Finland - Blog Posts

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Yeah, I like me some vampire Leland too 😄

Also, sorry it wasn’t the car version, I personally like drawing human versions better 🤷‍♀️

The Resurrection of Leland Turbo

I have a very very specific animatic that I imagine in my head. Undecided if I want to pay or kill to see it realized /j.

Just before the Professor is on the oil rig but a bit after Leland is cubed by the lemons, a (miraculous?) change happens to our poor spy.

Just like what happened to our favorite haunted 1958 Plymouth Fury, an unnatural life takes hold of our dearly departed C.H.R.O.M.E. agent.

The entire cube shakes and trembles as the internal systems are rearranged and readjusted to the unrunning life of a vampire car. The internal temperature drastically drops, creating frost on the inside of the crate.

The first parts of Leland Turbo to be repaired are the tires. The lugnuts are drawn from his own metal frame as the rubber is reinflated and tire spikes emerge out.

Next are the wing mirrors, bursting out from the sides and elongating into the elegant bat ear shapes.

The entire frame then shudders as every dent, compression, scratch and fracture is undone. Even the maroon paintjob is completely recovered as the windshield collects all of the shattered glass pieces and fused back into a single pane with a permanent tint. The teeth are forcibly changed into razor sharp fangs as the oral lubricant also drops to freezing cold temperatures.

The last thing that is fixed is the eyes, a gradual gradient in the irises from their original living color to a bright blood red and the pupils shift from round to snake like slits.

@cars2-renaissance, @little-red-irish-jaguar, @kenzie-the-drawer, and any other fan of Leland Turbo

Another Christmas idea that I wanted to do :)

I was pretty lazy today, so I decided to draw Leland and Finn together while using a base. Please don’t hate me -_-

But, I think the final drawing turned out really good! And cute < 3

The original owner of the base belongs to @DepresseLife101 and  @noodledado69

The first drawing in this blog, yay! I love Finland in Hetalia, so it would be strange not to draw it)

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!

UMK 2024 Song Review - Sini Sabotage

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

Sini Sabotage - Kuori Mua

Sini Sabotage is one of the best known Finnish artists but at the same time one of the rare female rappers in the country. She started her career with a banger Levikset Repee roughly a decade ago and has since released 3 studio albums and multiple radio hits. She has fought her way to the top.

Despite of being somewhat a dream name for UMK for years the idea of sending her new Kuori Mua song to the competition was actually proposed to her by the songwriters and producers.

Kuori Mua which means peel me in Finnish is bold even as a title. If you're familiar with her personality and music you'll notice how this instantly fits her like a glove.

Kuori Mua begins with inviting piano notes and moves quickly to the electronic beat. The song has heat, rush - it tells you how to move and focus. This screams gay anthem. All the banger elements are here and they're well produced.

The lyrics and beat are energetic and sensual - some might be irritated by the Finglish here but I'm not a Finnish rap expert enough to say if this is common for Finnish rap. Chorus is a bit flat, it doesn't bunch me as I'd wish it would. This needs several listens even though it is memorable though. Musically I especially enjoy the beginning of the second verse and the bridge here. The piano based moments give the juiciest sounds. The song improves towards the end but still doesn't meet the expectations in my opinion.

Kuori Mua is not on top of the Youtube and Spotify lists when comparing the UMK24 tracks and I think it hasn't grown to become the banger they'd hoped for even in domestic levels.

What comes to the live performance music video promises several options and it must be big since this has been chosen to start the UMK show on Saturday (Feb 10th). I have no doubt she wouldn't be able to deliver this live.

What do you think of the sixt UMK24 track and would you vote for Sini Sabotage to go all the way to Malmö? UMK final takes place on February 10th!

UMK 2024 Song Review - Windows95man

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

Windows95man - No Rules!

Windows95man is a shy family man from the Finnish capital area who's made a name for himself as multitalented entertainer. The man is a visual artist and a photographer plus owns his own gallery in Helsinki but is the best known aka Windows95man. It all started from Youtube but quickly grew to become famous as a DJ who wears cut off shorts (magic shorts according to him) and Windows95 t-shirt.

He represents the same liberated crazy spirit as Käärijä last year. He does a lot of things that are not seen suitable for a Finnish man of his age in style and in music and feels no shame of doing so! Good for him!

No Rules is his first song in which he collaborates with Henri Piispanen who delivers the vocals.

No rules is a throwback from the 90's which according to Windows95man influenced his musical style the most (as born in the mid 80's). Musically this is part of the eurodance genre and reminds many of E-Type.

Musically it holds all the necessary elements that a proper 90's banger needs and Piispanen impresses with his high notes (can he deliver live?). However, what is a strong point for No Rules can be also its death.

This is a nice, funny, catchy add to UMK24 selection but doesn't really meet the high quality of the previous songs, does it. This can be seen as a joke entry especially with the music video which reminds me a sketch on TV. Musically this can be quite irritating for many. It doesn't offer anything new and some listeners might tune off before the song has reached its 3-minute run.

Last year Portion Boys delivered a similar entry but still bringing their own musical value to the table. I just don't see No Rules doing the same despite of possibly becoming a guilty pleasure for some UMK fans. In Eurovision this is something what we could have sent a decade ago but now UMK as Eurovision has topped its game since. Wiwibloggs were on point with their a Nokia reference - it's nice to down a memory lane for a moment but would someone still buy one? No.

This is still a decent first single and I hope nothing but the best and love in the future!

What do you think of the fifth UMK24 track and would you vote for Windows95man to go all the way to Malmö? UMK final takes place on February 10th!

UMK 2024 Song Review - Jesse Markin

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

Jesse Markin - Glow

Jesse Markin is one of the most promising upcoming Finnish indie artists who released his debut album Folk in 2019 and was widely awarded for it for example with an Emma (Finnish Grammy) as the best newcomer in 2020. He released his follow-up album Noir in 2021. Musically he would be categorized as a rap artist but his music is greatly influenced by other genres which shows also in his UMK 2024 entry.

He is one of the rare UMK artists taking a stand announcing that in case of winning UMK he would not go to Malmö if Israel participates ESC 2024.

