Crazy Busy Week

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!

July Plans

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.

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!

Keeping Busy

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...

News Flash

Finnish kids are as annoying as British ones.

On my return from the supermarket, I walked into my building and then the lighst went out (they're those ones that stay on for 3minutes or so at a time). Deciding not to go back to the switch by the door, I continue to the lift where I know there is another one.

Suddenly there is a strange growling noise. Now I'm not that scared of dogs normally, but in the pitch black, I have to say this scared me for a split second. That was until i heard the giggles that followed. Got to the lift and turned on the light to see 3 Finnish chav children sitting in the corner of the ground floor. Very funny. Actually, I'm glad it was dark so they didnt have the satisfaction of seeing my scared face.

I wish they locked the main door here like they did in Helsinki. Although in Helsinki I think it was to keep the hobo's out, not the kids. I once had a hobo follow me in the building and then sat himself in the lift for the night. He kept mumbling to me in Finnish. Was pretty scary actually, but just took the stairs for the rest of the week. Luckily the lift here has a window, so can check for Hobo's before opening the door.

Take a flight back to Helsinki...

Would you look at that - I went and passed my 100 post mark without even realising. Oops. I'll do some sort of monumental post for the 150 mark instead :)

Anyway, I want to share a track I kept hearing around when I first moved to Turku. But I listened to it again tonight because its mildly appropriate. Its by a band called C.S.S and the song is called Left Behind. The lyrics are about 'taking a flight back to Helsinki' and just drinking and dancing to forget about what she left behind. So I havent 'left anything behind' as such, and I'll be getting the train, not flying, but this weekend I return to Helsinki - wooooo! Its a friends birthday, and he's having a party, so kinda invited myself along :) Just need to find somewhere to stay for the night... bit cold for sleeping on a park bench me thinks.

Back in Helsinki already

After less than 24hrs, I'm already back in Helsinki. Needless to say first impressions were not that great. The town seems nice, but where im living is a 20minute bus journey away, and theres no-one else in my flat yet (in fact I dont think theres more than 5 people in the whole building yet!)

So I've come to Helsinki to kips on someones floor for the night, before taking a trip to Tallin with my language course buds. Should be good :)

P.S. as predicted I dont have internet. So this will be my last post for a while :(

Rock, Rytmi & Rakkaus

Last night's festival was a great was to end my stay here in the capital. It was a 40th anniversary so all the music was from 1968. The square was packed and the people were all over the steps of the cathedral. Great atmosphere.

Still cant believe I'm going :( I dont know if I'm sad to leave the city or the people I've met here. Both I guess. But I'm sure I'll be back numerous times (possibly even as soon as monday...) Most of my favourite people are staying in Helsinki, the others are going to Oulu and Seinajoki, so will have some travelling to do during the year. And hopefully I'll have the odd visitor too.

Anyhoo, I just thought I'd put a final post before I go, because similar to last time, I have no idea how long it will take me to get internet back again. Apparently it can take up to 2 weeks :/ But then thats what they said in Helsinki, and for an unlucky few it was true, but fingers crossed I can strike gold twice :)

Moi Moi!

Wayhay, we all passed!

Today we went in to get our exams back and get our certificates. Luckily we all passed! I got 96/100 on the written test, and passed the oral so got my certificate confirming I can speak at least a little Finnish. :)

We also gave our teachers some presents. We had a little class mascot, called Rapu, and so we decided to buy Rapu some friends. A hen that clucked for Mai, a pingu for Jarkko and some magnetic kissing dogs for Taina. They all got a flower each too. They seemed pretty happy with their gifts, and was a nice way to end the course.

Rapu

We went for our last lunch at unicafe (even if it was just yesturdays food reprocessed) and then headed back to our flats. Tonight we are going to the Night of the Arts which is lots of different stuff going on all over Helsinki city centre. Should be pretty good. They set up a huge stage on the steps of the university in the main square, so think it will be pretty busy.

Dont think anything could top the party last night though, but that story is for another time and place perhaps, hehe.

The Dreaded Exam...

So, these are my last few days in Helsinki. I am really sad to be leaving. This really isnt a very big city and I feel very settled and happy. I've also made lots of good friends, most of who are staying in Helsinki. So I'm sure I'll be back for the odd weekend :)

I move to Turku on saturday. After all the confusion, everything has finally been sorted. I was originally told we would have to move out by 10am on friday, which would mean taking all my luggage into uni with me to pick up the certificates (assuming I pass) and then getting on a train to head to Turku, My tutor (or pick-up person) never emailed me back, so I thought I would have to get my own keys, in which case I would have to arrive by 2pm, so would have to get the 12noon train - so very stressful.

Luckily, I have a friend in Turku doing the language course, who will still be there this week. And she kindly agreed to pick up my keys for me. Then today I was told, I could definately stay until sunday in Helsinki, so have arranged with my friend to move on saturday, which is less stressful for me and for her!

