Kalaperunat

Uppsala

2008-12-14T10:40:00.002Z

Uppsala, a home of Swedish botanist Carl von Linné and the oldest university of Nordic countries. The city has approximately 190 000 inhabitants of which roughly 40 000 students. This forth biggest city in Sweden is located about 70 km north of the capital Stockholm.

The Nordic Africa Institutet, a research, documentation and information centre on modern Africa for the Nordic countries. Since its foundation in 1962, it has promoted research and studies on Africa in the Nordic countries and co-operation between African and Nordic researchers.

These two have made a grand part of my life during past two weeks. Most of the time here I have spent at the Institute working long hours on my MA thesis. Working to that extend I'm starting to be sick and tired of gender, women and HIV/AIDS. And yet I'm sad this experience is almost over - will be heading home on Friday.

It has been great to been able to concentrate entirely on the work without worring about anything else. Of course there's distractions at the Institute as well but mostly they have been those of the nicest kind; Wednesday's joint breakfast, coffee breaks with lussekatter (Swedish saffron buns), seminars with interesting topics.

And even though some of my friends have been forced to put up with my constant moan of a lack of social contact (read pints at the local pub) people here couldn't be nicer. It's great to be surrounded by people who share your interests if not entirely but to the certain extend. At least no one is wondering why on earth I want to work with issues related to Africa. And the weirdest thing must be the fact I have to travel here in order to be able to discuss my thesis in Finnish!

There has been so many great things happening here that only complaint I have (beside that lack of social contact outside the office of course) is related to the weather - most of the time it's been quite terrible. I miss fresh air...But all in all, when I consider the time spent here I really don't feel like going home next Friday!

Manners, people, manners!

2008-11-25T17:56:00.000Z

When was the last time you didn't bother to call back to someone who called you earlier? Did you just "forget" to answer to that sms you received an hour, a day or a week ago? Or stood someone up without a warning? Was that you who simple stared back without greeting to that poor person brave enough greeting you at the street? Or perhaps you just arrived late and let other people wait for you once again?

A list like this could go on and on. I'm so sick and tired of people who seems to be lacking all the basics of good manners. And with good manners I mean responding to other people's greetings and other means of social communication whether it's done f-2-f, by phone or email. It's a polite way to communicate and it shows you respect other people; they matter to you.

Of course there's different codes of behaviour depending on the situation you're on, and also my own behaviour is altered by the circumstances e.g. how well I know the person I'm dealing with. For example, I don't expect a certain friend of mine to call me back since he assumes others to call again if they have something important to share with. I also know better than expecting another friend of mine to arrive anywhere on time - she's pathological.

But these are exceptions and restricted only to people I know. In my book, it's more unpolite to e.g. arrive late if you don't know the person too well or at all. It might have something to do with me being a control freak (just ask my flatmates and I think they will agree with this to a certain extend) but mostly it's because I think people should respect others.

I really don't see how it's so difficult to answer that sms or call or simply greet back to that stranger at the street. What's the harm done there? It would only take a few minutes of your time. Sometimes it takes even more time and energy to try and avoid things - e.g. some of the people I went high school with rather cross the street in order to avoid the situation where they have to communicate others. Strange, right?

I dunno whether this problem is more to do with Finland and the Finns or is it the zeitgeist of the times we're living. Are people so wrapped up in themselves they couldn't care less about anyone else? Is social communication really that difficult? I would like to believe it's not a Finnish thing to do, not to mention the way people in Helsinki communicate. Since if it is I might have to start considering moving abroad or worse, stop communicating altogether...

Municipal elections

2008-10-15T18:00:00.003+01:00

Just a quick note on municipal elections which are held in two weeks time. Like everyone knows, the local elections are the most important ones for regular citizen. All those issues their are dealing with in the municipality will most likely have some kind of effect on your. So voting in these elections count - at least for me.

I have always have a biased view on elections and voting. On one hand I consider voting as every citizen's responsibility: if you don't even try to make a different and vote, don't bother to complain how everything is wrong. Then on the other hand, there's very little visible change and progress going on in politics and the way things are done, whether it is on local or national level. So this leads us to the conclusion that I vote so I can freely whine about the cost of public transportation and the condition of local health care :P

The only question left is who to vote? The Internet is full of different kind of polls and devices which are trying to help us to decide to whom to give our vote. Though one thing is missing: a LOVE calculator. As a teen we used to calculate the love percent for a certain couple by using the letters of their names. You count together every L, O, V, E and S letters and then eventually you have the percentages. Like this:

Matti Vanhanen (our dear PM)
Jutta Urpilainen (young chair of the Social Democratics)

LOVES
10110
1121
233
56 %

Their percentages are quite high considering the fact they just had a row in the Parliament about the finance of public health care ;) But still I wouldn't see them voting one another...I know it's a silly way to decide which candidate to vote but so are most of the other ways as well. Depending on which service you use you'll most likely to get completely different candidates each and every time.

Well, based on the system I shouldn't vote the candidate I gave my vote last time since we got only 1 percent! But whether I follow the system or not I'm not that sure I'm going to vote him anyway. He made it to the Parliament last spring and though he has behaved himself quite nicely there he still managed to be a part of the election finance scandal we had after the parliamentary elections.

So I'm keeping my eyes open for every option available. Any suggestions, anyone?

PS. Almost forgot to whine about a certain newspaper's policy on publishing running candidates' opinions on the Letters. It really ruins my morning to find them in every single paper. Do you really have to give them an opportunity to advertise their views for free? They have campaign ads and web pages for that, for heaven's sake!

Back to School

2008-09-29T15:47:00.005+01:00

So the intership is over and I'm back to Uni. Some of you might think I should have graduated by now but sadly I'm still there and my dissertation is still incomplete. Actually I'm thinking of postponing my graduation to the next autumn - this would make it possible for me to get student discounts for the year to come :P

However, today I had my first lecture in ages and it felt so weird. First of all since I'm there voluntarily (meaning I won't actually take the exam, I'm just listening for fun or should I say for mere education) but mainly cos it's been ages since I have met such an enthusiastic teacher. Our new professor Axel Fleisch is actually being interactive instead of having an hour and an half long monologue in front of the class. He's asking people random question along the lecture and giving people assignments to do for the next time.

This sounds great alright unless you're in my shoes. I thought (obviously wrong) that I would mainly sit there, take some notes and that would be the end of it. But now I'm finding myself in a situation where I actually have to study before attending the class. Shocking, I know! :o Today I found myself being presented to the class as "an expert of South African history" (well, it was a joke obviously) and the next thing I noticed was I couldn't even answer a simple question (which was Who's Jan van Riebeeck? - the answer being the founder of Cape Town). A little embarrassing ;)

Beside the lectures it's taking time to get used to the life at the Uni otherwise as well. After three months of early mornings I no longer have to rush into the office every morning which means I have all the time in the world. So I'm using it...for lounging about. Also the time spent at the Uni doesn't feel as merry as before. Majority of my friends have either graduated or travelling around the world and most of the time I find myself facing completely strangers. In any other time it would be totally ok and I would make an effort to get to know them but now I just feel myself old. One more reason to graduate a bit faster...

Nevertheless, I'm at the Uni to stay. Especially after I'll manage to get my act together and start working on my dissertation again. So please, if you happen to be around, just pop into Topelia library to say hello. Or text me to ask for a coffee or lunch. It would make me feel like at home again :)

PS. Since I'm once again addicted to Grey's Anatomy I have considered giving a nickname to our dear professor. What do you think of Professor McInteractive? :P Oh, and check this out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5NlRmlsmZc :D

Let's rock!

2008-09-24T15:17:00.008+01:00

I took the funniest tram ride ever today. We toured around Helsinki in this tram rented especially for the record release party of Kiki Pau. The event was pretty much perfect: sun was shining and we were drinking beer while guys were playing :D You should have seen people's faces when we were driving by tram stops. Some of them were literally staring their mouths open and pointing the tram covered with Kiki Pau posters. Turists were taking pictures and every time we stopped people were curious to see what's going on inside. Don't think I'll ever get a change to do this again so thanks guys for the unique experience :)

Sadly enough I had to leave before it finished. I also missed their in-store gig in Stupido Shop. But I'll get a compensation at Korjaamo on Saturday where Kiki Pau is playing with Risto. I'm planning to dance the night away and I strongly recommend you to do the same!