Glow written partly in Finnish toilets but also in the streets of Ghana, is definitely something else. A fresh summer breeze in the middle of cold January - this is a song that no one expected to receive from Finland.

This ain't a simple track, instrumentally rich, would even call it noisy - a lot is going on in here. I hear reggaeton, afro-beats, hip hop / rap, electro / house well, smoothly produced urban sounds - musically this reminds me of Black Eyed Peas a bit. Chorus is memorable and uplifting with "you're gonna make it" where the verses tend to remain a bit flat.

The song doesn't have really a proper bridge and I don't think the rap section in the halfway of the song should be considered as such. And I don't think it's giving the correct energy here but this might be a personal preference. The track seems then a little long and repetitive. Visually this is on of the weakest of UMK video clips this year. Even though the lama is kind of cute!

However, there's a lot of love for this song out there. For those into this kind of genre, the track is an instant earworm but for others it has a risk of disappearing in the background as.. well background music. When speaking about views on YT and streams on Spotify Glow is losing in both lists for its competitors (being 7th and 6th). But Glow does serve a strong feel good vibe and I'm so glad it's here! It does bring light and different perspective to the 2024 UMK line up.

What do you think of the fourth UMK24 track and would you vote for Jesse Markin to go all the way to Malmö? UMK final takes place on February 10th!

UMK 2024 Song Review - Sexmane

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

Sexmane - MANIA

Max Scene aka Sexmane is currently the most streamed artist in Finland and also he has a connection to UMK. His little brother Isaac Scene competed in 2022 with Kuuma Jäbä.

Since releasing his debut album Sextape in 2019 he has been Emma awarded (Finnish Grammys) and he's managed to beat his previous successes with each release. He will no doubt have a lot of loyal young voters out there!

As a background info he and his brother grew up in a religious community where hymns were in and commercial music was not. He mentions this fairly often in the interviews so I believe it had an impact on his creativity and that he even ended up in the music industry.

MANIA is a song about mental health. "It's ok not to be ok" he says.

The song slaps you right at the face with MANIA. There's a lot of autotune in here from the very beginning and many have questioned if he can pull this through live. This is no basic pop tune you can put into a box within a certain genre. This is a hip hop / rap song with a heavy rock push. Music experts can peal this like an onion because it has plenty of layers to go around for all.

The song goes on smoothly having a strong pre-chorus and the anthemic MANIA is catchy and difficult to forget. I'm not a fan of rap music but I do enjoy listening to this even though my very first reaction was fear. The guitar solo at the end of the song is impressive and much needed add. The song ends with a scream.

Musically there's a strong pull towards our last ESC entry and a lot of people are criticizing of sending MANIA right after Cha Cha Cha (can anything be better?). In contrast to Käärijä's drinking party hit, there's some real pain and seriousness here. The beat is pushy and urges you to rush to act. And him desperately screaming in his pain and getting it out of his space - we see a lot of symbolism in the videoclip.

I kind of play with the idea of this winning because of the orange theme. In 2022 we had The Rasmus with Jezebel having a yellow staging, Käärijä last year obviously with his green effect, this would be a great continuity with the orange look.

What do you think of the second UMK24 track and would you vote for Sexmane to go all the way to Malmö? UMK final takes place on February 10th!

UMK 2024 Song Review - Cyan Kicks

Again the hype is very real around Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu (UMK), the Finnish national selection for Eurovision and the race to Malmö has officially started!

Cyan Kicks - Dancing With Demons

Cyan Kicks is a Finnish alternative rock/electric pop band established back in 2016. They had their big break in UMK 2022 when they came second with Hurricane losing to The Rasmus. I do remember for rooting for Hurricane two years ago!

Since then, they've been busy with making music and touring around Europe. This shows. They've also mentioned themselves the growth of confidence and experience, and especially the vocalist Susanna. This time around they're bolder and loader but still not losing their familiar energy and sound. But it's inevitable to compare their 2024 entry to Hurricane of UMK22 and perhaps their biggest contestant might actually be themselves from two years ago.

For many the 22 entry was instantly memorable and still is and the question is can DWD do the same?

Dancing With The Demons is the first of seven UMK24 entries to be released. And what a start it is!

The song is kicked off with a promising electronic beat and it builds up nicely towards the first chorus which I have to admit I'm slightly disappointed that it's not grabbing enough. Personally I'm liking the second verse and Susanna's interpretation of the lyrics here. I even saw somewhere a Lady Gaga comparison.

Instrumentally this is very rich and there's a lot to take in. Lots of volume which makes me worry if Susanna's vocals which are rather light in here, are strong enough to carry it through? Even though I know she can sing live obviously. As seconds turn into minutes there's more volume, more instruments and more noise coming up!

A lot of people have criticized the bridge but my musical (rock) taste is generic enough to love it actually. I'm loving the "follow me's" here. In three minutes it's tricky to get an instrumental part squeezed in but DWD manages to do just that. The whole band is clearly involved in this with 150% and musically this can be quite overwhelming. The ending is as load as the beginning. Lyrically not the best of songs but this wasn't the band's strong suit in 2022 either.

This is well and heavily produced track that can be blamed of sounding a slightly bit too mainstream and plastic lacking originality and organic sound. However, this is a question of personal taste. Live performance we don't need to worry with this entry because as we remember from UMK 22 - they'll nail it.

Visually this is impressive. Susanna and the band rocking under the rain (she was actually with fever when shooting the video!) and everything we see supports what we hear. Sexy, load, wet, explosive. It's actually difficult to listen the song without its video because that's how astonishing it is! And the pair clearly belongs together. UMK music videos have come a long way!

What do you think of the first UMK24 track and would you vote for Cyan Kicks to go all the way to Malmö? UMK final takes place on February 10th!

UMK 2023 Song Review - Kuumaa

The hype is very real around Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu (UMK), the Finnish national selection for Eurovision and the race to Liverpool continues with another nostalgic retro banger! 

Kuumaa - Ylivoimainen

Kuumaa had their breakthrough back in 2016 and their debut album came out three years later. They’ve also released several radio hit singles regurarly over the years and today they’re described as “most interesting pop group in Finland” Quite recently they also won Emma Award (Finnish Grammy) for being the best group so they’re surely becoming hot in the Finnish music scene (their name actually means hot!) Again another entry that has a full package and vision ready even before entering to UMK. 

