Visited My Hometown Last Week With A Friend And A Camera. Caught The Light Of The Evening, Sunset And

A month ago did a day trip to Berlengas Islands, 10-15km off Portuguese Coast and the city of Peniche (90km from Lisboa). Only one of them big enough to have a harbor is habitable. The paradise for sun bathing, scuba diving, seagulls.. There were tourists but it wasn’t covered with them which was super nice. The island has a hostel in the old fort but not so many proper restaurants. A small boat trip about the caves was super interesting. Such a paradise!  Took like 1000 photos in one day, here comes the first part

Tampere part 2.

It's not good-bye..

So I left Finland a week ago. (sorry about the delay btw.) And to be honest I thought that the leaving part would all be a routine thing by now since this is my third time I’m leaving for abroad to do more than just a holiday trip. I thought wrong. Yeah everybody cried and I cried – mainly because you lot did! But not for a moment I did regret of going.

I’ve never seen my parents so sad and worried though. And I did feel especially sad about leaving them behind.

In the middle of all the packing and leaving I was extremely grateful for the friends and family I have, who support me with this emotionally and financially.. after all. They may not understand why but they’re still standing by my side when I decide to do these grazy things of mine.

(Iceland)

About the trip itself. I guess everyone’s heard a bit of a bump on the road I had in Boston.

First of all I missed my connection flight to Toronto cause it took me forever to get through the customs (not with the actual authority thing but the standing in the lines thing) and I had only two hours for changing the terminal and the flight. And then I lost my other suitcase which I’m really sad about cause it had all my normal, everyday clothes. You cannot believe how difficult it is to force yourself to shopping!

And my Finnish flag was there! My Laura Pausini t-shirts were there! So much stuff I would have needed now. And also the bag itself! It was so good, ”Eastpak” it was and it was so practical, lighter and everything. And besides the the wheels in my pink luggage stopped working and…I do have to admit that at one point, I did think that I must be a madwoman for doing this Canada project of mine. But oh well, shit happens.. next time I definetely know better!!  This is all part of the fun eh?

(My grey and lost luggage and with that also my carrot body cream, my canadian guides and my last supper at work - french fries and goat cheese with devil's jam) 

Everything else went just fine no problems whatsoever, all the security thingies, dealing with the immigration office in Canada. And financially I didn’t loose a penny with all of this mess, the airline(s) paid the accommodation at the Hilton Hotel in Boston (I only slept there three hours but gotta brag right) and the new flight to Toronto. And everybody in Boston and in Toronto were really helpful and friendly all the time so can’t complain about that.  At least I’m safe and sound in Canada :) 

(The first time I saw Canada!) 

UMK 2024 Song Review - Vox Poppuli

The hype is very real around Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu (UMK), the Finnish national selection for Eurovision and the race to Malmö ends with another rap entry!

Mikael Gabriel x Nublu - Vox Poppuli

Mikael Gabriel is one of the best known Finnish artists who started his career back in 2007 and has since released 7 studio albums and multiple smash hits. He's had more number #1s than one can count!

A big name UMK audience has been requesting to participate to the contest for years.

His mother is estonian which might explain why he is collaborating now with Nublu, highly succesful rap artist in Estonia. This is surely one of the most interesting UMK entries this year.

Vox Poppuli means in Latin the voice of the people. The song begins with eurodance entry but moves quickly to the 90's / 2000's rock-pop sound that will continue throughout the song. This reminds me of Blink 182 or similar rock band. There's a young energy here despite of its nostalgic sound for older generation.

As a rap song and as a non-rap music fan - this might be the least irritating of the rap songs in UMK24 - also even though musically this seems to be a bit tedious, one note kind of thing, I think this is delivering the crazy fun act better than Windows95man which had kind of similar idea with his performance. I like the choir a lot! Also points for Nublu's rap part in Estonian and not in English.

This has already become somewhat a domestic hit gathering views on Youtube and streams on Spotify. This is easy to listen even though not your cup of tea, it's radio friendly with a catchy memorable chorus and therefore a potential UMK winner. Also MG enjoys a loyal and young fandom so it is expected them to pick up their phones and vote on Saturday night.

Video clip keeps you hooked and we can expect a crazy staging at Nokia Arena at Tampere!

What do you think of the seventh UMK24 track and would you vote for Mikael Gabriel x Nublu to go all the way to Malmö? UMK final takes place on February 10th!

A smile, in return to a smile

So I’ve been here for almost three weeks now. There’s been quite a range of different kind of emotions you go through when you move abroad. There’s been times when I’ve seriously doubted myself and all of this me being here- thing but after all, at the end of the day I do enjoy it all and I’m so glad I came. The stories I hear from other newcomers who’ve lived here now for months or even for years inspire me. Also the little moments of success of my own; when I get by in a café, groceries' or in a bank in French, encourage me. 

The passed few weeks I’ve just been on holiday really. Mainly also because of the weather which has been very hot and sunny. Rainy days basically zero so far. I've just been learning my way around here, what’s the closest grocery store or the best coffee or whatever. Preparing some practical things as well like getting a bank account and canadian number. But in this week I’m gonna start going to the gym again and most of all, looking for the job.  Let’s see how that’s gonna turn out..

