CIMETOVA KNJIGA-CINNAMON BOOK

NEW YEAR

2011-12-31T12:32:00.000+02:00

This is Helsinki as it was yesterday on December the 30th. My dear fellow bloggers, readers and the most dearest lurkers - I wish you a happy new year 2012 with lots of good blogging, comments and reading! Srečno novo leto! Hyvää ja onnellista uutta vuotta! <3

DIGITALLY UPGRADED

2011-11-30T22:00:00.025+02:00

Monthly update, finally. It is November, well, the last day of it, but in November I have had my birthday. This year my birthday has been declared as a magical date when the couples all over the world have been getting married. Well, I only baked a real birthday cake and invited some friends with their lovely dog. The things with my MA Thesis have also been moving forward - and what is a better birthday gift for a future Master of Arts in Digital Culture than a digital device? ;)

Now I am a proud owner of an iPad. So far, I have really liked it. My new HP laptop has to go to repair, and now I finally have a second device I can use more or less like a computer; at least considering communication and the Internet. And of course I plan to download as many versions of Angry Birds as possible; the touch-screen experience is something totally different than using a mouse. This post as well has been written with the help of the virtual keyboard, at least partly.

Additional update on Helsinki: we have no snow and today it was +7 degrees Celsius. Last year at this time, it was already a proper winter, but this year it is warm and rainy. In a way, I like it as the past years have been so very snowy and cold. Well, for Christmas and New Year it would be nice to get a bit of snow, but just a bit. Have a nice beginning of the last month of the year - Finland is so very Christmasy already, but well, Santa is supposed to be from here anyway.

THE STORY OF A KLUUVI MAC

2011-10-14T19:34:00.002+03:00

In Helsinki, a new shopping center Kluuvi has opened today; it is located conveniently in the center, on Aleksanderinkatu, just before Helsinki Cathedral. However, yesterday I noticed news in a local newspaper that in Kluuvi would open a new computer store, too. What is more, the particular store would offer a notable discount on a limited amount of Apple's MacBook Air laptops. A Mac has been on my wish list for a long time - and I don't know why I did not buy it when I actually had to buy a new laptop. Nevertheless, a Mac is still on my wish list, and I actually need a second computer. :P

Anyway, I was busy today in the morning and there was no way I would get to the opening of the store with the discount Mac, which would be at 10. I had to pass Kluuvi, though - and already 20 minutes before opening, there was quite a long line infront of the door. And the people there were interested in computers, I just felt that. Some three hours later, I was free and of course I went to do inquieries in Kluuvi. The guy in a shiny computer shop only smiled and said: "Yes, we surely had an offer, but all the computers have been sold in half an hour. People came here to wait at 7 in the morning." There were a couple of 100 of dicount MacBook Airs, and the price was still not that low. Half an hour. What the Hell.

This is my first discount crazyness I feel slightly involved in, or let's say I am slightly shocked. I know these things have been going on around the world, like sleeping infront of shopping centers etc... but such a madness over a Mac? Only half an hour and over a 100 of computers gone? Did people go to buy them just because they were cheap, in their opinion? The models were neither new nor improved, but, well, they were Macs - whatever that signifies to each individual.

More and more I feel tired of all these discounts. Be there first before others, the early bird catches the worm and so on. It feels like a constant fight, where all other consumers are your enemies. Especially here in Finland I think this discount madness is even stronger. Either if it is 0,99 EUR for Lidl's soy milk or 800 EUR for a MacBook Air - everything under an offer is gone and taken as soon as possible. Well, the soy milk shortage happened to me when I did not even know it was under a daily offer, and I had to get it from another shop.

No, I would not stand infront of Kluuvi at 7 in the morning. Perhaps I would have gone there at 10, if I would have had time, but no more than that. I rather wait and buy my Mac at some point in all serenity and in an empty, cosy shop. Give me a brake, I don't feel like fighting no longer. I just want my soy milk. And a Mac.

MNY 465

2011-09-19T14:25:00.000+03:00

I am working a lot to colnclude my studies and I feel quite exhausted... I hate deadlines, really, and I have never been good at them as I always need more time. I hate presure, too, it just makes me more tired. Blah, I feel a bit slow and useless... :(

However, this is not a beauty blog at all, yet I have to post this swatch. :D I have been searching for the photo of this particular nail polish and since I could not find it anywhere online - here is my own (not that perfect) swatch. The nail polish is MNY 465, a beautiful bronze. I am quite into bronze shades lately, and this one was a nice and cheap discovery at the MNY stand in the local Finnish store Sokos.

WHEN IT RAINS

2011-09-13T17:42:00.001+03:00

Here in Finland it's already autumn. Barnacle Geese migrate to the South, I hear them quite often flying (and chatting) over my building, and the leaves are getting more and more yellow. Rain, wind and 15 degrees Celsius. Proper autumn. Now, after four years living in Finland, I finally have a proper equipment for this weather. Hai ruber boots are such a kult (and retro) Finnish item as for example Marimekko, Moomins or Iittala. They come in many colors; however, I have chosen red.

JACKASS, DUUDSONIT AND FINNISH CULTURE

2011-08-28T16:03:00.000+03:00

Duudsonit

This summer my friend has successfully infected me with her recent Jackass-fascination. She (and we) talked about Jackass so much that I had to check at least the movies out - and I liked the thing. Of course there is stupidity and nonsense in all these stunts the Jackass team does, yet there is also a lot of irony, wit and smart (toilet) humor. Shit is not just shit in Jackass, that is. And the guys are cute, all of them.

Finland, however, has a Finnish version of Jackass - Duudsonit or The Dudesons. These four guys are also cute, btw. After watching some Jackass I understand Duudsonit much better than before, and now I even enjoy the show. I have seen this part where The Dudesons go to the USA and try to learn how to survive in the wilderness. Two of the guys went to bathe in an icy water; actually, there was a hole in the ice made for them to bathe. Then I started to think... in a way, Finnish culture is slightly Jackass/Duudsonit, especially for a foreigner. Running from the sauna into the snow and jumping around in it totally naked, or even swimming (totally naked) in a hole in the ice... OK, these things are usually done right after sauna, so one feels very warm, and after swimming in a hole of ice there is a hot sauna waiting again... but still, on the other hand this seems like a kind of a stunt. Oh, and also enjoying ammonium chlorid based black candies or salmiakki feels a bit Jackass-like, not to mention drinking vodka with the same flavour and color. These candies are not even sweet... and vodka is even more interesting.

Well, probably every culture seems a bit Jackass-ish to a foreigner, but after finding out that there is a Finnish version of Jackass and then watching Duudsonit how they wash themselves in an icy water, I have had these brief thougts. I still love Finnish culture - and that's why I am teasing it. ;)

Jackass

BORROWED LIGHT

2011-05-15T16:08:00.000+03:00

Yesterday, I have seen a dance performance Borrowed Light by Tero Saarinen Company in Finnish National Theatre. It was so amazing... beyond words amazing. More information here.

LUMENE HAUL

2011-05-07T19:58:00.000+03:00

First row, left to right: Vitamin C+ Day Cream SPF 15, Cleansing Emulsion (for sensitive skin), Cleansing Foam (for normal skin) and those three green thingies at the end are Anti-Cellulite Serum, Body Scrub and Body Lotion from Birch and Honey collection.

Second row, left to right: Face Toner, Comforting Eye Cream, Total Comfort Mask, Sun and Care cream with SPF 30, Wild Rose and Lumene Natural Code lipstics and Mineral Makeup foundation

Today it was a nice spring day here in Helsinki - yes, the snow had actually melted a month ago and trees are getting green. I decided to go on a short trip to Kauklahti, which is in Espoo and about 40 min train drive from the centre of Helsinki. The final destination of my trip was Lumene's factory shop.

Lumene is a Finnish beauty care manufacturer. Lately, they have improved the formulas of the products as they are trying to avoide, for example, parabens. A lot of their products are supposed to be of at least 80% natural ingredients. Well, I do read the labels and the ingridients seem to be good indeed. Lumene also does not test on animals. Finally, as Lumene is a Nordic brand, they clame to use actual Nordic ingreedients (smart marketing move for sure, but they actually use them). The products are not the cheapest around here at all, but with no DM and Müller chains present in Finland, I have decided to use Lumene. It is Finnish, it tends to be more and more natural - and it suits my skin.

Lumene's factory shop offers their regular products whit more or less regular shop prices. There are also some products with "mistakes" on their packages, which are slightly cheaper than the same products in "proper" packages. Anyway, the content is the same, and that is what matters. I also had some 25% discount to use - and so I got this big haul... of course much bigger than I had planned at first.

Actually, I do need most of the products. :D I ran out of them and I would need to buy them anyway - so why not to buy a bit cheaper? Well, the Birch and Honey series was not on my list; I decided to try it. Of course I spent quite a lot at once and now I feel a bit bad; I guess it was my biggest beauty products purchase so far. However, with the 25% off and other cheaper products, I hope I did actually save some money, especially as I won't need to buy cosmetics for quite some time now.

Lipstick close-up left to right: Wild Rose Natural "Mauve Nude" and Natural Code "Juicy Plum"

SUMMER TIME

2011-03-28T19:50:00.000+03:00

In Finland also sundials are set to summer time.

P.S.: The picture has been published in today's Helsingin Sanomat.

ANGRY BIRDS

2011-02-13T13:19:00.000+02:00

Some three weeks ago my old laptop decided it had been enough and just stopped working. It all started with strange green stripes all over the screen; however, soon after those stripes had appeared, the computer shut down completely. The screen got half white and half black, and even when the thing was connected to another monitor, nothing happened. Serious shit. As my old laptop was one of those no-name brands, perhaps more common in Slovenia but for sure unknown in Finland, the guys at some repair shop were not eager to deal with it. And of course the repair would have cost almost as much as a new laptop...

There was only one option left - now I have a new laptop. :P After this experience I also strongly recommend a spare hard disc; the transfer to a new device was far less stressful due to all the documents and even bookmarks stored separately from the old laptop. However, the new laptop came with a new operating system, and thus I was able to fulfill my dream that has started at the beginning of the year - and I did not even need to purchase Android-friendly device. I have downloaded the very famous computer game - Angry Birds.

The thing with Angry Birds is, that the game was developed in Finland. I have already read a couple of articles in Helsingin Sanomat, where the Finns were proud of this success; and yes, they should be. The game is so very simple - and even so very stupid - and that makes it so very funny and so very good. Crazy angry-looking birds killing green pigs, now come on, what a fantastic nonsense. :D Not to mention the great soundtrack and especially the sound birds and pigs produce all the time. Oh, and there are some more funny and perhaps intercultural details... In the ninth part of the second episode pigs sit on a tank - and the tank has a small Swedish flag on the top. I assume this is a reference to the eternal teasing between the Finns and the Swedes...

The experience of playing the game on a PC is a bit different than when playing it on a cellphone; the touch screen option surely adds some more interaction. However, a laptop at least has a larger screen, and thus it brings its own benefits. The other thing is that I cannot play the game on the train or when waiting somewhere...well, one perhaps cannot have everything at once and nevertheless I might need a new cellphone at some point. ;) Anyway, I am not a freak considering computer games, and of course I need my laptop for other and much more serious tasks - but for occasional fun I surely confess that I am a huge fan of Angry Birds.

JANUARY AND GIVEAWAYS

2011-01-15T19:58:00.002+02:00

January always feels long and a bit dull for me and that also means I don't have much to say. Almost all Christmas/New Year decoration has gone from the city, sales are almost finished, the day is getting slightly longer and we still have snow.

That's basically it. However, I haven't even wish a very happy and most wonderful new year 2011 to all all my readers and fellow bloggers, so please, here is a late greeting. ;) For the New Year's Eve, I was in Helsinki with some friends that came all the way from Slovenia; we went to a (metal, of course) gig in Nosturi and had fun all the week they were here. On the picture you can also see my New Year's Eve mani, which was China Glaze Ruby Pumps - really great shade and polish, just perfect for such jolly celebrations.

Considering nail polish in general, there are some very nice giveaways I would like to participate at; two to be more precise. First, Parokeets are celebrating their second birthday and thus the girls have prepared a wonderful giveaway, full of desirable nail polish and other stuff. Happy birthday! Parokeets giveaway includes some famous brands from the nail polish world, and most of the polishes presented are either very expensive here in Finland, or I don't know how to get them. The giveaway ends on January the 31st at midnight so there is still time to enter. Very nice gift indeed. :P

Last but not least is my friend Ulmiel's giveaway. She has started her nail polish blog Did someone say nail polish? quite recently; however, Ulmiel already has 200 and more followers, and her giveaway is celebrating 100 followers. The giveaway again includes brands that I cannot get here in Finland as well as tempting glitter and holographic polishes. The giveaway ends on February the 10th at midnight. It would be so great to win these 16 polishes... :P

These colorful gifts surely promise colorful beginning of the year. You can find the photos with links to both giveaways on the side bar of Cinnamon Book.

CHRISTMAS CHATTERBOX

2010-12-17T14:45:00.004+02:00

Christmas madness has come to Finland. Streets of Helsinki are quite crowded - not to mention shopping centers, especially during weekends. Buying, giving and getting gifts for Christmas seems to be more than important here in Finland. However, I am only sending some cards with Season's Greetings. I won't travel to Slovenia during Christmas/New Year's either, it's just too expensive, too long as I should change planes - and I also have to work. Thus, I will spend this particular family-all-together kind of holiday more or less alone, and that... well, that slightly sucks, I guess.

Considering lonesome Christmas Eves, I have recently seen Swedish movie adaptation Män som hatar kvinnor of Stieg Larsson's novel from his Millennium Trilogy. However, in the movie there was a short scene when the character Lisbeth Salander catches a glance through the window. For a moment she observes the joyful family next door during Christmas dinner while Lisbeth herself sits alone at home. She gives an impression that she does not care at all, but then again she hesitates and considered the situation a bit. I slightly know how that feels...

On the other hand, I don't like all this Christmas commercial pressure, kind of forced images of happy family celebrating together. Reality is sometimes quite different than these ideal images offered in the media. Here in Finland the expectation of Christmas is important; I have already mention the gifts. Then, good food and all that. Already on Christmas Eve, the 24th of December, all the offices are closed and public transport completely stops around two o'clock in the afternoon, if not earlier. Everybody is supposed to be at home or somewhere, celebrating. Or whatever.

I have never put a lot of stress on such holidays. Also, I think that such a general image of overall happiness and constantly highlighted necessity for, in this case Christmas, celebration can bring some bad mood to those that do not have any option to celebrate. Well, at the end it's all about money and commercialism; the necessity of celebration most probably would not be mentioned so many times in the media if it would not bring the benefit of shopping for Christmas gifts/food/you-name-it. But who knows, perhaps even lonesome Christmases would become trend and fashion one day...