Ylivoimainen is another retro entry in UMK this year and it’s being seen competing directly with Benjamin’s Hoida Mut. However, this perhaps gives more indie pop vibes and it reminds me a bit of A-ha’s Take on me actually. This sounds very Kuumaa and this kind of contemporary nostalgic tunes are what they do the best. I cannot praise the chorus enough - it’s catchy, it’s warm, irresistable, probably the strongest chorus in UMK23, 

Ylivoimainen is super easy to listen, easy to sing and dance along and it actually invites you to do so. It’s an embrace that will instantly make you feel safe. Ylivoimainen is a crowd pleaser and well produced radio hit (reached number one in Finnish Spotify already!) but it still has authentic sound without being too slick (Robin - Girls like you). BUT as we saw last year’s with Bess’s entry Ram Pam Pam, becoming a hit is not enough to get you a ticket to Liverpool - you need to get the Finns to vote also. However, they do have a solid fan base in Finland who might be showing their loyalty on February 25th. 

As a package - this might be the best UMK23 entry. The song ticks all the right boxes and we have a band that we know can deliver energetic live performance. However, if this did advance to ESC - we already have several more or less nostalgic boy band entries (Slovenia, Latvia, Ireland) which Kuumaa would go against and to be honest I’d worry if we’d stand out enough as we could do perhaps with another artist (let’s say Käärijä?) 

What do you think of the sixth UMK23 track and would you vote for Kuumaa’s Ylivoimainen to go all the way to Liverpool? UMK final takes place on February 25th!

UMK 2023 Song Review - Käärijä

The hype is very real around Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu (UMK), the Finnish national selection for Eurovision and the race to Liverpool continues with ..... I don’t know what this is actually! 

Käärijä - Cha Cha Cha 

Most of Finns had never heard of Käärijä before the artist release of UMK23 a month back. Including me. So zero expectations. I didn’t know the language he was gonna perform, I maybe expected some dancy sounding tune based on the title. However, he described his song that “this track combines all three big Finnish loves together: party, pop and heavy music”. Should have known something crazy will be coming up ever since I read he’s a ESC Verka Serduschka fan (Ukraine 2007).  

Cha Cha Cha gets your attention from the first second untill the last one. You know right away that you have something in here. The song kind of starts with rap, there’s techno sounds also, the darkness reminds me of Hatari (Iceland 2019) the chorus is aggressive almost violent but catchy and memorable as hell. The music video is a perfect fit to this! Be prepared to be knocked out by some Cha Cha Cha!

There’s no one like this in UMK or in Eurovision. Then when you think you’re figured out the song everything turns upside down and the song becomes this pop-folk banger. I can hear Verka here actually! A definite late night dancefloor hit in a Finnish bar! The ending is explosive, just pure fireworks and you’re like WTF did I just hear. 

There’s a wide selection of genres here, just take your pick while trying to put this guy into one box.

Käärijä likes to confuse people and traditional sounds aren’t his thing. This is definitely clear! Cha Cha Cha will surely test boundaries, push some people away as it will cheer up and encourage others. This will surely cause a reaction and sometimes that’s all it’s needed from a decent hit and Eurovision song. In the end lovers count more than the haters. This is by far the most played and watched UMK entry this year in all the platforms. Foreigner ESC bloggers have been mostly excited about this and highlighting how Finnish language fits these hard sounds perfectly. 

I can definitely see this advancing to ESC (I don’t think even a bad UMK staging might stop people from voting for this!) and put my money on it that Europeans will this time around understand a piece of Finnish crazyness! 

What do you think of the fifth UMK23 track and would you vote for Käärijä’s Cha Cha Cha to go all the way to Liverpool? UMK final takes place on February 25th!

UMK 2023 Song Review - Benjamin

The hype is very real around Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu (UMK), the Finnish national selection for Eurovision and the race to Liverpool continues with another banger! 

Benjamin - Hoida Mut

Benjamin is a fairly well known popstar in Finland who has released hit songs mostly in English and now quite recently switched back to his native Finnish. He also made a name to himself by winning Dancing with the Stars last year. He is now competing in UMK with his song Hoida Mut (do me). 

UMK apparently is something he’s been eager to do for a while but has felt the Finnish music industry as less ESC-friendly so he’s pushed his participation for years. He’s being seen now as the main competitor for another UMK23 artist Robin who more or less represents the same genre as him. 

Benjamin’s 80′s disco pop tune Hoida Mut is an erotic, solid banger which he wishes to break some of the male sexual stereotypes by singing about surrendering to someone. Despite of the 80′s vibes in here which have been compared to Weekend, the song sounds fresh and current. 

The lyrics are hot and steamy and so is the video. Benjamin’s dance moves come accross definitely and there are some very high expectations now to be met with his live performance in UMK final on February 25th. I don’t think of him as much of a vocalist though but the song fits perfectly for his voice and vocal capacity. I hope he’ll be able to execute this well vocally too when on stage.  

Hoida Mut is one of the four UMK23 entries in FINNISH this year. As Finnish I cannot imagine how the language sounds like for a foreigner but the international reactions have been utterly positive. If this wins the ticket to Liverpool, I really hope and pray they won’t be changing the language. There are a few English verses in here and they feel natural and on spot. 

This is catchy as hell and might be on the road to become the next Ram Pam Pam (UMK22). Even without winning UMK the publicity, visibility he is receiving will surely lift him to hights of the Finnish pop music scene. Out of all the seven UMK23 entries, this is probably what I enjoy listening the most. I’m defintely hooked. However, the song offers a lot of foreplay but does it actually get to the climax? They could have added a trick or two in here to spice up the things even more (musically I mean!). Anyway, in a another ESC selection, Finnish or elsewhere, in 2023 or before - this could win the whole lot!

What do you think of the second UMK23 track and would you vote Benjamin’s Hoida Mut to go all the way to Liverpool? UMK final takes place on February 25th!

UMK 2023 song review - Keira

The hype is very real around Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu (UMK), the Finnish national selection for Eurovision and the race to Liverpool kicked off with a banger! 