I have some pics and a video I'm hoping to put up here - that's if I ever manage to figure out the Bluetooth function of my phone...Meanwhile you can entertain yourself with Kiki Pau's very first video Your Bedroom.

Death and Guilt

2008-07-12T18:06:00.004+01:00

I lost my great-grandmother today at the age of 97. As elderly she was it didn't come as a huge surprise. But I was taken aback by the feelings following the news. Cannot really say how I feel right now - been a bit confused - though the topmost feeling must be guilt.

It's amazing to find out how death and guilt go hand in hand. My first thought after the news was what if the funeral are in two weeks time? Then I wouldn't be able to go this festival I really wanna go. And an immediate response to this thought was guilt. I felt guilty of having thought such an absurd idea.

I was never that close with my great-grandmother. I saw her very rarely but still what I remember of her was her spirit. She was a witty fighter til the end. And always on a good mood - my dad told me it was only this morning she was laughing with nurses. Well, at least she went smiling :)

Now I just keep wondering whether I should go to the funeral. And if I'd go, whether I'd do it just out of guilt? And what good that would do? And then yet again, if I don't go, how that makes me look in the eyes of relatives? Guilt and social pressure, what a combination!

Girl Power!

2008-04-06T20:59:00.003+01:00

It must have been almost two months ago when I started writing a post titled like this one (though I never managed to finish and publish it). That was the day a very dear friend of mine, Marsu moved back to our flat and another flatmate of mine, Kari left for New Zealand. Since then, a lot has happened and many merry occasions have brighten up my life. And now it's nearly over: Within a week Marsu will be back in Kouvola where she's studying.

Like the whole spring, these two months have flown by without even noticing it and now are our days of girl domination are almost gone. I will be going back to the same old - living with two blokes. Though Kari won't be back until 10th of May so I still have almost a month period of tranquillity left :)

So beside the fact Marsu is a girl, what is so special about living with her? Well, first of all, we go way back. We met the very first year I started Uni and I actually recall her from the first party. We have also had a blast in Italy (though the weather was trying hard enough to destroy the vacation) and then later in Helsinki when living together in Töölönkatu. A year and a half ago she moved to Kouvola to become a renovator but still she has dropped by every now and then.

I'm not saying it is not nice to live with Kari and Tapio (the other flatmate of mine) but it's completely different to share a flat with someone you know so well...Especially when you're growing old and grumpy like me and would prefer to do things your own way ;D Also, when it comes to living with Marsu I just love all those lazy mornings we have spent beside our kitchen table playing tavla. I'm gonna miss that a lot!

Well, at least I am no longer sharing a flat with three guys :) That's one thing I should be grateful for...So now I'm just waiting Marsu to make a comeback...Or me to get my own flat.

I hate global warming!

2008-01-18T19:17:00.000Z

It's already mid-January and we are still short of snow. We did have some couple weeks ago but it only lasted for a few days. Since then it's been grey and dull...And I can't stand that! Don't get me wrong. I did enjoy the mildness of London's winter last year. But that was more to do with a refreshing change than anything else. Beside it's not that dark in London anyway - at the moment we have around six hours of daylight. Lacking of snow makes it almost unbearable.

I have never been a winter person in a sense I would really enjoy all the winter sports and all the other stuff related to it such as getting dressed warmly. I cannot bear the feeling of Michelin man: when you have so many layers of clothes on it makes it difficult to move freely. One of my early memories is standing in a hall way while my mum is trying to get me inside a winter overalls. It was all good beside the fact I loved skirts (especially pink ones:). And skirts don't go too well with overalls...

So why on earth I'm longing for snow when I really don't wanna get dressed properly and spend my days outside? Well, it has something to do with light. A bit of snow makes all the difference: you might even be able to distinguish the day from the night. It's something that keeps people sane and healthy throughout the long winter. It's slower down all the hustle and bustle in the cities and makes a forest seems like magical.

So this is my top 5 for snowy things:

1. Sledging down the hill
2. Making snow angels
3. Walking through a snowy, quiet park in the evening
4. Cross-country skiing with my grandpa's old wooden skis
5. Building a snow man

Now I'm just waiting someone to send me some snow to play with. Anyone?

Independence Day

2007-12-06T11:51:00.000Z

Cannot help thinking about a certain Hollywood production when typing that title. Though I have never seen the actual movie...Today is Finland's independence day and the country celebrates its 90th birthday. Cool, eh?

Last year we took a ride in Millennium Eye with Suvi and toasted with some cheap Mojitos but this year I'm celebrating my granma's bday (she's turning 70 on Saturday) and maybe even watch some Linnan juhlat (President's reception) from telly since I'm not invited, lol.

The reason I started to write this post in the first place was that I took a citizenship test made by the biggest Finnish newspaper Helsingin Sanomat (http://www.hs.fi/english/) and wasn't too surprised to find out I would not qualify as a citizen. At the moment you don't have to pass any kind of test to get a Finnish passport but it's a common practice in many European countries such as Great Britain, Netherlands and Denmark. Questions have something to do with the country's history, legislation and everyday things like an emergency number but it's very likely even the country's own citizens couldn't answer them properly. In Finland, some of the MPs took the test and there was several of them who couldn't get the nationality ;P

So, go on. Do the test, if you dare! The first one is the Finnish one (only in Finnish, sorry folks) and the second the British one from BBC's site...

http://www2.hs.fi/extrat/hsfi/omaelama/kansalaisuustesti/
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/4099770.stm

Update

2007-10-28T16:58:00.000Z

Hey, just a quick update since I haven't written anything in ages. Well, mostly it's because there isn't that much happening here but I've also been freaking busy all the time. Only don't expect anything special - I'm still doing all the same stuff as usual, haven't got engaged like some others (congrats again Miia & Matti and Mikko & Elisa!) neither have I graduated nor had a baby...

Since my museum job I've been working at this school near the uni having a random job as a someone between a janitor and security guard. It's really descent since basically I'm doing nothing much: just opening doors for people and then locking them after they have left. So, it's a piece of cake and I can study while doing it. So far the only threat to my studies has been the Internet and especially Facebook ;)

The uni is still going on strong: just passed my Swedish grammar exam (had to retake it once - I'm such a loser, I know;), started my seminar paper and the very last essay for anthropology. Only thing that has changed there is my dissertation topic. I'm gonna write about Chinese economic actions in Africa. Well, don't wanna tell you that much about it - someone might steal the idea, lol (and now I'm talking about some random people). Ask me if you want to know more (by the way Sapna, I'll contact you about this).

What it comes to living, I'm back in my old room (as you might have read from my previous post). Living with two guys, Kari (he's studying to become a set designer) and Tapio (he's at the uni as well, studying Spanish) but most of the time I'm just seeing Tapio. Kari is always busy, busy, busy with his studies, several different shoots and girlfriend. Just saw a glimpse of him, first time in three weeks :) So I'm spending loads of time home alone.

Social life? Hmm, I'm still partying - e.g. had a blast last night with some friends from Ateneum celebrating a friend's boyfriend's bday - and more or less hating its guts. Finnish social life sucks big time...Well, at least when it comes to meeting new interesting people (have to admit I met pretty interesting people last nite too but they were interesting in a different way) in terms of dating. I'm so not into that bar scene with drunken idiots grasping your butt!

Well, my wonderful friends are making my life full to a certain extent. There's plenty of exciting parties coming up and we also hang around coffee places and bars a lot. Actually way too much. Haven't been able to save as much money as I would have wanted. It's all gone to tea, cakes and drinks. Which is ridiculous in a way since most of us are living in descent places near the centre (that was actually our dream in a high school - to live near the centre so it wouldn't be necessary to spend money in expensive cafes). Mental note: have to stop doing that.

I'm expecting to finish my studies by Christmas so next spring I can concentrate on my dissertation full-time. I'm gonna spend the holidays at Cape Verde with my family - my parents must go through some kind of mid-life crisis since they booked that vacation but hey, I'm not complaining! During the spring I hopefully will go to Uppsala, Sweden to do some research in the library of Nordic Africa Institute (if they are sweet enough to grant me that scholarship) and visit my friends in Nepal and IF everything goes as planned I'll graduate next autumn. So please keep your fingers crossed for me!