To conclude this chatter-boxing, there surely is something I like about all this Christmas-celebration-thing: lights! Many lights and candles. It is so dark during Finnish winter that I have decorated my apartment already at the beginning of December - and also the city is very nice, especially in all this snow. Thus, we can enjoy at least some shiny, decorated and so Christmas-like traditional winter wonderland. Happy and lovely holidays I wish! :)

KAAMOS

2010-11-27T21:49:00.000+02:00

Today I have read the news in Finnish newspaper Helsingin Sanomat that kaamos has started in Lapland. I really like this Finnish word for the polar night. It feels so calm, dark and deep as I imagine the real polar night would be... We don't have kaamos in this part of Finland and no matter how beautiful the word itself feels, I guess it would be hard to endure the time when the sun neither rises nor sets. We only have short days, winter darkness, and living with it does not always feel comfortable.

These days were very cold as well, not only in Lapland. In Helsinki it was around -14, and the cold will continue for some time. According to the news it is very unusual that such a cold strikes at the end of November already. This is North, but I know that North can be mild and tender even during winter. So I don't know was it the winter darkness or this unusual cold... I just had a hell of a week. Even now during weekend I still feel the burdens of the past days, like stones. Sometimes it's just too much of everything.

Luckily, I visit the gym regularly, and exercise helps. Otherwise I don't know how would it be. Bleh.

WINTER AND SOME MORE PRESENTS

2010-11-22T20:10:00.001+02:00

The present and the snow, natural light

Helsinki has got the first portion of snow - and it looks like there will be more of it. The weather is also quite cold, much colder than it usually is in late November in this part of Finland. Today it was -3 degrees Celsius, and the forecast is promising even more cold yet to come...

However, I have to show another birthday present - or six of them, to be precise. My friends from Slovenia were so nice that they have sent me a package full of nail polish. And not just some nail polish - I was told these bottles would be special. So they are, in many ways. The colors, the brands - and last but not least, they have been sent to me all the way from Slovenia with a nice birthday card from and by my friends. :) Oh, and that red cloth also came with the polish. A lot of colors to brighten up this winter darkness for sure. ;)

The present and the snow, flash

From left to right, back row: SpaRitual Drop Dead Gorgeous, Regal and Solitude

From left to right, front row: Zoya Harlow, Nubar Midnight Glory and Nfu Oh 131

PRESENTS FOR KANELI

2010-11-15T10:43:00.002+02:00

Last week I had my birthday, and as I usually write a post about the occasion - well, here is Kaneli's birthday post of 2010. This was my third birthday that I celebrated in Finland, and regardless the important change of the front number (from 2 to 3, huh), I celebrated more or less alone. I have my friends and family either in Slovenia or in Jyväskylä, so the real party is yet about to come.

However, it was a nice coincidence that one of my favorite bands, Katatonia from Sweden, played their gig in Helsinki exactly on my birthday. Even better as I really wanted to see Katatonia live for ages, but for some reason I never had that chance. Now I have seen the band and I must say they are very good live as well.

I also have to show two presents I got for myself - a new corset and Kalevala Koru silver necklace. I was happy to get this new corset as I hadn't bought anything so alternative for ages, and I really like the necklace as I have always been a huge Kalevala Koru fan.

And last but not least: I have been tagged by Ulmiel a while ago to answer some questions, and now I finally have time to write my thoughts.

1. Innie or Outie?

Introvert for sure. It takes time for me to open and show my feelings.

2. Unlimited wealth? Or Unlimited health?

Unlimited health. I guess I don't need to explain.

3. What is your favorite book?

Quite many of them, actually... perhaps, I can mention some writers like for example Sofi Oksanen, Haruki Murakami, J.R.R. Tolkien etc.

4. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live and why?

In Finland because I speak Finnish. :P The second option could be Iceland; anyway, I like North.

5. What is your security blanket?

I don't have any. Stupid question, anyway.

6. What is your mode of transportation?

Public transport - a local train, tram, metro or bus. Sometimes also a ship and a plane.

7. What is your signature scent?

Dolce and Gabbana Light Blue, for years.

8. If you were at Hogwarts, what house would you belong to?

Ravenclaw for sure. I'm smart, but not too heroic.

9. If you could be any Disney princess who would you be and why?

Bad Fairy. ;)

10. What is one of your bad habits?
I am too slow/lazy/unmotivated considering the work for my MA thesis.

FASHIONED IN FINLAND GIVEAWAY

2010-11-04T18:49:00.001+02:00

As you can see on the side-bar of Cinnamon Book, Parokeets are giving away some nice metallic and magnetic nail polishes. However, also Nea from Finland has something nice to offer - just click here and enter the giveaway on Nea's great blog Fashioned in Finland. The prize includes Shu Uemura eyelash curlers, Sleek Storm palette, Sleek Good Girl palette and TKB mini samples. The products look very tempting... :P The giveaway ends on 3rd of December 2010 so there is some time to enter.

However and by the way, I feel so very sleepy today that I cannot produce a better or longer post than this... Finnish winter is getting stronger, especially considering its dark powers; there is no snow yet, just darkness is longer and longer... I eat D-vitamin and fish oil, but those things do not always help as I would like. Well, soon Christmas time will come anyway, and there will be lots of other light... and candles and sweets.

EDIT: The Parokeets giveaway ended on the 8th of November, I did not get anything - not surprised at all as I basically never win anything in raffles. :D

SKYR IS IN FINLAND!

2010-10-23T21:05:00.002+03:00

I was actually thinking to write some other post today, but then I went to one of the local stores to buy some fruit. When I passed the fridge with milk products, something caught my eye. I stared. I could not believe. What I had stared at was so very familiar to me, yet it belonged to my images and memories from some other Nordic country. There, on the top shelf, there was a pile of pots with the very real and the very Icelandic SKYR!!! Woow!!!

This surely is the news of the day as I am so very happy that Finland has started to import skyr from Iceland. Now what is skyr and how have I fallen in love with it? According to Wikipedia, skyr is an Icelandic cultured dairy product, similar to strained yoghurt. Technically it is a very soft cheese. It is very popular in Icelandic cuisine. It seems to have originated in Norway and been brought to Iceland by the Vikings. Skyr has a slightly sour dairy flavor, with a hint of residual sweetness. Commercial Icelandic manufacturers of skyr have added flavors such as vanilla, berries, etc. common to yogurt to the final product, to increase its appeal.

Skyr is exactly what I was longing to taste even before my first trip to Iceland in 2003; you must know that I have always been a big fan of Iceland, anyway. During my first trip I ate really a lot of skyir; I guess I don't need to repeat how much I liked it. This summer I went to Icleand again - and the first thing I did when I came to Keflavik airport was that I had bought a skyr in the shop on the airport and ate it outside while waiting for the bus to Reykjavik. Strawbery skyr. Then, I dragged my two friends all over the city to the biggest shopping center in Reykjavik, Kringlan, just because I had read that somewhere near that shopping center should be an ice-cream shop, which sells skyr ice-cream. I took a map and walked and finally found ÍSland, the place with great home-made skyr ice-cream. And of course the last thing I ate in the morning before leaving Iceland in August 2010 was again a big pot of skyr.

I have missed skyr. Until now. I really like such cottage cheese/yogurt-like products; however, skyr is, at least for me, something special. It should be also very healthy, low on calories and with lots of proteins. My favorite flavors are vanilla and strawberry, but I also like others. However, it seems that the economic crisis has affected Iceland also in the way that they have started to export skyr to Nordic countries - first, I think, it was to Norway in 2009. Well, I just hope Finland will like skyr, and that the product will remain here in our shops. For the benefit of the Icelandic exporters - and just because skyr rules.

RUSKA

2010-10-19T19:38:00.000+03:00

I was away from Finland for 9 days - on holiday in Slovenia. While I was away, all the birches in front of my building had turned golden yellow. The birches, so typical Finnish trees, grow in the park here, and my balcony looks directly to the park; thus, I have a nice autumn view, especially if the day is sunny. Just too bad that the trees will soon be black and bare, all the leaves on the ground. However - Finnish ruska, the time of colored trees, is really beautiful.

Otherwise I have brought some autumn flu from Slovenia with me, which is totally annoying. Not to mention that I am on sick leave right after I have returned from holiday... now how clumsy is that...

A LUSH LJUBLJANA

2010-10-12T15:13:00.002+03:00

Whenever I am visiting Slovenia, I have to, of course, do some shopping. Usually, I pick up the shops/stuff I cannot get in Finland; however, in case of Lush I realized I also have to buy their products in Ljubljana - or in Tallinn. I was actually quite surprised when I had find out that cosmetics of Lush is actually cheaper in Ljubljana (and in Tallinn) than in Helsinki. Whereas the prices in Ljubljana and Tallinn were the same, the difference between Helsinki is much cheaper - from 2€ for soaps up to 7€ for Dream Cream and even 10€ in case of some more expensive creams (which I don't buy, I have just noticed the difference).

The thing is that Lush is a big worldwide chain, and according to my experience with other big chains I would expect similar prices everywhere; at least H&M does not do any difference, and prices are the same either in Ljubljana or in Helsinki. The Body Shop is similar everywhere in Europe as well; also in Tallinn. The Lush example is interesting; however, I did not shop in any other Lush store to do a more exact comparison, just in Helsinki, Ljubljana and Tallinn.

Anyway, I have bought a few of my favorite products and spent quite a lot at once - well, I hope I have also managed to save some money as I have chosen a cheaper Lush-franchise. ;)

P.S.: For all of you that come to this page while searching for any info about Lush store in Ljubljana- you can find the shop in the old town, right next to the famous Robba fountain, the address is Ciril-Metodov trg 21. However, more info is here.

NOTD - Nails Of The Day

2010-10-09T17:40:00.002+03:00

Just because I have become a nail polish fan and because I read more and more nail polish as well as make up related blogs. :D Not a perfect swatch at all, but one has to learn, right? Oh, btw - the black line on the edge of the fourth finger was removed later.

Depend 019, IsaDora Graffiti Black Tag and Essie Good to Go on the top

HELSINKI - REALLY THE BEST?

2010-10-07T11:06:00.003+03:00

While I was writing posts within one internet forum, I also had to mention, every now and then, that I live in Helsinki, Finland. Well, I am not boasting with this - it's a fact, I am an immigrant, at least at the moment. However, the reactions of other members were something like "ooh, Finland, I envy you, such a beautiful country" and "ooh, Helsinki, I envy you". Yet - are Helsinki really so great and the best city and all?

Newsweek magazine recently ranked Finland as the best country to live in - mainly because of very good educational system - but still. I surely do like living in Finland, it's clean and naturally beautiful country. The salary is in general good - but on the other hand, the taxes are high, and that hurts. Further more, there really is a big difference between Helsinki and, for instace, Jyväskylä where I first lived. Helsinki is, of course, much much bigger - here lives half a milion of the population, whereas in Jyväskylä it was less than 100 thousand. So, all the good shops are basically located in Helsinki, all the biggest bands come to Helsinki; the city is a capital and, as most probably elsewhere in the world, everything aims to the capital.

However, it also looks like that it is much easier to find a job in Helsinki. Thus, people have to move from other parts of Finland - and that causes a shortage of proper rental apartments. So, there is a big competition among tenants, which make rents very, very high. I mean, the difference between Jyväskylä and Helsinki is almost 60% regarding rental costs. For instance, one can easily pay even 900€ for a small one-room flat in Helsinki, whereas in Jyväskylä the rent could be 400€, or even less. Of course there are possibilities to get a municipal flat, where the rent is cheaper etc. - but for a young individual just starting to work and with no family, small flats on the rental market seem to be the only option. And thus, one has to take the situation as it is, and get over it.

As Helsinki is much bigger than other cities in Finland, I also sense some kind of metropolis-feeling. Sometimes, the city feels too crowded, and one cannot be alone. People squeeze on vacant seats of public trasport, and sometimes I get this feeling that they really don't care about others. There is much more rush and ignorance in general; quite hard to explain. Annoying and loud teenagers, people all the time talking on mobile-phones, no silence. Drunks, and lately beggars from Romania. All in all - Helsinki can be too big and too crowded place, where one can hardly maintain her or his own little personal space.

Anyway... I like Helsinki, and I like living in Helsinki. I like green suburbs, I like the sea, I like the fact that people have so many dogs here - and I also like the fact that I can get much more stuff here than in Jyväskylä, or even in Ljubljana. Helsinki is trendy and up-to-date; Helsinki is, afterall, very cool - but still no fairyland.

BLOG AWARDS

2010-10-03T12:42:00.001+03:00

Ulmiel has just created a fresh and colorful nail polish blog Did Someone Say Nail Polish? - and handed me two blog awards. Kiitos, thanks, hvala! :) The awards are Sunshine Award and Happy 101.

The rules are:
1. Save the image above and post it on your own blog.
2. Pass the award on to 12 fellow bloggers.
3. Link the nominees.
4. Let nominees know they have won this award by commenting on their blog.
5. Share the love and link to the person you received this award from.

The rules are:
1. Post who gave you this award.
2. State 10 things you like.
3. Give this award to 10 other bloggers and notify them with a comment.

10 THINGS I LIKE

more or less random order

dogs <3
metal music with good lyrics
traveling (consequently, Iceland and Finland)
Japanese martial arts (or visiting a fitness club, heh)
good movies
water
foreign languages
nail polish
independence
ice-cream

Now I should pick up some nominees, but I am not sure how many bloggers still read this blog as it had slept for a while... Well, let's try. I pick:

Alcessa

Nina

Riki

OK, it's Sunday, I have time and so I should go and apply one of those three nice and also nicely expensive nail polishes I have bought last week. ;)

THE AWAKENING, A MINDSTREAM

2010-09-24T12:23:00.007+03:00

Just yesterday, I was given a question similar to "Do you still write your blog, anyway?" Then I went to check my dear Kanelikirja, and the last post was written in April. Huh. 5 months ago or what? I did not miss writing so much, I felt kind of empty - and on the other hand, I was dealing with my "new life" a lot. Tiredness, stress, trying to deal with my endless M.A. thesis - and also some a bit better things. Dogs, shopping and especially travel.

I don't even know if I still have some readers, but well... let's try to bring Cinnamon Book back to the blogosphere. Perhaps, I should do a little make-over, considering the themes and also lay-out, sometimes just write, sometimes just post pictures. Let's see what happens! I think blogging is still a very cool hobby - and I am becoming a fan of, especially, make-up blogs. Jep, here the shallow part of Kaneli is exposed. ;) By the way, blogging is also a great way of therapy, and perhaps I need some therapy again. :P I miss talking, I miss my friends from Slovenia and Jyväskylä, I miss the dog... and I just miss because of missing, hard to explain.