Keira - No Business on the Dancefloor 

The 18-year-old Keira became known to Finnish audience in Voice of Finland where she did fairly well becoming third on the final last year. Since then while waiting and searching for her momentum UMK came up in the discussions quite early on but finding “her hit song” took its time. 

This is her first single and what a hit indeed it has become! Currently it’s in top 10 most listened tracks in Finland on Spotify and on Youtube it’s the second most watched UMK23 clip with over 440 000 views! But as we saw last year becoming a hit song is not enough to win the ticket to ESC! 

No Business on the Dancefloor was written actually by Finnish ESC representative from 2011 Axel “Oskar Paradise” Ehnström  (can you believe it?). The Finns will probably also recognize the other songwriter Teemu Brunila (Jenni Vartiainen, Anna Abreu) and how the song definitely has some familiar Brunila vibes. 

Keira herself tells her song that she wants people to liberate their “inner party animals”. I’m not quite sure if it manages to do that but this still ticks all the right boxes for a catchy dance entry and it’s completely stage and Eurovision ready. Well done UMK and Finland! 

Some compare her to Rihanna - I can recognize some resemblence there also. Vocally this is a safe effort, they could have gone further with her vocal range but maybe she will surprise us in the live show of UMK on February 25th? 

Track like, this is strong. The beat is memorable, the flute gives an ethnic vibe to it and sets the song apart from other dance tracks of UMK. Lyrics are cheeky and full of pop references which some find them corny but for me they add personality instead. However, would I have added some volume, some power to this - yes I would and I’m really hoping the live performance gives to it its much needed extra spice! 

What do you think of the first UMK23 track and would you vote this to go all the way to Liverpool? UMK final takes place on February 25th! 

Masterlist

Contains my photos and blogs from 2017 on. Updating as we go along and digging some older posts from MTL times. 

BLOG 

Eurovision

UMK 22 

Host City 22 : Turin

ESC 20 : Best Non-English Entry

UMK 20

Eurovision 2018, Lisbon. 

ESC 19: Songs that I love but others don’t / Artists coming back to ESC / Songs that I don’t love but others do / Different genres / UMK artist guess / 

ESC 18: Positive review / Negative review / Songs that I loved but other’s didn’t / Non-English songs / Biggest growers / Different genres / The BIG 6 / Saara Aalto Songs / Mid tempo tracks / 

ESC 2023: 10 things I don’t want to see / Voting system to be changed / Who will qualify SF2 / Who will qualify in SF1 / Top 5 Non-English Songs / 

UMK23: Keira / Benjamin / Robin / Lxndra / Käärijä / Kuumaa / Portion Boys / The worst UMK stagings / UMK23 review / 

UMK24: Cyan Kicks / Sexmane / Sara Siipola / Jesse Markin / Windows95Man / Sini Sabotage / Mikael Gabriel x Nublu 

Lisbon Life : 

LX Blogs / LX tips Part 1 / LX tips part 2 / 1 year in LX / Sintra first impressions / Quilty 6 months in LX /  Fall 2017 / One month in LX / 2w / PT expectations / Going to LX / 

Something else 

100 years of Finland / 3 x / Home / Geography of my way / 

PHOTOGRAPHY: 

Lisbon

Sintra / Lisbon before Covid-19 

Lisbon Before Covid-19

Lisbon Before Covid-19 Part 2

Mixed: Olaias Metro, the most beautiful / Xmas / Less known LX / Random Part 1 / Pantheon + random / Rua August sunrise / 

Waterfronts : Part 1 / Part 2 / Part 3 / 

Parque das Nacoes: Part 1 / Part 2 / Part 3 / Part 4 / 

Belem: Part 1 / Part 2 / Part 3 / 

Palaces: Queluz part 1 / Queluz part 2 / Belem Part 1 / Quinta da Regaleira Part 1 / Pena and the Moors Part 1 / Pena and Moors Part 2 / Pena and Moors part 3 / Pena and the Moors part 4 / Pena and the Moors part 5 / Royal Palace of Ajuda / 

Lisbon Streets: Part 1 / Part 2 / Part 3 / Part 4 / Part 5 / Part 6 / Part 7 / Part 8 / Part 9 /  Part 10 / Part 11 / Part 12 / 

Beach: Part 1 / Cascais / Praia da Ursa

Sétubal: Part 1 / Part 2 / 

Arrabida : Part 1 / Part 2 / 

Portugal

Berlengas: Part 1 / Part 2 / Part 3 / Part 4 / Part 5 / Part 6 / Part 7 / 

Azenhas Do Mar: Part 1 / Part 2 / Part 3 / 

Porto: Part 1 / 

Nazaré: Part 1 / Part 2 / 

Évora: Part 1 / Part 2 / 

Braga: Part 1 / Part 2 / 

Coimbra: Part 1 / Part 2 / 

Costa Nova

Helsinki

 Part 1 / Part 2 / Part 3 / Part 4 / 

Lahti

 Lake: Summer Part 1 / Winter Part 1 / Winter Part 2 / 

Travels

Bologna: Part 1 / Part 2 / Part 3 / Part 4 / 

Amsterdam : Part 1 / 

Galicia:  part 1 /  part 2 / part 3 / part 4 / part 5 / 

UMK 22 : My top

If pandemic has had any positive effects during the last two years – it is on Eurovision. The contest is now being seen differently as an oppurtunity to promote your music and gain fame than ever before. Television in general I guess since performing live has been pretty challenging now for the passed two years.

Last year’s Eurovision results showed how people are craving for live music, self made songs about real emotions and not pre-choreographed dance moves. All top 3 of winning songs were not sang in English and represented each of them a different genre. Blind Channel brought Finland the best result since Lordi’s victory 15 years prior and have ever since been embraced by charts all over the world. This is the professional spirit I’ve been longing in Finland for years.

UMK 2021 Winners Blind Channel

Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu (UMK) offers perhaps the best national ESC selection of the season! All the seven acts are already published artsits with their own characters, style and paths. These are all very well produced products already on its own merits and it’s only matter of one’s personal taste whether or not the song is your cup of tea. 