Winos in Finland?

2007-09-06T19:19:00.000+01:00

Decided to do a bit more formal and serious posting this time. You can blame Financial Times for that, lol. Dunno whether you heard about or even read (well, probably not, especially if you happen to live outside Finland) the article "All is not as it appears in the frozen land" (FT Sep 04, 2007) but surely you haven't been able to miss it in Finland. The biggest Finnish newspaper, Helsingin Sanomat, made freshly comment on it in its editorial already on the 5th. In that editorial the article and especially its informants were labeled more or less as malicious and aspirant to the power.

So what's the big deal? What was the information that caused such a reaction in Finnish press (haven't notice any discussion going on in a real life - though maybe I'm not living in the real world...)? Unfortunately I haven't been able to get my hands on that specific article (no, I still haven't subscribed the FC, or the Economist in that sense - maybe I should do it now that the graduation is getting closer) since there's no web access for it. Only information I have is the beginning of the article from the FC page and of course the information provided by the Finnish press (and we all do know that people should keep some of their criticism when dealing with media).

Basically Financial Times starts the article by describing situation in Finland as "the corruption of Nordic purity that embraces alcoholism, unemployment, a double murder, drug abuse, family violence and depression, all set in a darkened land of dirty, semi-frozen slush". Now I won't go to the statistics or start comparing Finnish way of getting pissed to the British one. I just going to talk from my own experience.

The reality is that you can see drunken people every day just by walking around the city. They are at the railway station asking for a change, in your local market buying beer for their hangover or just travelling in that tram you're taking to work every morning. But never have I thought there's more drunks in Helsinki than there's for example in London. And I still refuse to do so. Dunno whether it is more to do with the believe that the problems might be more visible in Finland (or might come up differently - for example, it's not every week I read about the teenagers who have stabbed each others like in London; here it's 'just' two middle-aged alkies) or with the fact I still believe in Finnish affluent society, at least in some level.

Dunno who's right here and what is the purpose of the FT for writing stuff like this but I do know that it has initiated a starting point to the healthy discussion inside the Finnish society. I can only hope the topics are going to be the important ones like alcoholism, unemployment and family violence and the discussion won't be overshadowed by the fight over who gave the information to the FC in the first place. That would be such a Finnish way to deal with it...

Home

2007-09-02T20:04:00.000+01:00

Lately I've been planning to write about many things such as Flow festival and the people you can talk to but instead I'm going to write a bit about the most important place in the world, home.

I just moved back to my old place which is a room in this beautiful Art Nouveau house in the middle of the city. Now I live right next to the Parliament House and the University is just 15 minutes walk away. I'm so loving it: it feels great to be back in the old neighbourhoods and it's so convenient to have everything close by. Even coming back home from the bar is easy (like we just did: were at the Aussie bar which was great - cheers mates!): you just walk!

I have all the benefits of the 1930s house: high ceiling, huge space and wooden floors. Oh, and did I mentioned, I too have a fire place :) So if you happened to find yourself in Helsinki someday you're more than welcome to crash at my place. There's plenty of room!

Työmiehen Lauantai, Museotyöläisen Sunnuntai

2007-08-14T17:15:00.000+01:00

First, I have to apologise all of you who doesn't understand Finnish for using the language on this topic's title. And second, I have to assure you there's good reasons to do that.

Since I've started working in that marvellous place known as Finnish National Gallery I have started spending most of my Sunday nights out. I know, sounds weird. But the museum is closed on Mondays so that's the most convenient night to party. Of course I still go out on Fridays and Saturdays from time or time but call me old or something but I cannot handle sleepless nights while working.

Sundays will get us back to the title of this post. There's this old Finnish song about a Workman's Saturday which includes sauna and getting arrested so we actually created this new concept of Museum Worker's Sunday :) The concept is based on an assumption that you actually have some friends' working in museum as well or some other friends that are ready to party on Sunday nights. Usually the night starts at terrace of some hip Helsinki bar (and there's plenty of them in here, lol) and it's later carried on in some of the places open til small hours. It also consists loads of drinks and isn't complete without late night eating...

So the night is a success as long as no one gets arrested. But I really miss sauna. The night doesn't seem perfect without early hours' heat ;)

Ateneum, The Place to Be

2007-07-07T19:02:00.000+01:00

Like most of you already know this Tuesday was my first day in my new summer job. I started as an exhibition warden (can you say that???) in the Ateneum, Finnish National Gallery. So in order to honour that, I'll write something about the museum I'm working in. The original idea was also compare it to National Gallery of Ireland which I visited while staying in Ireland in the end of June but I don't have enough energy to do that. Sorry!

So instead I'm going to write a little about my new job which is quite random, considering the fact I don't actually have anything to do with art (well, I did graduated from Helsinki Senior Secondary School of Visual Art but that was ages ago...). Like always, I got this one through a friend, to tell the truth ;) They needed someone urgently to oversee the exhibitions in the museum for the next two months. So I said yes, partly cos I needed the money, partly cos I was interested to know what it is like.

My actual job is to pay attention to people entering into exhibitions. I know what you're thinking now: That can't be too exciting. Well, sometimes it can be quite boring and tiring when there isn't that many people around and it feels like there's way too many hours until the closing time. But most of the time it is in fact a rather rewarding thing to do. To begin with my habit to watch people: at least now I'll get paid for doing it! And I also always find time to appreciate art. There is several really exciting exhibitions going on (e.g. Music and Silence - Finnish Symbolism) and the permanent collection ain't that bad either (especially now during the summertime when two major pieces, Boy with a Crow and Old Woman and Cat by Akseli Gallen-Kallela is being displayed). So I have managed to rediscovered my old passion for art :)

Quite often I have found myself deep in thought (hmm, not that good thing if you're troubled by something or someone...). So most of my time at work I'm spending in a kind of trance. Sometimes I almost feel like being a part of exhibition or at least the furniture ;) Sounds weird I know. But the job isn't the most ordinary one either. I'm more like a walking forbidden sign than a person: I'm telling people all the time not to take pictures of the paintings, carry their backpacks with them or touch the pieces. You aren't allowed to carry around water bottles or let small children run around either. However most of the time it feels like I'm not existing. Majority of the visitors looks straight through me or enter the room without greeting. And maybe that's a good thing: both me and they have done everything right if they can wander around the exhibition without noticing me...

But now I'm going to head to the sofa to watch some telly while lifting my poor feet up. Tomorrow is yet another day standing in the exhibition (we only allowed to sit down when there's no visitors around - and trust me it doesn't happen that often).

PS. If you happen to be in Helsinki on any given Wednesday before the 2nd of September, come to say hi to me. The museum is free on every Wed from 5 pm on...

Going, Going But Not Quite Gone (Yet)

2007-06-10T18:25:00.000+01:00

So I made it through examination period more or less alive. But what might kill me is the on-going process of endless parties and nights out. It's unbelievable how much and how many nights a person can do drinking and partying in a row. I started a week ago on Thursday and haven't stop since.

Well, basically I can't or even want do that cos I only have time until next Saturday in London. My time here is almost up and of course I have to get everything out of the remaining time ;) But I can't really complain. The city and people are treating me great and even the weather is amazing. So I have spent lots of time in parks and terraces. And I even went to beach a week ago in Brighton. Ah, this is what I call life!

I just finished packing most of my London life into two suitcases for my mum and her friend to take back to Finland. And let me say it wasn't easy. After nine months in the capital there was plenty of junk to stuff into those poor bags. Now I can only hope they'll end up back in Finland in one piece. Oh, and naturally that those things left behind won't exceed 15 kilos limit of Ryanair.

As my time in London is almost finished I have been thinking whether I should change the name of this blog. Cos obviously it won't be about living in London but in Helsinki instead. So any opinions or suggestions?

Library Rocks!

2007-05-29T00:42:00.000+01:00

Lately I have found myself spending loads of time in the SOAS library and sort of grown into it. The timeless atmosphere, quiet rooms and all those shelves full of books are starting to appeal me more and more. Especially now when the end of the term is getting closer and people coming fewer and fewer.