Yesterday was also the first day of autumn, and here in Finland trees have been changing colours already for a month. Almost every day I see wild gees migrating south, in big and small flocks; I have never seen so many migrating birds before, or I just haven't notice them. The autumn reminds me how fast the time goes. I feel comfortable, but all the time I have this little burdon of my thesis, and fear what could happen in the future. And now is autumn again. Time moves too fast by all means.

Alright, let's finnish now this mindstream, before any doubt appears and I won't even press the Publish Post button, thus leaving Cinnamon Book forgotten. I guess Kaneli can still share her stories in the future, and she will try to do her best - now let's just hope there will still be those who listen... and who have listened to Kaneli's stories all this time. Is it four years already...? Must be.

Nice autumn I wish! :)

A LOT AND THEN AGAIN NOT

2010-04-27T18:30:00.005+03:00

What's new? Some things in my life have changed all of a sudden, some are still the same... First of all, I have got a job in Helsinki. Thus, I also have my own flat and I don't have to share it with flatmates. Finally. I had good as well as bad experiences with shared flats and people that shared the flat with me; however, I rather live on my own. Oh, it is a very big difference. I am certainly among those that cherish individuality and, sometimes, also loneliness.

So I had to move quite fast into a new city; alright, that was not such a problem as I had known Helsinki quite well for some years, at least the center. The thing is that I had to start with a whole new rhythm. Which makes me to feel a bit old. But... I should still finish my Master's thesis and that is what still makes me a student. :) And also bothers me a lot... I am really slow when it comes to writing a thesis, any kind of a thesis...

Well, I guess I should not complain as it is probably not that easy to get a job in these times I am happy that the days here up North are much longer again. Spring is finally coming to Finland, no matter some remnants of snow are still lurking under shady corners. However - good Vappu, May Day I wish!

COLOURFUL UPDATES

2010-02-09T19:47:00.008+02:00

OPI Romeo & Joliet

Nothing special is going on, I am basically working on my thesis, or at least trying to work on it, and so I actually do not come up with some interesting material for the blog. However, some things are new and they even surprise me. I guess it's because I was bored with colourless everyday of Finnish as well as Slovenian winter, or merely bored with colourless everyday in general - and so I had started to paint my nails. For a girl that has owned just a transparent top-coat and possibly some black nailpolish only a month ago, this surely is a big change. I think that now I have something like 15 or 17 nailpolishes - heh, I am not even sure about the exact number. :P

It all started with a small bottle of Lumene's blueberry-purple polish called Drama Queen. I was quite skeptic as I was not very patient when applying colorful polishes in the past, I was clumsy with the brush, I put too thick layers, the polish did not dry nicely etc. But when applying Drama Queen I was more concentrated - and I have realized one just needs some more patient (which I surely need to practice, so dealing with nail polishes is useful in this way) as well as a good polish (my black ones were usually very low-quality). So I have started to enyoj the colours on my nails and I have also started to collect nail polishes. Well, at first I thought I would only stick to those small 4ml bottles of the same family as Drama Queen was, but then, and this is another "interesting" update, I have started to follow some nail-polish blogs and forums. Thus I have discovered some other famous and commercial names like OPI and China Glaze. Finally, I have also found out that one can get OPI as well as CG polishes in JKL as well. Eeek. Luckily, some very nice shades were also on 70%-off sale. :D

Now I am thinking to get a small cosmetic case as I suppose my nail polish collection would probably keep growing. At the moment I am protecting myself to start ordering stuff via Ebay as internet shopping is dangerous in the sense of wide selection of products. However, I have already realized, kind of, that there are numerous shades of one colour and that one could just keep collecting forever; according to my current polishes, I prefer purples and reds, rather darker than brighter. But I do own one bright turquoise and shinny apple-green, too.

All in all, I probably won't change Cinnamon Book into a fashion/make-up/polish blog as I don't feel too competent for something like that, and I guess I have not turned that commercial. Or well... let's first see how nice I will learn to apply polishes; at the moment I cannot even take good pictures of swatches. I dare to say I have got better with eyeshadows, but that would be another story. ;)

NEW YEAR, NEW TRIP

2010-01-07T21:33:00.009+02:00

First of all, I should wish all dear friends and fellow bloggers HAPPY 2010! Lots of luck, love and such nice things. And for the bloggers only - lots of interesting posts! I might not be writing that regularly, but, believe me, I have become a constant and devoted reader of your writings.

A moose resting in Skansen - especially for Alcessa ;)

Again I spent Christmas here in Jyväskylä and it was really nice as we had so much snow. It is just perfect white winter, regardless -20 degrees Celsius; and it just keeps snowing. However, for the rest of the Christmas/New Year's holidays I got another chance to visit Sweden - the capital Stockholm, to be precise. My Slovenian friends had got some very cheap tickets from Klagenfurt, I had booked a ship from Turku harbor, and off we went.

Regardless the fact Sweden is just across the sea and Finland's neighbor, the actual trip from Jyväskylä to Stockholm takes much more than a flight from, for instance, Klagenfurt. 4 hours on a train to Turku, a whole night on the ship to Stockholm's harbor Tegelvikshamnen. I had a cabin on the ferry so at least I could sleep. I went to Stockholm once already, but that was with a group of exchange students. We had shitty cabins below the car deck and near the engine room; okay and good when one plans to drink all night and then sleep drunkenly for a few short hours. However, if the passenger wants to sleep as I do, and enjoy other things but drinking, then I would recommend a better cabin. Mine, for instance, had a window and so I was even able to see the shores of Åland during the night. Well, the reader must note that these big ferries sailing between Finland and Sweden are kind of big floating fun/drinking places, yet there are still some people that use the ship as a means of transport.

Runestone

And then Stockholm... this time, I stayed in the city much longer than during my first visit. Also, now I was in a cosy place with a bunch of friends. And yes, it was very cold, it was snowy and icy, we were sometimes walking too much and we were tired and our mood might had been bad sometimes, but still. It was time for visiting museums, for remnants of the Vikings, for runes carved in stones, for white squirrel with red eyes (a painting in Nationalmuseum). It was also time to see some modern art in Moderna Museet, like for example Dali, Warhol, Pollock and others. And it was also time to walk on the frozen Vallentuna lake in the sun while the snow was glittering all around.

Vallentuna lake

Finally, it was also time to do some shopping, but those details would destroy all the upper fairy tale. Anyway, I liked the city, regardless the winter cold and lots of tourists swarming in Gamla stan. Now when I am back to my everyday with the new Koirien Kalevala calendar for the year 2010 (the year in which I have to finish my MA thesis)... now I have realized that we had really some good time in Sweden and that also Stockholm can produce some special magic I am usually looking for when traveling to the cities abroad. Jep, it was nice.

P.S.: But Helsinki still has better metal bars! ;)

GREETINGS FROM JYVÄSKYLÄ

2009-11-16T23:24:00.004+02:00

Sometimes I don't know why I've chosen this land. The weather in early winter is most of all gray, and so very heavy. No wonder that bears hibernate - I could also sleep for hours and hours. Yes, perhaps even days. It was snowing last week, now the snow has melted again, it's damp, it's also icy and so very very sleepy... Not to mention the fact that the darkness comes around 3pm, and this is not getting better until January; it'll only get worse now when December appears. And even when there is day light, kind of, it's gray... as someone would put a thick cloth over the only source of light left.

Sometimes I think that the life here is heavy, considering the climate. Why somebody moves to this climate, and then even decides to spend another winter here, I wonder. But still... I feel like staying.

SHOPPING SPREE

2009-10-19T20:14:00.006+03:00

Today at H&M I noticed one very excited little girl. In one hand, she was holding a jumper; in the other she had her mobile phone and she talked to her daddy. ''I'm in H&M and I've found such a great jumper,'' reported the girl, thus probably asking for permission if she could buy the jumper. She seemed to be around ten years old; little and very young for sure. Shopping with her same-aged friends.

Either in Finland or in Slovenia - same stories. Young schoolgirls with their schoolbags shopping after school. I don't know why, but for some reasons I feel bothered. Sure, one needs clothes, especially when it comes to job and stuff like that. I am also an active part of consumer's society and sometimes I really like shopping. I like to have my style, I like to be elegant. I probably put too much stress on my clothing and I like new clothes; however, I'm not very proud of this fact and I'm also trying not to care so much. Also, I don't care for brands, or even not at all.

Maybe these clothes-shopping little girls bother my mind because I don't have a very nice memories on my last year in primary school. We were 14 years old teenagers when girls got into clothing (and makeup) and in my school it was all about famous brands. It was about shopping in Italy and Austria and having a different jumper every day of the week. I was different, quiet, artistic and more introverted at those times; however, I remember how some of the girls-with-brands in my class were verbally torturing their different fellows. Kids can be so very cruel.

I'm sorry I didn't possess some of my ''older wisdom'' back then; well, I'm not sure how wise I'm now but I guess there is some improvement. I'm sorry I was not proud of myself as being different, quiet, artistic, I'm sorry that I didn't have enough strength to fight with all stupid commercial and shallow ideas, I'm sorry that I was so insecure. I'm not happy as I still feel how my values were missplaced. And I'm sorry as I sometimes cannot fight those ghosts from the past even nowdays.

I guess now the times are much more materialistic than those ten years ago. Schoolgirls and schoolboys now carry their own bankcards; probably, the differences are much bigger now. I am affraid that today among kids it is much more important who can buy a new jumper in H&M after school and who can't. And probably those that are somewhat different do not feel any better than we did; they feel even worse.

AUTUMN APPROACHES SWEETLY

2009-09-24T22:04:00.005+03:00

Smells like cinnamon...

There should be no secrets about how much I love ice-cream. In Finland, I cannot find as tasty frozen delights as in my country of origin. Finnish ice-cream is also tasty, of course, but so far I have missed the softness, the so important smooth creaminess; that so silky touch. Finnish jätski, on the other hand, is usually more firm, like some kind of a snow; or if it is the so called softie, pehmis, it comes in just a few and not that exciting variations. Well, it's good that I know some visit-worth ice-cream places in Slovenia - and I'm always happy to hear about any new interesting spots. Also in Finland. ;)

However, yesterday it was the first day of the autumn, the Autumnal equinox, and by some chance the 23rd of September also represents the day I have started my blog... now three years ago. Still in the blogosphere, despite the fact Kaneli is not as active as she used to be. But nevertheless, blogging rules! Anyway, just two years ago she was posting some amazing pictures of Finnish ruska to celebrate the beginning of autumn; now it's perhaps a good moment to show some snaps of Kaneli's recent much prolonged summer holidays.

My autumn has started with ice-cream. And, the most important - the white one on this picture is cinnamon ice-cream. Pure pleasure. Sweet autumn I wish! :)

ABOUT MY SUMMER

2009-08-23T16:42:00.004+03:00

I haven't written a thing for a long time; probably because I was busy and probably because I didn't feel like writing. The last feels like a problem as there are things I should be writing... nevertheless, so far, my summer was more or less active. OK, I actually should be traveling a bit more, and that buggs me, but... let me just summ up the story so far.

1. Summer festivals in Finland, 4 in total. Worked at Provinssirock (Seinäjoki), Nummirock (Nummijärvi) and Ilosaarirock (Joensuu). Visited Tuska (Helsinki).

2. Working at the festivals in Finland as security steward (järjestyksenvalvoja) was an interesting experience. First of all, I was working in Finnish, and only in Finnish; second, I got some money. Things seemed well organised. The job felt good, regardless a lot of working hours and sometimes only 4 hours of sleep. And yes, the job surely did increase my self-confidence.

3. I had some good time in summer Helsinki again, first at Tuska and then also during a private visit. As it is summer, the city was full of tourists again, sunny and surprisingly hot. Also the airport was crowded, and I surely don't like crowded airports. Next time I'll fly home during less busy season; it's much nicer.

4. I am turning into a serious fan of Battlestar Galactica.

5. Now I'm again confronted with some emotional emptiness and some depression, which keeps my creativity away. I'm kind of loosing time, and I know it, but for some reasons I'm just stuck in the space. I really hate such unsure situations. I hate to make wrong decisions. And I feel exhausted for no proper reason.

6. So I just hope for a nice and active autumn.

TIME FOR A SWIM

2009-07-03T23:52:00.003+03:00

Finally... swimming in clear, fresh and yet not cold water of the lake Jyväsjärvi... just too bad that nice and warm weather does not last long during Finnish summer.

P.S.: The image was taken at 3:00 in the morning.

ZADETA?

2009-06-24T22:27:00.012+03:00

Tudi mene je doletelo pisanje verižnega prispevka - Alcessa in pozneje Nina sta me določili, da naj blogosferi zaupam, od česa sem bila najbolj zadeta. Ker sem čez vikend delala na metal festivalu Nummirock, se je čas za blog našel šele danes.

Pretekli vikend je bil na Finskem zelo pomemben - dogajal se je Juhannus, kresni večer; mimogrede, Juhannus je vedno na tisto soboto, ki je najbližja datumu kresne noči (in potem je že sam petek pred tem ena velika sobota ker je pof***n Juhannus). Kakorkoli, praznovanje poletja na Finskem pomeni množično popivanje (kajpak) ter posledično utapljanje v jezerih. In takoj na tem mestu lahko povem, kako sem se ta Juhannus ter vse ostale čase pred njim razlikovala od večine ter od česa še nikoli nisem bila zadeta. Ne sedaj, niti nikoli prej. Alkohol. Alko in jaz ne greva skupaj; tu in tam sem že poskusila kak požirek (pa ne vina, ker mi smrdi) pa mi zadevščina sploh ni bila všeč. Alkohola enostavno ne maram. Kar povzroča nemalo čudenja tako med Slovenci kot tudi med Finci, katerim je ljubezen do alkoholne zadetosti vsekakor več kot skupna. Ampak... alco is not my way, and it has never been. Čeprav vedno znova ugotavljam, da je abstinenca skorajda hujša družbena stigma kot alkoholizem...