This year’s black horse The Rasmus could be easily thought to be the automatic winner being the most famous band among the seven entries but these six other entries do give a fare and balanced battle and the best one will win!

Music videos have also been upgraded what they were from previous years matching to each performance and atmosphere. Check each one by clicking the title of the song below! 

Cyan Kicks : Hurricane

Cyan Kicks

This was such an explosive start for this year’s UMK! Cyan Kicks comes from the same record label as last year’s Blind Channel and to be honest they do share some of the same elements. They call their style as modern rock. In genres Hurricane succesfully blands electronic as rockier sounds together. The energy here is undenyable. I cannot think of anything to add to this one. Only live performance will define where they will stand in the race to Torino..

Pros : self made song

Cons : generetic lyrics

BESS : Ram Pam Pam

Bess

The most surprising UMK entry so far and my ultimate favourite! People tend to compare this to Erika Vikman’s Cicciolina a couple years back but I personally I find this 10 x times better. The chorus is catchy and you find yourself singing along Ram Pam Pam instantly! The song is ultimately about freedom and breaking up from a bad relationship. For me this is the best pop-music can offer and I’m so in love with Bess’ raspy voice. I seriously wouldn’t mind if this won the ticket to Italy!

Pros : bold perfomance on the video and hopefully on the stage

Cons : The title of the song + swear words in the lyrics which would have to be changed for ESC

The Rasmus : Jezebel

The Rasmus

The big name among this year UMK entries. Frankly I’m surprised they weren’t just internally selected as for Darude and Saara Aalto. However having them competing this way brings much needed spice to the show. First sight and hear promises well (Desmond Child was one of the songwriters btw!) – I loved the black and yellow look and the quitar (new quitarist Emppu getting much deserved attention through entire song). The song follows safe pattern in its rock genre and moves smoothly from one part to the next one. Tiger roaring is a nice add. However I was slightly disappointed in the chorus – it didn’t explode, reach the hights as I would have wanted. But then the song does improve the more you listen to it and at this point it does sound quite natural as the song goes on. This is hit and stage ready and very familiar from The Rasmus with or without Eurovision.

Pros : Solid, high quality performance

Cons : Too safe? Can The Rasmus answer to these crazy high expectations?

Younghearted : Sun numero

For me less known band but Younghearted has established a reputation of singing beautiful, acoustic songs. Sun Numero makes no exception. This is a heartfelt break-up ballad. The song builds up nicely but a bit too slowly to my taste, the singing is amazing though. This is a great add to this years UMK. I don’t have much to say about this and it bothers me.

Pros : Emotional, gentle – easy to listen

Cons : Too forgettable?

Olivera : Thank God I’m an Atheist

Oliveira was completely new artist for me so no expectations but the song title promised bold, ironic attitude. The first thinfg you hear after pressing play is the VOICE! So unique, strong… I hear so much soul and character. The second thing that blows me away here is the lyrics, they’re so deep which makes me think again that is ESC able to appreciate this talent and art enough? She’s not super well known in Finland but I hope her participation in UMK gets her much deserved attention. I’m loooking forward to see how her R’n’B ballad is staged. Despite of the memorable beat, atmosphere her voice and lyrics are definitely the hook in this one! 

Pros : Self produced without a big label behind her

Cons : Just another ballad? Will her voice deliver live? 

Tommi Läntinen : Elämä kantaa mua

Every year UMK has a ”senior artist” entry. Last year it was Danny, this year it’s Tommi Läntinen. I prefer Tommi, his songs have always had more flavour even though I cannot call myself a fan by all means. His 1994 hit ”Syvälle Sydämeen Sattuu” about school bullying is a timeless Finnish classic among others. ”Elämä Kantaa Mua” however carries a more uplifting, positive message than Danny’s song last year or Tommi’s previously mentioned hit. The song is written by Finnish rock band Haloo Helsinki, who are one of the best loved rock bands in the country and if they were performing this song, this would be all over the charts. Even sung by Tommi it does have a radio play appeal and the tune does suit for him. He interprets the lyrics in his personal way and has a strong presence. This has grown on me significantly. Would I want him to represent Finland in Turin? Perhaps not but I do hope all the best and success for him with this song.

Pros : well written and performed pop hi

Cons : age group tends to separate this further from the other entries and voters

Isaac Sene : Kuuma jäbä

Another surprise in UMK 22! And probably the hottest one which has promised to make you blush! This is a genre, style and artist I wouldn’t normally listen. However one has to give credit a song well composed and played and charismactic performer. I don’t know if he reminds me of Young Michael Jackson, Justin Timberlake or Justin Bieber - or perhaps a mix of all them? This lingers somewhere between pop-R’n’B but includes also electronical sounds. There was a small fuzz around this song if it had been relesed before UMK release – however since no actual recording of this release has emerged, it remains only as a rumour. There’s nothing I would add or remove but as mentioned before not my cup of tea.  

Pros : daring, not a traditional ”Finnish” song

Cons : Is he only a teenage idol? Will this sexy performance appeal to voters?  

What do you think of this year’s UMK entries? UMK takes place on February 26th at 9pm (FI timezone) on YLE. 

Lahti sunsets from last May :) 

In May I visited Helsinki, where I lived for 2 years. Awesome new museum AmosRex and amazing new library Oodi. Check these out if you’re in town! 

Xmas at home was so white, quiet and cold but in a good way. 

Took some shots of winter scenery when in home for Xmas. Finally I can appreciate the peace and quiet 

WHO WILL BE THE FINNISH ENTRY AT EUROVISION 2019?

We do have the date and the location (March 2nd, Espoo Finland) but what we do not have is the actual artist. It has been pain to be waiting for the news and here is what I think of the guesses, speculations of the Finnish ESC entry 2019.

WHO IT WILL NOT BE: 

Every year people name these artists who are fabulous and the best what this country could offer musically but give it up. They won’t be doing it!

Alma – she’s already said no. Our brand shining star on an international music scene sees ESC as a competition only and has declined it. Pity. 