Of course I'm not doing this just for fun but I have a good reason to spend my time in the library. The final exams. I had my first one in African politics last Thursday and the last two are within two days. So instead of studying for just one exam at the time I'm working twice as hard. And the fact I have only three precious weeks left in London is making the studying even harder. Well, now I'm not being totally truthful with you. I have spent some time partying as well. BUT I have always managed to drag myself to the library morning after. How many of you can say that? ;D

Over the weekend we have been studying in this room known as Africa study room. That's situated next to the library's vast collection of books about - surprise, surprise - Africa. The room itself is filled with bookshelves and oh my, those books are something else. Sometimes I find it extremely hard to concentrate on studying while books like Historical Dictionary of Central African Republic, Gazetteers of the Northern Provinces of Nigeria or, wait it, Gallery of Gold Coast Celebrities 1632-1958 are just so fascinating.

I'm actually there right now and like always I should be studying. But after more or less eight hours I feel like I seriously need a break (well, we have been taking some breaks during the day as well - everybody knows that you are NOT allowed to eat in the library and a girl still need to have her daily amount of chocolate). So while I'm waiting Myriam to finish her article, I'm spending my time playing backgammon and writing this post. Nice, eh? After that we'll head back to Paul Robeson to have some Raclette cheese and then carry on studying.

You find this post a bit boring? Well, welcome to my life!!! Two more days to go...

ps. Did you know there's more than one million books in the library of School of Oriental and African Studies? Okey, I think I'm starting to lose it...

Chocolate

2007-05-03T20:26:00.000+01:00

Yay, it's examination period and that means loads and loads of chocolate. So in order to respect that here's my Top Three of Chocolate (and yes, this is another top something post) in random order:

1. Finnish chocolate (especially Fazer)
2. Swiss chocolate (Lindt - I personally blame you Myriam;)
3. Belgian chocolate (oh, divine Godiva)

Bubbling under: Ghanain dark chocolate with orange flavour; half melted Mars bar in the hot Beninese afternoon.

And in case you wonder: Yes, I'm a serious chocoholic and not even a bit embarrassed to admit! But unfortunately there isn't any songs about chocolate in my iTunes library (but oddly enough loads of about other stuff such as cloudberries, sugarcubes, milk and biscuits) so I'll just recommend something else that's sweet: Chewing Gum by Annie :)

Cat Power!

2007-05-02T19:45:00.000+01:00

Yes, she's back...and this time she has left her guitar home. So no more guitar nursing sessions, breakdowns in the middle of the gig or clumsy performances. Chan Marshall a.k.a. Cat Power is stronger than ever when performing with new band, Dirty Delta Blues. Okey, I have to admit that I've never seen her performing on her own during those old days when her shows were more or less dictated by either depression or booze but last night's gig in The Forum, Kentish Town came very close to perfection in every way.

I arrived just in time to have a pint of Guiness before they started playing. The place was packed but not in that inconvenient way - no one was close enough to smell their breath or pour their drinks on my trousers. There wasn't any teenagers with their boyfriend troubles or chavvys jumping around. And weird enough, nobody seemed to be shitfaced like on that Badly Drawn Boy's gig last February (well, might be something to do with the Tuesday night...). But what was even weirder was the fact I didn't mind arriving, staying and leaving alone. In fact I was perfectly fine with it. I didn't even miss anyone to have a chat with after the gig, like usually. It just felt natural to sit next to these Asian girls on a bus completely fallen into my own thoughts.

The gig itself and especially Chan was amazing. Song after song the sound got bigger and braver and I was enjoying every minute of it. She was sincere, giving everything she had and dancing around the stage almost as maniac as the singer of The Rakes (whom by the way I think I saw on the gig:). From time to time she appeared even a bit compulsive with her jerky movements. But all that cohered well with her powerful yet fragile voice. They played more or less full 90 minutes - nothing like these hip indie bands with their "45 minutes and I'm gone" thing.

Several times I was sure I'll break into tears - I know I'm such a cry baby but it's usually limited only to movies. Her voice and whole presence was so touching...The only thing that actually stopped me was the fact I couldn't hear the words of the songs properly. Her voice was mixed too low and most of the time the strong sound of the guitars override her singing. But as it was the only con of the whole concert I think that's unfortunately though forgivable.

And like you might have already guessed, this post is dedicated to the whole work of Cat Power with special reference to the song called Fool from You Are Free album. I love you Chan Marshall!

Ps. to all of you (you know very well who I'm talking about) who are thinking about posting something cynical and oh so clever - just leave it! I DON'T want to hear it...

Finnish Vappu in London

2007-04-29T20:25:00.000+01:00

This coming Tuesday is May Day or Labour Day back in Finland and so a public holiday. Being one of the biggest yearly celebrations, May Day gathers together both student, labour and socialist organisations with traditions such as demonstrations, picnics and student happenings. But of course Vappu, like every other Finnish holiday, entitles people to get pissed ;)

So as we were unable to join Finnish celebrations in Helsinki this year a couple Finnish friends and I went to Hamstead Heath yesterday to participate a Finnish picnic organised by The Finnish Student Society of Great Britain and Young Finnish Professionals. The idea of picnic was nice indeed: beautiful weather, good food, sparkling wine and of course, lots of other Finns. And I think that was the thing I actually hadn't thought through. It's just so weird and random to be surrounded by people who actually speak the same language and have most likely grew up in same culture. You lose part of your privacy in that process; it's impossible to talk without everyone understanding you.

Don't get me wrong. I really enjoyed the picnic and especially the champange (thanks Ville!) and after couple hours and couple glasses I was ready to carry on the evening in Finnish Vappu party in Holborn. Quick change of clothes and off we went! And oh boy, what a mistake that was! First of all, the place was pricey (a shot of Salmari, salted liquorice flavour vodka, cost 3 pounds) and packed with drunken Finns. Second, the music was terrible! I understand it was a Finnish party but still. Do you really have to play the worst Finnish songs ever? By the time I heard Kuuntelen Tomppaa by Paula Koivuniemi third time within couple hours I was convinced I was in hell. Well, just imagine the night club of a ferry between Helsinki and Stockholm, multiply it by ten and you get the picture...

So after this horrendous experience I have managed to kick out most of my home sickness and also started seriously wonder why on earth I'm ever willing to go back to Finland...Oh, and what it comes to the soundtrack of this post. Dare I even say it. Well, just check this link out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kA5GkLM5C7M (sorry, was unable to make the link work so you just have to copy and paste). I think it will take several listenings of the new album of Arctic Monkeys to erase these Finn Hits from my mind and still there is a strong possibility that I have to rely on lobotomy to get rid off this trauma altogether.

The City of Manneken Pis

2007-04-18T12:41:00.000+01:00

Just got back home from Brussels couple days ago. That city really rocks! Lots of parks, multicultural atmosphere, late drinking and all that chocolate :) Oh, and after spending last six months in London, I really appreciate the fact that I can walk almost everywhere...or take the tram. Trams always make me feel like home.

So I spent four days in Brussels visiting a friend (thanks Samuli for accommodating me:) and sightseeing the town. Took Eurostar train (yes, the one that goes under the Channel) from Waterloo to Brussels Midi and actually bumped into couple Finnish girls on the station. Why is that the Finns are everywhere nowadays?!? Well, anyway made my way to the city centre and managed to run into Manneken Pis while looking for a tourist information centre. After couple hours of sightseeing I was supposed to meet Samuli in EU district when it hit me: my Visa or Visa Electron wasn't working. So there I was in Brussels for a long weekend with 3 euros in my pocket!

Well, as you can guess, it happened to be Friday the 13th and I felt it all right. After having hysteric laughing attacks (never thought calls to bank could be that hilarious) at Samuli's place I decided to take a nap and wake up only after everything would be working again. And that actually worked. In the evening I was able to get some money out of the ATM and we decided to hit the town with a bunch of Samuli's flatmates (and I really mean a bunch - he's living in this warehouse with 15 other people!). Couple pints later we ended up in this random house party filled up with interns of European Union, not to mention the booze. So first my glass was filled up with Martini by Samuli's Italian flatmate and later this crazy Creek girl kept pouring Ouzo for me. And they say Brussels can't party!

