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...
Showing posts with label Russia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Russia. Show all posts
July 29, 2009
Final 3 Days
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...
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...
June 24, 2009
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.
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.
May 08, 2009
Russia Diary, Part 1 - Moscow
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.
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.
April 28, 2009
Return from Russia
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...
Oh, and on a side note, you might be surprised to hear that I didnt find any CDs worth buying...
April 19, 2009
Ahoj!
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!
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!
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