Mogoče sem nekakšen novi hipi (a sem že omenila, da sem vegetarijanka?), ki hoče živeti zdravo in se ne uničevat s pijačo. Pa ne morem biti niti hipi, ker še nikoli nisem poskusila kadit - niti tobaka, niti česa hujšega. Ne glede na dejstvo, da sem študirala na umetniški akademiji, kjer je včasih že sam prostor šolanja dišal po prepovedanih substancah. Nad takšnimi dejanji se nikoli nisem zgražala (toliko hipija je le v meni), ni pa mi bilo do tega, da bi poskusila. Sicer ne maram biti pasivna kadilka; verjetno sem med tisto peščico, ki se veseli, da ji ob obisku barov in koncertov oprava ne smrdi po čikih. Po drugi strani pa sem verjetno spet hinavska... saj velika večina oseb v mojih dramah kadi. :D

Ali sem torej sploh kdaj bila zadeta? Zakaj sem se spravila pisat ta post, če samo bluzim o nekem zdravem in bolj ali manj sterilnem življenju? Well, let's see... Verjetno sem nasploh občutljivo bitje, in tako me zadanejo že zelo drobne zadevice, ki se marsikoga še dotaknejo ne. Ena od teh dnevnih zadevic je kava. Brez kave ne gre - in ja, razlika med mojim počutjem pred in po kavi je velika. Preveč kave, po drugi strani, pa ima prav tako posledice, saj postanem živčna, nemirna, on speed. Ampak kofein je vseeno zakon. Samo ne preveč njega.

Pozitivno zadeta sem po treningih borilnih veščin. Nekoč je to bil nanbudo, danes je aikido. Dostikrat se zgodi, da grem na trening zaspana in slabe volje, po treningu pa sem polna energije. In tisto počutje je vsekakor blizu nečemu, kar bi opredelila kot zadetost. V dobrem smislu me potem zadene še savna (sauna), sploh po uspešnem treningu, ali pa kar tako. Pa seveda metal/rock festivali, kakšna res huda muzika (Flogging Molly!) in še bolj huda besedila, zadanejo me dobri filmi, knjige, nekoč me je izjemno močno zadelo gledališče. Aja, zadenejo me tudi kužki. Imela sem dva in sedaj si (napol) lastim že tretjega; dejansko sem pogrešala tisto pravo druženje s psi. Abstinenčna kriza po psu je bedna.

Negativne zadetosti... tudi te so bile, in ker sem občutljiva pesimistka, sem različne zoprne dogodke zaznavala (in jih še zaznavam) toliko močneje. Najbolj me je zaznamovala - ter me močno zadela - nesrečna romanca. Ja, ja, seveda se to dogaja vsem. kaj bluzim... pa vseeno. Posledice tiste interakcije občutim še danes, po treh letih. I am still not cold and cool... :/ Tako sem bila po tisti nesrečni romanci močno zadeta od depresije... mogoče je bila depra bolj podobna mačku po sami zadetosti, kaj pa vem, ker pač pravega mačka nisem nikoli doživela...

Za konec lahko povem še to, da je omenjena nesrečna romanca poleg negativne zadetosti prinesla vsaj nekaj pozitivnih posledic. Zadetost s Finsko, njeno kulturo in predvsem s finščino. In ta zadetost še traja. Ihan jees! ;)

P.S.: Koga naj tegam, če ste že vsi napisali svojo izpoved?! Kakorkoli, če kdo še ni napisal takega posta in bere moj blog, se lahko spravi pisat. :P

FESTARIT

2009-06-07T17:13:00.001+03:00

Source (click): Kiroileva siili, The Cursing Hedgehog

THE TIME FOR SUMMER MUSIC

2009-06-03T21:27:00.003+03:00

Tuska, Helsinki 2008

June in Finnish is kesäkuu and since kesä means summer, June is thus summer month. And so it is, regardless strange weather, sunny 28 degrees one day and then rainy cold of barely 7 degrees the other day within the same week. June in Finland represents the beginning of school holidays and the time of summer festivals; the time of open-air, live music which lasts all the long way to August. There are so many rock-and-metal festivals and Finns is summer are a festival nation.

This year, I am looking forward to at least some of these festivals, but I am also waiting them with slight excitement... and there are some reasons. For the first time I am not going to be the audience, but I will belong to the festival crew... eeek, sure I am a bit scared! :D

FAIR TRADE

2009-05-30T20:32:00.005+03:00

For the consumer that eagerly buys organic and fair trade products...

Dear consumer!

It is very nice to see you care for the nature and for the fair world. Regardless the higher price, you stay loyal to those better products, and basically everything what you have is either organic or fair trade. You might also be vegan/vegetarian as you don't support the cruel food industry. However... (there will always be a however if I am writing, OK?)... so, however...

Dear consumer,

there is something I don't really understand. You seem to be so supportive towards nature and, most of all, fair trade products; you don't want to be ignorant as so many other consumers are., just buying the stuff, no matter if it was done by a poor kid somewhere in India. Yet, my dear consumer, you are ignorant. You care about the world, but you don't care about those that live close to you; near you. You care about fair trade, but you don't care to organise a fair sharing of the, for instance, student appartement. You don't care if the pipes in the bathroom get stuck, regardless the fact that you sometimes take shower even twice a day. You can use a kitchen-item and you don't care to either a) ask about it or b) say thanks. You don't feel like sharing the shelves in the common kitchen, also. And you still don't ask if this or that would be fine with others. Overall, despite some good impressions that you can give, especially with the choice of the products you make, you seem so very ignorant.

Dear consumer...

Are you sure you understand the meaning of organic and fair trade? Do you really support the ideology behind these products? Do you really care about some poor kid in India? Do you really care about trees if you don't care about your actual neigbhours?

Dear consumer

I am afraid you don't actually support neither organic nor fair trade ideology. Well, actually you think you do, honestly you think, but all your other behaviour is controversive. Thus, my dear consumer, I would dare to say you are only following some general trends, some Cosmopolitan writings that scream to you buy organic, buy fair trade! Because it's cool., because it's so trendy... because you have to show you're different... you have to at least pretend you're not ignorant.

However, my dear consumer, you are very ignorant, and buying all these organic and fair trade products feels so very phony, careless and empty...

COSMO GIRL

2009-05-16T22:31:00.006+03:00

Lately, the style of my clothing has been moving between this...

... and this.

Of course, I do not wear these two things together. One day I am a devoted metal fan and the other day I am closer to a hippie; in both cases I still prefer black. However, I am probably too much dealing with shopping...

AN APPROACH TO INDIVIDUALISM

2009-05-09T16:22:00.004+03:00

In my previous post, I was writing about Finnish food, so let’s just continue with my recent observations of Finnish culture. When I have checked keyword analysis of my blog, I have noticed that somebody visited my page due to the word finish individualism. Thus, I am offering one of the possible approaches to the subject; however, please be aware that Finnish individualism has many faces, and this is just one among many. The post might feel a bit black-and-white as I am just writing from my angry part of self. Of course there are always some nice exceptions – but do they only prove the rule?

The beginning of my interaction with Finnish individualism reaches about four years into the past. Even then I had some feelings the society might be very self-orientated. However, when I have started to live with Finns and when I have started to deal with Finnish society more active, my experiences have grown. What bothers me, and sometimes also hurts me a lot is the fact that what an outsider would perhaps see as individualism might actually be egocentrism. The I-only-care-for-myself-and-my-own-good attitude. Egocentrism surely is a part of human nature after all; my friend M. would even say that altruism does not exist.

Blame it all on the developed capitalism. Finland is among the richest countries in Europe; their social system is functional and standard more or less high. They have never gone through the socialistic system as Slovenia did – and I guess here is one of the differences. In a way, society feels less compassionate. For me, it seems the sense for sharing and cooperation almost does not exist. No ‘together we can do it’ feeling. No care for the other, no care for the people around you; thus meaning those people that are not a part of one’s own private world, but still in close distance.

Lately, I have been reading some forums where the Finns themselves were complaining over their Finnish flatmates; and no wonder some magazine was writing how to behave towards those that live with you. In this society, everything feels like a competition. I was here first, I don’t care about you. This is mine, I don’t care about you. If one is too soft and too kind, one gets hurt; the developed and welfare world is cruel. No, I guess young Finns are not so introverted – they can be just so very ignorant. And that ignorance produces social coldness here up North; the frost among people which might also appear as daring individualism.

FINNISH FAVORITES

2009-05-03T20:46:00.014+03:00

Again I was waisting my time with traveling between two countries, Slovenia and Finland. But it was fun and now the spring has started here up North as well. However, during my visits at home I noticed that I had started to miss some food one could get only in Finland; of course I sometimes miss Slovenian food. Thus, the idea has immerged and I decided to introduce you some of mine favorite Finnish food. The dishes here might not be traditionally Finnish; the plan is just to offer a quick and, most of all, personal info on some tasty treasures.

1. Leipäjuusto - Bread Cheese
Also known as squeaky cheese, round, baked to get its brown marks. In shops one can find it in pieces or whole small disks. Traditionally, it is eaten with cloudberry jam - I've tried it and no matter how strange it might seem it is just so very tasty.

2. Viili
A product of fermented milk, some kind of yoghurt, very special texture. Good for stomack. One needs to get used of viili's strange surface, but afterwards it is really nice. Especially I like organic viili with forest fruits.

3. Tyrnihillo - Sea buckthorn jam
It took some time for me to realise this is actually the plant we call rakitovec in Slovenian. Never seen it in the nature; even if I have done, I haven't been aware of it. Used in cosmetic industry also, has lots of vitamines.4. Lakkahillo - Couldberry jam
The lakka grows in Lapland and in Finland it is sold to tourists in many different ways. However, the best is in my opinion the jam where one can notice actual fruit and its proper taste.

5. Lapin rieska - Lefse
Traditional Nordic bread, low, baked without yeast. In Finland, there are rye, potato and also barley versions. The disks can be big or small, thinner or thicker. I also like the package in which rieska is sold; the baker has cleverly used motives from shaman drums. Thus, I can imagine also Kalevala heroes were feasting on such bread...

6. Karjalan piirakka - Karelian pie
Finnish type of pirozhki, so originally not Finnish as it has come from Russia; afterall, Karelia is on the border. Rye crust and rice fiilling; rice, however, is not very traditional but I like it nevertheless. Also comes with potato and meaty fillings.

7. Daim kakku - Daim cake
Well, this last dish is not Finnish, but, alas, traditionally Swedish. The reason why I put it here is the fact I have tasted this cake in Finland for the first time and one can also buy it frozen in almost every supermarket. Almonds, chocolate, no flour... just delicious.

THE VILLAGE UP NORTH

2009-04-17T15:17:00.012+03:00

Some weeks ago I have finally seen the band Maj Karma live. They are Finnish, of course, and I have started to listen their music a couple of years ago. Even with that poor knowledge of Finnish language as I had in those times, I was able to realise the band was featuring strong lyrics; well, now I understand lyrics of Maj Karma's songs without dictionary.

There is a particular Maj Karma's song I really feel attracted to - and not because it seems to be an old hit. Again, it's the lyrics. The story of my latest play that I wrote back in 2006 and also my personal story. So, here I provide you with the translated lyrics. For better understanding you can also read this article about Sodankyl ä, the village in the Arctic Circle and then you can also enjoy Maj Karma's video.

Sodankylä

Tää on Sodankylä kaukana, täynnä ihmeitä.
This is Sodankylä, full of wonders.
Kesä saattaa olla lämmin, vaan ei näin ylhäällä.
Summer can be warm, but not up here.
Sä jäit seisoon pakkaseen, mun oli mentävä.
You stood still in the frost, I had to go.

Se on surullista, niin kovin surullista.
This is sad, so very sad.

Me oltiin napapiirin rakastavaiset, vähän aikaa vaan.
We were lovers of the Arctic Circle, only for some time.
Ja nyt kun satu on ohi, ei tarvi matkustaa,
And now when the story is over there is no need to travel,
rakkaimpansa luokse aina jonnekkin pohjolaan.
to the lover always somewhere up north.

Se on surullista, tai ei oikeastaan...
This is sad, or not really...

Joo, mä tajusin ettei, tajusin ettei me,
Yes, I realised we won't, I realised we won't
enää nähdä toisiamme.
see eachother again.
Mä sanoin hyvästi ystävä hei, e-ei.
I said farewell my friend, hei, no-no
Joo, mä tajusin ettei, tajusin ettei me,
Yes, I realised we won't, I realised we won't
enää nähdä toisiamme.
see eachother again.
Vaan onko väliä sillä, no ei, e-ei.
But does it really matter, well no, no-no.

Sodankylä, Sodankylä.

Soi Sodankylän Seita-baareissa iskelmä.
In Sodankylä's Seita-bar schlager is playing
Ollaan onnellisii, kaikki on hienosti-hä.
We are happy, everything is well-eh.

Sodankylä, Sodankylä.

Joo, mä tajusin ettei, tajusin ettei me,
Yes, I realised we won't, I realised we won't
enää nähdä toisiamme.
see eachother again.
Vaan onko väliä sillä, no ei, e-ei.
But does it really matter, well no, no-no.

Sodankylä, Sodankylä.
Sodankylä, Sodankylä.

Hei, Sodankylä. Sodankylä.
Sodankylä, Sodankylä.

Tää on Sodankylä kaukana, täynnä ihmeitä.
This is Sodankylä, full of wonders.

SUDDEN SPRING

2009-04-16T21:19:00.006+03:00

I know such differences are totally normal and I should not wonder so much. Yet this fact amuses me a lot. The thing is I am visiting Slovenia for an Easter visit; well, this visit will be slightly longer than usual Easter holidays. When I left Finland in the beginning of April, we still had some snow there. On the ground, falling from clouds. When I have come to Slovenia, I have immediately started to wear summer T-shirts. Hell, I am not overdoing, it does feel hot here to me!

Maybe long Finnish winters are something which I cannot accept as easily as many other cultural and natural features. Sure, snow in winter feels fine, and also that classical white Christmas. One learns how to overcome long nights with many additional lights; candles, for instance. In March, days are already long, but still... the snow stays there. Now in April days are even longer, already much longer than in Central Europe, but still... the snow in Mid-Finland is melting slowly; too slow, perhaps.

I like spring, and I don't see it as romantic period of love and all that kitchy stuff. I like how the nature wakes up in spring; I like fresh leaves, flowers and first mild storms. Proper spring is what I have really been missing in Finland and I have been glad when I have seen first cracks on the ice.

However, now during my visit in Slovenia, during this warm and green spring, I have already started to miss Finland and really long days; regardless the snow. Oh, I guess I constantly suffer with melancholy and gentle longing...

SIX

2009-03-28T22:10:00.004+02:00

katso ilmaa
koske maata
menetä tämä elo maaksi
hetki sulje
(Tenhi: Tuulenkato)

I was kind of tagged by Nina to search for the sixth folder with pictures, to choose the sixth image out of that sixth folder and, finally, to post it here with the story of its creation. My pictures, however, are following their own order which does not necessarily include several folders. Thus, I chose the folder with the highest amount of various images - and I found one on the sixth place

Strangely enough, this image was taken in 2006; in April, to be precise. The sky over the forest at my Slovenian home. I still remember well it was the very first storm that year and I was amazed by the blackness of the clouds. The shine of the sky.