After the wild Friday night and the day filled with shopping we decided to stay in on Saturday and watch a movie. Yay telly and satellite dish! So Sunday morning we were ready to take a train to the coast and hit the beach :) Weather was gorgeous like in every day I spent in Belgium: +26 degrees and sunny. From Oostende we carried on with coastal tram (which actually goes through whole coastline, 67 km) to De Haan. The beach was gorgeous though a bit crowded...And so was the train back to Brussels so we chose to get out of the train in last minute and have a frits while waiting for next one.

After the beach it was time for happy hour and pub quiz. We sucked so bad! But in our defense I have to say the questions were terrible. Who knows the motto of EU in Latin? Or which star signs represent fire in Western astrology? (Okey, we figured that one out: Sagittarius, Aries and Leo) But it was a great fun anyway. And so was Monday as well. I wandered around the town, chilled out in the parks and bought some souvenirs (yes, chocolate from Godiva). What a perfect way to spend my last day in Brussels :)

So I strongly recommend Brussels as one of the places to have serious fun. Never mind the Eurocrats and other men in suits. Appreciate the parks, delicious chocolate, funny comic strips and pubs and bars that never close...In varietate concordia!

PS. I've decided to add in the end of the each post a song/songs that I've been listening or heard in my mind while writing. So it's like a soundtrack :) I was listening Ayo's Joyful and especially a song called Life Is Real while writing this post. The previous post, Casual?, is associated with John Legend's Number One and Music with The Rakes' We Danced Together. Enjoy!

Casual?

2007-04-09T17:13:00.000+01:00

Lately I have been preoccupied with a concept of casual or serial dating and people who prefer to do that. We all know the type: having several dates at the same time, unwilling/unable to stick with just one at the time. I would like to say that it's just another British thing but unfortunately it seems to be more like a global trend that I have never really understood. How on earth you people manage to do that, and more importantly, why do you wanna in a first place?

I have never been able to be interested in more than one person at a time. Neither would I have the time or energy to do that. Well, that's if you wanna do something else as well like working, studying, going out with your friends and having a good time. But most importantly, I've never seen the point of doing it. It cannot be that you need to figure out your feelings towards certain person, cos I can't see how seeing other people would help you to see yourself and your emotions clearer. Okey, there might be one exception in this: the actual feelings might not hit you until you have seen him/her with someone else. But otherwise, is it really too much to ask that you give your attention to one person at a time?

Right, now some of you might be thinking about pulling out the seriousness card and ask that if it's nothing serious why shouldn't you fool around. Well, I think it has nothing to do with the seriousness or deepness of the relationship but everything to do with respecting that other person and giving him/her the time that it takes to get to know them and what is that you want from him/her. It might take two hours or two months but still. That cannot be too much to ask, right?

There is yet another thing I still haven't figured out. I just dunno whether it is just the way certain people are or is it the whole society as it is. What I mean is if the society and the whole concept of consuming everything is changing people's behaviour and dating habits and thus making them consume other people as well. For me people seems to reluctant to close any doors or miss any opportunities and they see other people as disposable as the shirt they just bought from Topshop.

So, to go back to what I asked earlier whether there really is a point in serial dating. In my opinion, if you wanna date more than one person at a time and therefore actively look for others to replace him/her that really means that you don't wanna be with that certain person in the first place. And thus I cannot find any reason to carry on seeing that person. Am I making any sense?

Music

2007-04-05T02:26:00.000+01:00

My dear friend Riikka inspired me to write something about my musical experiences while staying here in London. If you compare my gig experiences here to those I have had in Helsinki you will see that I have been much more active here than ever in Finland. I might have even developed a totally new me - back in Finland I would have never go to the gig on my own. Well, here I usually don't have a choice. If I want to see my favorite artists performing at one of the oh so many London's venues, I mostly have to do it alone. Cos the fact is that either any of my friends aren't interested or they have something else to do.

When it comes to live music and gigs, London is the paradise and the hell at the same time. Most of the performers around the world pop in here on their tour and there are so many active British acts appearing on stage as well. So much is going on all the time so if it wasn't for Time Out London I would be completely clueless. But as you might have guessed already, where there is supply, there is also demand. So, if you really wanna see something, you better have the tickets in your hands before anyone else have even heard about the band or their touring in London. Couple examples: Arcade Fire at Brixton Academy - four fucking gigs!!! (Do I really need to say anything more...Okey, I might have been in Ghana when the tix went on sale) and Arctic Monkeys - well, I always have such a great fun in Dublin, so why not travel there to see the Monkeys...

Okey, I know I can't go on blaming everyone else all the time and I must admit that sometimes it has been all my fault. Like that time I was on my way to Brixton to see Gotan Project and read from the paper on the tube that at that same moment Antony and the Johnsons were other side of the city performing in Barbican. Damn! And the fact that Gotan Project sucked on live doesn't make me any less resentful. And I just noticed that I'm going to miss Antony's gig in Helsinki, too. Well, maybe I'll caught them in Cork then. You never know...Right, one more before I'll finally move on those ones I've actually experienced. Beirut. At Koko, Camden. On June 26th. When I'll be far away from London. The weirdest band ever - they even play accordion! - but so worth seeing.

Very well, now moving on the part you all must have been waiting for: the gigs I've actually experienced. The very first band I ever saw in London was Blah Blah Blah at The Old Queen's Head on October 12th. You might wonder how on earth I ever pumped into this punk/nu-jazz/pop group of three Londoners. Well, that is a quite embarrassing story indeed. I might have mixed them up with Yeah Yeah Yeahs - but who can keep up with all these bands (I have pumped into yet another one lately: Die!Die!Die! What's up with that?!?) ...Anyway, the guys were great and I hope to caught them up again before my time in London is up:)

The next gig took place in November and that is the infamous Gotan Project which we already went through. So...next! And now we are in fact leaving the gorgeous capital behind and take a day trip to beautiful lady on the sea, Brighton - where I spent some of the weirdest four weeks in my teenage life, like all of you very well know. The band was Ojos De Brujo, one of Barcelona's finest and the venue Corn Exchange (Where do they get the names from? I might have to dedicate a whole post for the names of venues in Britain!). The gig was brilliant (you can read more about it from the post London By The Sea), except this tiny thing: teenagers. Whose idea was to let them in??? I'm sorry, if you dunno how to behave on a gig, stay home. Really! I'm not interested in your new jeans or boyfriend. I've come to listen the band. Do you even realise you're on a gig?!? (Oh, got a bit carried away there, sorry! I must be such a wanker on my mid-age;)

The gig after Ojos De Brujo must have been Badly Drawn Boy in mid February at Shepherd Bush Empire (here we go again...) with Miia. Yes, you understood correctly. For the first time in my gig history since the very first one I actually had a date and not just with anyone but with my dear dear friend from Finland. Oh, the sweetness of the feeling when you can truly share the experience with someone else. It always make the gig even more special. Like the one I enjoyed in The Boom Boom Room in Dublin with bands like White Magic, Goodtime John and Adrian Crowley (my fave) in the beginning of March. And that's exactly what I did also last Saturday. The Rakes at Brixton Academy with Suvi (thanks girl for inviting me:) and Sam, a semi-weird Chinese we met at the venue. Brilliant band and I so love the singer. What a dancer! But since when it has come acceptable to play only an hour including encore? That's hardly worth the money...

And that will bring us to the present day which has not been full of exciting gigs so we need to carry on to look into upcoming acts. Well, I have already mentioned my date with Arctic Monkeys at Malahide Castle, Dublin but in the near future I will most certainly enjoy Cat Power and Dirty Delta Blues on live at Forum. I have heard she has give up drinking and sought help for her depression so the gig should be enjoyable. So, really looking forward to that...

Airports

2007-03-13T01:17:00.001Z

Okey, I have lately received some complaints considering the pace I update this blog (well, can I just say ditto - it seems quite useless to keep updating when no one bother to make any comments!). So now I'm trying to put my act together and write something about travelling cos it has played a big part in my life recently. Since coming to London, I have spend 25 hours in the air, travelled 16 569 kilometre and visited seven different countries.

So, within past five months I have spent time in five different airports around Europe and West Africa. Most of those visits have been tolerable (like that hour I spent in half sleep at the airport of Helsinki while travelling back to London after Christmas) but there has been more painful ones as well. There is the time at Heathrow a week before Christmas with queues and delays and those three hours at Charles de Gaulle with a headache from hell (apparently there is no pharmacy on the boarding area) on my way to Cotonou. But nothing has been as rewarding as finally arriving to the tiny international airport of Cotonou after travelling almost 18 hours, getting myself & my back bag (though lacking some underwear and bikini;) through passport check and customs and finding Riikka waiting for me in that dark, moist African night.

