:00.004+01:00

Me and Rach have booked train tickets to Edinburgh for September! After a long 6 months apart (cue violins) while we've been off exploring foreign ground, we have decided to take a little holiday on home soil for a change. Just before the madness of final year kicks in. I've always wanted to go to Scotland, but mostly it will be cool just to spend a few days with Rach with no other stresses or responsibilties to worry about. Just mix it up with some Russian-themed cocktails, and a europop compilation CD. What could be better :)

Reflective Blog

2009-07-04T20:48:00.005+01:00

So, as I mentioned, I had my last day at work this week. It was sad to say goodbye to Saara and Joanna who have been great supervisors, although mentor would probably be a better word. They have taught me so much scientifically and culturally. I dont often talk about the science side of things here, but that was the intially point of my year abroad. It was a PTY (placement training year) which could have just as easily been in the UK, but instead was abroad and as such, all the cultural stuff I was learning and experiencing kind of overshadowed my scienitifc achievements for the year. Obviously the seminar was a huge milestone, but actually, my confidence in my abilties has really improved. After doing badly in my A-levels, I came to university with the aim of just getting on with it, seeing how I did and then getting a job. But now I have renewed enthusiasum to achieve a 2:1 (something people kept telling me I could get if I just worked a little harder, but I didnt believe them. Now I do). And I am also now considering the option of doing a postgraduate course. Perhaps a research masters, so as to be doing something similar to what I was doing this year. Who knows, we'll have to see. But either way, I don't see this as a sad ending, but rather a new beginning. A new chapter is starting, one that could lead me anywhere, and that is exciting. I feel like there are more oppertunities to be had out there. The world is my oyster! haha.

Aaaaanyway. The traditional exchanging of gifts took place. I tried to think of something more meaningful than chocolate, so bought a pot plant for each Joanna and Saara to have at their desks and brighten up the place. I think they liked them. As for me, they bought me something really nice. All year I had been considering buying myself a Moomin mug, as it is the most typical Finnish souvenir. However, Moomins are very popular here, and so anything to do with them is expensive. And the Moomin mugs are made by the popular Finnish ceramics company Arabia, making them even more expensive. But that is exactly what I got as a present and it couldnt be more perfect. Look...

All wrapped up pretty with some Marimekko napkins. I've decided the Marimekko store in Turku is dangerous. They had a sale this week, and I ended up buying a cute notepad that I probably won't use. But still... Oh, and as for a report update, I've passed the 3000 word mark now, and so might treat myself to that bag anyway :)

Last Day

2009-06-29T19:32:00.002+01:00

Tomorrow is my last day at work. I can't quite believe it. Have I really finished my 10-month placement? Is it really over? If it werent for this extra month trip with my mum, then I would probably be at home already. In less than a week, I will be heading off to Stockholm (woo, Cd shopping!!!), and so then in less than a month, I will be heading home home. For good. How final. So maybe not for good. But I will have to say my final goodbyes to Turku, and the amazing people I've met here. Still, best not to think too much about it just yet...

Sind Wir Allein?

2009-06-25T19:41:00.002+01:00

So I heard today that this great German tune, Allein Allein by Polarkreis 18 is going to get a UK release. So just doing my part to spread the word. I really like this tune. There's something magically anthemic about it. I have a really strong memory of walking through Turku late-ish one night back in February when it would actually get dark, and this came on the ipod just as it started to snow. I just remember looking up to the skies as the hauntingly pretty chorus kicked in. Magic.

July Plans

2009-06-24T12:22:00.003+01:00

So I guess its about time I reveal to you the truely ambitious month of travel I have planned for July. My mother is coming to visit me here in Turku, but she doesnt like to fly (problems with her ears you see) so she is coming via 5 trains and a ferry! So since she was coming all that way. I foolishly suggested that I extend my lease on my student flat (assuming there was anyone wanting to move in as early as July) and she stay for a few weeks and we could really explore. Little did I know what a headache organising everything would be. We got a little carried away with where we want to go and what-not, but here is the final plan...

05/07: I leave for Stockholm on the night ferry.
06/07: Mother joins me and we spend a few days exploring the Swedish capital.
09/07: We head to Turku on the night ferry.
12/07: We get a night train to Rovaniemi.
15/07: Return from Rovaniemi.
17/07: Head to Helsinki.
18/07: We take an early ferry to Tallinn.
19/07: Return to Helsinki, and meet my brother from the airport.
20/07: Head to Turku for the week.
24/07: Head back to Helsinki to see my brother off. Spend the night.
25/07: Take a train to St Petersburg.
28/07: Return from St Petersburg.
31/07: Sat moi moi to Turku. Take the night ferry to Stockholm, and then 5 trains to home!

How crazy is all that?! Well, its been a bit tricky booking all the various hotels, trains and ferrys. Not to mention arranging for another visa to Russia. I know that for my mum it is the trip of a lifetime, and she is so excited to see everything. I am happy to be visiting Stockholm again, and for a longer stay this time. And then I'm always happy to go back to Tallinn. Can't say I was overly enthused about going to St Petersburg again so soon after I've just been, and all the extra complications of getting visa's a what-not didnt help, but luckily the Russian consulate is here in Turku. Anyway, nearly everything has been booked now. Well, all the things my mum was in charge of is at least. I only just started my end of the deal, but I'm slowly getting sorted. Although maybe I should stop being so slow, what with it being less than 2 weeks away!

I finish work on tuesday. I can't believe it. Especially since there are still many assays to be done. Will have to trust that someone takes over from me. So anyway, you might not hear that much from me in July other than the odd quick update here and there.

Se Malja Vain Sua Oottaa

2009-06-22T17:29:00.005+01:00

I bought Jenni Vartiainen's album last week. I listened to it this week. Its very good. I've been told the lyrics are very clever, but what with it being in Finnish, its a bit lost on me. But the music is quite funky. Not your cheesy pop, more mature than that. And not so typically Finnish either. I shared Ihmisten Edessä with you all a while ago, which is also the name of the album, but this is another good track from the album called Malja.

Dedicated to Rach

2009-06-21T21:44:00.002+01:00

Lyrics used to be worthless to me

2009-06-21T18:58:00.003+01:00

The cold has struck with a vengeance and I feel rubbish :( Also, went into work today to start an experiment and decided to stick around and do some more work on my report. I was there for 3+ hours, and only wrote around 200 words. So frustratingly slow progress today.

Anyway, since I won't have much time over the next few weeks, what with last minute planning for my mums arrival, and this report, along with finishing up at work (just 7 more working days, can you believe the year is almost over?!) I thought I would go back to the good old days of sharing music.

I heard this song on the radio in the lab the other day, and the lyric "No hot water, I'm stood in the shower, I think that my boiler's died" just made me laugh so much at its naff-ness, that I couldnt help but remember to look for it on youtube later.

Its called Every Song I Hear by Koop Arponen, the winner of the latest series of Finnish Idols (beating Anna Puu, posted below). Its so incredibly 'Magic FM' and I love it...

Happy Midsummer!

2009-06-19T09:07:00.006+01:00

Seems I've not been keeping this blog very up-to-date with my goings on, but to be honest, there isn't that much to tell. I've just been going to work, spending time with my lovely boyfriend, and planning my mums mammoth visit (more on that another time). Mira has now abandoned me to go swanning off around Slovenia, Austria and the USA. Students, eh? But before she left last week, we headed off to Ruisalo for a bit of a swim. Was freezing cold, but I didnt care. I love swimming, but to swim in the ocean here is just one of my favourite things. Shame the sea is frozen half the year...

Also, this weekend its Juhanustasjsdfoudgcjsdbvohn. Well something like that. Basically, its midsummer. This weekend sees the shortest night (it really is only dark for about and hour or so these days), and traditionally everyone leaves the city to go to their cottages and spend the weekend grilling, swimming, and of course drinking. However, I don't own a cottage. So instead the boyfriend is coming here, and I'm going to attempt to cook cottage pie for him and his friend. I'm getting quite good at British cuisine out here. No microwavable equviliants in the supermarket you see... Plus I don't have a microwave.

Example of the sunset at 00:39 (note time stamp)

In other news, I have a terrible sore throat, I just got drenched in a rain storm that decided to come on just as I was leaving the supermarket, I've spilt blue cheese all over my keyboard, and yet another vehicle with blue falshing lights has driven past (the fourth in 20mins).

In other other news, I finally bought something from Marimekko (a famous Finnish designer). I bought this rather bright snazzy bag...

I spotted another bag I want from there on the way out too, but have decided to wait and buy it as a reward if I can write at least the main first draft of my final report by the time I leave Finland. It has to be ~6000 words, and I've made it to nearly the 2000 mark. Wayhay! So only another 4000 to go, and then I can have another bag :)

Oh, I've also decided I want the oven mitten, pencil case, and tin box to match my lovely new bag :) I'm going to be spending a lot of money come July...

C'est La Vie

2009-06-12T15:58:00.004+01:00

A few days ago I was introduced to this song by Finnish singer Anna puu, and I found the video so darkly humorous that I thought I would share it with you. I think fans of Duffy and the like will particularly enjoy it. Although saying that, I hate Duffy and still like it...

Pargas

2009-06-09T11:31:00.008+01:00

Last weekend me and Mira decided we would investigate one of the islands. Turku has what is supposed to be a very beautiful Archipelago region. I think perhaps best appreciated from a boat or a bike, but it is possible to get a bus to some of the more populated areas. After much discussion, we decided to head to Pargas (or Parainen in Finnish). This is supposedly the sort of 'capital' of the Archipelago and just a 40minute bus ride away.

Apon arrival, we discovered there was a strange market going on. I later found out this was for Paraisten Päivät (Parainen days?). Anyway, there was some odd music, a man on a segway, a man in a tutu offering potatoes, a stag night party (more on that later), and most notably a CD stall selling Swedish CDs :) Actually I didnt buy any as I'll be going to Stockholm soon, and am confident I'll find them cheaper there, but still it was exciting to see Måns, Sanna Nielsen, Alcazar, MF and many others.

After looking at a map we decided to head towards what looked like a nature trail. It was also close to a beach. As we walked along the coast, the sun started to think about shining... We then cut through a very nice little residential area. I'm guessing these are very sought after houses. They were fairly big (in terms of Finland at least), had lovely gardens, and most had views of the ocean. Also as we were walking along, we passed another group walking along who said a friendly 'Hej/Hei' to us as we went past! What?! That never happens in Finland. I've decided if I move to Finland permanently, this is where I want to live. Especially after we reached the beach...

The sun came out, and I decided to go for a paddle. It was so nice. I could have happily gone for a swim in fact. Although I nearly did when I foolishly decided to try and walk along a group of rocks. They were a bit slippery...

After that we went and sat on the pier so I could wash and dry my feet without the issue of sand. Unfortunately I somehow ended up flinging my sock into the ocean :/ So I had to walk around with just one sock on for the rest of the day... Oh, and then it started hailing. Yes, it was cold enough to hail. In June. Crazy country.

So then we explored the woods. Not much to say really. Trees, plants, pine cones, you know the drill. However, due to the recent rain, it did smell nice. Must be the Brit in me, but I love the smells after it rains.

We then went to explore the old town. Well, it was no Porvoo, but there was an interesting church. Something about the shiny roof made me think of the Wizard of Oz for some reason.

We then went back to the river, where we found a nice little cafe place to sit and have what was in fact a very big portion of chips and a burger. Yum Yum. Possibly the highlight of the day was the stag party mentioned earlier. Sadly I have no photographic evidence, but the stag was dressed up in a blonde wig and carried a guitar to serenade unsuspecting victims with. Luckily we were not one of these victims, so it was just funny :)

After that we went back into the old town and continued to walk around marveling at all the lovely big houses. After sufficiently walking off said burger and chips we went and sat down by the bay again, and watch a seagull attempting to catch his own lunch. Was quite impressive to watch him diving for the fish. Didnt see him actually catch any mind you...

And then it was time to say goodbye to Pargas. It was a fun day. The only way it could have been better is if the weather had been a bit better, and if we had found the mysterious sheep farm, haha! But still, it was so nice to get out of Turku for a while. In some ways it did feel like we had gone abroad (Swedish was the main language, and although most of what we heard was Finnish, shops and signs were all written in Swedish first, and then Finnish). I would definitely like to see some of the other islands before my time here is up.

Walking Around in the Rain

2009-06-04T19:16:00.003+01:00

Its been raining allll day, and was just 5 degrees(!) as I left the Kauppatori this afternoon. What happened to the summer?!

On the plus side, me and Mira found some of the best postcards ever...

I found my place in the world

2009-06-03T14:03:00.003+01:00

Not thinking much of Antti's outfit here. And whats with the emo hair? But the scenary in this video is very pretty indeed. I approve...

I Was Just Walking Around in the Sun...

2009-05-30T10:41:00.008+01:00

The summer is finally arriving in Finland. Or maybe its just the spring, I cant tell. Either way the sun was shining beautifully yesterday. So after work I met with Mira for pizza and then we went for ice cream along the river. We went for a soft-ice/99 flake style ice cream this time. Except of course they don't have flakes here :( BUT they did have a choice between vanilla, chocolate, or a mix of the two! Magic. So we sat along the river for a while until the sun went behind some bushes. In search of more sun, we went higher. Towards the observatory hill. We found a second spot, but once again the sun moved behind some trees, so we continued yet higher until we were practically at the top of the hill. Success. Anyway, I'm not sure whether it was the prolonged sun exposure, the high altitude, or a sugar rush, but I was in such a bizzare mood. It was the best afternoon I've had in a while. It made me feel young again, in the days when you could just chill out with friends without a care in the world and forget about the passing of time.

I have some pictures and a song to share with you. In my crazy state I ended up singing a random selection of songs to the increasingly concerned Mira. This being one of them...

I should mention that Mira had never heard of Adam and the Ants before. Anyway, I also have some lovely photos. They're just of the sunshine, but still...

BBQ tonight! Although its partly a farewell party for my housemate who is leaving early tomorrow morning. There have been a few goodbyes this week. It makes me sad. Mostly because it reminds me that it will be my turn before long :(

Last Weekemd

2009-05-26T11:03:00.005+01:00

So, its been an interesting few days. We didn’t have the bank holiday weekend like you lucky souls at home (although we had a bank holiday Thursday so cant complain too much I guess). But my weekend has been made up of films, food, and cheerleading.