Jenni Vartiainen – too popular and will not be humiliated by Finnish press

Vesala, Janna, Sanni, Chisu, Mikael Gabriel – just don’t think that they’re that interested

Nightwish – they already tried in 2000 but didn’t get selected (don’t ask me why)

Old school stars such as Jari Sillanpää, Kaija Koo etc – the time has passed them.

INSTEAD I HAVE FAITH IN: 

Benjamin - Juon sut pois (2018)

Young talents and artists such as Benjamin, Robin, Evelina, Venior, Vilma Alina, Diandra, Ellinoora who are younger and have not labelled Eurovision as the older generation. They could actually see ESC as an oppurtunity even without winning the whole damn thing.

Venior - Sugar Rush (2015)

UMK competitors from the previous years: Mikael Saari and Emma – they’ve got the passion and the spirit. Even though I wasn’t too impressed by Mikael’s singing or songs when he was in UMK (2013 and 2016) and he has actually said that he wouldn’t do it again as a performing artist. But what if he was invited to be THE artist? Emma was my favourite in 2017 but she failed miserabily in 2017 UMK final (singing and technical issues). Emma also competed to be San Marino’s repesentative this year. Despite of the struggles gotta love her anyhow.

Tarja Turunen, the formed vocalist of Nightwish has been on ESC wishlist for being the Finnish entry for quite some time now! She would be such a professional, well known, interesting entry nevermind the song. And I even believe she might have that ESC spirit somewhere there inside of her if we just dig it out! 

Tarja Turunen - Never Enough (2017)

ESC representatives: Krista Siegfrieds (2013) and Softengine (2014). She’s crazy enough and Eurovision fan so no doubt about it that she’d do it again! But she’s hosted UMK so they’d have to find another host….Softengine is our biggest success after Lordi and one of our few success stories in ESC to be honest so why not!

Softengine - Something Better (2014)

Eva & Manu are the hottest rumour out there to be the Finnish entry 2019 and I wouldn’t mind them being so. They could offer some fresh air (from a finnish perspective) and they are not a totally brand new duo since they have released albums. Plus they have an interesting story.

Eva & Manu - Empty (2014) 

What do you think? 

UMK 2018

CHOOSING SAARA AALTO in the fall 2017

For Eurovision 2018 Finland did things differently than expected. Instead of having the competition UMK (Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu) of 10 artists and their songs YLE, the local proadcaster chose one artist to represent the country in Lisbon in May. She would produce the songs where the ultimate track to Lisbon would be chosen by audience and jury votes in March 2018. And she was no one else but Saara Aalto, known to Eurovision audience already from UMK 2011 and 2016 (coming second). She also took part in X-Factor UK in 2016 coming second but this time making record deals with Sony Music and Warner. Therefore she has become quite a popular character in UK as in Finland gaining somewhat existing fan base in Europe but especially among Eurovision fans. 

The Eurovision dream of hers has never been a secret. Her attempts during previous years however haven’t been good enough in my opinion. She knows how to sing, perform and write songs but there has always been something missing. X-Factor gave her the much needed push and tools to create Finland’s Eurovision entry 2018. There has been a lot of criticism about choosing her without the public vote but to be honest this kind of buzz that is happening around her won’t wait. Finland has rarely these kind of artists as willing and skillful to perform at ESC so I’m definitely standing behind this. 

I will not review the videos cause in they don’t play much role in the final show of UMK or at Eurovision shows. 

MONSTERS Feb 9th 2018

The song offers a big start for Saara’s Eurovision 2018 journey. I was super afraid that the songs for Lisbon wouldn’t be good enough because earlier when Saara performed in UMK the songs weren’t good! But clearly this isn’t the case here! Monsters is an upbeat track with a catchy sound. Uplifting theme about leaving your demons behind you. Suits Saara and her story in life as in Eurovision. Her voice is soaring. This is such a motivating track and works outside of contest! Some say Sweden is all over this and but I’d say it’s high quality and attention to detail more like. No more that feeling that something is missing like in previous Saara’s attempt. I was impressed by the song when I first heard it but the more I listen to it the more it grows on me. This is gonna be big.

Domino Feb 16th 2018

The ballad. To be honest I was expecting bigger power ballad and this kind falls into the mid tempo range. But it has a nice sound. This can be memorable. Strong chorus and beat. Her voice is slightly over produced I think but still good singing here also. I like especially the bridge here by the way. First impressions were not as good as with Monsters but this song has grown for me and I’m really thinking this might work better when performed live!

Queens Feb 23rd 2018

Another uptempo track but with a theatrical twist. Knew to expect this. Goes with the same theme as Monsters but does not have the same catchy sound as the two previous songs did. It has some memorable notes and lines but it doesn’t reach same level as Monsters so therefore is the weakest link out of these three. Again I have to save some space for the live performance which in Eurovision can change things dramatically.

Nevertheless which of these songs will be selected I feel super positive about this! It will be the best pop we’ve have ever sent to Eurovision. I’m feeling also confident about Saara’s performance. She knows how to pull a ESC performance whether I’ll like it - that’s just the question of taste. 

The final track to Lisbon will be selected by jury and audience votes on March 3rd! 

100 years of Finland

Even though I left my country in hope to make a home for myself in somewhere else I am still inspired and fascinated by Finland’s character, history and beauty. Finland has been discussed widely this year because of our 100th anniversary of independence. Lonely Planet recently ranked Finland as the third best travel destination and the country gets credits for safety and education among others.

Below I’ve listed some destinations which I haven’t yet seen but would love to someday. Leaving out most of the capital Helsinki, charismatic and growing Tampere and snowy landscapes of Lapland (you’ll find your way there anyway), doesn’t mean I wouldn’t appreciate them but I just wanted to add here some less known attractions. They don’t come in any particular order.

YYTERI BEACH

When you think about the beach destinations or even warm travel destinations, Finland might not pop in your mind. However in the city of Pori, west coast of the country, there lays the longest beach (6km) of Finland and Nordic countries. The dune area stands out with its size in the whole of Europe.

KOLI NATIONAL PARK

There are 40 national parks in Finland situated in different parts of the country. Many of them which I’d like to visit. But to choose one I reperesent the one in North Carelia, near the city of Joensuu. Koli has a heavy cultural heritage background and despite of its beautiful landscapes its purpose is to protect the traditional agricultural heritage. This area in particular has been inspiration to famous Finnish artists such as Jean Sibelius and Eero Järnefelt.