There is something special about airports. I just love the buzzing atmosphere and all those people: passengers from all over the world on their way to exotic destinations like Falkland Islands, Fiji or Finland and hundreds (or thousands, if you consider three major airports of London: nearly 35 000 people are working at Heathrow, Stansted and Gatwick making them the biggest employers of the area) of staff members running around doing their thing. I always have that funny feeling in my stomach before starting the journey: can barely sleep the night before and all those expectations and hopes fill up my mind.

Though airport mainly arouse those positive and excited feelings in me, it is also tied up with certain amount of sadness. Going to airport to catch the flight always means leaving something or someone behind and sometimes it really is difficult to walk to that plane...Well, at least we are living the time of modern technology and in most cases it is possible for us to talked with our loved ones even daily if desired (especially if certain persons would manage to set up their Skype;). Cannot even imagine what it must have been like in the old days.

Even though I enjoy travelling a great deal, coming back home is every time an ecstatic moment. Mainly cos there inevitably is those crucial moments in nearly every journey when you just hope you could go home crawl into your own bed (I think that defining moment during my journey in West Africa was the time I got 24 hour stomach flu during the power cut which in our case meant no water or flushing the toilet). And it is always great feeling to finally get rid of those dirty clothes and wear something you haven't been force to wear several days in a row. That is, if you managed to get all your luggages with you at home. It is something like a mystery how they can lose your bags in certain airports EVERY time you travel through them...

Top Ten

2007-02-25T22:12:00.000Z

Ok, seems like Top Tens are going to be spring's number one trend (oh, and you heard it here first!)...So here we go: Top Ten of Finnish things I miss most.

1. Friends and family - okey, so YOU all are number one. Yes, You, You and even You! Though I have to admit it, there was a tough competition between you and chocolate ;)
2. Chocolate - everything made by Fazer: Pätkis, Geisha, Da Capo, Jim, Marianne, milk chocolate with or without whole hazelnuts...You name it, I crave it!
3. Cheese - I know most of the people would not consider Finland as top ten material for the best cheese producers in the world but maybe five months in England (where a cheese is not a cheese if not made of 40 % of fat and flat taste, yak) is enough to change your mind. It surely was enough for me.
4. Helsingin Sanomat - oh, all those lazy mornings with my daily, home delivered paper...And don't tell me I can read it from the Internet. It is not the same thing!
5. Bicycle - I still grieve for my tiny orange bike but I am willing to replace it with brand new (ok, old and borrowed - thanks Reetta:) yellow one. And yes, you can cycle in London too. If you are willing to say goodbye to your nerves...and occasionally your life.
6. Four seasons - there, I said it. I know I have hyped the warm weather a LOT and it is still great. But dunno whether that is just the novelty or would I still appreciate it after several years...
7. Sea - Thames is nothing compared to Baltic Sea. It makes most of the winter days in Helsinki terrible (except those times when you can go skating on natural ice) but it is such a treat on those light midsummer nights when the water is warmer than air.
8. Cafés - Helsinki might not be the place to go for genuine European café experience but at least you don't have to settle for yet another Starbuck's.
9. My room - all that space with high ceiling and boarded floor...I really don't understand what is going on with Englishmen and their carpet ::)
10. Food of Unicafé - it is just so easy to walk in there, have a proper lunch and then leave. It is not the quality, it is the quantity (or something...).

The Thing Called Snow

2007-02-08T11:38:00.000Z

The snow has come to town. When I woke up this morning we had five centimetre of pure white snow in our yard. It's strange how it changes everything: buildings, people and feelings. I actually woke up in the middle of the night to found two girls in our courtyard. In their pyjamas taking pictures of them and snow. As excited as small children. How cute is that :)

The whole city seems to quiet down. And the same time everything carries on as normal. I can still hear the cars passing by and the train arriving to Kings Cross but the noises aren't that disturbing. Every time somebody enters the courtyard I can hear them sigh quietly...But unfortunately the snow is not here to stay. It has already turned into wet slush (in Finnish loska) and soon it will be just a memory.

The snow has quiet me down too. Or perhaps that's the flu. I feel like a bear before winter: I want to crawl into my nest to rest and wake up when the spring has arrived. And basically that's what I'm doing. Hiding under my blanket all day long, sleeping. Waiting for snow to melt and spring to arrive.

Arcade Fire!

2007-02-07T22:17:00.000Z

Okey, just a quick one...I'm so excited that I might explode. You NEED to check out Arcade Fire's homepage (you need to click the title). It's fantastic! And the band is fantastic too. And so is the new album, Neon Bible, as well. Can't believe I'll miss the show. Four gigs in London and I couldn't get one lousy ticket :( They are even playing in Manchester and Dublin but apparently those are sold out too. Or like it is put on the Ticketmaster site: Currently Not on Sale. What a polite way to put it!

Well anyway, enjoy the site and the albums. Still think Funeral is the best one (Crown of Love makes me shiver every time I hear it) but that might change...

England

2007-02-01T16:19:00.000Z

Okey, cos it looks like I'm uncapable writing about Africa, I'm going to write about all those wonderful (and by this I mean weird) things in this country called England I'm living. And for all those people who wants to hear the Africa stories, you just have to come here. Apparently there no other option...

So here is my Top Ten:

1. Girls who seem to left their trousers home or wear strappy sandals, flipflops or pumps/ guys in their shorts and t-shirts - it's fricken winter out there! You're not in Bahamas, heaven's sake!
2. Extra salt, sugar and other stuff like that in the food - no wonder you're the fattest nation in Europe!
3. To balance number two, healthy nutrition info on every product you buy and especially "suitable portion" part - well, I'll eat them anyway...
4. Advertising, especially in movies and I mean serious ads: 20 minutes is a short time for those before the movie - now you might wonder, why I don't choose to go a little bit later. Well, the thing is they don't have fixed seating. So the later you come, the worse the seats are.
5. People who whistle, hum or sing on the streets - and I don't mean just drunkards. But this is not a negative thing, just a bit weird.
6. Unpolite people, you know the ones who doesn't hold the door for you, take the whole road while walking, or worse, the ones who doesn't answer your sms, phone calls or e-mails - And I thought the Englishmen are the most polite people in the world...Well, that might have something to do with multicultural London, right?
7. Vinegar with whatever - Yes, I know it's weird but I love it with chips!
8. Politicians with strong opinions - I think it was just last Monday when Conservative leader David Cameron compared fundamental Islamist movements to British National Party well-known for its connections to neo-Nazism. When was the last time any Finnish politician make that kind of comment on any thing? Especially now before the election.
9. The weather - I've said this several times before but I'm saying it again: the weather in England is the weirdest one ever. For example, now we have +13 degrees and it's the first of February...
10. Gossip - We have some tabloids in Finland too (if you can call 7 paivaa that) but now we're talking about the country where Madonna's adoption was on the front page of the Sunday Times. Weird, eh?

Bubbling under: Marmite (what the heck is that stuff?), multipacked chocolate bars (look number two), Strongbow (Hobo drink?)...

Well, now I've got that out of my system, I have to confess: I love London anyway. So coming up next week: Top 100 why I love London...

Africa

2007-01-23T21:50:00.000Z

Well, I know this blog is supposed to be about my time in London, but since I haven't spent that much time here within last five weeks I am forced to write about my trip to West Africa. Or actually about the feelings I have been having after returning. So try to bear with me. I am sure there is going to be plenty of London stories after I am back on track again ;)

Like most of you already know I spent three weeks in Benin, Togo and Ghana. I had a most amazing time (thanks Riikka and everybody else in Grand-Popo for having me!) visiting interesting places and meeting wonderful people. Just came back yesterday morning and I have been having serious problems trying to adjust to normal life. I have spent last two days just wandering around unable to do anything useful.

I have never felt like this before after travelling. Everything, my time away and also my life here, feels so unreal, like a dream. It is difficult to get a grip on life here or even try to write about the trip. And I don't even know what has caused this feeling. It has nothing to do with the usual post-holiday syndrome when you don't want to return back to your boring everyday life. I am more than happy to be back in London (I love the city and all my friends here) but for some reason it feels really unrealistic to be back in town.