The film society (I’m guessing) hosted another film festival this weekend, where I saw an interesting Norwegian documentary on the acidification of the ocean, and how co2 emissions are threatening the future of all marine life. Heavy stuff, but enlightening. I also saw a few shorts, some good, some bad, some indifferent. It was all free though, so why not eh? I then went to my boyfriends where he was determined to show me Rocky. He is convinced its not just about boxing. And ok, it isn’t entirely, but is still a bit :p But yeah, it was actually alright, better than I expected. So that was the film section of the weekend. I should mention also, that in return for showing me Rocky, I am introducing him to a wealth of British comedy – Black Books, Fawlty Towers, Michael McIntyre, Frankie Boyle… The list goes on.

Next for the food. I have made Yorkshire pudding for unsuspecting Finns twice this week. The first time was more successful than the second, but both were edible :) I’ve also had mince meat soup and meat balls and potato wedges cooked for me. Its nice to have proper meals for a change. I should get more into cooking. Its not that hard. But supernoodles or beans on toast is just so much easier :) And sandwiches, never underestimate the beauty of a good sandwich :)

Then the cheerleading. Well, yes, my boyfriends sister was competing, and he was official photographer, so I went along with him. It was actually quite entertaining. There’s a lot of different skills involved. Dancing, co-ordination, trust and impressive acrobatics. And with the right music, its pretty cool to watch. I agree that Waldo’s People makes for a good song to cheerlead to, but I must have heard it more than 5 times within an hour! Oh, and 30seconds or so of a remix of Fairytale, which was odd.

But overall an enjoyable weekend. Although the thunderstorm on Saturday wanst so nice. I mean, I was indoors at the time, but inside a wooden hourse… Wooden houses somehow seem like a major fire hazard when surrounded by bolts of lightening… The weather is glorious now though, and I’m thinking of wondering around for a while after work with my camera and taking a few pictures to share with you all.

And I promise I will finish the Russia diarys sometime soon. I took way to many pictures, but have finally sorted through the best and the rest, so should have those started up again by the weekend…

All This Time You Have Had It In You

2009-05-22T12:53:00.002+01:00

This is a pretty little ditty thats been on the radio at work a fair bit. Its called All This Time, by Maria Mena. She's from Norway apparently. I think her voice would really irritate me if I heard it too much, but for the context of this song, I think it fits perfectly.

Eurovision Final - My Final Thoughts

2009-05-22T10:32:00.000+01:00

Apologies for the disappearance again. I didn’t want to write about anything else until I’d done the compulsory eurovision post, but just wasn’t feeling that inspired. I have to say, it wasn’t the best night (for a mixture of reasons) but even despite beginning to be a bit excited before the show, I still wasn’t blown away by any of the song. Greece grew on me upon a second hearing, but was too early on to be remembered when it came to voting. Ukraine was still shockingly psychotic (I felt the whole thing was designed by someone who couldn’t decided between different ideas, so just ended up doing everything). Iceland, Estonia and Romania were still my favourites by the end of the show. But for the first time in a long time, I didn’t bother to vote. I thought Iceland was nice, and it was my favourite, but I just didn’t want to it to win for some reason. And I think we all knew back in March who was going to win anyway, so I just didn’t see the point. Am pleased that the UK did so well, although I don’t believe that we deserved it actually. And am very sad that Finland ended up bottom. I wonder if Signmark would have done any better? Probably not. As for the actual show, I liked Dima’s bit at the beginning, although I was cringing when he got his coat stuck. Poor guy. That could have ended badly. The walls were a bit strange, but ok. The interval act was all a bit strange for me though. All that spinning was making me dizzy. I think I preferred the interval acts of the semi’s. All in all, I went home feeling that it was a fairly predictable outcome, no major surprises, no major highlights either really. So, time to get excited about Oslo 2010 perhaps?

Поздравляю!

2009-05-16T14:21:00.003+01:00

It may not seem it, but yesturday was a landmark for this little blog. Yes, it has indeed been a whole year since I started writing about my random experiences in life. Along with my not so random ones! So I just wanted to say a quick thanks to all who stop by and read, comment on, and generally enjoy this blog. I've had a lot of fun this year, and its been great to be able to chronicle it for myself and to be able to share it with my friends new and old.

Right, enough of the cheese, lets have a song. As its eurovision tonight, lets have a Dima Bilan song. And what song is more suitable than this?

Eurovision 2009; Semi-Final 2

2009-05-16T10:47:00.003+01:00

Time for some proper comments on Thursday's semi, before the big night tonight :)

I wasn't so bothered about Thursdays final, and the only songs I was really keen to hear were Estonia's and The Netherlands. Of course, I was curious to see how the favourite, Norway, would do, and there were a few other songs of worth, but I guess without Finland it just didn't seem such a big deal...

Anyway, here are my thoughts;

I missed the opening act completely, and half of Croatia, but have a thing against Croatia in esc anyway, so didnt mind
We had a few problems with the signal being bad when stood in certain parts of the room, particularly where my host was preparing food. Ultimately food took priority over the rubbish that was the first few songs...
As Poland came on I remembered that I had heard maybe 30 pleasing seconds of the song and so we settled to watch. It was quite moving and was making me sad, so maybe it wasn't so bad that the computer then decided to freeze and we missed most of it.
By the time we rebooted we were half-way through Norway too. However that was the end of our technical issues
I actually don't remember much of the others. I thought Greece was good from what I heard of it, but was a little distracted at the time :) Hungary was a disaster. They should have kept it simple. He was too out of breath, and the outfits were shockingly bad... Lithuania was actually ok, given their bad track record for the past few years. Azerbaijan was a nice highlight as well. And Denmark was pedestrian but pleasant enough.
Anyway, then it was my favourites both tucked on the end. Estonia was classy, dramatic, and all in all very very good I thought. Shame I couldnt work out what she was singing. And Estonian and Finnish can't be that similar because the subtitles looked nothing like what she was singing. The Netherlands was just so much fun! Ok, it was incredibly cheese layden and perhaps having 3 middle-aged men and 3 vuluptous backing singers isnt going to be able to compete with, say Greece, but the singing was good, the dancing was naff, and the overall impression was that they were having fun which made me happy. I knew they wouldn't get through though. They are like us, part of no voting block, falling between the lines. A real shame. Eurovision is taking itself too seriously lately, and that was a throw-back to the good old days :)
So then it was time to compile a list. Again a mix of what I wanted and what I thought would go through; Croatia, Poland, Norway, Denmark, Azerbaijan, Greece, Lithuania, Estonia, Netherlands and Serbia just to make up numbers.
The interval act was hit-and-miss for me this time. It started a bit boring, but got better. As Rachel said, it was much like what we had seen at the Russian Winter Festival. Ah, that was a good day :) Anyway, I'm am so looking forward to the interval acts tonight. I'm so excited!

And then the votes were announced. The commentators weren't so vocal tonight, so got to hear how annoyingly naff the actual presnters were. Oh dear oh dear. But yes, charming in a way I guess... I got 7 out of 10, which isn't bad, but I'm dissappointed I won't get to hear Poland properly, and 'The Toppers waz robbed', to quote Rachel.

Roll on tonight!!!

Maybe The Answer Is Just This Simple Song

2009-05-15T14:44:00.005+01:00

Seriously, how did this not qualify? They were fun and fabulous!

Eurovision 2009; Semi-Final 1

2009-05-13T13:42:00.004+01:00

So, I guess its about time I put in my 2 cents from last nights semi. I wasn't at all excited a couple of days ago, and even last night I still wasn't that bothered. But today I've managed to have fairly long conversations with my colleague about it. So apparently I've been sucked in...

So here are my general thoughts, written down earlier this morning while waiting for the rest of my antibody purification fractions to elute ;)

Missed most of the opening, but it seemed nice enough
Presenters were talked over by the Finnish commentators for the most part, but it seems I didn't miss much. Although I would have liked to hear more from the lovely lad in the green room, haha.
I liked the postcards. It was a strange but original idea I guess. Oh, I should mention I also love the general logo this year.
And I liked the one-word Russian lessons - although why were they in the Latin alphabet?
The interval act was actually pretty good. Brought back memories of the Russian Winter Festival back in London 2008 :) Oh, and the pink tank side of stage was fabulous!
As for the songs, my favourites going into the show were; Iceland, Finland, Sweden and Romania (in order). Was hoping to hear a few more nice surprises, since I haven't listened to most of the songs beforehand this year. Can't say I was blown away by any of them though.
I text Rach after the performances with my predictions (a mix of ones I wanted to go through, and the ones I wanted since I couldn't be bothered to write out 2 lists. Consequently it ended up as 11 rather than 10). Anyway, this is it: Belarus, Sweden, Andorra, Switzerland, Turkey, Israel, Iceland, FYR Macedonia, Romania, Finland & Malta.
I was disappointed that Switzerland didnt get through, but it was always going to be one of those songs that either did really well or crashed and burned.
Thought Finland was one of those songs as well, so was glad to see it has qualified. The Finnish commentator was also pretty happy, especially since Sweden was announced first.
Talking of Sweden, wasn't much impressed with it. I mean, the vocals were much better than expected given the rehearsals. However I felt the staging was all wrong, the lighting was bad, and the back singers were waaaay too loud. Just goes to show that what works at MF doesn't always work at ESC.

And thats about all I had time for before my fractions were done. But I think it pretty much sums it up. Am looking ahead to the next semi, and am really starting to look forward to the final. Just have to find somewhere to watch it. Hoping there will be a bar somewhere that I can go to. Especially now Finland is through :)

Russia Diary, Part 1 - Moscow

2009-05-08T16:27:00.006+01:00

My journey to Russia was to begin at 2pm from Turku (just 2 hours after a visit from my lecturer from Surrey to assess my work here). We got a coach to Helsinki, where we would get the night train direct to Moscow. We had a rather small, but comfortable enough cabin, where we whiled away the hour till morning. I guess it was about 10 hours of so. I lost track. Luckily our attendant spoke some English but there were no problems at the boarder anyway. So we arrived in Moscow in one piece, ready for the busy day ahead.

First we left our luggage in the station, changed some money, and were shown the toilets (if thats what you can call them, I passed thanks). Then our tour guide shepherded us onto a coach where we fought the morning traffic to get out of the city and see some sights. The first place we went was a bit strange. Some building where officials made the decision to abandon Moscow to Napoleon and his army back when. If I were a history buff, I might have been interested, but in reality it was just a small house. After that we went to the War Museum/Memorial, where there was lots of symbolism, according to the tour guide. I believe of course, but there was also a strong icy wind in a big open space, brrrr. Anyway, it was quite imposing, here's a picture...

After that we headed back toward the centre where we attempted to get onto the red square before having a tour of the kremlin. As it happens, it was all closed off for rehearsals of the victory day parade (happening tomorrow in fact). We still got to look at the fantastic church though (from the outside at least). St basil's I think it's called.

After that we walked around the outside of the kremlin walls before getting to go inside, where we had a different and very informative guide to show us around. Within the Kremlin there are some interesting buildings (including the presidential offices) but most notable is the church square, with four different churches. In one, all the tsars of Russia were christened, in another all were, erm, crowned?, and the other all buried. Ok, so my knowledge of Russian history/politics/society is pretty bad. But my love for Sergey Lazarev surely makes up for that? Anyway, these churches were really beautiful. Especially inside, where unlike in Finland where the Lutheran style means hardly any decoration, nearly every inch of the insides of these churches had been covered in biblical paintings. Quite a sight. Unfortunately photography was banned, so you'll have to make do with a picture of the outside...

After that I went with a friend to meet with her Russian friend who then took us to Gum (rym), the world-famous (apparently) shopping centre right next to the red square. Actually, it was one of the poshest shopping centre's I have ever been in. They had a beautiful fountain in the middle, which at the time was decorated with blossom trees.

Then she took us to a church nearby with a strange history. It had been built, and then had its downfall predicted by a nun, then had its downfall, was turned into a swimming pool, and then that was destroyed, and finally the country donated money to have it rebuilt as a church. Maybe its sad past was the reason for such tight security to enter, or is common to pass through a metal detector and have a bag search on the way into every church in Russia? By the way, I could be wrong about parts of the history, but I think thats what the guide said... It was something like that anyway...

After that we walked along Arbat, another famous street, or something, where we had some nice chocolate cake thingys, I saw a sketch of Filip Kirkorov, and we had a picture with a man/woman dressed in a cow costume. He/she was dressed like that because they were advertising the Muu Muu cafe that we had just eaten in. Very nice.

Erm, then it was back to the Kremlin to meet with the tour guide again. This time we were doing a tour of the metro. Which I thought sounded a bit silly. I mean, no one gives guided tours of the London Underground. But then the London underground isn't decorated like this...

Finally, after the metro tour, we headed up to Sparrows Hill (or Stalin's hill, before it was renamed). From here there was a great view of the Moscow skyline all lit up.

Unfortunately that was all we had time for before having to head back to spend a second night on a train. Next stop, St Petersburg.

Roots? Like Beetroot?

2009-05-06T08:02:00.003+01:00

This week saw the release of Antti Tuisku's latest single for radio airplay. I don't listen to Finnsih radio much, but I found it on trusty youtube. Can't say that I'm immediately in love with it, but I like enough that I will be listening to it a lot in the coming weeks, and I think its a grower, so will be in love with it in no time I expect. I guess its just that he has taken a break for a year or so, and I was expecting something big to signal his return. Am excited to hear the album though, which better be being released before I leave. Anyway, here it is. It's called Juuret, which means roots. Thats all I know.