This image is also connected to Finland, in a way. The year 2006 was not that good year for me; depression was initiated, my sky was covered with gloomy clouds, only some patches of shiny blue was left...

In that strange spring I was also listening a lot to my dear Tenhi; the band had just issued new album Maaäet. The atmosphere of the picture is for me closely associated with the lyrics of Tuulenkato.

And on tagging - well, dear fellow bloggers, if you feel like searching for your sixth picture within the sixth folder and then write a post about it, you are vey welcome to do so.

IRISH CELEBRATION

2009-03-18T14:33:00.003+02:00

The 17th of March is a very important day and also a national holiday in Ireland. As I am a huge fan of Ireland, thus meaning the land, sheep, culture, playwrights and, most of all, music, I was very happy to celebrate St.Patrick's Day in an Irish pub with a jolly company. However, as I do not drink neither beer nor Guinness, the drink of the evening was some cocoa with a drop of mint liquer. Far too Finnish, I know - but it was just too late for a proper Irish coffee.

Anyways, here is a link to the video by my favorite band Flogging Molly so just enjoy the music. Sláinte!

PRAKTIČNA PRISPODOBA

2009-03-14T21:45:00.004+02:00

pasji kakec - koiran kakka

Tämä on perseestä. V finščini to pomeni, da je nekaj zanič, bedno, this sucks. V dobesednem prevodu bi stavek pomenil, da je nekaj iz riti oziroma dejansko to je iz riti. V slovenščini pa bi rekli, da je nekaj za en drek. Kakorkoli, domnevam, da obe kulturi ter njuna tukaj zabeležena izraza nezadovoljstva opisujeta eno in isto - bolj ali manj neposredno.

P.S.: Današnji dan je bil popolnoma zanič in zoprn. Za en drek. Ihan perseestä!

NUJNOST SAMOSTOJNEGA VSAKDANA

2009-02-26T22:39:00.006+02:00

Kadar se znajdem v kakšnem gostinskem lokalu, ponavadi nimam namena prisluškovati pogovorom pri sosednjih mizah. Tokrat pa so bile mize postavljene tako blizu, da sosednjih besed pač ni bilo mogoče preslišati...

Deklica mlajše generacije je razlagala svoji starejši družabnici, po vsej verjetnosti mami, da se, ko bo dosegla določeno starost, ne misli odseliti od doma. Zakaj le, ko pa imam doma vse preskrbljeno, perilo je oprano in hrana skuhana. Takšen bi bil povzetek argumenta, v katerem je deklica opisala ugodje, ki ji ga ponujajo mamina gospodinjska opravila. Seveda, ko se nekdo preseli, gospodinjska opravila postanejo neizogibna nujnost samostojnega vsakdana.

Sama sem si kar nekaj let želela, da bi se odselila od doma. Ker sem študirala v domačem mestu, se selitev v študijske namene ni zgodila, dokler se nisem odločila za magisterij. Na Severu Evrope, izkušnje imam predvsem z Islandijo in Finsko, pa je tako ali tako nekaj popolnoma običajnega, da se otroci odselijo od doma že zelo zgodaj. Družbene razmere so tam res drugačne, standard višji in situacija mnogo ugodnejša za tiste, ki začenjajo samostojno pot; ni primerjave, pa vendar...

Če so razmere naklonjene odraščajočim mladim, ali ne - želja in hrepenenje po samostojnosti lahko ostaneta prisotna. Špekuliram in razmišljam, da si bodo mulci prizadevali ravno nasprotno- čeprav se jim bo ponudila možnost, bodo vztrajali in raje bivakirali v udobnem Mamahotelu.

Kakorkoli že, ugodje zna biti tudi to, da se nekdo ob življenju na svojem nauči dobro opravljati osnovna gospodinjska opravila, od kuhanja in nakupovanja živil do pranja in spoznavanja primernih pralnih sredstev; enostavnosti, ki lahko prinesejo samozavest in občutek neodvisnosti ter tako osvežijo življenje.

DO YOU NEED A BAG?

2009-02-20T19:45:00.004+02:00

Tarvitsetko pussia? Such question would be stated whenever I would turn into a shopper in Finland. In most cases I reply en, kiitos, no thanks, and I use my own bag I have brought with me. As I like bags in general, I also like to have canvas shopping bags, which are not only very useful, but they can also offer the owner a nice design or a pleasant memory; from metal festivals and bands to domestic Finnish designers.

According to my experience, in Finland one would be at first asked, and then the plastic bag would be given - or not. However, I have noticed that in Slovenia, a plastic bag would be placed automatically, without a question; not in all shops, I guess, and also when buying grocery the plastic bag has to be purchased, so the user has time to think about it. Yet here were certainly some not-a-grocery-shops I where have missed the ''crucial'' question. When there is no interest from the other side, however, I tend to stop the act of giving away a plastic bag myself. Despite the fact I am so used of being asked about the bag that I sometimes even forget how generous Slovenian shops can be when it comes to their plastic additions...

Anyway, I don't feel like writing a long essay about the waste and all other ecological facts considering the (over)use of plastic bags; I just feel canvas shopping bags are useful and good. In many ways.

THE SLOGAN OF TODAY

2009-02-10T19:31:00.003+02:00

*Created with the help of Hirkani and Alcessa who lead me to the Bus Slogan Generator.*

CLEVER

2009-02-03T19:38:00.004+02:00

When traveling by plane, I am usually bothered with the fact one is not allowed to carry (to big) bottles of liquids in the hand luggage. As I do not drink alco, my only problem are cosmetic products. But even in the case of cosmetic, I do not posess loads of make-up or several face-creams; however, just the basic set of soaps and lotions can signify a nice addition to the weight of the luggage. For me, there would be always a maximum of 20 kg; and I am always trying to take less than the maximum.

Winter sales in Finland went all the way to 70% off the original price and thus it was easier to spend money on some additional and perhaps slightly silly thingies other than just clothes. Lately, however, my obsession would not be clothes but vegan and bio cosmetic products; well, this could be another post within too many times neglected Cinnamon Book.

There were winter sales that turned my attention to this clever set for traveling. It surely is all-in-all plastic and it probably has been made in one particular Asian country... but I don't care. When traveling, I do not plan to search for products in small bottles I would probably throw away after the trip, thus polluting the environment. One can fill these little bottels with liquids-already-at-home by her own choice; in my case, everything would be just products for using while taking a shower. Or a bath, whatever.

Btw, I guess I have already mentioned I had always liked foxes...

LOCAL JOKE

2009-01-20T23:30:00.007+02:00

*Wagner: One-way ticket to Turku, thanks.
The card: Greetings from Helsinki.*

BIVATI S FINKAMI ALI GRELNIK VODE

2009-01-11T18:13:00.008+02:00

Slika je simbolična.

Ko sem se junija 2008 preselila v novo stanovanje, me je poleg lepe lokacija in prenovljenega prostora veselilo tudi dejstvo, da bom imela dve finski cimri. Pravzaprav sem si finske cimre želela že od vsega začetka; ker govorim finsko, se mi je delitev stanovanja z domorodkami zdela dobra priložnost za jezikovni trening. Za spoznavanje lokalnega prebivalstva in tako naprej.

Poleti sem srečala samo eno od njih. C, po črki na vratih njene sobe, je včasih prišla po pošto. Punco A sem prvič samo slišala; nek junijski dan se je prišla zjutraj stuširat, nato pa je šla, ne da bi se videli. Ampak takrat je bilo poletje, predavanja so se končala in študentom ni bilo treba ostajati v študentskih naseljih.

Septembra me je pričakalo stanovanje v enaki zasedbi - jaz in isti dve Finki. Kmalu se je izkazalo, da je C več ali manj pri fantu ter da v svoji sobi prespi le tu in tam. Doma pa je bila A, čeprav sem to včasih vedela le po tem, da je bilo v veži več čevljev kot ponavadi. Z A sva sobivali po cele tedne in tudi čez vikende - in kljub temu je približno dva meseca skupnega življenja sploh nisem videla. Nekdo je uporabljal kopalnico in šel v kuhinjo takrat, ko mene ni bilo notri. Tudi ko sva se prvič srečali, se je to zgodilo po naključju: jaz sem šla v stanovanje, ona pa ven. Tako se nisva nikoli predstavili druga drugi; njeno ime vem samo zato, ker pobiram pošto. Kasneje sva se srečali še dvakrat in vsa najina konverzacija v pol leta deljenja kuhinje in kopalnice do tega trenutka obsega jutro in živjo. Dobro, vsaj to dvoje je bilo v finščini.

Že prej sem slišala mite o finskih cimrah in cimrih, da so kot duhovi, da se jih sploh ne sliši in podobno. Po drugi strani pa sem slišala tudi zgodbe o tem, da so finske in nefinske cimre med seboj postale prijateljice. Spet tretja Finka mi je rekla, da je popolnoma odvisno od človeka; s tem se strinjam. Tudi sama nisem najbolj zgovorno bitje, poleg tega pa zelo težko navežem prvi stik. Če me ogovori drugi, nimam problemov in se lahko pogovarjam. Če zaznam nekakšen zid tudi na drugi strani, je težko... V vseh mojih študentskih letih pa se poleg tega šele v času magisterija prvič srečujem z dejstvom, ki se mu reče cimra in tako itak nimam nobenega pojma.

Opazila sem, da me je v teh mesecih medsebojne tišine začelo motiti dejstvo, da tako A kot C, kadar je doma, uporabljata moj grelnik vode; A pa tudi moj aparat za kavo. Deljenje stvari in posojanje kuhinjskih aparatov me sploh ne moti - ampak vseeno hočem, da me drugi vpraša za dovoljenje. Mogoče zato, ker sama nočem uporabljati stvari, ki ne pripadajo meni oziroma vedno najprej vprašam. Odsotnost vprašanja in samoumevnost me prizadaneta. Enostranskega posojanja in občutka, da nekdo samo izkorišča mojo dobro voljo, ne maram. Poleg tega imam nekaj izkušenj s finsko kulturo in vem, da so ponavadi vljudni in previdni. Po drugi strani sta tišina in nezgovornost Fincev površna stereotipa; vse te misli pa so končno samo posploševanje, če ne celo rasno razlikovanje...

V našem finsko-slovenskem primeru se druga drugi nismo niti predstavile, kaj šele da bi izmenjale osnovne informacije o delitvi stanovanja. Z A se še nikoli nisva pogovorili, kdaj ima katera predavanje in kdaj katera potrebuje kopalnico. Nikoli se vse tri nismo domenile, katera bo kupila toaletni papir. V sicer skupni kuhinji vsaka uporablja svoj detergent za pomivanje posode. Vse skupaj je kot hostel, ki ga občasno posesava jaz ali C, kadar pride; pa še v hostlih prebivalci govorijo med seboj. Po eni strani mi tak individualizem zelo ustreza, obožujem svoj mir in od cimer ne pričakujem, da bi postale prijateljice. Prav tako v vsem tem času ni bilo niti nadležnih obiskov, niti hrupa. Pa vendar... pomanjkanje osnovne komunikacije in občutek ignorance sta moteča. Finsko govorim dovolj dobro, obe z A sva naročeni na Helsingin Sanomat, tako da jezikovne prepreke ne morejo biti izgovor.

Ker se je moj grelnik vode začel obnašati čudno, sem ga po božiču raje pospravila in priklopila le, ko sem ga potrebovala in sem lahko preverjala delovanje. Takrat se je izkazalo, da je C tako ali tako že ves čas imela svoj grelnik, ki je bil v škatli in je čepel v omari. V tej isti omari je tudi škatla z aparatom za kavo in še ena škatla z mikrovalovno pečico. Nekje je bil svoje čase tudi palični mešalnik. Ko sem se poleti preselila, je bila kuhinja prazna. Ne vem, kateremu dekletu te kuhinjske zadeve dejansko pripadajo - ampak očitno so pospravljene in nekako ne na voljo za množično uporabo. Kakorkoli, ko je C prejšnji teden spet šla, je izginil tudi njen grelnik, A pa je po dnevu ali dveh popolne odsotnosti grelnikov v kuhinjo od nekod prinesla svojega. Nobena izmed njiju me ni vprašala, kaj je z mojim grelnikom narobe ali zakaj sem ga kar naenkrat pospravila.

Če sem jaz otrok socializma, so potem Finke in Finci moje generacije potomci razvite kapitalistične družbe. Znamo mi deliti in oni ne? Smo mi iz držav v tranziciji manj individualistični in obenem tudi manj egocentrični kakor Zahodnjaki? Je nam manj vseeno in samoumevno? Najpreprostejši grelnik vode oziroma z njim povezana bedarija lahko tako kaj hitro preraste v družbeno-politični diskurz; vso to kolobicijo bi seveda rešila preprosta komunikacija. Vprašanje, odgovor in mogoče drobna vljudnost.

Otroci socializma ali kapitalizma - očitno je A, meni B in mogoče tudi C skupno to, da nismo ravno spretne v komunikaciji...

2009

2009-01-06T17:34:00.012+02:00

New Year resolutions are not my thing. If I would like to change something, it is better for me to start at the moment of my decision; setting the start of a change for the new year can be just a good reason for postponing the deed.

I want to see the time as a constant flow and thus all this overdoing with the coming of the New Year can feel too much. Well, I want, but I don't know how well I am able to escape this Central-European way of putting a lot of importance on the switch of years; it is an old habit into which I was born. On 31.12. 08, however, I happened to be in Finland, or to be more precise - in Helsinki. Aelfsciene, the guy that does not write a blog and me went to attend these two evenings of metal gigs in Nosturi. I was very very happy to finally see Estonian folk-metal band Metsatöll live on stage; but there was also something else I have learned during those two nights in Nosturi.

I found out Finns actually do not count down at midnight - and I think this is more than great. Celebration all night long without stressing the exact moment of midnight; this makes the change on the calendar kind of smooth and it creates that exact feeling of the floating time I am also after.

Now I can return to the old perception of the time and review the past 12 months. Or the time which has been called 2008. It was... well, not a very easy bunch of time. Well, I am not even sure if a certain amount of time can be totally and by all means easy; things probably need equilibrium, too much of easiness might again cause uneasiness. My strange logic or paradox or whatever.

Life in general: In the past 12 months I have been dealing a lot with depression. Accepting it, overcoming it, kind of. There was also forgetting, yet I am not sure about forgiving; perhaps it came as a part of forgetting. I also had a lot of work with my studies and I moved to another flat. Now I am dealing a lot with cooking and baking - and I like it.