During my stay I questioned several times my and also other foreigners' motives and reasons to be there as well as locals' desire to get to know me and if I think about West Africa it doesn't feel realistic to be there either. So I am stuck somewhere between the two places and somehow I need to get out of there. The sooner, the better...

London by the Sea

2006-12-12T16:30:00.000Z

Ok, a lot has been going on since I last wrote here. In the beginning of December I put my act on as an independent woman and travelled to Brighton alone for a day. Brighton is a beautiful seaside resort just 50 minutes away from Victoria station (if you take a fast train). Unfortunately the rail connection between Three Bridges and Brighton was under construction that weekend so it took me almost two hours to get there. Well, at least it was cheap (cheap Day Return was just 9 pounds) and the views were amazing :)

I was quite excited to return to the city where I spent four weeks as a teenager practising the language. I had some faint memories of the city but I seemed to forget how great it is (or maybe I just appreciate it more now after almost ten years). It's quite hilly and all the hills are covered with small houses. As we entered the city, our bus started climbing up the hill where the railway station stands. There I had my first feeling of familiar. I remembered arriving the station early in the morning eager to take the train to London. Only this time I was doing the quite opposite.

From the station I took direction to the Lanes. These tiny streets are the heart and soul of Brighton. You can find everything you need from there whether that's a lunch or vintage leather jacket. So I wasn't surprised to find it buzzing with people on Saturday afternoon. After wandering around it was time to move on and try to find the box office. I was there for the gig after all. On my way to the box office I passed the park behind the Royal Pavilion (pleasure palace of the lusty Prince Regent who later became King George IV) and suddenly this strong memory of me and my friends hiding behind the bushes drinking a cheap wine we'd got from M&S hit me. I started smiling like a maniac and I'm pretty sure couple of people gave me the weird look.

From the Pavilion I walked to the Palace Pier to see the amusement park and the seafront. It was so beautiful with all the lights but that bloody sea breeze almost froze my ass. But it was nice just browse around the pier and marvel at people there although I couln't stay long because of the chilliness that would overshadow refreshing sea air of Helsinki any time. It was time for a dinner in a small Thai place.

An hour and a half later I decided to hit the concert venue. When I arrived the scene there was already a queue in front of it. So I joined in and eventually had a really nice conversation with this Londoner couple. But when we finally reached the doors I found out that the gig I was going to see wouldn't start for another half an hour. So I took a little walk and returned a half an hour later. Well, let me just say, the gig was definitely worth waiting for. Ojos De Brujo played the full two hours' show with flamenco dancer and everything :D

After the gig it was time to take the bus and train combination back to London. The train arrived to Victoria Station around one and I still needed to take the bus back to our place. It took ages to travel through partying city but while I sat there watching the crazy British people wearing nothing at all I couldn't help feeling like home again.

Fox Hunting

2006-11-23T18:41:00.000Z

Fox hunting is often thought of as "a primarily British activity in which trained dogs pursue Red Foxes, followed by human hunters who are usually on horses but sometimes on foot". That's how our beloved Internet encyclopedia Wikipedia describes this traditional equestrian activity which divides opinions around the world.

That was also my vision of the matter until last Monday when I witnessed this weird performance (check some photos from http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=minkki&s=rec) on our courtyard. That afternoon special included two older men (with beer guts), lots of different equipments (mostly nets) and about a half of the recidence's staff. Oh, and of course two red foxes. Apparently these two wild creatures had decided to abandon their former recidence (the bushes on the other side of the street) and move to our garden.

As you can guess, that wasn't tolerated by management and so The Great Fox Hunt began. Around midday on Monday our quad was all about the action. The crowd included these two aforesaid gentlemen, our housing manager, one of the cleaners and also our security guard. They were armed with different kind of nets and tools, and even rake played a part of this classic fight against the nature. The tactics was simply: all of them were running around the yard with their equipments trying to catch the fox. Well, quite obvious, the result wasn't the one hoped for: men got tired and the foxes ran free.

After several long shots they finally managed to caught the bigger one of them. Then they decided to take a break and smoke some cigarettes (which are very helpful especially when you are out of breath). Within 20 minutes it all started again with one exception: there was only one fox to catch this time. Well, the things carried on as usual: several men and a fox all over the place. Eventually after many frustrating moments the last fox standing was caught as well and The Great Hunt was over.

According to that security guard the foxes are city foxes living in the bushes across the street. After catching they were taken to the vet for a check and then released. So the result of The Great Hunt is this: the foxes are back in our hoods and now we can just hope they don't decide to squad our yard again.

Hopeless and Lazy?

2006-11-10T12:15:00.000Z

I haven't felt this excluded in my life. There's this barrier and it seems I can't cross it. I have all these English speakers around me and at some point I'm lacking the ability to connect with them. That ability is my first language. I don't speak English as my mother tongue. It means it's difficult for me to hear you at the noisy pub or understand all these nuances you have in this art you call English. It means it takes me twice as much time and effort to read the same amount of text and also some expressions might be unknown for me.

Everybody and especially all the English speakers know very well how damn proud French are what it comes to their language. And if you compare it to English you might think that they don't even have reason to feel that way. French is spoken by approximately 150 million people as a mother tongue or at least fluently. English is the most widely taught and understood language in the world with 354 million people as native speakers. Frenchmen are often considered arrogant and pompous but sometimes I've got this feeling that English speakers ain't that different. They might not be as self-important but surely at times they take people's proficiency for granted.

And I know it's not even that hard for me. My level of English is quite good so I can't even imagine how it's with all these people who barely understand the word you say. And they have to manage out there in the real world (I wouldn't call my reality the one the most of the immigrants and refugees have to deal with every day in London). I don't have to work my ass off with two or more jobs, live somewhere outside sixth zone and try to carry on normal life while living in totally different culture, society and weather separated from all the loved ones.

London is a cruel city if you can't carry on certain style of living. You'll have to have certain dialect and profession or work, live in the certain part of the city (most likely inside the first or at least second zone) and most of all you'll have to have enough MONEY to accomplish all that because most of the things in London aren't free. But still somehow London manages to seduce you, and then, when you least expect it, it breaks your heart. And even though in that particular moment you swear you're SO over with it, eventually you will come back for more.

I'm in Love!

2006-10-24T09:58:00.000+01:00

Oh, last days have been so great. I have this new love in my live :) He's white (well, colour doesn't really matter), soooo cute and much more clever than I ever going to be. We have been having the most amazing time and I can't wait how it's going to turn out in near future. We have know each other just for couple days but it feels like he's been always there for me. I know that must be the world's biggest cliché but that's how it is.

I never thought I could get love home delivered but believe it or not that's how it happened. He arrived last Friday morning. It had been raining all morning but the minute he walked in King's Cross station the world just lighted up. At first I was a bit worried how my friends are going to react. After all, my choice is not the most common one. But everybody have been so supportive and encouraging. Especially after they have seen how happy he makes me feel. He is just an amazing creature.

But the best part is that now the waiting is over and I don't have to be alone anymore. His appearence has make just a difference in my life. I don't understand how I have managed all these weeks without him. Life without him seems so impossible now that he's here. He's everything I've ever dreamt of and much more. Actually he goes beyound my wildest dreams in every matter;D

Oh, and just in case you're wondering, the love of my life is called Mac.

The Wonderful World of Banking

2006-10-09T12:47:00.000+01:00

I just came from the bank. Finally I have a British bank account and cash card should arrive on Friday. Yee haw! Or at least you would think so. When I arrived to the Barclays this morning I found out that my account is going be the most basic one. That means I can only withdraw cash from ATM. International money transfers aren't possible and in order to put money on that account you have to pop into a bank and have cash with you. How lovely is that!

Okey, now you must be wondering why an earth I didn't get a different kind of account. Well, I would have done that if only I had 2000 £ to keep on that account. And quite obviously I don't. I need all the money I can get to survive in this ridiculous expensive country (ok, it's not that expensive if you just stick with the basic stuff like eating and drinking at home:). With that account you could get access to those regular things like international transactions, internet banking and local debit card but cos I don't have that money I won't be able to do that.