Hyvää Vappua

2009-05-03T11:58:00.006+01:00

May the 1st in Finland is a national holiday looked forward to by many Finns. Many have even told me they prefer it to Christmas. Then again, their Christmas doesnt seem as much fun :p

But yes, May 1st, or Vappu, is a 2 day celebration of... well I'm not sure actually. But its important for students. If you graduate from a Finnish 'high school' then you get a funny white hat that looks like part of a navy uniform. They have a little gold emblem, which is different for each region. But essentially they all look the same. On April 31st the celebrations begin. Well actually, some people start ealier in the week, and various societies at the university hold gatherings with drinks and traditional Vappu snacks. My celebrations started with the annual speach made by the head of the utu (university of turku) students union. This is held on the hill by the art museum, just north of the kauppatori. And there's were many many many people. There was some music and a choir before the speach, after which the students can then put on their caps. Although mainly a student celebration, many adults and all ages were there to listen to the speach and take part in the tradition. Have a look at some of my pictures to get an idea of the atmosphere...
After that we walked down to the river where there is a statue of ... someone. Every year she gets 'cleaned' by some of the dentist students before getting her cap. To be honest this was a bit lame. In helsinki the statue is a fountain so the cleaning is well, real. But anyway. After that everyone goes off to private parties, and the town is overtaken by drunken Finns.

The next day, actual Vappu, there is a mass picnic held on Vartiovuorimaki (something like that). Its the observatory hill, one of my favourite places in Turku, and something I believe I have written about quite a few times. Well, the place was strewn with sleeping hungover Finns, picnic blankets, mini BBQ's, and there was also a stage with more bands and a DJ and more speaches. Oh, and there was also free ice cream and free fanta :) Again, pictures say more than words...

Return from Russia

2009-04-28T06:48:00.003+01:00

So, I return from my triumphant trip to Russia. Not sure what was so triumphant about it, but just feel like using that word. I'm pretty shattered as its straight back to work. However, that is a good sign as it showed I made the most of my time there. This was the most expensive trip of the year for me (the visa alone was €77!) however it was totally worth it. We had a great day in Moscow before heading off to St Petersburg for 4 days. St Petersburg is just beautiful. So much great architecture. Beautiful palaces and so many churches. Not to mention all the rivers. I really loved it there. And Russia people are not as rude as the stereotype suggests. Or maybe it was just all the sunshine we were lucky enough to have that was cheering people up. I have taken waaaaay too many photos, and have many storys to tell, so stay tuned for the travel diarys. Although this week is Vappu (the biggest date in the Finnish student calander) so it probably won't be till the weekend I'm afraid...

Oh, and on a side note, you might be surprised to hear that I didnt find any CDs worth buying...

Ahoj!

2009-04-19T14:06:00.007+01:00

So again it seems I have been neglecting the blog. My two weeks at home were manic, and this week has been just as manic. It must be something to do with the beautiful sunshine we're having here (although still not double figures in terms of temperature, so don't get too jealous), but I've been feeling rather sociable this week. So on wednesday, just one day after getting back in Finland, I went to the ESN goodbye party! So soon! It was a tshirt signing party, so thought it might make a nice memento. I have quite a bit of space to hunt down some of my friends that weren't there though... so be warned!

Then friday night was spent chilling with Mira. The days are so long here now, its really messing with my head. Its always much later than I think it is, and I nearly walked straight past Mira's flat because I didn't recognise it in the daylight!

Saturday, well saturday was crazy. I met with Mira again to go to the market that was going on down by the river. The sunshine was glorious and the fish smelt so good. I bought another piece of salmon cooked over an open fire (really really delicious!) and I was even brave enough to try the tiny fish that they seem to just eat as though it were a plate of chips. I always thought they looked unappealing, but one stall was giving away free samples, so thought I should try before I judge. It was very salty, still had the skin (no scales, but still I hate the skin on fish in general) and lots of tiny tiny bones. So I had a couple of bites and threw it away. I'll stick to the salmon :)

Oh, and since I got a shiny new digital camera for my birthday, I took a few snaps for your pleasure...

Then in the evening, the head of our ESN section hosted a party at her house. Its an amazing apartment, the most coveted of the student accomodation, and now I can see why. It was the best student accomodation I've ever seen. There was a mix of mostly Finns and the odd exchange student, but it was just a really fun night. Although I perhaps had a few too many vodka shots. Ahem.

Today, I'm out for drinks again (not so many this time), and then tomorrow will be a crazy last-minute packing night. Yes, I may have been back less than a week, but I will soon be off on travels yet again. This time I'll be going to explore the great motherland itself.

Yes, I will be travelling to Russia!!! After a bit of a headache with visa's and my disorganisation in signing up for activitys, its now all systems go. I will be travelling with ESN (and a Russia speaking tour guide) to both Moscow and St Peterburg! We spend one crazy day in Moscow (night train arrives around 8am, and then we get the night train to St Petersburg at about 10pm), where I will be partaking in a tour of the Kremlin among other things. Then we stay in St Petersburg for 3-4 days. I have signed up for a tour of one of the many palaces, a trip to the ballet (I'm not a huge fan, but if I'm going to see ballet anywhere I guess it should be in Russia right) and then a riverboat cruise of the city (with champers and chocolates on board). I just hope the weather holds out for that. There was also talk amongst the ESN girls last night about hiring a limo one night. Then of course there is the Hermitage to get lost in too. And CD shopping :) Any other tips and suggestions of things to do and see are very welcome!

So yes, a busy few more days. I'm sure even when I get back there will be lots more exploring. Particularly, I want to explore the islands around Turku much more, something I had been waiting for the sun before doing. No excuses now then eh? So moi moi for now!

Release Me

2009-04-11T00:19:00.006+01:00

Sorry for the disappearance. Its been a bit non-stop since I've been back. Its all a bit odd actually, I've just slipped back into life here, and feel like I've picked up where I left off. Like Finland never happened. Its hard to think I'm going back again in just a few days. But its nice to know life doesnt move too fast here, and that I havent missed much while I've been away, that my friends are still here for when I come back.

As for my birthday, it was a lot of fun. Well, actually, the friday night out with my friends was great. Saturday morning I woke up with a hangover and a stinking cold (what is it with me and colds this year, I swear I'm never normally this bad), and then there was the bizarre behaviour of my cat leading to a trip to the vets, and the news that I may not make it to Russia as planned due to a few problems with the Visa. But I decided to try and forget all that for my actual birthday on the sunday, for which I went for a carvery at a posh hotel in the country :) Ate way too much and was in bed by 5pm though! Really feeling my age then :p

Anyway, as for the post title, I just saw Agnes' video for Release Me on the box (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LSb6e3grdL8). I heard she was releasing stuff over here, but hadnt heard the song before. I had seen it around but thought it was Leona Lewis :/ I paid better attention this time though, and am pleased to see her doing quite well over here with this song. Its a funky song, and deserves to do well.

Going Home Tomorrow

2009-04-01T16:22:00.002+01:00

I'm really not looking forward to tomorrow. Don't get me wrong, I can't wait to get home, but that won't happen till friday. You see, I will be getting up at 8am like usual, going into work as usual, and then getting the 4pm train to Tampere and going for lunch somewhere before getting a bus to the airport for my 9pm check-in/11pm flight. So will land at 2am Finnish time. Thats one hell of a long day. Actually, the length of the day doesn't bother me, but its the idea of dragging my case around with me all day. And its always boring to do that much travel on your own.

So, the question is, do I take my luggage to work with me tomorrow, and go to the special lecture seminar that is going on from 12-2, and then go for the train, or do I try to get out of said lecture and go home at noon to pick up all my stuff instead. I'm rooting for the latter personally.

Music Music Music

2009-03-29T14:00:00.003+01:00

I've been on a bit of CD spree lately. Ok, maybe 'spree' is a bit of an overstatement. But I found a number of albums that I will get round to buying. Its just I feel I should buy them one at a time, else I wont listen to them properly. But this week I bought 2 new CDs.

The first one is from an artist called Olavi Uusivirti. He was one included on my friends list. She pointed me towards his song 'On Niin Helppoo Olla Onnelinen', which Rach found to be a hilarious title. I guess there are a lot of O's going on there, hehe. Its means 'Its so easy to be happy'. I'm not sure if he's being ironic though. Anyway, the video is quite nice.

But I clicked around and found some other songs from him that I quite like. For example, Hautalaulu is a beautiful moving song. The lyrics are quite sad, so I wont translate the title for you as it might put you off listening to it. But think of it like a lyllaby. Both these songs are on his latest album, but I found an older album in the sale at Anttilla, called Minä Olen Hullu (I'm crazy). Its quite a cool album, quite brit-pop in a way, apart from it being in Finnish obviously. I think its an album you should listen to as a whole, but it includes my current favourite track from him, called 6:06. Check it out;

The second album I got was one I'd been looking for for a while. I posted a song by Katri Ylander called Unta a while ago, and I still like it very much. I think her voice is very pretty, and she sings songs of a style fitting to her voice. They arent exactly modern pop hits, maybe they are a bit old-fashioned, but the album is a nice relaxing listen. There are some songs with a bit of bite though, one of which is called Valehdellaan;

Packing is Boring

2009-03-29T13:51:00.002+01:00

I really should be planning what to pack. Yes, I am returning to my home shores this week. I'm not going till Thursday, but what with work, I know if I dont plan my packing today it will be a last minute rush. And really its not as simple as packing for home. This will be the last time I go home before I go back permanently, and I have waaaaay too much stuff here in Finland. I was hoping that all the extra winter clothes I brought here after Christmas could go back with me at easter. But given that its still snowing, and rarely getting above about 3degrees during the day, I'm thinking I shouldnt part with them just yet. Oh I dont know what to do. I guess I will just have to pay the extra weight charges come July, or do what Rach did and post a few boxes of stuff home. But yeah, I'm sure there's some stuff I can get rid of now.

On the subject of home though, I am pretty happy to be going back. I love snow as much as the next person, but seriously, 3 months! Its just too much. I want to see grass again. Its traditional that it pours with rain for my birthday (a week today!), but if I stay here I have a feeling it would snow! I love spring time though, so will like to get home to experience it properly :)

Note To Self

2009-03-25T16:42:00.004Z

Do not listen to Swedish diva anthems when navigating through 2 inches of snow. Strutting and snow do not go well together!

Whats with all the random snow storms today anyway?

Sillä Me Ollaan Yhdessä

2009-03-24T17:28:00.002Z

One of my lovely Finnish friends recently compiled a list for me, of Finnish songs that she thought I might like. She has good taste, either that or she knows me well. I liked nearly all the songs she sent me. Some more than others obviously. One of the good things about it though, was that the list included some songs that I had heard around and liked, but didnt know the names of. Like the following song for example. I rather like it, and now thanks to my friend I know its by Jenni Vartiainen and is called Ihmisten Edessä;

Olen Nuoret Tutkijat

2009-03-23T12:22:00.002Z

I'm having one of those days today. You know the ones where everything seems to be going wrong. Thing is I was having one of those days yesterday too. Oh well. I think the problem is I don't have much to look forward to now until I go home for my birthday/easter. Still, I have Måns to keep me happy :)

Another thing - why oh why is it snowing again? We had glorious sunshine on thursday, which made me go a bit hyper with excitement that spring was on the way. By saturday the roads and pavements had begun to clear of snow, and I was certain that was it, winter was over. So when I woke up this morning to see a fresh layer of snow, I was distraught... Oh well, another reason to look forward to going home I guess.

I wanted to do a post about friday but given that I didnt do it yesturday its unlikely I'll find inspiration to during the evenings (my laptop is still being somewhat of a little terror). But I will just say a few things.

I'm so proud of my poster, which is now blue-tacked to the kitchen wall and will be going home with me at easter (although I have now found 3 mistakes, grr)
My presentation was too short (being only 10minutes instead of the requested 15), but nothing major went wrong and I managed to answer most of the questions afterwards.
I am very very proud of myself for doing it. I haven't really done any public speaking before, so to get up and present my research to what is supposed to be my peers but are really my superiors given that they are all masters/phd students (or above) and I havent even finished my bachelor yet, was an incredible achievement. I'm surprised by how proud of myself I am. It marks a big change in my mentality in the past year, but also shows how far I've come since I left school at 18 (a very difficult time for me).
The evening afterparty was so much fun.
We had wine alongside a posh 3-course meal; Russian blinee's (pancake things, I dont know how to write it in english) with sour cream and fish eggs, followed by duck with raspberry sauce, and then chocolate mud cake for afters. Yum Yum :p
Then my supervisor bought our research group (all 3 of us) some PAPP-A drinks. I'm not sure what was in it to make it PAPP-A related, but we decided it was the colour of the buffer we use so that is good enough.
Some of us then went on to Börs (a big pub/restaurant/nightclub complex) where there was much dodgy dancing to old school anthems from my colleagues. Its true that Finns come out of their shells after a few drinks, hehe.
Oh, but I was possibly just as bad, as I launched into the traditional arm-swing dance for Cotton-Eye Joe. I learnt after that they don't do that so much in Finland, so that was something new for them, hehe. I started a trend though, since everyone followed my lead :)
A few more drinks and then it was last bus home for me. It was such a good night actually. First time I'd spoken to some of my colleagues, but definitely have some good memories. Was a celebration of our achievement, and a lot of fun.

All the battles I lost and the battles I won, this will be the one

2009-03-19T17:21:00.003Z

Just how perfect is Hope & Glory as an acoustic ballad? Gosh I've been so madly hyper all day, but this has just taken me by surprise and calmed me down and I'm swaying along. Beautiful.

2009-03-11T08:12:00.002Z

I'm heading back to Helsinki tonight for a few days. Some friends from home are coming to visit, so will be showing them the sights of the capital before heading back to Turku for the weekend. Then next week I'm taking part in a week-long seminar for master's students to present their research. Despite not even finishing my bachelor yet, my supervisor thought it would be a good chance to get some experience at these sorts of things. Which means I've had to prepare an abstract, a scientific poster, and a 15 minute presentation. Hence why I've been so busy. Although the presentation is next week, I'll be busy with my friends all weekend, so needed to get everything finished by the end of today really! Busy busy busy.

But! I am super excited about my friends visit, and I'm really excited about going back to Helsinki. I do love Turku so much, but its always nice to get out and head to the capital for a while and catch up with old friends. And this time, it will be even older friends too! Awesome!

So it might be a while before you hear from me again, depending on how the seminar preparations go next week. Byee!