Trips: Fun with Aelfsciene in Finland. 9 hours long train ride to Rovaniemi and then the same amount of hours to get back to JKL was the longest train ride I had ever done. However, during the same train ride I saw a real Finnish moose for the first time, and it was exactly on the Midsummer's Eve, Juhannus. Another new experience was the polar day.

Studies: I went back with my Finnish skills, but I went forward in my knowledge of Japanese. In addition, I made some progress in Aikido.

Music and Culture: Seeing Flogging Molly live was a great experience. Tuska Metal Festival in Helsinki and Metalcamp in Slovenia were the only two metal festivals I attended. Tuska was cold, Metalcamp rainy; but both were more or less fine. Then, Lutakko, the coolest place for gigs in JKL, has become the place of my work. Considering culture I finally managed to see my favorite painting, Lemminkäisen äiti by Akseli Gallen-Kallela.

Animal: Sheep. Just don't ask me why...

Well... there was probably more events which I should write down, but as the time constantly floats I will rather stop making a big deal about that amount of time we have marked with the number 2008.

Finally, for good energy overall and not only in the time of the year that has just started, here is some nice lyrics in Estonian.

Anna elu, anna rauale
anna elu, anna kivile
kanna rammu, kanna hõimule
kanna maale kuhu sünnime
Metsatöll - Veelind

LOVE, PEACE, HAPPINESS

2008-12-26T14:33:00.003+02:00

JINGLE BELLS

2008-12-22T22:46:00.006+02:00

The newspaper Keskisuomalainen has just published the news that Christmas in central Finland is going to be white this year. So it seems. The picture, however, is a bit older, yet it belongs to this winter and is thus able to depict the atmosphere I am talking about. White, more light - and so less depressive.

Apart from proper let it snow, let it snow, let it snow feelings, Christmas madness is in its full speed; and that can be annoying, especially if one takes Christmas more easy. But commercial society can now celebrate with ham and gifts. Crowds and Christmas songs, joulu here, joulu there, joulu this, joulu that. Well, glögi is nice to drink, cinnamon cookies or piparit are even better to taste.

Whatever... from the homeland of Santa and his loyal Rudolf... I wish you GOOD CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS!

DECEMBER

2008-12-05T18:45:00.009+02:00

November je moj najljubši mesec, za kar imam dober razlog - ne le, da je prijetno depresiven ter da se novembra na Finskem dan še hitreje krajša; eden izmed dni v novembru je samo moj, in takrat ponavadi prejemam čestitke. Presenetljivo je torej, da v vsem času mojega najljubšega meseca nisem uspela napisati niti enega prispevka. V nobenem izmed mojih jezikov.

Novembra bi lahko pisala o marsičem. O žurki treh škorpijonov, kjer smo imeli kamin in preveč hrane. O dejstvu, da od začetka novembra izjemno veliko pečem. Začelo se je s preprostim jogurtovim pecivom, sedaj pa se je vse skupaj razvilo v korenčkovo torto z mandlji in čokoladnim oblivom. Zanima me, kaj bo naslednja in še zahtevnejša tortna stopnja. Poleg slaščičarskih dejavnosti tudi veliko kuham. V novem stanovanju je pač mnogo večja in svetlejša kuhinja, poleg tega pa bi morala delati na svoji magistrski nalogi.

Kakorkoli, na magistrski nalogi sem brez milosti morala delati novembra, in napisati vsaj eno poglavje. S katerim nisem zadovoljna. Itak, da ne. Ker pišem v angleščini, ugotavljam, da ima ta jezik čisto preveč zadev po imenu particles. Japonščina tudi, ampak v popolnoma drugem smislu. Heh. Partikkeli on kikkeli. Vsaj finščina in slovenščina sta brez teh nepotrebnih nadlog.

Če bi se k pisanju spravila pred dobrima dvema tednoma, bi lahko opisala zanimiv naravni pojav: snežni vihar. Le ta se je zgodil neko nedeljo, Pihal je strašljivo močan veter, in nosil sneg. Glede na časopis Helsingin Sanomat je bil vsaj v Helsinkih to najhujši snežni vihar po letu 1961. Ker sem kljub viharju morala ven, sem ugotovila, da je bil tisti veter dejansko zelo divji. Nanesel je kupe snega, ki so tako konec novembra, skupaj z že okrašenimi trgovinami in mestu v lučkah opominjali, da Božiček ni tako daleč. Pravzaprav le 9 ur vožnje z vlakom na sever, in potem par kilometrov z avtobusom.

Sedaj je december, zato ne morem pisati o snegu, ker se je medtem že stopil. Tako se mi zastavlja vprašanje, ali je bilo v tistem strašnem viharju sploh kaj smisla. Sneg bi namreč prišel še kako prav v teh kratkih dneh; sonce zaide okrog treh popoldne, pa tudi če še ni čas zahoda, je temno. Plasti oblakov in cikloni; nič od tega pa ne prinese svežega snega. Lani se je to zgodilo šele konec marca, takrat, ko bi morale veverice početi vse kaj drugega, kot pa se skrivati pred snežnimi zameti.

Šesti dan zadnjega meseca v letu je na Finskem praznik, dan samostojnosti. Država praznuje 91 let, kar sem seveda izrabila za ponovno slaščičarsko priložnost, in spekla torto. Seveda že od konca novembra potekajo številne predbožične zabave, ali prevedeno iz finščine mali božič; brez alkohola tako ali tako nikoli ne gre...

Naj se december začne! :)

PIKKU PERKELE

2008-10-23T21:32:00.005+03:00

Quite a normal sight here in JKL, I guess. Squirrels are just everywhere. Further more, they are also very bold. If the window is left open and the residents are not in the flat, then such bold squirrel enters the place with no respect. And does little mayhem.

Anyway, I still find squirrels cute. Fluffy and all that. The one on these photos came to my window today to feast with sunflower seeds. Well, the seeds were there for the birds and an old apple for the squirrel, but as bold as it is, it took both, of course.

SPET IKEA

2008-10-12T21:41:00.011+03:00

Odkar študiram na Finskem, živim v državi, na katere ozemlju se nahaja IKEA. Če v Sloveniji ni niti ene, sta tukaj celo dve. Ali pač samo dve glede na dejstvo, da imamo Švedsko za sosedo; konec koncev je bila Finska nekoč del Švedske, njen drugi uradni jezik je švedščina. Turku je pravzaprav Åbo, ampak to je druga zgodba.

Kljub pogostejši prisotnosti IKEA nakupovalnih nebes na Finskem je zanimivo, da se obe nahajata v okolici mesta Helsingfors oziroma Helsinki; ena IKEA je v Vanti in druga v Espu, vse skupaj pa je svojih 300 km oddaljeno od naše osrednje Finske. Perkele. Govorilo se je že, da se bo švedska krasotica preselila bližje Jyväskyli, denimo v Tampere ali Kuopio, a ker se to še ni zgodilo, nas organizacija, ki tu skrbi za študentska stanovanja, vsako leto odpelje na IKEA nakupovalni izlet. Tudi letos je bil avtobus poceni, vožnja dolga, končna destinacija pa spet Vantaa.

Lansko leto sem bila ob IKEA obisku na Finskem precej zmedena. Potrebovala sem kar nekaj materialnih dobrin, ki bi mi olepšale študentsko bivanje. Kakorkoli, v spominu mi je ostal predvsem stres. Letos je bilo že zaradi vesele družbe mnogo bolj zabavno, čeprav je IKEA tudi tokrat pripravila teren za spodobne neprijetnosti.

Deževna sobota je privabila precejšnjo množico, njeni pripadniki pa so se nato z veseljem zaletavali drug v drugega. Nakupovalski podmladek pa sploh, ne glede na dejstvo, da bi jih starši lahko pustili v igralni sobi, in si tako zagotovili nekaj miru. Ker pa je bilo v večini primerov videti, da igralna soba morebiti sameva, se je posameznik lahko hitro znašel ujet med velik nakupovalni voziček z ene in otroški voziček z druge strani. Vsekakor zabavno. Po drugi strani pa pravilno, da se vzgoja mladega potrošnika začne že v prvih mesecih življenja.

Odkritje letošnjega izleta je bilo, da se mi IKEA nenadoma ni zdela več tako zelo fantastična. Ni bilo tako zelo velike izbire, nekatere stvari so se seveda podražile, sploh nek točno določen model lučke, pa še prave barve niso imeli na zalogi. Eh, IKEA is nothing that special. Da sploh ne razmišljam, v kakšnih pogojih so ustvarjeni njihovi izdelki; samo upam, da švedskega dizajna ne proizvajajo azijski otroci ali delavci v sweatshopih.

Kljub temu sem pozabila svojo alternativno oziroma subkulturno nastrojenost proti in si privoščila predvsem škatle, krožnike, skodelice, sklede in termo vrč za čaj. Večinoma v črni barvi; subkulturno naravnanost je pač treba izraziti tudi z IKEA izdelki. Pomembna pridobitev je bil nož za lupljenje krompirja, ki je že danes oplemenitil moje kuharske sposobnosti, saj sem končno lahko pripravila pečen sladki krompir.

All in all - izlet v prestolnico fast-food opreme za dom je bil bolj ali manj zabaven, brez stresa ni šlo, bila pa je tudi dobra družba in švedska torta.

日本語 NIHONGO

2008-10-08T17:09:00.008+03:00

Last Friday, I have bought the yellow textbook Shin Bunka Shokyuu Nihongo 1. The reason for this not very cheap purchase was the fact I have started to attend Japani 1, Japanese 1 class here in JKL. I have been attending the class for three weeks; then, I have decided I should insist in my language learning. Thus, the book is now mine.

My wish to learn Japanese is not new. Also, it is not connected with popular Japanese culture that invades young European generations; the wish has emerged when I started to practice Japanese martial arts. Or art, as at first there was only Nanbudo. During Nanbudo trainings I was always good in remembering all those foreign names of techniques, positions and katas. Japanese sounded interesting enough, and in 2004 the wish for learning has arisen.

However, things went their own way. At first, I was even considering an option if I would start studying Japanese in Ljubljana as a regular student; I still had a student status, at that time, but also unfinished diploma. I decided to finish my BA first, yet later I was sorry. Thus, I was searching for other Japanese classes, which did not work out. It seems I had to learn Finnish first. For during the summer 2005, my connection with Finland was established; a total coincidence...

...ki je bilo nek točno določeni Finec, s katerim sedaj že več kot eno leto ne govoriva, v nobenem jeziku, ter se nisva videla odkar živim tukaj, dobrih tristo kilometrov stran od tistega mesta. Mogoče mi postaja popolnoma vseeno, oziroma vsaj upam na to skorajšnjo vseenost.

If I was not able to find Japanese language class, Finnish group for beginners was established, and I could enrol. Coincidences, which might not exist, all sorts of events with their own hidden purpuse, which is discovered years later... whatever. After 4 years, moving to Finland and changing Nanbudo for Aikido, the wish to learn Japanese was still present and strong enough.

Now I am a student in Japani 1, learning Japanese through Finnish. And that makes me proud. :) I just have to keep on going...

... pri tem, ko raje pišem blog namesto japonske domače naloge in učenja hiragane.

THE AFFAIR

2008-10-06T22:12:00.005+03:00

Finnish opinion, as found sticked to the doors of one public toilet...

Written in red: Neutral Finland supports countries in war with arms trade.

SONCE...

2008-09-28T22:12:00.003+03:00

... je danes poležavalo na naši trati.

FLUNSSA JE BEDNA

2008-09-27T22:30:00.007+03:00

Rada imam Finsko. Itak. To jesen se, vsaj teh štirinajst prvih dni, počutim nekoliko bolje kot lani; vsaj teoretično. Začela sem pozabljati gospodiča iz južne Finske, imam novo stanovanje, delam kot prostovoljka v Lutakku, treniram aikido, hodim v šoping. Kar ljubko.

V ponedeljek pa me je Finska presenetila s posebnim darilom; mimogrede, menim, da mi je slednje podarjeno mnogo prevečkrat v celotnem letu, tako da ne vem, ali naj ga razumem kot dar ob dobrodošlici ali kot pač dejstvo, da ga, oziroma jo, moram dobiti. Prehlad, tokrat v kombinaciji z angino. Ali pa je bila najprej angina, ki se je razvila v prehlad, ja tako je bilo... kakorkoli, finščina take zadeve preprosto poimenuje flunssa. Jaz pa flunssa perkele.

Začelo se je v ponedeljek, ko je šlo tako ali tako vse narobe. Japonščina ob 8:00 zjutraj, kjer sem rekla kore wa watashi no kaban desu ka namesto kore wa dare no kaban desu ka. Potem hlače, ki so se obupno skrčile, čeprav sem jih prala s hladno vodo po programu ročnega pranja. Pa finščina, ki je bila tokrat dolgočasna. Uro pred treningom aikida sem ugotovila, da je nekaj narobe z mojim kolesom; popacala sem si prste s strojnim oljem, nato pa odpeljala kolo naravnost na servis. Temno-čokoladna mehanika iz Sudana in njun arabski šef so bili prijazni, čeprav so se takrat, ko je bilo v popravilu moje kolo, do njih primajali trije pijani Finci in se obnašali rahlo rasistično. Blah.

Napaka na kolesu je bila vseeno odpravljena, lahko sem se odpeljala na aikido. Tam sem skoraj obupala nad tehniko z lesenim mečem in kasneje s palico; vaja itak dela mojstra, ampak ne, če se vajencu pripravlja angina... Zvečer mi je potem še crknila žarnica delovne lučke. Končna ugotovitev: za vse sranje celega dneva verjetno obstaja le en vzrok.

Flunssa. Tako se je začela in se vlekla čez cel teden. Vem, da obstajajo mnogo hujše tegobe kot je navadna angina s prehladom. Vendar menim, da je vsak posameznik samosvoj in zaključen univerzum z lastnimi lestvicami težav; na tej je bila moja angina uvrščena visoko. Mah, flunssa on perseestä.

Dobra stran nje je bila, da sem brez slabe vesti lenarila doma; slaba pa, da sem zamudila aikido in bila nasploh brez volje. Pač flunssa. Še dobro, da so bili v našem supermarketu papirnati robci z alojo vero ravno ta čas v akciji...

MIKSI TAAS?

2008-09-24T19:00:00.004+03:00

Why again? Such was a headline one of the Finnish newspapers today. The other one, Helsingin Sanomat, wrote that the tragedy of Jokela happened again. This time, it was different part of the country, Kauhajoki - but the tragedy that has shocked Finland was similar to the one that happened not even a year ago. Massacre in school.