So, now on I have to transfer money from my Finnish account to my friend's account. Then withdraw some cash and walk into the bank in order to put that money on my cash card account. After that I'm able to get some Sterlings from local ATM. Don't you just love Britist banking system ;D

Gyms and exercise

2006-10-04T15:51:00.000+01:00

First some good news: my lectures have finally started! And i'm not that frustrated any more :) Had my first Hausa lesson yesterday and it was fun even though it was at 6pm (what a brutal time to learn new language). The course is called Hausar Baka, Spoken Hausa and it includes lots of audio clips which you can listen at home (or even download to your iPod if you've got one). University of Helsinki has lot to learn from Soas (ok, Soas is getting the stuff from UCLA...).

Today I had my first real lecture, Government and politics in Africa by Professor Stephen Chan. I just love him! He speaks in low pace so even I have enough time to write notes. And the course is so exciting. I'm really looking forward it (though I'm not so keen on those presentations we'll have to give at some point). I'm going to have more lectures tomorrow and on Friday so I'll get back to you with those later.

Ok, now back to whining. Everybody knows London is an expensive city but still I have to complain about the prices of gyms. It seems that regular student price for gym is 25-30£ (that's 37-45 euros). Living here for nine months means that I would be paying around 270£ for just to stay fit! Well, at least that's nothing if you compare to regular Londoner. Yesterday's paper had this piece of news that average Londoner spends 2000£ for health every year. Can you imagine!

So, I think I'm going to continue my walks around the neighbourhood (walk yesterday to St. Paul's Cathedral->Waterloo Bridge->Covent Garden->Russell Sq.) and hopefully find some cheap African dance through Soas Student Union :)

Investment bankers

2006-10-01T18:15:00.000+01:00

I have recently pumped into this extra-ordinary group of people, investment bankers. Their lifestyle couldn't be more different of mine: working long hours, earning huge amounts of money and spending it hell for leather. But I don't mind. Have been having couple wild nights with them.

Latest one was on last Friday when some friends of mine and I went to this Student Union's Freshers' Event. This event was held at this regular bar/club near Oxford Street and we just expected regular night with bunch of students and some drinks. At the bar we wandered around a bit and then settled in downstairs near the bar.

We had been sitting there in this booth for a while when suddenly out of nowhere our table was full with shots. Then these two guys in suites appeared with a bottle of white wine. They introduced themselves and wanted to play drinking games with us (how obvious!). Well, the result was quite clear: we all got blasted! I personally blame the champagne that came after the shots and wine ;D

It's unbelievable how much money people can throw in just to get some girls drunk (and then make out with them). But anyway, the night was success: we ended up having great time with those guys and got totally wasted for free (it's not that I would rate the night according to the level of drunkenness...) :D

Paul Robeson House

2006-09-30T23:14:00.000+01:00

It's been a week since I moved into this hall of residence and it's just great here. I've met so many new people from all over the world. I live in this flat of four persons with Canadian Laura (I'm actually now in her room using her computer:), American Carrie and Norwegian Haavard. Rooms are quite nice (especially after spending large amount of money at Ikea) and it's so nice to have your own bathroom. The security of the hall is quite strict: you need a swiper card to get through gates and some doors and every visitor have to be signed in regardless of the duration of their visit. Don't know whether that should make me feel safe...

The hall is nicely situated next to King's Cross station and it only takes 15-20 minutes to walk to the main campus of the university and another campus is even nearer, you just have to walk down the street and there's Vernon Square. Islington is really nice area and all the essential stores are nearby next to Angel tube station. The only weak point I can come up to is the traffic. It's not as much bothering me as it is Laura and Carrie who have their rooms on the street side. My window is facing this quiet courtyard so that's just fine.

So, what it comes to living conditions I can't complain. Even the window is replaced with one with double glasses so I think the room temperature during winter is going to be ok. At least now it's been really pleasent and so have been the weather too. Have been wearing flip-flops every day but unfortunately that's going to change any day now.

Being an Erasmus Student Sucks!

2006-09-29T17:03:00.000+01:00

I finally got through enrolment today which means I have access to the university's computers. Yee haw! Now I can try to update my blog more frequently...

I had my enrolment today. Really exciting...Got through some paperwork and now I finally have my library card (which unfortunately won't qualify as student ID card - they have some tecnical problems) and NUS (National Union of Students - that gives me student's discount) card. What I don't have is a personal tutor, anyone who would give a damn what I'm doing here. I've waited this enrolment for whole week and it turned out to be something quite unuseful (ecxept on what comes to those cards...). I still can't see any course descriptions or syllabes. Next week when lectures start I just have to go there without any information.

Went to see this Senior Lecturer of African Politics today about my course selection and he made me feel like second-class student cos I'm here only for couple courses. He wouldn't care less who am I, what I'm doing and which courses I should take. Well, thanks for nothing!

London

2006-09-24T11:18:00.000+01:00

I think I've already fall for London. Even though the weather could have been better on Friday - I end up soaked on my way to the Satu's place...Been here just couple days but seen already Mayfair, Chealsea and Soho. I even had my first hangover ;) Not a nice experience especially when I had to go to the university for the orientation.

Orientation was nice. I met people from all over the world. And the atmosphere was great: everybody are in the same situation and want to meet new people. Most of the students I met yesterday live in that same dorm with me. Haven't seen the place yet but I was told it's ok. Will see. Going there today...

Now I have been staying with Satu (Saana's sister) at Caledonian Street (that's north from King's Cross). It's nicely situated - it took me 15 minutes to walk to the university. It have been so nice to stay with someone you know instead of going to some anonymous hostel. I've seen so much more with her and Björgen than would have on my own :)

Next week the orientation is going to continue. For me that means lots of free time to do stuff like shopping (eg. household goods), opening a bank account and just wandering around and getting used to London. Then on 2nd of October lectures start and real life begins.

Leaving

2006-09-19T13:40:00.000+01:00

Oh, now it's really hitting me: I'm leaving! Within few days. Been running around like crazy meeting people and organizing stuff. And unfortunately I still have plenty to do. Most of those are nice things but I have to admit it: I've been a bit stressed out lately.

Maybe stress is something essential when it comes to going away. It distract you so you won't think of inevitable. Or at least it's working like that for me. I have some troubles of finding words not to mention doing things properly. Yesterday I was upset with a friend of mine who didn't answer my sms (it was urgent). Then late in the evening I finally remembered I haven't even send the message for her. Well, thank God I didn't express my anger to her.

I know I should relax a bit but I don't know whether that's possible. Like I said, still got lots to do. And my dad ain't helping at all. He promised to pick me up on Thursday evening and then drop me to the airport on the next morning. Yesterday he called me telling he's going to Tallinn on Thursday morning (a sudden urgent to go there - my mum is going on holiday with a friend of hers on Saturday ;) and he's going to pick up my stuff allready on Wednesday evening. Don't think I can managed that :(

Well, I better stop whining and start running around again...

The Weather

2006-09-12T13:18:00.000+01:00

Considering the latest events here in Helsinki (the Asem meeting and especially demonstrations) the topic of my first post is quite lame and ordinary, the weather.

Weather here in Helsinki has been incrediable pleasent during the summer months and looks like it's going to continue that way. Sun is shining, air is clear (something you appreciate even more after those Russian forest fires) and there's yellow leaves flying around. It's the perfect weather for starting a new semester in university.

For me new semester means new university, new city and above all new weather. Or should I say the weather. The British weather is something else. It's diverse, unpredictable and most importantly constant subject of discussions all over the country. At least if you take Kate Fox's word for it. Her book Watching the English is quite entertaining antropological research on the English behaviour and the first chapter is naturally dedicated to the rules of weather discussions. According to the book the biggest mistake you can make is to disagree with someone when he/she is trying to discuss with you about the weather. That'll finish the conversation before it even got started. Another problem which is most likely to arise is the possibility of having all the worst weather phenomena at once. Fox says it's all over when it's rainy, windy and freezing outside. It won't get worse than that so there's no point for comments like "Well, it's bit windy but at least it's not raining".

Well, as you can see in order to move in London I don't have high expections about the weather. But no worries. I've got my rubber boots waiting for me there and I'm repairing the buttons of my rain coat. Cos most likely it's going to be rainy, damp and gray. Now I can just hope London proves me wrong.