And then of course, there was the exam, which we had this morning. I actually thought it was pretty straight-forward, and standard stuff. I think my spelling was off in a few places, and I know I got some of my cases mixed up. I think I said that this moring 'I was to my room' rather than 'I was in my room' But oh well, the pass mark is only 50%. Then the oral exam was a little more difficult, my examiner spoke pretty fast and I didnt catch a lot of what she said, but overall we managed to have a conversation, and it was only 5minutes long, so I hope I passed! We will find out tomorrow.

For tonight - we party!

Puhutko Suomea?

Ah, what a great couple of nights. After the boredom that was thursday, I spontaneously decided to head to the ESN club night (erasmus student network) and met up with people from my course to have a drink and a dance. The club was quite nice, but the music was a bit strange - reggae is never good music to start with, its just too slow generally.

And then yesterday I thought I would be knackered. After the late night at the club, followed by a whole day of lessons on grammar, eugh. Then in the afternoon we went out in our small groups to ask people questions, like 'whats the time, where is the market square, is the fish fresh', hehe. Unfortunately we went to a tourist area, where most people we stopped and asked didnt speak Finnish, hmm.

After that we headed to Suomenlinna Fortress, and island that was used as Helsinki (and Finlands) main fortress. Its a lovely island, with beautiful views, old cannons, a beach, and a population of around 800. Theres a church, school, shop etc. Interesting, but maybe made better by the beautiful sunshine that made its way through the clouds yesterday afternoon.



In the evening, four of us just headed into town to chill out at a bar, and just chat about reason why we came to Finland, Italy, Vienna, Business and Cows. After that we tried and failed to get into a club, but with an age limit of 24 (!) this little blogger couldn't get in :(

Today I plan to go to the zoo, despite the heavy rain forecast!

The Past few Days

Hmm, tonights been a bit of a slow evening. Which is nice for a change actually. I've spent a lot of the time listening to the old logs of "Sounds of Europe". Is nice to here me and Rach joking around, I miss the fun we had doing the show. Listening to Finnish radio now, trying to seek inspiration for the new improved show in a years time.

Monday night we went to play lazer quest/quaszar/megazone - whatever you want to call it. You know the game where you run around with a lazer gun and shot your opponents trying to destroy their base. Basically, a paintball without the bruises. Was good fun, I came 20/29 but I had a laugh and no one was being over-competitive. After that we headed to the beach to sit and drink cider. I also had a paddle in the sea. Wasnt too cold and the sunset was just breathtaking.


Tuesday night I went to experience my first sauna. I didnt get the chance to go with the group last week, but instead a friend who is staying here for the whole year and so is living in a different place with its own sauna invited me over to try the traditional sauna. Her flatmate is a regular sauna user, and taught us proper sauna technique. Was good fun. Was quite refreshing, not the sauna part but the running outside into the cold evening air bit - can understand why people roll around in the snow now.

Then of course, wednesday was the trip to Porvoo, which I've already written up. Today after classes, I had a walk over to the rock-church again to get a glimpse inside. Was awesome. Looks completely different to other churches in that theres no stain-glass windows, and the walls are rough rock. But then it still has an aisle, candles and a big organ so still recognisable as a church. Apparently the acoustics are fantastic and I can imagine they are. Here are some of my rubbish photos.

Day Trip To Porvoo

Today we had a break from lessons and had a little day-trip to a popular tourist destination called Porvoo.

Porvoo is the second oldest town in Finland (after Turku infact). It was established as a town and allowed to trade from 1346. It has a pretty river which allowed it to do this. Along the river where little storage huts, which are so often photographed, and remind me a bit of the famous gazebo's in Ware, near where I live. So we had a tour guide take us all around whats left of the original town (aptly named the old town) which was really quaint. Little wooden houses, narrow cobbled streets etc. Also a very nice little cathedral which you can see in the background of the picture above.

Of course, it wasnt a complete break from learning. At lunch Jarkko had our table mouthing the difference sounds for ä and a. For ä you open your mouth wide, for a you keep it more closed. Needless to say we had some dodgy looks in the restaurant, but hey ho.

And then we headed off to a museum. By this point I wasnt feeling very well, so it was a bit tiresome for me perhaps. It was the house of Johan Runerberg, who wrote the Finnish national anthem (although he wrote it in Swedish). But the house was kept identical to how it was when it was donated to the state, back in the 1800's if I remember correctly. It was nice to look around. We then went to see the sculptures of his son, Walter Runeberg. I didnt like these so much.

After the Runeberg stuff, we had an hour of free time where we wondered around the shops. Not the typical tourist tack though, most shops were selling items of Finnish-made handcrafts. They were very nice, and I bought a few things. But the most popular shop of our group was the chocolate shop (of course having nothing to do with the free samples).