Today, it was a mourning-day in Finland. The flags were at half-mast, the general atmosphere felt depressed. Despite so sunny, shiny and warm autumn day. I was pretty much speechles when I heard the news. It's even hard to think about why such things happen. Like, a 22 years old student enters his school, finds a class and starts shooting. He also lit a fire, which was due to the newspaper fatal for the victims.

In a way, it's hard to believe this has happened in Finland, the second time. Such massacres were kind of American thing, as they did happen there, or perhaps one would place them into some other European country with higher rate of criminal. And now it is Finland, more or less calm and friendly Northern country with high life-standards, organized healt-care and all that; all in all, wellfare society, and a peaceful land where people perhaps tend to be more self-destructive than destructive towards others.

According to the article in HS, the student that did the masacre was giving the impression of an ordinary young man, perhaps quiet, but not lonely; totally pleasant guy, who also had friends. But finally, he put on the internet some material in which he spoke about hate towrards people. He killed others, and he killed himself.

The surface can perhaps hide the inside. Like that people do not show what they actually feel. Psychotic and caotic mind that needs help can be thus hidden away. In my opinion, Finns actually do not talk a lot about their emotions, yet they can also open their souls after some time. They can also explode after a while, long whiles of silence - and yes, perhaps that can be destructive. The anger can be kept inside for too long...

On the other hand, perhaps the people that sorround these potential killers do not notice changes within the temperament of their friends. Sometimes I find this society too self-orientated, like too busy with everything else but others. Things are said and seen just from the surface. People are not lonely, yet they can be lonely within the crowd that interacts with them. Hard to explain again; perhaps more careful attention towards the other is missing as self is, even subconsciously, put on the first place too much.

The fact that Finland has suffered two school masacres in less than a year is still shocking, and I cannot find answers why such things happen right here. I am also a Finnish student, and thus I might not feel that relaxed wihle spending time in the university anymore. However, the state of the whole world is not that good: with simple words, the world has gone crazy. Now, Finland has been struck. The future feels uncertain, fear and grief have entered the society. But finally, such bloody story can probably repeat everywhere in the world...

All in all, it is just sad beyond words.

SYKSY

2008-09-23T16:56:00.003+03:00

kuulaina öinä syksyn
kajo täyttää taivaan hohtoon
sarasteen koittaessa
taivaanlaki ylle kumartuu
huomenen tervehdyksen
kaikuessa aamuruskoon
pimeän selänteen kääntyessä
takaisin suo meille yön tummuus
loisteeton päivyt

Tenhi

Kanelikirja on kaksivuotias. Onnea, ja kaunista syksyä!

Cinammon book is a two-year-old. Beautiful autumn to my dear friends and fellow bloggers!

FLATS AND MATES

2008-09-20T17:01:00.007+03:00

It's quiet Saturday in a quiet, almost sleepy student campus. I have been thinking how this new campus I have moved to in June is much more calm. I have also been thinking about my previous year here in JKL. My studies had started, I had moved from my parents place. First time in my life I had started to live on my own. Well, not totally on my own.

I guess those that were not confronted with the possibility to study in the place of their original being would probably experience these things I plan to write about much earlier. Anyway, Slovenia is also not Finland, students do not have so good oportunities to move away from their parents as soon as they finish high-school. If we Slovenians live close to the universities, we in most cases stay at home. Flats are expencive, scholarships are rare, and so on...

Last year, I was placed into a shared appartement; it was a small two-room flat. I had my own room, the bathroom and kitchen were shared with the flatmate. Never before I had been given the expirience to live with a person I had never met. People are put kind of randomely togehter, girls and boys are not mixed - and so one starts to live with the other one, like it or not these two have to share their everydays.

For me, and I guess also for every single one, such sharing can bring some nice and.. well, also not that pleasant thingies. I have found out what had made me a cranky shared-flat dweller, and decided to write it here. These are kind of general things, don't be tough on me if I'm overdoing...

- A small flat where kitchen table is placed right infront of my door.
- Flatmates visitors that sit behind that kitchen table and talk loud infront of my door.
- Flatmates visitors that are there when I don't feel like having any people around.
- Lots of visits.
- Unknown people that appear while I'm eating in the kitchen.
- Occupied kitchen.
- Having an unpleasant feeling when going home due to uncertain situation in the flat.
- Loud talking.
- Packed fridge.
- Smell of fried meat that stays on my clothes.
- Strange atmosphere due to personal problems.
- Putting personal problems too much on the other one; it's hard to help or listen sometimes.
- Old guys that dribble over young girlies.
- A boyfriend arriving at late hours at night.
- A boyfriend visiting for several days can become annoying, no matter how quiet and polite.
- Feeling that my privacy is too much observed or disturbed.
- Feeling sorry for not being tough enough and telling what bothers/bothered me.

People have different experiences in shared flats: I have heard some stories. Students are just put together, their habits differ, their characters differ, and in some cases, the cultures are also very appart. Forcing a friendship is perhaps not that good idea; in my opinion, the bond between flatmates grows, or it does not. However, I prefer sharing where my privacy is not disturbed, where I can feel relaxed and independant enough, and where lives of flatmates are not mixing too much.

Getting a one-room flat is, I guess, dream of every student here. However, waiting times for those flats are long. Meanwhile, we all have to learn how to be tolerant - with the other, and with one's self.

WHAT IS NEW IN JKL?

2008-09-16T21:52:00.006+03:00

Moi! Time has passed since my last post. Well, despite I have been absent as an active blogger for a while, I have been all the time present in the blogosphere as a lurker, thus meaning a reader. Many things was going on, so this post will just offer some brief and random info on all events.

- I like to be back to some places after a while; there is always something new either in Ljubljana or here in JKL when I get back.
- New student year has started.
- So, I'm back to Finland after two months of holiday and pure laziness in my home country.
- Here in Finland, I am living in a new appartement to which I have moved already in June.
- At this point, I really like this new appartement.
- I have got a bike, and that gives me so much freedom.
- Since I have got my bike, I have also found out that JKL consists of many small hills. Eeek.
- I am continuing with aikido after that long summer break.
- I am also continuing with Finnish language course; now I'm in the highest level.
- I have ordered Helsingin Sanomat to get some news.
- I should rather read stuff for my studies.
- In my home country, I did some translation from Finnish. Still waiting for the money.
- I have a new laptop with Vista in it.
- It's autumn here, so called ruska-aika. Very beautiful, but also very cold.
- I cannot say my depression is totally gone, but I think I feel slightly better. We'll see, I'm rather careful with conclusions.

CREATURES IN THE GREEN

2008-08-21T18:44:00.021+03:00

Recently, I was watching the show Nick Baker's Weird Creatures on Animal Planet. Biologist Nick travels all around the world, and tries to find rare animals. This time, I was surprised as I spotted more than familiar images within opening shots - it was my hometown Ljubljana, Slovenia.

Nick’s quest this week takes him to the fairy-tale world of Slovenia, a country steeped in folklore that centres around the existence of dragons. On the quest for such a creature, Nick descends deep into the mountains to find the proteus (Proteus anguinus) or olm –a blind, albino salamander with remarkable qualities, that resides deep in the 20km-long Postojna Caves. Also called the ‘human fish’, because its skin resembles human flesh, the olm has adapted to life in total darkness with atrophied eyes and a heightened sense of hearing and smell. According to local myth, this bizarre amphibian is a baby dragon –but truth turns out to be even stranger than fiction.

Postojna, or Postonja as Nick was saying, is of course world-famous for its cave and the ''human fish'' inside. However, apart from good scenes within the cave and ''human fish'', there was something that caught more of my attention. Before entering the cave, Nick was driving on a sandy trail in the midst of Slovene countryside. The trail lad him through very green and very blooming meadow in all its summer glory. Butterflies and other insects, tall grass, the smell, the sounds... the guy seemed totally astonished and impressed by the nature. He said most of the butterflies flying by had already extinct in Great Britain, he was amazed as he could listen to the crickets. He was breathing clean air, and finally he lay down into the tall grass to enjoy the buzzing life.

A plain, more or less regular Slovene meadow that was. However, when Nick was admiring Slovene natural scenery, he probably did not spot some of those things, among which the following two examples could be categorized. The first one...

The picture was taken on Slovene seaside in one of very popular towns - I guess these thingies should not float in the sea, neither finish on the beach. Well, at least those apples will eventually rot.

And then here...
Even worse. The system of salt evaporation ponds in Sečovlje is now a natural park, featuring unique and protected habitat for many animals and plants. Since the visitors are several times asked to protect the environment of the park, things like this should not occur... but they do anyway.

As Nick noticed clean air in Slovenia, I have had some similar experiences - yet reversed. Whenever I come from Finland to Slovenia, I feel the air there is not as clean as in Finland, and ecological awareness is not that high as up North; in many ways. Such show featured on international Animal Planet could be a good touristical advertisement; nevertheless it points out jewels of Slovene nature very well. In a way, it was good the show was done from fascinating perspective of a short-term visitor, hiding away all those unpleasant details we locals can notice. Thus once again I keep thinking how Slovenia offers its own beauty, and I feel slightly proud - yet this beauty should be preserved and cared for even more...

ON RECYCLING

2008-07-26T17:46:00.007+03:00

Several examples of Finnish recyclable bottles.
Thanks to my Tuska companion for the picture.

Nature in Slovenia is not as clean as in Finland. That's a fact. Slovenian ecological awareness is not as high as Finnish one. That is also a fact. Despite it, the awareness, is getting better, it still seems somewhat behind. There are still washing machines in the forests, and there are plastic bottles. Especially these ones, plastic bottles.

When it comes to Finnish ecological awareness, they have figured out a very useful process considering recycling of plastic bottles. Their solution is not all about special wastebins into which people are kindly asked to throw empty plastic bottles; of course, in some cases, they don't do so, but they rather throw their empty plastic bottle on the ground, thus letting it to rot joyfully in the midst of Slovenian green fields, under whispering lime trees. It was just a worthless plastic bottle anyway. May it be. For some years, or so.

In Finland, on the other hand, the situation is different. Clever Northern nation has invented nice and, of course, partly digitalized machine that usually operates in grocery shops. This machine has only one mission to fulfill. Collecting plastic bottles. Oh, and cans, too. The plastic bottles, at least, are used again, the cycle goes properly around - and, most important, the one who has decided to recycle them gets back 20 cents for small bottles and 40 cents for big ones. The machine counts the bottles, for it is very smart and it knows exactly what it ate, and then, when the recycler has finnished feeding the machine, it prints out lovely paper telling the amount of money. So, if one is keen and her or his ecological awareness is high, such plastic bottle income can be nice. Finns drink a lot, and many pleasant boozes come in plastic. But, well, Slovenians drink a lot, too.

Collecting plastic bottles in Finland seems to be a way of business. While we were waiting to get through the gates of Tuska festival, there were several people hunting for the empty plastic bottles and cans those festive metalheads would generously throw away. Yes, in this case, bottles would meet Finnish soil as they would also be picked up very soon. So, people from the edge of society with low income would get some money. Here, by the way, it is quite sad to see elderly ones, not tramps or drunks, but decent old people collecting this trash to improve their pension. But all in all - recycling machines can offer some comfort. For both, people and nature.

Why is not such recycling system dealing with plastic bottles and cans in Slovenia as well? Please may it be.

MOMENTS OF TRANSLATION

2008-07-17T23:03:00.011+03:00

Uuno Kailas (1901 -1933)

Paljain jaloin
Bosih nog
translated by Kaneli

Niin mä kerran
Tako nekoč
tieni aloin
začel sem pot
niin mä kuljen:
tako hodim:
paljain jaloin.
bosih nog.

Avohaavat
Žive rane
syvät näissä
njih globoke
ammottavat
odpirajo
kantapäissä:
se v pete:

rystysihin
not v členke
joka kiven
vsakter' kamen
jäänyt niist' on
od njih ostal
verta hiven.
je del krvi.

- Mutta niinkuin
-A kot tako
matkan aloin,
začel sem pot,
päätän myös sen:
jo končam še:
paljain jaloin.
bosih nog.

Silloinkin, kun
Tudi kadar
tuska syvin
bol globoko
viiltää, virkan:
reže, kriknem:
- Näin on hyvin.
- To je dobro.

Tapahtukoon
Naj zgodi se
tahtos sinun,
želja tvoja,
Kohtaloni,
Moja usoda,
eikä minun
in ne moja.

SUMMER UPDATES

2008-07-11T13:47:00.011+03:00

Moi! So, what has Kaneli been doing all this time while her Cinnamonbook was resting? She was traveling around Finland, not alone, and it was a lot of fun. May the photos tell the rest - and the story is still TBA! ;)

Summer walk in JKL

Crossing the Arctic Circle

Visiting the real Santa Claus; eh well... but finally, he proved to be charismatic, despite all commercial shit.

Admiring Midnight Sun - sky over Lapland at 1:00 in the morning

From Lapland to Helsinki - having great time at Tuska Metal Festival 2008

Exploring Helsinki again - this time, the best was Korkeasaari, Helsinki Zoo

KESÄN AIKA

2008-06-01T18:32:00.004+03:00

... summertime... and my dear Jyväsjärvi Lake again...

The first day of June is the start of summer in Finland. Lectures at the University have finished, apart from various summer courses going on, schools have started their holidays, and our Aikido-dojo has switched to summer schedule of trainings.

Speaking about me, I have been very busy during the past days. Assignments would just not stop, and so I kept on writing or reading or whatever. Thinking and sleeping as well. Some parties, some gigs, meeting people, new bike and so on. As you have probably noticed, there was not much time to devote it to my blog; but it seems I will stay busy more or less all June. Another news is that I will soon be moving. Feels kind of funny. I have lived for some twenty years at one place, then I have switched the country all of a sudden, and now I am moving again within less than a year. Alright, this time, I will only change the location and the apartment in the same city.

The weather in the past days has not been that very hot here up North; pleasant twenty-something degrees. Also, the country has turned green, so very green and so very shiny. So much light! We have like 19 hours and 9 minutes of day at the moment, and this feels almost amazing. I am not even sure if there is any proper night left; at midnight, the sky is still bright. However, within twenty days, on Juhannus, the days will start to shorten again - and winter will soon be back to this places... but until then - rejoice, for it is summer!

Lovely and relaxed days I wish, my dear friends and fellow bloggers.

COMPASSIONATE FASHION

2008-05-10T19:39:00.005+03:00

Shopping in Helsinki a bit, I have found a perfect pair of shoes. I have actually always liked these particular type of sneakers. I have never been into typical feminine-style shoes, and you will never see me wearing high heels; that's just not me.