So far no homesickness. Or I do miss certain things which I can’t find in here. I don’t know how sad/terribul/weird it is that those things are all food related :D I would sell my soul for Devil’s Jam right now or for the large finnish section of ice creams in the groceries back home. I’m really starting to realize that Finns might actually be the biggest consumers of ice cream in the world. Though I have to admit that Canadians have bigger ice cream jars (2L). Surprisingly the strawberry has become my favourite!

I do miss knowing everything. Where to get different stuff from or how to do things. Now I have to ask for help or just do things over and over again untill I get them right, find what I was looking for. But now I’m starting to get a hang of things here. Having an Internet connection helps tremendously to stay in touch with friends and family back home, sometimes I feel like I never left – I seriously don’t know how people coped before!

(Olympic Stadium, Montréal - notice the Finnish flag there up front!)

I’ve done a bit travelling as well. My first and one of the many trips here in Canada was to the capital itself, Ottawa. Bilingual, quite small, only 800 000 people living there but so british and clean! Huge amount of museums which I managed to visit only in one, Canadian museum of civilization. Btw loved the river being the border of two provinces, Ontario and Québec.  

(Where you can cross borders by crossing the bridge in Ottawa)

I do love this neighbourhood I’m living in. I’m so grateful that I found a room in this particular area. It’s full of restaurants, cafés, shops, parcs nearby, everything you need really. Small town of its own. Lots of immigrants here, you can hear so many languages.. The closest metro station is at 15min walking distance and there are plenty of bus connections as well. Even during the night. The best bagels in the city are just around the corner.

Financially cannot do much saving here. Apart from the rent of my room. Living is more expensive than in Spain for sure but not more than in Finland. There are positive surprises though, meat is cheaper here clearly. And I love the selection of cheeses, thanks to the French cuisine. I’m loving how local based most of the products are here.

What I love the most about living in this city is that there is always something happening, somewhere.The same diversity can be seen in the city itself and the people who live here. I’d like to triple myself to be able to attend to all the events, activities I’d like to see. The most happening day of the week seems to be Sunday. Tam Tam's, Piknic Elektronik, Pride etc.. 

There’s always a party going on in some part of the city. Every new day is a mystery. You don’t know what you’re gonna do and who you’re gonna meet. I've met some Québecois, some Canadians and some international people like myself. Some might stay in my life a bit for longer and others maybe not but I still enjoyed the time when their paths crossed mine. This is the best of travelling! 

(Piknic Elektronik, Sunday afternoon: waaay much better than any friday night out!) 

Sintra - first impressions

A small town at the edge of Lisbon metropolitan area that has a story to tell. The royals’ favorite the Portuguese and foreign ones, inspiration for artists and number one destination today’s travelers in Portugal. Sintra holds the country’s most iconic castles that will stand out from the rest of the world’s royal palaces.

Castelo dos Mouros and Sintra 

It was thanks to the royal family of Portugal who’d been chanted by Sintra mountains, fountains and the ocean around them for thousands of years. Many of the palaces served as ”holiday cottages” for several royal families during centuries. The most recognizable ones stand on top of the mountains,” of the moons” they used to call them in the ancient times and worth of every step you take uphill. The Palació de Pena used to be a monastery dating from Middle Ages and is today one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal and UNESCO World Heritage Site. The transformation from a monastery into this colorful candy palace took place in 19th century by Prince Ferdinand. The castle has been forgotten and abandoned in between the centuries as impossible as it sounds. How can someone forget something so colorful, stands on top of the mountain and can be seen as far from Lisbon in a clear weather! The last Queen of Portugal spent her last night in the country in this very palace. Since Portugal turned into a republic the castle has been serving the public as a museum. Architecturally the palace has wide range of styles in it and can be divided into four sections which all enlighten its historical past.

Palació de Pena

Castle of Moors which no one quite knows where it started. Dating somewhat from the 8th and 9th centuries from the Muslim era, it is part of Sintra national landscape and UNESCO World Heritage Site. The original idea of it was to protect the capital as the country. It holds the best views I’ve seen in Portugal so far. Some people don’t appreciate it cause it’s just ”the walls” but it’s great to take steps somewhere as this historical and pass all the flags of Portugal that have represented the nation during 900 years.

There are bus connections up there you know. Or you can take a taxi or tuktuk of course. Or do it like I do walk all the way up and down and die pretty much after the 5 hour adventure. Or I might have been just out of shape since we’re not exactly talking about Mont Blanc or Everest here just a few hundreds of meters going uphill. If you happen to be in Lisbon in the summer don’t miss the chance to visit Sintra. But if you can, wait since you’ll be making the experience so much more pleasant with less tourists during the winter season.

Some of my favourite houses found on my way up to the mountain

The reputation as a fairytale is highlighted by the forests and gardens around these two castles. Take an hour or two while getting lost in them. They also offer a cool shade during a hot day. Sintra holds more castles also but I haven’t visited them yet so don’t bother to write about something I haven’t experienced myself. Sintra’s small town is also an UNESCO World Heritage Site but didn’t think much of it. Except that it’s super small. Along the streets and in the parks folks sell all sorts local products. Some would say they’re touristic junk but I definitely refer them as worth stopping for!