OLD RAUMA

One of the Finnish Unesco World Heritage Sites (7 in total) Old Rauma is located in west coast of Finland. The wooden city center represents a typical nordic city with its buildings going back for 200 years. For the same atmosphere or a city scene, there’s also Old Porvoo which is somewhat smaller but still a worth a visit and probably easier to reach within one hour drive away from Helsinki.

ÅLAND

Åland islands are almost 7000 islands conisting archipelago at the Gulf of Bothnia. It’s an autonomous and the only monolingually Swedish-speaking region in the country. It has only one town, Mariehamn. This is a popular destination for cycling and boating but having been situated between Finland and Sweden it has also interesting historical sights regarding the two nations. We did a school trip here when I was twelwe years old but clearly I was too young to appreciate the oppurtunity.

OLAVINLINNA

Olaf’s Castle, built on an island, is one the several castles from Middle Ages in Finland. It’s located in the city of Savonlinna in the eastern part of the country. Today it’s the northernmost medieval stone standing being founded in the 15th century. The site is famous for hosting annually Opera Festival since 1912. The location is handy because you can add to your trip a visit in the lake Saimaa (the biggest lake in the country) and in the national parks near by. Similar destinations would be the Castle of Turku and Häme.

 PETÄJÄVESI CHURCH

Also one of the Finnish Unesco World Heritage Sites, is the old wooden church situated in Petäjävesi in the central part of the country. It’s a masterpiece of what comes to buildings made out of wood being built in the 18th century. It was forgotten for decades since the new church being built in the area but today the church is a popular site among tourists and weddings. Represents typical eastern Scandinavian but it has details containing gothic style also. We visited once here with my folks when I was a kid but the church was closed so couldn’t get inside. So still on my bucket list!

TURKU

Turku, the oldest city of Finland, founded on the 13th century on the southwest coast of the country. Once a capital during the Swedish era is a still significant center of growth in Finland. Praised as the official Christmas city and summer city with a great atmosphere and ferry connections to Stockholm and Åland islands. The former European Capital of Culture (2011) is a venue for several events for all sizes and tastes. Famous for its riverside, mediaval sites the church and the castle, also the achipelago is worth of a visit! Despite of all these merits I just haven’t got in to the Turku mode and haven’t seen its uniqueness besides the medieval attractions so Turku is definitely on my bucket list!

ISLANDS OF HELSINKI

Many tourists only see the most famous attractions such as the city center and Suomenlinna but the city has these great island destinations which I just adore! Some of them being opened pretty recently and offer get aways from the busy city life with their beaches, restaurants, charming cafes, sport facilities, nature and sea landscapes.

3 X

While living in Lisboa I’ve been reading this blog called ”Visual Diary” written by Finnish woman living in Lisboa. She writes about design, finnish and international but most of all life in Lisboa. She has nice pics and good point of views, tips about the city. And since I’m lacking inspiration and activity here copied this 3 x idea from one of her posts.

3x HAPPINESS

1.       My job.

2.       New WORKING bank account

3.       New friend(s)

I’ve been rolling in this cicle of negativity lately so here come the positive topics! Nevermind how depressive and hit down I get at the end of the day I’m always happy that I do what I do. It ain’t perfect and it has its down sides but I like the things that I work with and people I work with. Besides I have a new bank account, it’s portuguese and it works! No more need to transfer my money to my finnish account to have access to my funds. I’m also slowly starting to feel like having friends here. People who know this takes time. Good friends. Nice friends.

3x FEARS

1.       My parents dying

2.       Failure

3.       Addiction

And we move on straight to the other end. These are top 3 fears. The number one is obviously inevitable and realistic one. They are my only family and reason why I’d even go home in these days. And they have been good for me, been there for me when I’ve needed. Number two has clearly happened multiple times but still it’s one of the things I keep avoiding and fearing the most. Awful every time. Aaaaand I’ve had my share of alcohol and nicotine used by other people in my life so I hope never to be in a situation controlled by substances.

3X ARTISTS

1.       Laura Pausini

2.       Melanie C

3.       Gianna Nannini / Céline Dion

Gianna Nannini - Fenomenale 2017. 

I love music! I don’t know how to play it or sing it or anything else but boy do I love to listen. These are my favourites, some I’ve mentioned before here in my blog. Discover them if you already haven’t and don’t let prejudices control your mind too much.

3X LISBOA LOVES

1.       Colours/details

2.       Coffee shops everywhere

3.       Glasses and fanny bags

It would take a lifetime to discover all the details that are all over in this city… in the walls of the buildings inside and out. The windows, door and balconies. Equally interesting are the people who live here. Everything is rich in colours and shapes. Never have I ever seen a city filled with so many coffee shops. Besides of actual cafeterias – almost every book store and even car repair shop have a coffee maker and table for you to enjoy your afternoon espresso!

3X EXPERIENCES

1.       Montréal

2.       Meeting LP

3.       Spain

When I was kid I used to go through the geography books at the local library and read every sentence they said about the French speaking Canada. Château Frontenac was a sanctuary and I was a pilgrim making my way to Québec. Even after three years after my MTL experience I think of it as my proudest moment, biggest achievement and happiest time of my life to have been living there. Meeting Laura Pausini, was not part of the plan. I used to listen to her songs, over and over again. But she was distant, it took me years to have courage enough join her official Fan Club and even longer to attend her concert. Now after 23 years of being a fan I’ve met three times, who knew! Spain was unexpected factor also where I ended by a sudden, impulsive, random chain of events. Twice. In the most distinctive areas of the country that gave me life long friends and experiences.

Montréal, the best place on earth. 

3X FINLAND LOVES

1.       Ice cream

2.       Lakes

3.       Sauna

Here are the things that I adore in my country and that I always miss when I’m abroad. The most important obviosly there at number one. Finland is so under estimated as an ice cream destination. We do consume it almost the most in the world, you know! And coffee! Finland is obviously a summer destination with lakes and sauna on the list even though they’re great in the winter time also. But nothing is better than swimming in a finnish lake. The best sauna is at my god parents summer place.