Anyway, I would recommend it for a day-trip for anyone in Helsinki. Its easy to get to, and a very charming little town, giving you an idea of what Finland used to be like.

SIbelius Monument and Rock Church

As you may have guessed, I didnt make it to the shops. Instead I decided to be more cultured. On the way back from Seurasaari Island yesterday, the bus went past a strange sculpture that I thought I recognised but wasn't sure where from. Today, I did some digging and found it was the Sibelius Monument, in honour of the composer (see my post on Finnish music to hear one of his compositions). And I recognised it from Eurovision 2007, when it was featured in one of the little videos before each song.

So anyway, I decided to head off and find it. Got lost trying to find the tram stop, and then got off at the wrong stop so got lost again! I'm not very good with trams apparently. Thankfully a Finnish woman saw me standing with a map staring at the road sign trying to work out where I was and just asked me if I needed help - that would Never happen in London. She showed me to the right road and I went on my way.

Here are some of the picture of the sculpture. It is made up of 600 different metal tubes, and weighs 24 tons (thanks wiki). Its pretty impressive and I studied it for a while. There is also a steel image of the composer to the side of the monument, but I found his cloudy eyes and bit creepy.





After that I wondered down to the coast just behind the monument and planned my next move. I decided to look for the 'rock church' marked on my map. When I found it, it didnt appear to look like a church at all. I was expecting a medieval style church made of rock, but instead it is like a church built in the centre of a giant boulder of granite.


I couldnt go inside as there was a service going on, but is just a few minutes from the metro so might make the trip another day after class. Instead though, I climbed upon the mound of rocks, and explored the views. Was very strange to think I was climbing around on top of a church while a service was going on below.

I actually really enjoyed wondering around today, and enjoyed the two sites I discovered, however despite that I am rather independent it was strange to be doing these things alone, and didnt have a friend with me to do the tourist pose with the monument and church. Still, it wont put me off searching out some more sites this week.

What a Journey

I have to share this video with you. It was made by Thomas Leterme, one of my coursemates. He has created a video of the journey from our building in Pasila to the University building where we have our lessons, using a time-delay thingy. Oh yeah, I know the technical terms. Anyway, I think its awesome.

The Week Reviewed.

OK, while my fish fingers are cooking I will try to write up all the stuff that has been going on this week. Maybe a day-by-day breakdown would be easiest, else I forget and get get lost in my own ramblings. So...

Sunday: At 2pm I managed to suss out the train ticket system and got myself to the centre, where Stephanie showed us around the uni buildings and then to a cafe and the supermarket. In the evening we went back into town to head to an Irish pub, Molly Malones. Was nice, but as with most places here, a pint was about €5. Hmmm.

The Main Train Station

Monday: Was a bit more chaotic. We met in the moring at the university for all the introductions, and then went to our first lesson. After that we were met by students who were going to take us to register residency so we could get a travel card for the trains/buses/trams etc. After we did that and then went and got the cards it was too late to make it to the accommodation office to sign the tenancy agreement (they close at 4).

Tuesday: So tusday was the first full day of lessons. We have 90mins in the morning, followed by lunch, then 90mins in the afternoon, followed by a tea break, and then another 90mins in a small group with Taina. Our teachers are really good. Taina is sweet, and she's studied lots of different languages. Jarrko studies drama and is witty and funny. Tuedays afternoon is when I decided I was fed up of not having seen any tourist sites, so went and walked around and explored. You can find the photos somewhere on the right ------->

Carvings on the Main Cathedral

Wednesday: Wednesday was more lessons. And then a trip to the Kiasma museum of contemporary art. This was a bit like a smaller version of the Tate Modern. Some of the displays were quite inetersting, but some I just didnt get the point of (a row of old hankies in a line constitutes art these days...?)

Inside Kiasma

Thursday: Again, we started the day with lessons, but for the afternoon they had a filmed planned. I was quite interested to see a Finnish film, as I often enjoy world cinema. But as you can guess by my lack of a film review it was rather disappointing. It was called Kauas Pilvet Karkaavat (the drifting clouds), Aki Kaurismaki. The pace was just too slow, and the humour was very dry, which would normally be a good thing, but in this case I just didnt like the style and I found it a bit boring. Shame.

Friday: We had our final set of lessons for the week. Jarkko arranged a small test, where we were put into group and had to play a game of sherades, where we would pick a card, act out the verb, our team would then have to name it in Finnish and conjugate it. We did quite well, but had some amusing verbs. I had to act out the verb 'to sauna' and Fillipo got the verb 'to love', which gave Taina a shock! In the evening, we headed to a resturant, which although was nice, was grossly overpriced (€12 for salmon soup!). After that the teachers took us to a bar, which was really nice trendy place. The cue for the bar was small, there were comfy sofa's and pool tables etc. And the cider was only €4, which seems reasonable for this city.