In case you’re not into the enchanted castles you can always hop on the bus to the most Western point of Europe Capo da Roca. The bus ride for an 1 hour was quite nice driving along the small Portuguese roads through small villages. The actual spot which stands as the westernmost point is quite small but there seems be to a lovely looking natural park surrounding it. Didn’t fancy much of a taking a stroll on a super windy winter day so that’s yet to be discovered. But for someone who comes from a country with lakes and as flat as Finland – the rocks and that gigantic ocean was a powerful view. Knowing that the next spot of dry land is thousands of miles away. It was a place to be experienced with all senses: feel the strong wind coming from the ocean, hear the powerful noise of the waives rushing to hit the rocks and see all of that with your own eyes.

Random Helsinki.

Eurovision 2017 favourites vol. 2

14. FINLAND

Take a look for the live version cause it’s better than the studio one. It wasn’t my personal choice but since it received most of the points I can admit my defeat. It’s scandinavic, dark, beautiful, poetic, controlled but still emotional performed by two artists that have a true vision. I just love the piano! The live version completes what you hear. Among all these power ballads this simplicity could actually stand out! I hope it reaches its audience. 

15. ESTONIA

Wasn’t so sure of this when it qualified but it does get better the more you listen to it. Well produced mid-tempo ballad with a catchy beat and sound. One of the best ones this year. Also the duet version goes well with the story. The staging should be good too! 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4vq3GFVeVE8&list=PLsTa5HSM8gbFNBl2v0F2t0DmeCCdObZJt&index=15

16. MOLDOVA

I understand why someone wouldn’t like this but it’s just because I do! This is the clown of the show but in a good way! So entertaining! I find them funny, uplifting and corny but they stand out with their fresh performance which is rich in sounds. Looking forward to live show in Ukraine!

17. AZERBAIJAN

This one’s even scary and haunting. Dark pop at its best with nice modern sound. I especially like the contrast between the sound and angelic vocals.

18. UK

I didn’t like this when I saw the winning live performance but I think it’s improved. Great singer! Something’s still off and I find the studio version still better than in live. There’s obviously power and emotion in here but still can’t help the feeling that something’s missing. It’s a good song but I doubt it will stand out. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ac5xNUfzCY4&list=PLsTa5HSM8gbFNBl2v0F2t0DmeCCdObZJt&index=18

19. ICELAND

You either like this or then you don’t. It’s a bit weird, even cold but I think that’s part of the charm. Interesting and organic electro pop sound but will it be enough? I believe it gets better the more you listen but then in Eurovision it’s a bit risky cause many hear these songs only once or twice. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sFyl7h4_H1k&index=19&list=PLsTa5HSM8gbFNBl2v0F2t0DmeCCdObZJt

20. CYPRUS

Heavy sound and deep electronic beats. Great mysterious opening! Dramatic but still catchy. Similar to Azerbaijan but it can stand out.I hope he does well!

21. ITALY

My ultimate favourite this year and I truly hope we’re gonna have the competition in Italy next year! This is pure joy from the begining ‘till the end. I find it very stereotypical but still oh loveable! Francesco is so charming and real and the song with its happy, up-beat tune stands out. Not forgetting the gorilla, what a charismatic pair! 

ESC19 songs that I LOVE but probably WON'T DO WELL

As the rehearsals keep mixing my lists here are some of my loves during Eurovision 2019 which I’m afraid that I’ll stand alone for. (random order) 

ISRAEL / Kobi Marimi / Home

Even though automatic qualifier as the host country I haven't seen much hype around this. However for me this is the best ballad of the season and Kobi singing just moves me (to tears!).

GERMANY / S!sters / Sister

There's a lot negativity around this one apparently due to the national selection but since I didn't follow that.. I'm kind of liking this. Not the best but definitely one of the biggest growers of the season.

FINLAND / Darude feat. Sebastian Rejman / Look away

My country with unfortunate and unlucky ESC history. As this is second internally chosen Finnish artist for ESC I'd wish this to do well. The song is however a bit repetetive and missing that climax and Sebastian's singing aint' one of the best in the contest (he's improved though). I do have hope though the icy performance does stand out (even though being the 3rd in Semifinal 1) between Moldova and Poland who represent totally different genres.

POLAND / Tulia / Fire of Love (Pali sie)

The staging has improved Poland's chances. However this is a heavy track that will create all sorts of reactions. But I do hope these ladies have more lovers than haters!

ALBANIA / Jonida Maliqi / Ktheju tokës

The underrated song of this season. Her voice, charisma, presence is one of a kind and the song has a nice ethnic sound which makes it stand out - I just hope they've got some drama, colour planned for us what comes to the staging!

AZERBAIJAN / Chingiz / Truth

This is fun and different from the rest of the upbeat tracks. Some people think it's over produced, too dark but from the first hear I loved it. I hope they'd do well! 

ARMENIA / Srbuk / Walking out

What a voice! There's nothing wrong with the song but I worry we've heard this before and people might forget this since this starts semifinal 2.