Lahti, my hometown and lake Vesijärvi. 

3X HOBBIES

1.       Music

2.       Photography

3.       Gym

Music subject has been covered up there so let’s move to the photography. I’m not an arty person but I’m fascinated by the world through the lense. You can capture the big scene or focus on the small part of it. Afterwards change colours or bring out the shades to process what I’ve seen and maybe help people to see the beauty in ordinary things around us. Physical exercise is often seen quite shallow thing to do but for me it’s almost the same thing as sitting at a therapist couch. You go through things. You challenge yourself. And most of the times you return lighter home. Emotionally lighter for sure. 

Laura Pausini.

Here’s the Visual Diary blog for any Finnish speaking people who’re interested: http://www.lily.fi/blogit/visual-diary

Home

It was already a while ago when one of the biggest winter sports events FIS Nordic Ski World Championships took place in my hometown, in the city of Lahti, I felt inspired to write about home. This inspiration was strengthened by me moving abroad. 

I’ve always had a contradictory relationship with the place I was brought up. There’s nothing better, warmer than going home but then there’s nothing more agonising than being at home. But as the years go by and the further I’ve gone in my life as in the world, I have learnt to appreciate Lahti’s bittersweet qualities and to see more potential than down sides in it. 

Ten years ago I couldn’t get out of the city fast enough but in these days I’m actually proud of my hometown, its rusty reputation and hard cover - knowing that it takes a lot to see what the city holds inside. As nostalgic my occasional visits are I do remember why I left and haven’t returned to live there. But for a SMALL TOWN lovers I wanted to point out a few things why I am proud to come from Lahti: 

Hidden history

Lahti is cool in a way that you need to know shit to see the real thing underneath the hard cover. Yes Lahti is an ugly city but it used to be traditional wooden small town that burnt down 1870′s and within the unappreciation of the recent decades-  it is what it is. There’s a story behind every statue and park no matter how ridiculous it looks outside.. Okay sometimes the story can make you laugh also. But the point is, there are marks all over the town to tell the story of the city which you need to know how to read. Lahti is definitely at its best during the warm and hopefully sunny spring-summer-fall months but also in February during the annual Skiing sport events when the atmosphere gets an international add in the form of the athletes, media and tourists. 

Lake Vesijärvi

Having always lived within a walking distance from the lake I cannot imagine myself living in a city without any sort of water system. Lahti literally means a “bay” in Finnish so the lake view defines a lot of its character. Besides that the lake offers a waterway to other towns near by (Vesijärvi is connected to Päijänne, the second largest lake in the country) it is a fabulous refreshing site all year round.

Harbour

Today it’s called the living room because everybody always heads to spent their free time there whether it’s for sports, cultural events or drinking/dining out. 100 years ago it was an important industrial area being connected by water and rail. The dominant Sibelius Hall, the lake, charming restaurant boats and wooden details make it one of the favorite spots of the city.

Architecture

Lahti is known to be the promised land of boxes of houses without a hint of character or the era they were built in. But there are some pearls among them: 

Sibelius Hall

The concert and congress center, named after the famous Finnish composer (even though Sibelius didn’t have any real connection to Lahti) was built in 2000. It consists of the old factory and the new wooden part which the latter was at the time it the biggest public wooden building for 100 years. Today it’s been recognized as one of the top ten concert halls in Europe and in the world. The location, the open space and attention to details make together a harmony which I particularly enjoy every time when I step in. 

City Hall

Not the most special buildings in Finland since you can find this same design in Helsinki Railway Station and in the City Hall of Joensuu. And yes the architect was the very same Eliel Saarinen. But it is one of the oldest buildings of the city, standing on top of the hill since 1912 and within its park and several statues it’s one of my favorite areas in Lahti. The interior is also worth seeing for. 

Other sights

Ski jumps

They are impressive when you stand down there, staring up in the sky or on top, looking over the city. Apparently it’s the 7th most popular tourist attraction in Finland and I can understand why. For almost two weeks in February 2017 the world of winter sport lovers headed to this place, it was pretty cool! 

Statues and monuments

Lahti is seriously filled with statues. Over 50 statues and monuments over the town include some important ones as others... not so much. And some which you wouldn’t even think of as an statue or a monument at all. 

(There are two radio towers but only one could fit into this pic)

The most important ones (even though I think they’re not officially monuments but anyhow) being the radio towers of course, the symbols of the city. On top of the hill there’s a lovely graveyard and great park for jogging with awesome views over the city. 

Lanu Park is located next to the harbour on a hill hiding 12 human characters made by Olavi Lanu. Some of his work with the same theme can be found in front of the church in the center and the theater.

Design city

Originally known as a city with a strong sport traditions, design and culture has been rising within Sibelius Hall, highly valued Institute of Design and Fine Arts (which they’ve been trying to put down for years!), the re-use of older buildings such as functionalism buildings bus station and old gas station near the city hall.

(Hello! Diner opened in 2016 in the old gas station- not my pic!)

Rising restaurant and cultural scene

During the passed years there has been some serious rising number of restaurants, cafés and live music venues. Even the old restaurants have taken the live music and shows as part of their business plans to attract customers. I’m super-happy about the live music scene cause I can still remember the time when there were barely places for artists and bands to perform.

(Restaurant Popot (shoes in Finnish) opened in the old shoe store - not my pic!)

They say that the region of Häme, which Lahti is a part of, is slow. Being away so much I see it changed every time I come back. Evolving. Growing. Finding its own way. Still not there yet. Lahti is stil not as attractive as Tampere or Porvoo for example but we’re getting there. Slowly but surely. On FB it’s lovely to see people moving from other parts of the country and telling what a great place it is to live and how much does it offer. How friendly people are. Of course crime and negativity do take place but overall it’s nicely positive. Thanks to the pretty heavy selection of events and fairs all year round - the city is being discovered by thousands of tourists every year and along with city folks they develop this city too. Looking forward to my next visit. 

“Home is where your story begins..”

I just love to wonder around in Helsinki... gonna miss this. 

Vote for Finland! 

Random Helsinki.