Lapland Highlights

2009-03-08T17:50:00.011Z

I realise I never did any proper travel-diaries for Lapland, and to be quite honest I don't think I ever will. It wasn't really a sight-seeing trip after all, and most of the days were spent skiing or such. However I will do a quick review of some highlights, just for the sake of sharing photos at least...

* On the way we stopped in Rovaniemi, at the Santa Claus village on the border of the Arctic Circle.

* Met Santa Claus! He was very lovely as expected. Told us to look out for the reindeer up in Levi, although Rudolf was away in Australia getting a bit of sun and relaxation after the busy Christmas period.
*Crossed the Artic Circle.

* Made it to Levi, Finlands biggest ski resort.
* First day involved the ski school and then a bit of skiing with the ESN girls on the nice easy blue slopes :]

* Second day was a bit of shopping in the morning
* Then the ultimate highlight of the trip - husky dog safari!!! It was just the most amazing experience. Highly highly recommend it.

* Next day was more skiing. Just very relaxed, although went with some more experienced skiiers, and did get quite a bit higher up the mountain than intended. But once you're up there, you have no choice but to ski down again! And it was bloody freezing, so you didnt hang about (-25 at the bottom of the mountain, but naturally colder at the top with the winds).

* Then back again before a final bit of shopping and then sauna. Which of course involved some rolling around in the snow :)
* Then it was time to pack up and get back home again. A painfully long journey, with film after film after film. I mean, I'm a fan of movies, but I was on the edge of a nervous breakdown after the 5th one.
* Oh, and we saw the Lordi bar during our dinner stop in Rovaniemi
* After which we carried on to Kemi snow castle, which although mostly closed as it was a sunday, the bits that were open were cool. Literally.

Although I may not have done much as such, the whole experience was worthwhile. I have never been somewhere like that in conditions like that. It was a bit of a shock at first, and for the girl who doesnt feel the cold, I was a bit underprepared and was very very glad of my rented ski clothes! I didn't see a single reindeer all week either. Or the northern lights. So was a bit dissapointing in some respects. But I will never forget the feeling I had when I woke up on the way there to see nothing but all ecompassing white. So much snow and ice. The ground, the trees, just everything white. Incredible.

Tallinn & Riga; Day 4

2009-03-08T16:44:00.006Z

We were leaving at 2pm in order to make it to Tallinn in time for the last ferry back to Finland. And we had to check out by noon. So we decided just to check out after breakfast and take our stuff to the bus early. We had been told that you could go to the 26th floor of a near-by hotel to get a good (free) view of the old town. This hotel was also close to the Art Nevo area where there were interesting buildings to be discovered. So that was the plan for our final morning in Riga. The hotel was indeed worthwhile. Although we made it to the 26th floor only to discover that the bar area was closed :( But there was one more floor... A gym! Also with a lovely view. Even if it wasnt the place for tourists, we snuck in and had a peak. I tell you, if all gyms had that view from the running machines, I might go more often.

So then it was down in the panoramic lifts (where my ears popped!) and then onto the Art Nevo area of the city. There were indeed lots of interesting buildings to be seen, and photographed. But it seemed quite a bit colder than the day before, so after a while wondering around, some of us decided to head to a cafe in the old town rather than keep walking around However there was some last-minute tourist tat to be bought by me (another flag, along with an amber hedgehog).

But then sadly that was all we had time for really. It was back onto the coach, to take us back to Tallinn where we had enough time for some food (Hessburger again). I forgot to mention the very musical choice of films we had on the coach this time. On the way to Riga, we experienced Mamma Mia and Grease. On the way back we had Sex & the City, and then Catch Me if You Can. Not so musical, but still... There was talk of Mamma Mia karaoke on the way from Helsinki to Turku, but we were all too tired by that point.

Overall a really really great trip. The fact we were such a small group was nice, and the whole thing is general was pretty laid-back and enjoyable. I didn't really fall in love with Riga, but I'm glad I have seen it and experienced it, as it was quite different to, well Finland at least. But Tallinn and Estonia in general has won my heart this time I think. I will definitely be heading there again before my final return to England. I would say, if planning a trip from the UK, Tallinn is maybe a bit small to go that distance for, but I would highly recommend it as a day-trip from Helsinki. And Helsinki is of course worth the trip from the UK, so my advice would be to combine the two in one holiday :) You won't regret it.

Pulling on my Heart Strings.

2009-03-07T21:42:00.006Z

After watching enough of MF to see Star Pilots perform I switched over to the Estonian finals. I only heard the songs from Traffic onwards, but was taken with Traffic's song enough to keep watching and see how they did. Their song is not very eurovision. It reminded me more of something Icelandic/Bloc Party/(dare I say) Coldplay -ish. So was happy to hear they made it to head-2-head against yet another strings-based contender. One that had been on earlier in the show before I tuned in. As it happens the string song won. Probably for the best, since as I said Traffic's song wasn't particularly esc. So then listened to Urban Symphony, and actually, its pretty good. Its sort of stuck in my head already. The camera-work made me feel a bit dizzy but the whole dark mysterious electro symphony vibe is pretty cool, and it will be interesting to see how this fares up against the other srting-based songs of this year (Slovenia in particular). So I think we have the theme for esc 2009.

You Know You're Bored When...

2009-03-07T18:07:00.004Z

Ok, so I've been studying Finnish a lot lately (not sure whats inspired me to pick up the text book again after 6months, but whatever). It seems that I can grasp the grammar without too much trouble (so long as I go slow... its a lot to get your head around sometimes). But the vocabulary just isn't happening. No matter how many times I translate songs and things, I always translate them again as I can never remember. Where I've been using this text book, I feel like I'm constantly going back to check what the words mean. Its frustrating. And the words all look the same after a while. I mean Finnish doesnt seem to utilise the wide range of letters on offer, but preferes to use combinations of their favourites - such as K, T, V & L. Not too mention the high proportion of vowels (How are you? translates as Mitä kuuluu? Thats 6 vowels in 10 letters!)

Anyway, whats bugging me right now is why you can say "Kello on viisi minuutia vaille kaksi" (its five minutes to two) but if you take out the 'minuutia' and just say 'its five to two', you then change viisi to viittä?! And why doesn't the same change take place when you say 'five minutes past two - viisi minuutia yli kaksi' and 'five past two - viisi yli kaksi'. I mean, where does this viittä come from? Any Finns care to explain?

Tallinn & Riga; Day 3

2009-03-06T20:41:00.007Z

So we awoke after a slight lie-in (by my standards anyway) as the tour guide would be meeting us to show us around the old town. It was a bit chilly to say the least (I normally don't feel the cold, but after 4 days of sightseeing it had started to get to me). So we kept a brisk pace. We started again by going past the opera house and along to the freedom monument. It all looked quite different in the daylight. Especially the river, which looked beautiful in the snow.

We then followed the guide along to the remaining part of the old town walls. After that all I can remember is lots of interesting buildings, mostly churches. Some stand out in my memory (the three brothers, the main dom square, the blackcats house (something like that) and the black magic cafe :] ), but managing to fit everything into a 2-hour walking tour meant we only spent a few minutes at each. In all that time I don't think the tour guide stopped talking, and she had so many interesting tid-bits about each place, but it was just too much to take in.

After that it was a short break for lunch before an optional excursion to Jurmala. When it was explained that our coach would be able to take us to a famous beach near-by, I thought they were insane - going to the beach in the middle of February! However, my feet were so sore and cold, that the idea of sitting on a coach for 20minutes seemed more appealing than forcing myself to walk around the old town again. I have to say, it was a good decision. It was truly one of the most beautiful scenes I have seen. Just miles and miles of snow-covered beach. Blue sky above, blue sea to the side and snow covered beach (reflecting some of the blue). We just joined the surprisingly large stream of people going for a leisurely stroll along the beach.

On the way back, we would travel over the large cable-bridge, but decided to stop and take a few pictures of the Riga skyline before crossing the river. The lighting was perfect, and it was a very nice view.

After that it was time for a quick bit of shopping before heading back to the hotel to warm up. I found a good Cd shop in the train station right by our hotel, which had a sufficient Russian section. I purchased Dima Bilans newest and second albums (the one with Ty Dolzhna), Ani Loraks album (pre-Shady Lady), Sergey Lazarevs' TV Show, and Chelsi's album for Rachel. I think that was quite enough for one trip. So back to the hotel where I then hid under the covers in bed waiting for the feeling in my legs to return.

In the evening, we headed off in search of food. Deciding Latvian food wasn't all that inspired, we settled on an Italien resturant in a basement in the old town. It was a nice little place, and was playing Tiziano Ferro's album during our meal, so that made me happy. I decided to try their Ceasur Pizza, just because it sounded so bizzare. Not tomatoe sauce, but just the ingredients to a usual ceasur salad as toppins - including a big dollop of lettuce in the middle. It all went a bit wrong when we asked to pay seperately though (there were 14 of us). The waiter told us it wasnt possible, and chaos then ensued. Some paid by card, some by cash, the wine had to be split, much change was involed, and headaches all around. Thankfully we had a few Russian-speakers with us, who could communicate with the waiter better than we could in English.

After that fiasco, we were in need of a stiff drink. And where better than the Black Magic Cafe just down the road, where we were all to try the traditional Balzam. Our ESN leader had continuously told us how hideous it was, and yet everyone, including herself, then went on to have a shot. Well, actually I was a chicken maybe and went for one of the cocktails, which was actually very tasty. I did have a sip of the straight shot too though, and can't say I made a bad decision.

After that we headed to a karaoke bar, where the boys performed the YMCA (dance routine and all) and us girls got up to sing Material World. Foolishly we didn't film the boys, but later found out that there is a video floating around facebook of us girls... Anyway, after that we were in the mood for a boogie, and ended up in Essential, Riga's largest club. I can see why Riga is a popular stag-night destination, they have clearly catered to their new-found tourists. although there were not so many Britsih accents around. I'm guessing Februray is not wedding season. Anyway, the place was huge, with a labrynth of rooms with different styles of music. I even heard Lazerboy and the Russain version of Lady Flame (don't make me attempt to spell it, you know the one I mean).

A quick group photo by the fountain on the way back to the hotel, and then bed!

Yksinäisiin Unelmiin

2009-03-06T19:39:00.004Z

Apologies for the lack of posts. I will try and finish my travel diary sometime this weekend, but my laptop has been really getting on my nerves lately, and I've been trying to do most of my blogging at work. But this week has been pretty-busy work-wise. And its not likely to end for a while yet. Then also, there have been quite a few goings-on that I've wanted to blog about, but its always the way that when you have time to blog its because you have not much to blog about, and then when your busy, well your busy.

But the topic of todays post. Antti Tuisku again. I possibly like his music more than I care to admit to anyone. Its an incredibly guilty pleasure. I thought today that admitting liking Antii Tuisku to a Finn must be a bit like someone saying to me that they just adore Shayne Ward (sorry all you hard-core Shanye Ward fans, but come on...)

One of the many songs that I love of his is one called Lahtemässä. From what I can tell, its a break up song (lähtemässä = leaving). I quite like the lyrics of the second verse (again, maybe something I shouldnt admit - squirrels, apple trees, phosphorus stars, you get the idea...) but the main reason it became a favourite was because its so rhythmic and gentle, like a lullaby, and I ended up with it on repeat to help me sleep on the coach to/from Lapland.

As for Antti's voice, I tend to enjoy his music but acknowledge that he hasn't exactly a belter of a voice. Its enough, but nothing overly special. So usually I only watch 'live' performances where he dancing to a backing track, as he usually has some cool choreography (check out Levoton for a good example of the type of tracks you'll find on New York). But yes, anyway, I noticed there is a live performance of Lähtemässä on youtube and its actually quite nice. So thought I would share it with you. I think its a pretty song.

I'm surprised at how much I've written about Antti, and ashamed yet again to admit that I could easily write more. However, I will save it for the return of Sounds of Europe. Poor Rach isn't an Antti fan, but I'm afraid she doesn't have a choice anymore.

Tallinn & Riga; Day 2

2009-02-28T16:06:00.008Z

So we woke up for what was a hearty breakfast before heading out into the cold for some last minute shopping. Tallinn has a popular street (St Catherines Walk I think its called) where you can buy lots of hand made things. There are also lots of stalls selling pretty much the same thing at the same price - knitted gloves, hats, socks etc. However each stall has slightly different designs and you could spend an hour looking up and down deciding on your favourite pattern. In the end I went for this pair...

After that we went on a hunt for a cheap Estonian flag. There were quite a few around, but at 95kr (about €7) I was sure we could find cheaper. In the end we found one in a liquor store for 50kr. Sucess. A quick sweep of the CD stores, and then it was back to hotel to check out and start our journey to Riga.

Along the way, we made a lunch stop in a lovely town called Perno. I only walked around for 30 minutes, but I managed to take 26 photos! Not a bad average. There were just so many interesting buildings, a strange mix of wooden and concrete. a striking church had some interesting ice sculptures out front, which made for a nice photo I think...

But then it was back on the coach and on to Riga! It was dark by the time we arrived but some of us decided to go get our bearings before we all went out for lunch. We only made a quick circle round the hotel but managed to see the opera house, the freedom monument and the russian orthodox church.

After that we headed to what seemed to be the only option for Latvian cuisine, since its the only place anyone we asked could think of. Its was called Lido, and did good cheap food in a self-service style place. I just had chicken skewer and potatoes with salad. Then on to a bar. It was very cold, so we settled on one just 2 doors down from Lido! It was nice a cheap though, so we had a bottle of very cheap fizzy wine (think Labrusco) to share...

Then it was on to a club for the hard-core lot, but back to the hotel and bed for me. It was going to be a long day tomorrow.

Eine Kleine EssenMusik

2009-02-26T13:34:00.002Z

Is it normal for a philharmonic orchestra to start playing classical music in the middle of the university canteen I wonder? Hmm...

Tallinn & Riga; Day 1

2009-02-25T08:05:00.005Z

Maybe doing these post's as 'days' is not a good idea. I was awake nearly 24 hours for the first day, so this might be a longish post...