In the Bar

Saturday: we went to the Seurasaari Open air-museum, which is on an island connected to the land by a bridge. Old farmhouses and typical Finnish homes form the west, east and centre of Finland had been rebuilt from their originals on the island, and you could see the differences between the east and west of Finland, how the east had a stronger influence from Russia, and how the west were generally highly religious. In the evening was a party for Fillipo's birthday, which was interesting to say the least, and perhaps I should leave it there.

A Central house in Seurasaari

As for today, there is a trip to the natural museum planned, but since I went with Rachel to the one in London not too long ago, and since I've already seen 2 museums this week, I thought I'd give it a miss. Instead I intend to see what the shops are like here - if they're even open on a sunday :/

First Attempt at being a Tourist.

So I finally managed to get my camera working last night (as you could gather) and today after a gruelling day of speaking Finnish, it stopped raining and the sun came out! Hurrah! So I did a quick sweep of the harbour area and some of the other areas and took some snaps. I forgot my map, so just followed the english-speaking tourists. Its quite a lovely city, but the traffic lights take way too long to change.

Anyway, I've uploaded the album for your amusement.

Early Sightseeing in Helsinki

Edit: I've added some more pictures from the art museum today, and added some captions to explain what some of the pictures are of.

Broadway chips... Do they sing and dance?

Just for you Rach - I know how much you like dodgy foreign brand names. I present to you 'The Original Taffel Snacks - Broadway Sour Cream & Onion. Real Potato Chips, Right Taste' Cos we all know how much of a wrong taste those fake potato chips have...

And before you ask, I think Megapussi means mega value... or something along those lines.

Minun nimi on Keira

I think thats right, although there is supposed to be an umlaut somewhere...
Edit: Actually, it was supposed to be in Genetive, my name is... not I name is... Already getting the basics wrong.

Anyway, today was the first day of the language course, although we didnt really do much learning. Introductions, tours, registering temporary residency so that we could get the travel card (otherwise it would cost me at least €4 a day) and after all that I didnt even have time to sign my tennancy agreement :/ Still, we did learn some Finnish, and its actually quite similar to German. Not in terms of Vocabulary but the sentance structure is very logical, so hopefully I will get the hang of it :)

Of course, I ended up seeing even more of Helsinki today. But lets start with yesterday. We met Stephany who will be organising social events for us while we're here. She showed us round the uni buildings so we knew where we were going this morning. She then took us to a cafe where we could relax and talk to each other. Was really nice, and there is such a mix of people all very friendly. Most of my flatmates are very nice too, I share with 4 other girls; 1 Turkish, 1 Lithuanian, 1 austrian and 1 Hungarian. So a mixed bunch. In the evening we then went to an Irish pub which is popular with the students we were told. Was a nice pub but a pint seems to be very expensive (€5+).

Anyway, then today we walked all over the place, I cant even remember! But the university building where we have most of our classes is right next to the famous landmark church (very easy to find, hehe). And we walked down the main shopping street this afternoon, and was relieved to find some familiar names (well, one mainly:H&M). I've been having some issues with my camera, so no photos yet I'm afraid.

Most sadly though, the park bench outside the church in the Party 4Love video at the end doesnt actually exist! I feel cheated Jari...

Hellooo From Helsinki!

I actually have no idea how I've managed to get internet in my room - wayhay! It appears that they never clean the rooms, or at least dont look in the drawers - I found an ethernet (sp?) cable, and thought "lets plug it in and see", et voila!

Anyhoo, I arrived safe and sound. Making it to the airport was a little stressful, but made it in time for a quick fairwell drink with the family before heading through security. Not as bad as I had dreaded, although they did ask us to take off our shoes for scanning :/

Flight was good, no problems there - plenty of complimentary fluids, although I steered clear of the alcohol. Arrived and found my 'pick-up person' Jenni. She was very nice and didnt seem too annoyed that we missed the bus because I couldnt find my euros in time. So we waited for the next one at gone 10pm.

Managed to walk to the flat, and thankfully the building had a lift. I forgot to mention that I was spot on the 23kg weigh limit for my luggage! The scales kept flickering between 22.9-23. Had a few jumpers tucked in my hand luggage too, so that weighed a lot. Glad to settle in the new flat, which if a little grotty is a good size. Twice the size of my one in halls last year at Guildford. Also had a quick chat with the 2 girls already moved in. I have no idea how you write their names, but they're both from Turkey here to study IT for 6 months.

Not really got any first impressions of Finland. Jenni seemed really friendly, and the bus was clean and fast. Other than that it was really too dark to tell. The two Turkish girls think for a capital, its very quiet with hardly any people. Will get out and wonder around tomorrow to explore.