So yes, I woke at 3am in order to get the coach at 4am. We were getting the ferry from Helsinki at 7am, so that we could get to Tallinn by 9am. We then had a bit of a wonder round before being met by our tour guide for the day. He had a very nice accent :) Anyway, he was a student from the university of Tallinn and so gave the perspective of young people in Estonia. Having only got its independence 18 years ago, it is still somewhat of a new country. It is however clearly taking its example from Finland. There are many Finnish companies here, and a lot of the shop and restaurant workers speak Finnish (its very similar to Estonian, and most of the tourists are Finns).

First he took us on the coach to the presidential palace. From here we could also see the art museum built into limestone (Estonia's national rock - do we have an official rock in the UK I wonder?) Anyway, the palace was very nice, and the flag was up so he was in. It was right by a lovely park with lots of ducks. Still happily swimming in the frozen lake. Nutters.

We then carried on to the song festival grounds. Every 4 years or so Estonia holds a huge song festival. Coincidently it is due to be held this summer. This is where I fell over for the first time all year. Very annoyed, thought I was getting the hang of this snow thing. Oh well.

We then had a quick look around a more wooden area of Tallinn before heading back to the old town. A few more chances to take some photos from the viewing platform and then it was time to check into the hotel. Was very nice, and very close to everything. (the breakfast was great too, hehe).

But after that it was time to go and sample a medieval feast. Tallinn's old town is really old. Medieval old. So they have a place called Olde Hansa, which serves authentic medieval cuisine (no potatoes here). They also sell items made in a medieval way. For example I bought a hand-made glass, complete with blobs on the side to help you grip it with your greasy hands. Luckily for our feast we were permitted knives and forks! The food was good, but quite rich. You really couldnt eat too much of it. After that we had another beer before heading back to the hotel to prepare for the evening.

Our tour guide was involved in ESN Tallinn, and told us that they were holding the welcome party for the new exchange students that night and we were very welcome to join them. Having been up since 3am, it probably wasnt a good idea. But the club was just 2minutes walk from the hotel, and we were going to be spending most of the next day on a coach, so I braved it (with a bit of a hand from some nice Estonian cider). Was a lot of fun. A nice place and relatively good music. Was tucked up in bed by 2am though.

Return from Tallinn & Riga

2009-02-25T07:53:00.003Z

So I return from my trip to the baltics. And I'm shattered. But, it was by far the best trip of this year. I really really enjoyed myself. I just relaxed, didnt worry about work or money or anything. The company was great, the trip was well organised, and the destinations were great. And nothing went wrong! Hurrah! Well apart from the fact I left (my favourite) mittens in Tallinn and that I found my 175kr after I got back (about €10). But I'm planning to return to Tallinn again in the summer, so will spend them then, and also went and got myself another pair of those mittens since they are still selling them in Anttila.

Anyway, I have lots of pretty pictures, and interesting stories to tell, so will start on the diary's pronto! Just so long as I can keep awake...

Oh, also, I returned to find that we have a new housemate. (we also have only one small light still functioning in the kitchen... not good in the dark evenings). She's also from Spain, but seems a lot nicer than the nightmare housemate of last semester. She's only just arrived so doesn't know anyone yet, but is starting her placement at the hospital today. She's studying nursing and seems to be here for a similar thing as me, so we should get on alright. No crazy partys... not on weeknights at least ;)

You Get It And Go

2009-02-17T20:11:00.002Z

Sorry for the lack of travel posts. I will definitely be posting about Lapland once I return from my weekend in the Baltics. Thats right, im away again. I will be leaving 4am(!) thursday morning for a 4-day trek around Tallinn & Riga. I went to Tallinn back in August, but I always hoped to get back there again before the year is out. Its very beautiful, and so close! And as a pit stop on the way to Riga, its ideal. I know there are rediculously cheap flights from Tampere to Riga, but by the time you add in the train fair to Tampere and back, this organised trip will work out about the same. And I get to view the scenary between here and Riga on the way. After the 16 hour coach trip to Lapland, this should be a dodle.

But in the meantime, this has been a surprisingly stressful few days. I was dying for the weekend to come, as I was still completely wiped from Lapland. Back to work on monday though, and I realised I still had to pay for this weekends trip, and I had left my bank stuff at home! Meant I had to take a 2 hour lunch break to go home, get my stuff, get back to town to the bank, and then wolf down lunch... And I had intended to finish off an important interim report that is due back at my home uni by the end of the month. I had set myself the deadline of finishing it before going to Lapland, but that didnt happen. So am determined to have it finished before Tallinn instead. Hopefully it will be in the post tomorrow afternoon!

Other things stressing me out include, the laundry room machines breaking down, meaning I've just flooded the bathroom in an attempt to get enough clean clothes to pack tomorrow night, and also the fact that my toe has decided to start playing up. My toe has hurt on and off for a while, but since Lapland it has definitely been more on than off. Especially today, at times it was so so painful I was starting to think it might be broken. I'll soldier on though...

So, until Monday (if I'm still alive!)

Don't You Know Who You Are? You're My Shooting Star

2009-02-16T15:05:00.006Z

There's a song that, although quite old now, I return to time and time again. I have a terrible habit of buying albums because I like the single, listening to it once, and then discarding it. This is what I did with Air Traffic's album. However, I always had the feeling that if I just gave the album a chance, a bit of time to sit and really listen to it, that I would learn to love it. The fact that I keep going back to this song is a testament of how well-written the songs are.

So this week I have been listening to Fractured Life, and it is indeed starting to nestle a place in my heart. I don't love all the songs, but I certainly love more than just the one I'm going to share with you. No More Running Away is my current favourite, but the single that made me buy the album is called Shooting Star and its a beautifully dramatic love song. I don't understand how bands like Keane, Snow Patrol and Coldplay are so famous, and this band never really got a chance to shine.

Lapland Pictures

2009-02-14T18:38:00.002Z

I havent had time this week to write up a diary of my Lapland trip, but for those of you that are interested you can view my photo album of pictures from the week here...

Lapland

General Musings on Life and Melodifestivalen

2009-02-14T17:42:00.006Z

The last few days have been quite confusing for me. Potentially exciting, but still my head has been a bit all over the place. Its been quite a week in limbo as such. I returned from Lapland and went pretty much straight back to work. the result of this was having a nice long nap yesterday afternoon, before then staying up till 5am! And then today has been tidying my room in an attempt to locate my missing Finnish sim card so that I can do my laundry and think about repacking for my trip to Tallinn and Riga next weekend! Yes, I am a busy bee indeed. Its great though, I feel like the time is really ticking away. I'm already dreading having to leave this beautiful country. Really, I'm loving it so much. Even if it can be a little lonely at times...

Aaaaanyway. In other news, Måns Zelmerlöw is going to be in the second semi for Melodifestivalen this week. I have never watched it before, but I love Måns very much, and am excited about the new material that should be getting a release very soon. Hopefully before my return to Stockholm around July :) The song is called Hope & Glory, and you can listen to a clip of the song here. I have to admit I was a bit dissappointed on first listen, its not quite as 'cool' as Cara Mia, but actually after a few more listens I've decided its rather catchy, and just unashamedly poppy. I just hope that when I hear the whole thing along with the performance it will blow my socks off, hehe.

As for last weeks Melodifestivalen, I still haven't got round to listening to the songs that have actually made it to the final, but instead had a listen to Marie Sernaholt's and Jonathan Fagerlund's songs. Marie's is rather cool funky pop, and I like it. Jonathan's is more along the lines of the unashamedly cheesy pop, but I love it. It gets stuck in my head a lot, so will no doubt keep listening to it for a while yet. In fact, here's the performance...

Let Them Eat Cake

2009-02-12T07:15:00.002Z

I LOVE the Finnish work ethic. Officially I started work over an hour ago, although I'm always at least 30minutes late on account of leaving my house 5km away at about the time that I'm supposed to start... Anyway, so after 20minutes of checking emails and things, I decide I should go and find my supervisor to ask about the days work. I find her eating cake in the coffee room (someone got married). She then explains that she hasnt decided what I need to do for the day yet, as she was distracted by the cake. So she tells me to sit and eat some cake while she goes and decides... Fabulous. No complaints here.

As for last night, my housemate came home and spared me from my boredom. The Russian Language Circle were meeting to go bowling, so I joined them. I have now learnt the numbers 1-10! Hurrah! haha. Oh, and I learnt the words for 'pin' and 'bowling ball'. I'm sure they'll come in very handy on my planned trip to Russia in April :)

Post-holiday Blues

2009-02-11T16:45:00.002Z

Well, I'm feeling a bit sorry for myself tonight. Been a frustratingly boring week at work. Rachel is away. I'm all alone in my flat. I've lost my Finnish sim card. I'm bored. Ok, so very self-absorbed I know. Maybe I'll go listen to some Vroce to cheer myself up...

There, who can resist a smile after that!

Return From Lapland

2009-02-09T20:08:00.003Z

I returned from my very tiring trip to Lapland at 6am this morning, and consequently have spent the day lounging around the flat. Its been lovely. In fact I've only been awake 8 hours, and am already considering returning to bed :p

The trip itself was different to what I had expected. I was a little disappointed on the first day if I'm honest. But then I embraced it for what it was, and relaxed and had fun. I spent 2 days skiing, and the husky dog safari was amazing. I have some beautiful pictures from atop the mountain. It was blooming cold (-25ish). And I have never watched so many films in such a short space of time (I think maybe 12 in 6 days!). So there is plenty to write about. Just give me time to gather my thoughts :)

Hope I havent missed anything while I was away. Its good to be back.

Lapland!!!

2009-02-03T13:51:00.005Z

In less than 5 hours I will be off on my trip to Lapland! I realise I havent mentioned it much on here, but its mostly because I wasnt that excited about it I guess. But now that its here I am getting rather excited. I think the main thing putting me off is the overnight coach (!) journey. Eugh. We leave at 8:30 and get to Rovaniemi at 9am tomorrow morning. And then we have a couple more hours after that before we get to Levi. But I once went by coach to Italy on a school ski trip and that took literally 24 hours. So this should be a doddle. I'm armed with tons of videos of comedians and music videos on my ipod, and have a good book to tide me over. Hopefully I'll be able to sleep for some of it too.

Anyway, once that part is over there will of course be the amazing 5 days in the heart of Lapland. I have to say, despite there being snow here for a good week or so already, I am a bit jealous of the mad excitement of my friends back home playing in the snow. I havent really had the chance to yet. But I expect I'll have plenty of time to roll around in the snow. I promise to try and take lots of photos, but my camera is corrupted, and can be a bit temperamental. So we'll see.

On the itinerary for the week is; plenty of skiing, a husky dog safari, karaoke, Santa Claus village in Rovaniemi, Kemi snow castle, and lots of sauna time I expect.

To be honest, i'm looking forward to just having a relaxing few days in a cottage in the middle of a winter wonderland. Since August really, it feels like I havent stopped much. I need a holiday! hehe. I mean, Stockholm was such a rush, and Christmas didnt pan out exactly as I had hoped, so fingers crossed this will be more successful!

So, thats the last you'll hear from me till Monday now folks!

Afraid to take a chance and join you in the light

2009-02-03T13:46:00.003Z

I know its old, but I've become just a little bit obsessed with this song...

I mentioned him earlier in a post about Melodifestivalen. He's in the first semi this week, but then so are a lot of other good (and more well-known) artists. I won't be near a computer to watch it anyway, so will just have to wait to hear what happens. Good luck Jonathan!

Cold Snap

2009-02-01T20:32:00.006Z

I just want to share a few pics with you. The river here in Turku has been frozen for a while now, and I kpet meaning to take a photo. Friday I missed the bus, so decided to finally go and do it. So here are a selection of the photos taken.

Finnish Esc Selection - The Final, Part 2

2009-02-01T19:51:00.006Z

So yes, last night was the Finnish national selection for eurovision, and as I said already that Waldo's People got through, but I thought I would elaborate on the whole proceedings a bit more, since I was lucky enough to be able to watch it, whereas I know the rest of Europe were deprived somewhat. Still, there was plenty going on last night I believe...

So the show got started at 8pm. I was still on my way to a friends house to settle down and watch it, so we missed the first few performances. These however were the 'second chance' songs. Those that had not qualified from previous weeks. These included Riikka, Tiara, Passionworks, Sani, Vink and Janita. We caught the last 3 or so, and got to enjoy the interval act (Scandinavian Hunks - think a topless version of stomp) while the voting took place. The two acts that were then announced to be through to final were Passionworks and Vink. I was happy for Vink. I liked the song, but felt they were in the hardest of the three semi's, so this worked well for them.

So then onto the final.

We started with Kwan. The woman still hadnt improved and continued to sing out of tune. Not good.
This was followed by Jari. The judges seemed to think he was wonderful, but were not sure that the song is a good fit for eurovision. My friend pointed out it sounds like a christmas song/hym, and she could be right. Nice ballad, but no good for esc.
Then was the fabulous Signmark. Another good performance, with strong vocals from Osmo. You can't fault any of it really, just depends if the song can overcome the obvious genre barrier.
Next up was Tapani Kansa. Well, he managed to get through the whole song without starting again this time. Still, the song was just as boring. My friend kindly translated some of the lyrics. Sounded all a bit depressing and not eurovision at all. Like Peace Will Come, but without the positive vibe.
After that we have Waldo's People. I was 100% behind signmark until this came on. Its just so infectiously catchy. And tonights show took place on a bigger stage, so the performance is even more striking. Love the poi/fire juggling.
Then we have Remu. I really didnt understand how this qualified. I took the time to watch the video a few days before, and now see it as a quirky 'joke' entry. I found myself enjoying it with this new perspective. Still, I dont think Europe would get the joke.
Finally, we have Passionworks back again. The poor singer was suffering from larengitis, and so the vocals were somewhat raspy. However, the giant snowflake on her back did enough to distract from that. I do like the blokes vocals, but this is a typical metal song for Finland. Its time to try something new.
Then, last but certainly not least, was Vink. a good, cheesy pop-punk song. Perhaps a little 'middle-of-the-road' though.

So the votes are calculated to see which 3 acts will go through to the SuperFinal. I voted for Signmark... just.

The 3 acts that made it to the SuperFinal to are Signmark, Waldo's People, and Passionworks. That was a surpise. I didnt understand the point of the 'second chance' round as I didnt believe that a song that didnt qualify the first time would stand a chance in the final. I was clearly wrong. So each act performs again (the poor woman from passionworks for the third time tonight, you could feel her pain, really).

A break for the news while the votes are casted and calculated. I vote again for Signmark.

When we return, it is announced that in third place is Passionworks. Signmark and Waldo's People make their way to the stage. Teräsbetoni from last year present the envelope with the results. Along the bottom of the screen we are shown that the winning act received 45% of the votes, and the second placing act 42%. And Waldo's People were announced to be the winning act. They perform once more. Good luck to them. I think this was a very wise choice. I am sad for Signmark, but it was an exciting final, with a lot of great songs to choose from. Well done YLE.

Finnish Esc Selection - The Final, Part 1

2009-02-01T08:52:00.004Z

So I watched (almost) the whole thing last night, and the result was very pleasing :)

Yes, Waldo's People won. By quite a small margin. Signmark with Speakerbox was in a very close second. I love speakerbox and did vote for it, but looking at it from a eurovision perspective of what will do well, I think Lose Control ticks all the boxes. The rapping is a bit naff, but the chrous is so catchy, and that little drop-kick in the beat towards the end is just perfect. I think I'm happy with this choice, even if I'm a bit dissappointed for Signmark, but it would have been visa versa if Signmark had won and Waldo's People were second. Can't we send them both?

Oh, and after hearing the British choice today.... hmmm.... think I'll be adopting Finland as my eurovision home this year. I mean, its ok, but for a collaberation between supposedly britains best songwriter and a famous lyricist, I think it was fair to expect something more than just ok. Maybe they can work on it. Well, its the lyrics that bother me the most. Whats it all about. Generic and forgettable I'm afraid. Gotta give Jade credit though, she does sing it well.

Last Night

2009-01-31T11:07:00.004Z

So, the plans didnt all work out. I never made it to the sea sauna due to a rather late night last night. For starters, the Russian film was in Russian (funnily enough) but the subtitles were not English as we thought, but in fact Finnish. So I was a bit out of the loop. My housemate, bless her, tried to translate the important bits of dialogue for me. Actually, I was surprised by how much I could get from the Finnish subs :) Proud me, hehe. Anyway, it also helped that the film was about a Ballet Dancer just before the Russian revolution, so a lot of the film was dancing and no dialogue. So wasnt a complete waste.

Then we didnt make it to Dynamo. We went there first, and it was comepletely empty. So we went to Koulu for a quick drink, and then ended up in Onnela. This is a chain of clubs in Finland, not unlike Oceana in England. Not really my kind of music, but once it got busy there was enough atmosphere not to care. Drinks were blooming expensive though, so was sober by the time we left for the last bus. My housemates Russian friend that had joined us didnt know which bus he needed to get home (the night buses have different routes and numbers). So he ended up getting our bus home and stayed here. So we just enjoyed a lovely leisurely breakfast together.

Anyway, so due to a 4am bedtime, I didnt fancy getting up at 11am on my day off to go off to the sea sauna. I need to buy a few things before Lapland, so maybe I'll go shopping instead :)

Oh, I should say there were some bizzare goings on last night, I shall list a few;

Bruce Forsight of all people was in the Russian film!
There was a man in a full kilt in Onnela (long socks and all)
Russian physicists dance just like English ones.
I seemed to be the only one dancing to Lady GaGa, but everyone was on the dancefloor for Sash! later :)
And a trance remix of the Pirates of The Carribean theme song seemed very popular also.

Its All Starting Up Again

2009-01-30T16:02:00.004Z

So, its already got to the point where I'm a busy little girl. The next few weeks are gonna be packed.
* Tonight I'm off with Russian housemate to watch a film with the Russian Language Circle (The English Language Circle meet was a bit of a disaster last night, so lets not dwell on that). After the film, we're heading to Dynamo, a funky club in town, my favourite in fact.
* Tomorrow I've been invited to the sea sauna. I thought I could get away with the sauna and then just look out into the sea, but I have a feeling that if I dont go for a swim voluntarily, that I will be forced... Oh, and its meant to be like -5 tomorrow. Goodie. Then in the evening I'm meeting a friend from last semester who is heading back to Korea to say goodbye :( Then the Finnish esc selection final in the evening!
* Then Sunday some people are going sledging. We'll see how the snow is, but not sure whether I'll join them yet. Might still be frozen after the sea!
* Monday will be business as usual.
* And then Tuesday, well Tuesday, I am just popping up across the artic circle for a week of skiing, cottaging, and husky safaris! Yes, I'm off to Lapland for 5 days! Should be awesome, I'm so excited!!! I'll be sharing a cottage with some of the French people I met on the last cottage weekend, and also my housemate and her Russian friends will be around somewhere, so should be a fun week. Also, it will help take my mind off the fact that Rachel will no longer be just across the Baltic sea, and in fact back in the UK. Going to Guildford no less. I'm not jealous. Well, I am a bit, but being up in Lapland should numb the pain (see what I did there?)

Finnish Esc Selection - Week 3

2009-01-28T14:09:00.005Z

About time I get round to writing about Finland's final semi then eh?

Well, I was quite looking forward to this weeks, as it only had one song that I wasn't keen on in it. Also it had my new favourite for Moscow in the shape of a rap artist called Signmark. He opened the show and since I'm behind in writing this up you can watch the performance already. Someone has uploaded it along with the interviews before hand, so you can watch the whole thing if you're interested in watching him signing through the interview. Of course, not knowing much sign language or Finnish, it was a bit pointless for me, but some of you might appreciate it;

So wasnt that good? I think it would be good for Finland to send something a bit different.

After Signmark, was Janita with her song Martian. It seems she's quite successful, having gone off to record albums in New York. Can't say I thought much of the song or performance in the end though. I didn't care for her voice much.

After her, newcomers Vink were up. I quite liked this song. Sort of pop-punk with a hint of the Ark. However when it came to the performance, I think they struggled a bit to keep up the energy of the song, and it felt a bit lagging by the end. Nice attempt though, I think I'll stillbe listening to this song for a while.

Then, the middle-aged housewives favourite, Jari Sillanpää. I hadnt listened to his song before the show, but knew it was going to be a big dramatic ballad. I was actually quite impressed. I thought it was quite pretty, the staging was strong, and the vocals were good. I was quite alarmed by how flexible his backing dancer was, but have since learnt she is a Finnish Olympic gymnast (similarities to the Dima-Plushenko stunt anyone?)

Anyway, when it came down to it, Signmark and Jari got through. I was pretty happy with this, I feel they were the best songs, so justice was served, hehe. When it came to vote percentages, Signmark got considerably more than Jari. So I think its basically down to a battle between Signmark, Waldo's People, and Kwan now. So long as its not Kwan, I'd be happy with either of the others.

Melodifestivalen... Could be interesting...

2009-01-27T18:02:00.003Z

My laptop is being rather disagreeable lately, but lets see if I can do a bit of updating. Before I get into the third Finnish esc selection show, I want to say a few words about Melodifestivalen. I've never really followed it before, but after hearing that both Måns and E.M.D. would be taking part this year, I thought I'd have a little look around the website. I have learnt many things in the last 30minutes. Some good, some haunting to the very core of my being...

* The favourite to win is a chap called Marko oolio (I believe he's favourite... just. With Måns in close second). Anyway, he's from Lahti! He's a Finn. Haha, he should so win. That would make me laugh. Except of course, I want Måns to win :)
* Måns's song (is that the right punctuation? who knows) sounds like it will be awesome. Am very excited :) In fact anything new from Måns can only be a good thing :)
* I'm also intruiged by a bloke called Jonathan Fagerlund... He looks Finnish to me, but apon googling, it seems he is most definitely not. Either way, he seems to have a good voice. No match for Måns mind you :)
* E.M.D.'s song (again with the stupid punctuation!) actually doesnt sound as bad as I was expecting. Not that I was expecting bad, but the title of the song (Baby Goodbye) makes me think of Friday Hill's song everytime. Thankfully its supposed to be an uplifting song, so I'm guessing a 'You're no good for me, I'm breaking up with you, goodbye' song, not a 'I'm so sad we're breaking up, boo hoo, insert chav rap, more boo hoo' type song. Ahem.
* However the most disturbing thing I learnt was with regards to a miss Amy Diamond. She irritates me without even listening to her music, which just tips me over the edge. So I was sad enough to learn she is entering again this year. More disturbing however, was to find out that she spent many years growing up in Bishop Stortford, Hertfordshire. Yes, thats right people, she was growing up in my beautiful home county of Hertfordshire, a mere 15minutes drive away! It gives me chills just thinking about it. I used to think Bishop Stortford was a nice place. This news has tarnished it for me now. It will never be the same again :(

But yay! Måns! :) :) :)

(Can you tell I'm excited about Måns?)

Signmark are Through!

2009-01-23T20:10:00.007Z

I'm sort of all blogged out at the minute, so will reserve a big blog about tonights show for later in the weekend. However just wanted to say quickly - hurrah for signmark! I really like this song, and the whole concept and execution. So either this or Waldo's People to Moscow please (but more this actually...).

Nova? I dont think so...

2009-01-23T12:44:00.004Z

Its been a long boring day, so forgive the sudden increase in blog posts.

Anyway, I've decided that Radio Nova, despite seeming to be played in every cafe in Turku, along with every lab in my department, is actually pretty rubbish. I mean, for about the third time this week I've heard that terrible Kwan song 10,000 Light Years, which is through to the final of the Finnish national selection, and as previously stated, I have my ipod in my ears most of the time.

So I was worried that it was rather popular with the Finnish public and has the best chance of getting through to ESC. So I thought it may have recently been released and decided to look for the first time in a long time at the Finnish charts. I'm surprised how many songs are in the top 10 that I have never heard on Radio Nova. Lets review (in no order as the websites im using cant seem to agree which order they are in either);

Lady GaGa; As I couldnt seem to be able to watch the official video for Just Dance anywhere on youtube, I assumed it was being saved up for a Finnish release. I was sure Radio Nova would play it, as it would fit well with the Anna Abreu and Katy Perry that they often play. But no, never have I heard Lady GaGa. So imagine my surprise to find that Poker Face is number 1! And Just Dance is a bit further down, around 14. So why on earth haven't I heard it anywhere (clubs, shops, radios...)?

Waldo's People; Currently charting in the top 5 is their eurovision attempt. So why are radio nova playing Kwan and not this? Its a shame, I like this song, and clearly the Finnish public do too. I'm thinking this will be the overall winner for the Finnish national selection. Although I'm still watching the final 'semi' tonight to support Signmark :)

Finally, in the charts there is also the likes of Britney Spears, Paramore, Kings of Leon, and Fall Out Boy. Never heard any of them on Nova either. Why not? Why play the same 20 songs everyday is they're not even the most popular 20 songs?! Gah. To they're credit though, they do play some 'oldies but goodies' and they have played the likes of Katy Perry, Pink and Brit Alesha Dixon (who has also charted here at 19 apparently).

Another thing though, while I'm having a rant. I wish they would have a 'playing now' feature on their website so I could find out the names of the songs and artists that I like. I can never follow the Finnish talking afterward to work out what the song was. If Rix fm can do it, why cant Nova?

Here Comes The Snow

2009-01-23T07:44:00.002Z

I thought I'd be getting used to this snow lark. Especially with my funky new snow boots from home (knowing the Finnish equivalent would have cost be €30 or so more makes the boots feel that much better). However yesterday there was a decent couple of hours of snow fall, and so this morning I was slipping and sliding with the best of them again. At least the bus driver seemed to be coping with it ok. The bus home yesterday involved a lot of ... shall we say 'shaky' pull aways. None of the Finns seemed concerned, but I have to say it made me a little nervous.

Anyway, good practice for my trip to Lapland(!) in a fortnight!

(Oh, and Rach, notice the title, did you see what I did there?)

Sue?

2009-01-22T20:33:00.005Z

Oh, and another obsession of mine this week - Michael McIntyre. How funny is he?! I saw him on some quiz of the year thing with Jimmy Carr (another favourite in the pudge household), and thought he was very very funny so decided to buy his stand up DVD. I watched it on my first week back in Finland, and I've been obsessed with him ever since. Anyway, luckily there are plenty of youtube clips of him from Mock The Week (a programme I've never watched before either, but am slowly becoming addicted to). Thought I'd share one of my favourites;

Blurb about my choice of music this week.

2009-01-22T19:55:00.004Z

Oh, and on a musical side-note, I LOVE my new ipod :) I mean, its not really any different to the old one apart from the fact that my old one had a complete meltdown and wont work anymore...

But, since getting the new ipod, its pretty much been surgically attached to me during lab hours. I love the laid-back attitude of the Finns. Anyway, the battery life being as good as it is (wonder how long that will last), I've been enjoying a vast array of albums, everything from Funeral For A Friend to Backstreet Boys. Its been good. But this week, the most listened to awards have to go to the Script and A1. Not really along the same lines, but still. I got my hands on a copy of the Scripts album just after Christmas, and only got around to listening to it this week. Gosh its good. I listened to it about 3 times over in one day alone. To be fair, I was doing other things at the time too, but you know what I mean. I'm so glad we finally have something decent in our charts, a band worthy of their sucess.

Of course, despit A1 having the novelty factor of being a boyband that did write a lot of their own songs, they arent really in the same ball park shall we say. However, this was the band of my childhood. I was absolutely obsessed with Ben for those pre-pubescent years of mine. They were my first gig (London, UK2K tour, haha) and I loved their first two albums dearly. Clearly, the obsession, however strong, was fairly short-lived, as I had moved onto the likes of Linkin Park by the time the third album was out, and didnt bother to buy it... Anyway, I found it in a second hand shop/warehouse here in Turku, and it looked so sad sitting on the shelf unloved and unwanted for only €3 that I just had to buy it. There are some good tracks on their. I'm still easing myself into it, but also having a total guilty pleasure fest by listening to all the albums at work...

So I've decided to share the main release from the third album with you. The song is called Caught in the Middle, and interestingly enough the video was shot in Finland. I always assumed, what with Christian being Norweigen, that this video was shot in Norway. But actually, it was shot on a peninsula in the Kirkkonummi area, which is one of the stops the Intercity train makes on the journey from here to Helsinki...

Still Keeping Busy

2009-01-22T19:39:00.003Z

Tonight was the first meeting of the English Language Circle for the spring semester. There weren't nearly as many people as last semester, but they seemed like a nice bunch. We went for coffee and had a nice chat. I hope they keep coming, and that the group will get going again like it did last semester. After all, its pretty much my only way of meeting other exchange students here.

As for the past week, its been going pretty well. I made a silly mistake in my calculations at work this morning, but other than that it feels like a really successful week. Pretty much doing the same things I did just before Christmas, but just before Christmas I had the startings of a terrible cold, and so my brain wouldnt work. Although I could do the experiment, I didnt really understand the hows and whys of it. But now I do! Hurrah! My work has a purpose. Actually, feeling fairly confident at work recently. Dunno whats got into me. Being all independant in my work, and being bolder with colleagues as well (smiling, saying Hei etc).

What else have I got up to this week... Well of course there was Helsinki on Saturday. Was a really nice day, possibly just because it was so spontanious. Went to Kiasma with my friend, which was pretty fun actually. Look at the pretty human kaleidascope made by one of the works of art...

Then we went for lunch in a cafe, where we met up with our old Finnish teacher. And then 3 hours late, I also met up with another friend from my language course, and went back to the old flat in Passila, where there were more familiar faces to be seen :) Actually, got so carried away in conversations that I nearly missed the last train home. Thank goodness for the night buses in Turku on the weekend - I had never intended to stay that late!

I'm hoping to head to Tampere this Saturday. Need to make the most of my free Saturdays while I still have them :)

Keeping Busy

2009-01-16T20:16:00.003Z

I had a rubbish day at work yesterday so was rather up for a drink and a dance at the welcome party for the new exchange students last night. I went with my flatmate, who I seem to be getting on surprisingly well with now that Spanish housemate has moved out. Anyway, met some nice new people and generally had a good night. Had to leave for the last bus home at midnight though, which was a shame, but I felt a bit rough this morning, so maybe it was for the best. Anyway, had a better day at work in terms of my happiness, but not in terms of research. Not only did I completely mess up a whole afternoon's work for me by plating the wrong thing, I also switch off a machine that someone else was using, nearly ruining their experiment too. Impressive rate of failure there...

Anyway, tonight I am gonna tuck myself up in bed for an early night, as I am returning to Helsinki tomorrow. I have no other plans, and remembered reading about an exhibition of asian art going on at Kiasma, the museum of modern art. The exhibition is called Drawn in the Clouds, and features works from Li Wei among others. I'm not often into art, but I've seen some photo's of Li Wei's somewhere (cant remeber if it was a newspaper or magazine) before and liked them, so thought while I have nothing better to do I may as well head over and have a look. And I've managed to arrange to meet up with some of my language course buddies while I'm at it, so should be a good day all round.

Here's my favourite piece from Li Wei...

So the results are in and...

2009-01-16T19:47:00.005Z

Waldo's People are through! Woo. With 44% of the vote. Puts them in good stead me thinks.
Bizarrely Remu also got through, with around 28% of the vote, and to be honest he looked as shocked as I was.

Means that between Passionworks and Sani there is less than a measely 30% of the remaining vote. They both go through to the second chance selection, but to be honest, its not looking good. I'm pretty happy with the results though. More so than last week at least :)

Finnish Esc Selection - Week 2

2009-01-16T19:32:00.004Z

So I've managed to watch the stream tonight, which is good because Waldo's People were singing tonight. They were just on, with strong vocals and fire jugglers in the back. Quite cool. I just love the strong beat, its so catchy. So decided to give em a vote :)
Not sure if they are my absolute favourite anymore (Speakerbox by Signmark is slowly overtaking), but that is for next week's selection. As for tonight's performances...

I missed Sani Doctor Doctor, but watching the replay clips during the voting it seems like your typical esc pop song, complete with terrible pun-filled lyrics, but I dont see it as a good fit for Finland somehow.
Passionworks were ok, but the female's vocals and and outfit were questionable.
Remu - dont even know where to start..!
And then Waldo's People, delivering a strong performance, although looking a bit confined on such a small stage...

We await the results...

Incoming!

2009-01-16T18:01:00.002Z

Or should that be outcoming?

You would not believe what just came out of my mouth. The hole where my tooth used to be, after 3 weeks, had finally filled up with a soft spongy tissue, but still not healed properly. Today however I noticed something solid making its way to the surface. After many hours, I was finally able to manoeuvre it free. It looks kind of like a toenail, but I'm guessing its a thin fragment of bone or tooth. Although comparing it to the tooth (yes, I have it with me in a jar) I really think its the wrong shape. So I'm guessing the dentist chipped my jaw when he took the tooth out. Seriously! No wonder its been so blooming painful. I'm just relieved to have an explanation, and that now its out, it will hopefully, finally heal over into a nice happy little bit of gum.

Fingers crossed eh?

Sugar Cherry Candy World

2009-01-15T12:54:00.003Z

There is something so incredibly ironic about listening to the following song, whilst walking to work in the dark while its snowing, that you just cant help but smile. Go on, indulge in some terrible summer pop. It might help. Or tip you over the edge...

Film Review; Joulutarina & The Painted Veil

2009-01-12T16:58:00.007Z

Its been a while since I've done a film review. Despite having seen quite a few films since the last review. So first, lets do a little summary of some of them...

A little out of date now, is Joulutarina (Christmas Story). This is the tale of how a little boy called Nikolas came to be Santa Claus (or Saint Nick, whatever your fancy). Orphaned as a young boy, he was taken in by a different family of his poor village in the north of Finland each year. Every Christmas he would carve gifts for the children of the families that had given him a roof and shown him kindness. But the village starts to struggle, and one year there seems there is no-one to take Nikolas in. So he end's up being taken in by the reclusive carpenter who all the children fear.

This is a great example of how modern Finnish cinema can be (not so arty as the Arki Kauas-whatsit's of Finland). It also has some familiar faces and places. There is one shot of Turku (hurrah!) and has smalls roles played by Mikko Leppilampi (host of esc 2007) and Antti Tuisku (who is rather cheesy in this tbh). Antti also did a rather lovely song for the soundtrack called valovuodet (Light Years (apparently)). Anyway, its a lovely heartwarming tale about the story of Saint Nick, from the people that know it best :) Definitely worth a watch, but only when in that cheery festive mood, as the ending is rather incredibly cheesy.

Then, also watched before Christmas was a film called The Painted Veil. This is a rather more gritty film, staring Ed Norton and Naomi Watts. Norton plays an english doctor in the 1920's, who after finding out that his wife has been having an affair, forces her to move with him to a remote village in China in the midst of a major Cholera outbreak. This is a complicated love story, which is beautifully realistic in that there is no wrong or right answer, nothing is black and white. Was Kitty entirely to blame for her adultery, or was Walter also to blame for marrying her when he knew she didnt love him. Kitty believed that her lover loved her truefully, and assumes he will save her from her fate in China. But since he has a wife of his own, and shows no compassion for her situation, she has no choice but to accompany Walter to China. As time goes on, and she becomes restless, she starts volunteering at the ophanage run by nuns. Slowly Walter and Kitty start to mend their relationship, and Kitty begins to see a deeper side to Walter.

Its a truly captivating story. The cinematography is beautiful, and captures the breathtaking Chinese landscape wonderfully. This is not a conventional love story of boy meets girl. It is something much more complex, but thats what makes it so interesting. You really end up investing in these characters. You're never sure who you side with, as both bear their demons.
Either way, a highly recommened film.

Finnish Esc Selection - Week 1

2009-01-11T11:02:00.006Z

I also decided to check out what happened at the Finnish selection on friday night. I tried to watch the feed at the time, and despite being in Finland, it still didnt seem to want to work. Sound (not the right sound either) and no picture. So gave up on that.

I had written a bit about my 'ones to watch' as such, when the acts were first announced. The full songs are now available to listen to, but I didnt get around to it until this morning, when I just watched this little youtibe clip of samples of each. From my 'ones to watch', I think we can safely eliminate Jari as its a little bland really. We can probably eliminate Tiara and Riikka too, since they were put through to the second chance round after their performanced on Friday. Which is a shame. I cant find Riikka's performance, but Tiara's was good. Although maybe a little too similar to Hanna Pakarinen's performance in 2007. Angsty breakup song.

Kwan and Tapani Kansa got through. Kwan had a bit of shody performance (well, so did Tapani, he had to start again), but apparently they are favourites to go to Moscow. I think that would be a mistake, but whatever.

I still stand by Vink (more so now I've heard the song), and definitely Waldo's People. Still think Signmark could be a dark horse, depending on the performance on the night I guess. Others to look out for would be Sani and Passionworks.

However, I'm going to eat my words a bit and say that Waldo's People is definitely my favourite. The video is a bit strange but the song is very catchy. Its contemporary, but still has all the eurovision elements. See what you think...

You WIll Know Someday...

2009-01-11T10:49:00.004Z

In a bit of an esc mood today. I missed the 'Your Country Needs You' last night (didnt realise how early it was on, so ended up watching casualty instead... might do that every week now. I do love my medical drama's). Anyway. So went on the ever knowledgeable esctoday.com and was pleased to see they had video's of each performance. A few clicks later 'video not available in your country' AHHHH! Thats been happening to me a lot lately. Well, I expect they'll be up on youtube at some point. I've seen a few, but some are still missing. So did a bit more clicking, and found this song instead. I have to say, I clicked the link because I thought he was attractive, but I watched the song too, and love it! Its not very eurovision, but he competed in the Cypriot national finals last year, so thats the link for you...

Sex Bomb?

2009-01-09T20:58:00.000Z

That is all...

Back In Turku

2009-01-08T10:08:00.003Z

So I made it safely back to Turku. Seemed like a bit of a mammoth journey, but a lot easier than going home, since I hardly had to take my suitcase anywhere. Got a lift to the airport. Flew to Helsinki. Got a bus to Espoo. Transferred bus. Bus to Turku. Taxi to my flat (no buses after midnight). So pretty straightforward. But still, its literally a whole day of travelling. Not much to be done either side of it.

As for Finland. Its very snowy. And so I'm guessing pretty cold. The radiator in my shut up room seemed to turn it into an oven for the 3 weeks I was away, so I havent suffered at all much. Oh, and it looks like the annoying Spanish housemate is moving out - hurrah! And we now have a kettle, and some decorations to the kitchen, courtesy of my Russian housemate I'm guessing. Well, I've added a toaster to the mix :)

Worst thing about it all though, is that the song I just posted and favourited in youtube is now telling me its unavaliable in my country. I hate it when that happens!

I Like This Record Baby, But I Can't See Straight Anymore

2009-01-05T22:38:00.003Z

I have a song to share with you lot. Its been a while since I liked a song enough to share it, but this one I've heard only a few times while at home and already its a firm favourite. Electroqueer has often written about this artist, but I never took much notice of her till now. Anyway, its called Just Dance by Lady GaGa and its truely electro-fabulous!

Sit Tight, I'll Be Back Soon

2009-01-04T11:29:00.004Z

Sorry about the lack of posts. There hasnt been that much going on that was worth blogging about until this week, and then I discovered that I forgot the transfer lead thingy for my camera phone, so cant provide any of the pictures to show what I'm going on about so thought I'd wait until I head back for Finland.

As for heading back, I originally had a flight booked for, well, now actually. But because of my tooth and things, I decided to postpone my return as I really haven't done or eaten half the things I had planned to do or eat :p The pain has finally started to subside, and the hole is noticeably smaller, so hopefully I'll be good to go for my newly booked flight on Wednesday :)

Its a late flight though, and only to Helsinki, so it will Thursday by the time I actually make it to Turku :/ But normal service should resume on Friday... Whatever normal service is...

Blog The Pain Away

2008-12-24T14:42:00.003Z

So last week, not only did I have a cold, but I had a terrible tooth ache. A week later, the cold is subsiding, but the toothache was still going strong. So I braved it, and headed to the dentist...

After much deliberation, it was agreed that I should have the tooth out. It wasnt decayed, but the tooth giving me jip was my wisdom tooth, and the reason it was giving me jip was because there wasnt enough room for it basically.

So out its come. The actual extraction wasnt too bad. The dental technician was very sweet and let me squeeze her hand during the procedure. I now have a beautiful tooth in a jar to show for it.

Like I said, the procedure wasnt so bad. Being numbed up to the nines helped. But now the anaesthetic has worn off and I'm in more pain than I was before!!! I hope it subsides soon. Else this will be a terrible Christmas :(

Home Safe

2008-12-22T15:43:00.002Z

I've somewhat gone into hibernation now I've made it home. I'm quite happy to sit at home watching a DVD of CSI with my bro. The simple pleasures in life eh?

The journey home was pretty traumatic. My flight was leaving Tampere at 11pm Finnish time, landing at 11:45 British time. Unfortunately it was late, so we landed at 12:20, and then we didnt get our baggage until about 1:30am! Of course, to my body clock, this was 3:30am! I was shattered to say the least. And still suffering from the final throws of a cold made the whole journey a bit traumatic.

Still, it was worth it to come through the gates where my mum was waiting with a helium balloon and a bacon butty :)

I should be able to catch up with my blogging a bit after Christmas, but for now I'm just resting (still not rid of this blooming cold!) and enjoying some good British food and sunshine! Haha.

Heading Home

2008-12-18T14:38:00.003Z

I go home tomorrow. I'm really looking forward to it. But this has been a pretty awful week. I've been sick, which means I just want to stay in bed. But its good-bye partys all round :( Some of which I've had to miss because, well, I've been asleep. The most important goodbyes were said on monday, before the worst of my sickness hit. Its 4pm now, and I want to go back to sleep, but there is another goodbye party that I really should go to. But then I still havnt really finished packing, and I have a long journey tomorrow. What to do?

Cant wait to get home and spread my Finnish germs to everyone else. At least I'll be able to sleep in my own bed. Cant believe its been nearly 5 months since I've been home. Still look the wrong way when crossing the road though. And I waited for the bus on the wrong side of the road last week too. Doh.

Its snowed again!

2008-12-17T05:53:00.001Z

But I'm sick again :(

Finally up-to-date!

2008-12-13T21:40:00.004Z

So perhaps we should continue with the dairy posts? I think I gave up on about the 2nd...

3/12
We had the language circle pikkojoulu. Think thats how its spelt. Its just a pre-christmas party. We had traditional food from all the different language groups, and some did presentations too. We decided to combine the two tasks, and gave out the things needed to create a Christingle, and showed people how to do it. The party itself was nice, and our group members said some lovely things about us to the main organiser of the language circles. Will be carrying on with it next semester for sure. Was the best thing I got involved with here, as nearly all my friends were met through it.

4/12
I believe this was the night of the monumental skype between Rach and I. Other than our daily emails at work (its highly important stuff of course, not just random muses on popo's, lunch, and capri-sun) I hadnt had a proper chat with her in ages. Mostly because I hadnt been in a lot. Was so nice to catch up properly though. Although the catch up over Christmas will be even better!

5/12
I had planned to go to Tampere. But I overslept. Which in my defence is very easy when the sun doesnt even start to rise till 10am. Anyway, went and did some shopping instead. Found a really huge second hand shop/warehouse out of town (had been told about it, didnt just stumble across it). Anyway, found A1's third album, The Rasmus's first album, and an old (Finnish) idols CD, which altogther cost less than €5! Bargin, hehe.

6/12
Finnish independance day. Was originally going to meet up with friends in Kuopio. But since we were told there would be no-where open and buses would be irregular, we decided to head to my friends in Seinajoki instead. But then I was told about the military parade that takes place in Turku every year, and also about the presidential palace ball, which was being shown on telly in a pub in town. So they decided to come here again, and we partook in the aforementioned activities. Was good. Although the parade was strange. We thought it would be a celebration of independance, lots of flaf-waving and cheering and such, but actually it seemed a rather sombre affair. More of a show of respect for those that fought for the country's independance.
The ball was also quite strange. I had been warned though. Basically the broadcast is just 2 hours of each guest shaking hands with the president. There's the odd celeb (Anna Abreu) thrown in to keep it interesting, but basically its a big fashion show.

7/12
Just hung out with my friends before they headed home.

8/12
More knitting. Finished one of my arm warmers so started on the next. Thats about it really.

9/12
They showed a Finnish Christmas film for the exchange students. Was a good film actually. Will write a proper film review soon (I hope).

10/12
Christmas baking! There was an ESN party on the 11th, so the girls needed help with preparing the food, so the deal was they would show us how to bake traditional Finnish cakes and we would get to eat some, but not all. Was good. We made these Christmas star things, which were so easy, I made them again tonight. We also made ginger bread cookies, and some cinnamon buns. All very very tasty. Iceing the cookies was fun too, although a bit messy.

11/12
Stayed home. Was knackered!

12/12
Film night at Carries. Watched the Painted Viel. Will write a film review on that soon too. Promise.

13/12
Today was Saint Lucia day. Being of the Lutheran religion, the Finnish dont really celebrate saint days. However this is a Swedish tradition that is upheld by the Swedish-speaking Finns, of which there is a lot in Turku (or Abo to be precise). Anyway, basically, a girl is elected to the role of Lucia, and she gets to dress in a big white dress, with a crown of green and candles apon her head. The congregation sings some Swedish songs, and then the candles get lit and she walks down the aisle. Was quite cool. And not just because Swedish spoken with a Finnish accent is very attractive ;)

I will update both my diary posts with pictures, so check back soon.

New Pic

2008-12-12T23:46:00.002Z

Oh, and check out the new pic ---------->

Thought I'd get rid of the stolen one and add one of my own masterpieces, hehe. Actually really love the pictures I took of Turku in the snow. Will have to share the best ones with you soon.

Can Anyone Hear My Song?

2008-12-12T23:23:00.004Z

So, I've been really slack on the blogging front lately. I guess it feels like time is running out, so have been spending as much time as possible hanging out with soon-to-be-departed friends. When I have been home though, I've been spending a lot of time listening to the new CDs I purchased in Stockholm. Here is one song I've been listening to a lot...

Mammoth Diary Post

2008-12-07T17:37:00.004Z

I havent really updated on my goings-on since Stockholm. Feels like since I went back to work after my illness, I havent really stopped. Work has been getting busier, with lots of new assays and techniques. Good practice for me, but its taking me a while to catch up, and remembering to write everything up in my labbook is taking more time than it should. Plus when you look outside and its pitch dark, you start thinking that your quite happy at work (radio, internet, tea) but eventually you brave it...
Anyway, this is whats been going on in my world for the last 2 weeks. Its pretty mammoth, so dont feel obligued to read it, its more for me than anything...

17/11
Knitting club again. I started on my hat. Seemed to be going pretty well. Although found it hard to say 'knit one pearl one" over and over in my mind and follow a conversation at the same time...

18/11
The language cirlce returned to Poro as they all said how much they enjoyed it the first time. In the end only 2 others turned up, but was nice anyway. I do like that bar, even if it is maybe a bit tacky...

19/11
Carrie and Will decided to host a thanksgiving dinner. This was quite a cool idea, and I was excited about going and trying traditional thanksgiving foods. The turkey was great, as well as all the other food. I was picturing something similar to Christmas Dinner though, and it wasnt really much like that at all (no roast potatoes, no vegetables either really...), but givene the limit resources here, I wont take it as an exact replicar (for instance, they couldnt find anywhere selling Pumpkins for Pumpkin pie).

20-23/11
Stockholm!!!

24-26/11
Stayed in sick mostly. Except I did still make it to knitting. I finished my hat! Looks very nice, and covers my ears (even when I tie my hair back, which I do a lot), so have been using a lot sor these cold mornings.

27/11
The language circle met to play cards for lack of a better idea. Was nice though, got covered in glogi in a heated game of Spoons. Ah, Glogi. Apparently comes from a Swedish tradition, but who cares, its lush. Its a heated drink of juices, cinnamon, and spices. Often has some red wine thrown in for good measure....

28/11
Went out for a hot chocolate with Vlad and Malaurie (those that I met at the cottage weekend). Hadnt seen them much since the cottage weekend, so was nice to catch up. The drunken Finns in the bar also provided some amusement.

29/11
The university arrannges tours of certain attractions of Turku for free. I decided to join the group going round the Handicrafts Musuem. This is normally only open for the summer season, but they also open for the Christmas season, and I was intruiged. It is a museum about old traditional handicrafts, but most interesting it is loacted in the only area of Turku that survived the numerous fires, meaning it is the only part that gives any indication to the fact Turku is the oldest town in Finland. The guide was quite good, and although it was cold, it was worth getting out of bed for.

Then in the afternoon/evening they were holding a ceremony outside the Catherdral for the lighting of Finlands official Christmas tree. For this, my friend from Helsinki headed down for the night. Was an interesting ceremony, with dancing and a choir. Then there was someone talking in Finnish and suddenly the lights came on and everyone went home! Haha.

We headed home for food and glogi before heading out for the night. First to Koulu, where there was more glogi, and then to Zanzibar, a latin bar in town. Was alright, but the music didnt really make me want to dance, and then it was too loud to have a proper conversation with anyone. So we headed for the night bus home.

30/11
Got up relatively early and headed for the castle. Did a tour of the perimiter, before walking up along the river past the Finnish Swan (a boat in the Maritime museum), and came as far as the free ferry from Turku to Åbo. Which we went on. And then back again. For anyone unaware, Åbo is the Swedish name for Turku. The ferry just goes from one side of the river to the other :p

We got the bus back to town, and went up the observatory to get a view of the town, before heading down and round to the Cathedral to have a proper look around the Christmas market. After that we headed back to mine before going to Indre's. A lithuanian girl I lived with in Helsinki that my friend wanted to catch up with too. We had a cup of tea and a chat before going to the station to see my friend back to Helsinki.

1/12
Had the first chocolate from the advent calander that my mum had sent over from England. no idea what gave her that idea, but made me smile.
Then in the evening was more knitting. Since I'd finished my hat, I decided to start on some arm warmers. Same wool so they match the hat.

2/12
My lecturer came to visit us students. We all went out for dinner (univeristy of surrey picking up the bill, many thanks). Was nice. Went to Blanko Bar, which is this trendy looking place in the corner by the river. Go past it on the bus a lot and always think it looks nice in there. It was nice. I had a sort of steak. Pretty yummy. Desert was yummier though :)

Ok, I'm bored of this now. Will finish it off ... sometime. Another busy week this week, but the weekend is totally free, so we'll see what happens...

Just a Day Late

2008-12-07T09:13:00.003Z

Happy Finnish Independence Day!

Have more guests with me this weekend, so bit short on time. Will post details of the celebrations and some pictures very soon!

Clash of The Titans

2008-12-05T09:07:00.002Z

MTV Russia recently held their annual Russian Music Awards. They managed to get not only Sergey Lazarev to host, but Dima Bilan as well. Watching some of the clips it seems there was a lot of friendly banter going on. Although without understanding the Russian, I'm sure I was laughing at the wrong parts, no idea what my Russian housemate must have been thinking if she could hear.

Anyway, one clip that requires no knowledge of the Russian language, just knowledge of Believe, Zachem Pridumali Lubov and Lazerboy. I thought it was hilarious...

Stockholm Diary – Part 3

2008-12-04T19:34:00.015Z

I woke stupidly early Saturday morning. Breakfast wasnt until 10am, but I was wide awake at 8:30. Especially after I saw the snow outside! Deciding not to waste the next hour in bed, I got up and dressed and went for a wonder in the snow. Felt like a blizzard at some points. Was cool though.

Went back to the Hostel, had breakfast, checked out, and discussed on how to get back to T-Centralen where we would get the bus. In the end we all went by metro.

We got the bus to Grona Lund on the island just east of the old town. Grona Lund is a theme park that closes for the winter season, but was opening its doors for its annual 'Christmas market'. Now I'm no expert, but normally a Christmas market should have, you know, market stalls of some sort.

Anyway, it was rather lovely all covered in snow (would have been truly rubbish otherwise) and me and my friend did have fun in the house of mirrors...

After Grona Lund, we decided to look for somewhere to eat and warm up before heading to The Vasa museum. In the end, we got to Vasa before we found somewhere selling food, so decided to eat in the restaurant there.

My friends tried the soup while I decided to go for the more traditional meatballs. This is possibly where it all went wrong. I'm convinced they are what made me sick, as they were the only things I ate that my friends didnt. However after contacting the restaurant, they insisted it couldnt have come from them. So who knows..?

Anyway, after that we got stuck into the museum. It was definitely the highlight of the trip. Numerous people recommended it, and I'm so glad we found time for it. The sight of this beautiful boat alone is worth the entrance money, but there are a ton of extra exhibitions for you to read through also.

In fact there was so much to look at that we were there for the last 2 hours before closing, and I was still left wanting to see more. So if ever I return I think this will still be worth a visit.

Briefly for those who want to know the story behind The Vasa;
- It was a ship commissioned by the King in the 1620s
- He demanded it have extra cannon decks without increasing the width at the bottom
- This meant there was not enough space for the required ballast
- 20 Minutes after leaving Stockholm, the boat began to tip, and water began to come in the low open cannon holes
- Unable to right itself, the boat sank just outside the harbour where it remained for over 300 years.
- Due to the lack of salt in Nordic waters the boat was well preserved, and has been painstakingly restored and set up in this museum.

And that is the story of Vasa in a nutshell. But honestly, if your in Stockholm, you should check it out. I'm not a very nautical person, but still found it fascinating. Unfortunately my photos really dont do it justice.

After that we rushed back to T-Centralen to get our stuff and head for the ferry port. At which point I began to feel ill. A 10 hour ferry ride later, I was back in Turku and went straight home to bed. The poor girls that were meant to be sharing the cabin with me left me alone for the night, and amused themselves at the disco. I'm sure they didnt mind too much.

Overall, the trip itself was really enjoyable, but way too short! Given how cheap it is to get there from here, I will definitely be going again in the spring - if I can find time that is!!

Stockholm Diary – Part 2

2008-12-04T18:47:00.003Z

So as we returned to the palace there was some sort of ceremony with the guards going on. Not the official changing of the guard as this was supposed to happen on Sunday, but perhaps a smaller version. Guards were parading down the street with a Swedish flag out front. They then did some sort of song&dance out the front of the Palace. I found it interesting to watch. After it finished, the Palace was then open for guests. So we got our tickets and headed in to see the Royal Apartments. It was very grand. Lots of colour and the ceilings were painstakingly detailed in their design.

We also got to have a quick look round the treasury. Soooo many sparkly things. I’ve never seen so many diamonds. Although I found the crowns a bit disgusting up close, so much detail, so many stones, it just looked like too much for the eyes. But the overall effect was nice.

After spending quite a while in the palaces, we headed back to get our bags and check into out hostel. This was a bit of a mission, as some people wanted to walk, some were willing to pay for the metro. In the end though, we all made it to the right place at the right time-ish. So we checked in. The room was a good size and the TV was huge! Haha. I was excited to get out and do some Cd shopping. I hadn’t wanted to bore my travel buddies with it while we had such limited time in the city, so took this opportunity while the others were resting to go exploring. As you may have read, it was very successful.

Apon returning, I was told people were heading off to look for somewhere to eat. We ended up finding an Indian restaurant that looked relatively cheap. I’ve been craving a good Chicken Korma since I’ve been here, so was happy to finally have my wish granted! Twas a lovely meal, with great company. Although I did think it was a bit strange to come to Sweden for a curry! Vowed to try some Swedish food the next day…

We headed back to the hotel where some people had talks of going out to boogie in Stockholm. I liked this idea, but my feet didn’t seem to want to cooperate. So I stayed in with the girls I was sharing the room with and we watched some trashy Swedish telly. We mostly watched Singing Bee, a karaoke style programme where you had to guess the lyrics of the song. Get it right and you go through to the next round, get it wrong and you face elimination. It was a funny show actually, and although most of the songs were in Swedish, I did recognise a few (e.g. Det Gör Ont). In the end the guy we were rooting for won. I think he might have come from the Ålands, as they were waving flags that looked a little different to your usual Swedish flags for him in the audience.

After that I feel asleep.