These particular sneakers possess several functions. They are comfortable, they fit almost every way of dressing, from skirt to trousers, they are all in black, and for sure they signify an identification with a certain musically-related subculture. Yet there is more...

To make these shoes, not a single trace of leather has been used: they consist of canvas and rubber only. Thus, I can also show my vegetarian compassion to the world. For the production of my sneakers, no animal had to suffer, no animal has been killed for my pleasures. The only living thing that has possibly suffered was some kid, working in poor conditions for a very little money in some factory somewhere in Asia; but hei, who cares about that?

FLOGGING MOLLY

2008-05-08T21:12:00.017+03:00

Where the silence you hear is the prosper we shared
The only blade is a razor sharp smile...

Flogging Molly: (No More)Paddy's Lament

The story of Flogging Molly and me started three years ago. It is connected with Nanbudo seminar in Spain, which also leads to my fascination with Finland. As I am no longer in touch with the one that introduced me to both, Finnish culture and Flogging Molly, I also cannot share the news with him, despite this time I would like to. Nothing special for Finnish audience that is given several excellent bands at least within one of their summer festivals, not to mention all the gigs during the year, however, for me, this was really a great event. And also a kind of natural development of my bitter-sweet Finnish story that has started in summer 2005. I have seen Flogging Molly live!

First of all, a few words about the band. They are originally from America, yet they have Irish roots. If you are into lively punk-rock, blended with strong elements of Irish folk and atmosphere, featuring lyrics about exile, Irish national identity, critical bitterness, fight for one own's rights and troubled life, but also on happiness, drinking and fiery love - then I suggest to check out Flogging Molly. Well, I suggest this band anyway; just click here, and listen.

For some reasons the band has never reached Slovenia. However, Flogging Molly is very popular in Finland. They have visited the country many times, especially during summer festivals. Nevertheless the place of the event, Tavastia in Helsinki, was full; the band actually decided to make two gigs as the original date, 7th of May, was sold out within some hours. However, I was able to get my ticket for Tuesday 6th of May - and all that was left was the (rail)road to Helsinki.

As there is about 270 km between JKL and the capital, I decided to spend more time in Helsinki; luckily, I was given a friendly place to stay, free of charge. Thus, I traveled on Monday morning already, and I hoped for a couple of relaxing days. Finally, those two days turned out tense, as I also had some health problems again, that flu be damned, but still - to the gig I went. And the gig was just... wow.

Tavastia gig, 6th of May 2008

Flogging Molly's music, inspired with traditional Irish jig, probably reminds Finns on their own humppa, and that might be the reason the audience here goes so crazy when Molly plays live. I guess there was a slight truth in Dave King's, Flogging Molly's frontman, words there were only one folks that were as crazy as the Irish - the Finns. Sure we were a crazy audience, and with such a professional band on stage, there is no problem to go wild.

The main theme was the new album Float, but of course they had to play some of their older songs. Good for me, newcomer to Molly's gigs, thus I could hear some of my favorites, too. Paddy's Lament and Float from the new album, and then older material like What's Left of the Flag, If I Ever Leave this World Alive, Whistels the Wind, Within a Mile Home, Selfish Man, Devil's Dance Floor, and more - all the way to I guess obligatory Black Friday Rule.

So I must remain in my new adopted land
I'm doing the best, Hell I'm doin' all I can...

Flogging Molly: Black Friday Rule

Finally, I had a great two hours in Tavastia, full of good mood and flaming Irish energy. The performance feelt proper, Flogging Molly's contact with the audience opened and relaxed. For some time I wish to visit Ireland again, not just because of getting more into Irish music within the last months; anyway, I have been listening to traditional Irish folk a lot already some years ago. It was more than worth to travel to Helsinki just to attend one band's gig - and all I can do now is to suggest Flogging Molly again. Sláinte agus saol agat!

SPRING SENTIMENT

2008-05-04T00:02:00.006+03:00

Spring has finally reached our part of Finland, almost all of a sudden. Sun has started to shine, temperatures have risen to a pleasant mild degree, and days are getting really long. So much of light! Some three weeks ago, I was still in my winter coat; now I can wear T-shirts.

It seems as Finland would have a special character - somehow similar to mine. In a way, Finland is a land of extremes. Either nothing or everything, either black or white, either depression or euphoria; there is no middle, no grey colour, no balance. Unstable, stormy, but also fiery character. Short days and a long-lasting lack of sunlight during winter; even if there are a couple of hours of daylight, sun is usually hidden behind clouds. And then, such an extreme change. I feel as that spring does not come slowly to these places, it just bursts out from long winter, and the nature goes through more fazes simultaneously.

So I sit in the center of JKL, catching that bright sunlight, people passing by in light clothes, holding their hands, they seem much more joyful than in winter, a lot of us is eating ice-cream, and spring already feels like summer. I observe those young beginnings of what will soon become a full-grown leaf on the tree... and I think...

... When I see young leaves growing, I already think how they will turn yellow in autumn.
... When I feel the warmth of the sun, I already think of forthcoming cold.
... When I am joyful, I am aware I can be easily depressed again .
... When I observe days turning long, I remember they will start to retreat back into darkness.
....When a love starts, I am already afraid of the time when it will end.

MIELIHÄIRIÖ

2008-04-26T22:16:00.020+03:00

- Istun Lutakossa, juon mansikkasiideria, en ole koskaan maistanut mansikkasiideria, se maistuu oudolta.
- Tahdon kirjoittaa jotakin kaunista. Tahtoessani tiedän, että se tuli on jo hävinnyt, kun aloitan kirjoittamisen.
- Olen humalassa, en jaksa enää ja en puhu totta.
- Menin Lutakkoon kuunnellakseni Rytmihäiriötä.
- Menin Lutakkoon rautatieaseman kautta. Juuri silloin saapui juna Turusta.
- Jos näet hänet, niin kerro hänelle minun kuulleen kaikki ne bändit, joista hän oli kertonut mulle kauan sitten.
- Kuulin myös ne bändit, joista silloin hän ei ollut kertonut. Luullakseni hänkin näki ne liveinä.
Ja:

- Olen alkanut kuunnella hardcorea hänen vuoksi.
- En todellakaan ole alkanut kuunnella hardcorea vain hänen vuoksi, olen aina tykännyt siitä.
- Mulla on ollut päänsärkyjä jo pari viikkoa.
- Mulla on ollut jotakin sellaista kuin masennus, ja se on ärsyttävä.
- Näyttää siltä, että ihmisten on helppoa unohtaa.
Ja:
- Olen lihonut.
- Olen iloinen kasvissyöänä.
- Mulle kuuluu ihan hyvää.
Ja:
- En toivo enää.
- En toivo mitään enää.

STOCKHOLM VIEWS

2008-04-23T21:23:00.020+03:00

Morjens! Some time has passed without any new word from me. There was some work, some exams, a bit of sleepiness, slight depression - and there was also one trip. It seems Cinnamon Book is opening a whole serious on Nordic capitals; there is at least one city that will follow the previous booklet about Helsinki. Last weekend, thus meaning from Thursday 17th of April to Monday 20th of April, I traveled to Sweden. My one and only Swedish destination was the capital Stockholm.

First of all, how it started. On Thursday evening our group of students arrived to Turku. As I have some memories connected with that city, I have neither planned nor expected to appear in the place again. At least the castle was still there, still lurking above the harbour, so gloomy and solemn as the whole Turku can sometimes feel like. Anyway, the city had turned into my gateway to Sweden. There was big ferry waiting for us, or better, we had to wait for the ferry about an hour - and finally, off we sailed!

The experience on the ferry was amusing, there and back again. On the way to Sweden we were lucky enough to get some good and fancy cabins. Again, as with my Estonian experience, people invaded Tax Free Shop, providing themselves with cheaper amount of alcohol. For me, it was more interesting to sleep on the sailing ferry. At one point the ship also stopped in Ahvenanmaa (Åland); I cannot say when as I was sleeping and none of us did not even realise the fact. Finally, at about six in the morning, we were kindly woken by the ferry staff - and there was Sweden, waiting to greet us.

Friday started with sunny weather and a long walk from the harbour to our hostel, which was conveniently located in Gamla Stan, The Old Town. Such a shiny spring. The day continued with walking around the city.The weather was so nice, sunny and warm that I decided to walk around, take pictures and try to enjoy the big capital feeling for the rest of the trip as well. Nevertheless, slightly cloudy Saturday was dedicated to walking already before my decision. There was a guided tour around the centre, which became handy as I would not be able to discover some spots by myself. Magnificent buildings, parks turning green, blooming cheery trees.

Later on, I took my time to check out the main shopping district more carefully. The experience of Swedish commercialism was the most strongest impression of the trip. So many things. So much choice - even too much. Hard to explain, but those big shopping malls, in generally called Gallerian, confused me slightly. I like shopping, sometimes, but not if I am confronted with such a mass of products. From the cheapest brands, of course underlined with an infinite number of local H&M's, all the way to fancy high-class items. Well-fare society by all means, or at least so it seemed. Too much goods to choose just everywhere. Highly developed commercialism that creates instant happiness - and I guess also emptiness, and boredom. Hard to explain again. I am not sure if I am done for such a world; I hate myself turning commercial, but it happens.

Last day of our staying in Stockholm occurred. Sunday, clear sky, sunny and warm. I decided to check out at least one museum. My way did not lead to those the most famous ones Stockholm can offer to an eager tourist: I had chosen Strindbergsmuseet, Strindberg's Museum. August Strindberg is perhaps the most famous Swedish playwright; being a dramaturg, I have liked his works a lot. The museum shows his apartment with the atmosphere as Strindberg would still live there, just being out for a while to get some sunlight. Interesting and something to remember.

After this cultural event, some more walking and taking pictures followed... until the time when we had to reach the harbour and, after some confusion, also our ferry. Next morning, Turku was gloomily grinning again... but nevertheless, we were safely back to Finland.

What can I finally say after this short visit of Stockholm? Only this - yes, it was far too short, too busy and a bit too anxious. I cannot just run from one museum to another, with no time to enjoy my life properly. Some impressions about the capital of Scandinavia, about Swedish history, and also about joys of highly developed commercialism have emerged. I do not feel I would belong to big cities, I have never liked them. So many people rushing everywhere, so many tourists, crazy and crowded. However, as Finland, Sweden also seems to be proud on the moose. Fluffy moose-souvenirs were actually the same as here, just the flag on them was different. Vikings are everywhere as well; we don't have them in Finland, since we have Kalevala, but they were similar to those I saw in Iceland. And it was really worth trying some of Swedish sweets.

All in all, I would like to visit Stockholm and, even more, Sweden again. I did not even experience that proper Sweden, with its countryside landscapes. But finally and after this short experience, I still feel I am culturally closer to Finland.

BACK TO HELSINKI

2008-04-05T19:50:00.011+03:00

Classical touristical photo I could sell as a postcard :)

After two years and many changes, I visited Helsinki again. The decision for the trip came with one opportunity at my university, and it was done very fast. Since I have been living in Finland, for some reasons I have never found time to see the capital; until Friday the 4th of April. The last time I saw the city was at the end of August 2006, just before I caught the train for Turku. However, yesterday, I got back to Helsinki.

The day was so sunny and so warm. It seemed just perfect; more than perfect if considering slowly melting snow in JKL. Spring reaches Helsinki sooner. Thus, I spent the whole day walking around the centre. I recalled my summer school, the people and our ways we had in Helsinki. Since my last stay, the city has not changed much. I remembered everything well, all the streets and important locations I wanted to see again.

I just enjoyed lively capital with rhythm so different than my home JKL, broad streets, people rushing here and there. I know still how one can get fed up with this city-feeling. When living in Helsinki for a month, I could not stand the city at one point anymore, and therefore I was escaping from it to Suomenlinna. For me, Helsinki is the city one starts to miss after some time; but too much of it affects the one like all other drugs. Still, as a day trip, the difference between calm provincial town and rushy capital felt pleasant.

My mood has been changing a lot during last months. Periods of low spirits can strike me at any time, and I am feeling constant unease as I don't know how long my better mood would last. Yesterday was one of those days I really felt I have to enjoy my fine temper. So, I was just walking in that early spring, enjoying my first outdoor ice-cream this year. It was the very same place I bought the ice-cream from, and the very same kaneli-omena jäätelö, cinnamon-apple ice-cream, I got to know during that summer in Helsinki; partly inspired with particular ice-cream, Cinnamon book has been given its name. Back then I also wrote kaneli-omena is how Helsinki taste for me. Finally, I can conclude the city still taste good.

Helsingin Yliopisto - The University of Helsinki

Esplanaati and greenish grass

In the harbour

Aleksis Kivi and National Theatre

Spring

SNOWCORE

2008-03-27T23:24:00.006+02:00

Snowstorm has happened. Again. Strong wind, snowflakes falling down like fine powdered sugar would be pured from the sky, or flour. It started during the night already, that wind spinning snow in the air, and then the storm continued through the whole yesterday. Even this morning it was still snowing. Sunshine and snow altogether; similar to April showers. And yes, April will approach us soon.

I am not sure if this is totally common Finnish spring; I was reading in Helsinki and, well, Turku flowers had already started to pop out. However, we still have real winter. Loads of snow. Piles. Hardcore. Snowcore.

Now I understand a bit better Finnish joy and craziness which occur when Juhannus, Midsummer, is celebrated. We wait so long to see the proper daylight. We wait so long for the winter to disappear, for the snow to melt, for the ice to be gone with the snow, thus making our paths less slippery. We wait so long to enjoy mild breeze rustling in birch woods again; green, so green woods. We wait long for the ecstasy of summer music festivals. We wait long to kiss in the midnight sun. We wait long for mosquitoes to inhabit swamps and lake-shores, we wait long for mosquitoes to invade our sweaty skin. We wait long for the awakening of those jolly moose-flies on behalf of which we would cover our heads carefully when enjoying our hikes within deep Finnish forests. Well, at first, we have to hike through frosty darkness to get a sense of life and love again.

All in all, it is a long waiting for the summer. But when it happens, and I have seen summer happening in Finland, it appears in all its glory.

PLASTIC FLOWERS

2008-03-14T15:10:00.024+02:00

Me vedämme käteen kun maailma palaa. Vaadimme lisää kulutettavaa. Tilaamme sata kanavaa harhaa ja muovikukkia muovipuutarhaan.

Aivolävistys - Muovikukkia muovipuutarhaan

I was given a flower last week for International Women's Day, the 8th of March. The flower was a pink tulip. Until today, it has been living here in my room. Finally, as every flower withers, this tulip has withered as well. And I felt sorry when I had to throw it away.

Flowers are something I like, although there is a small detail: I don't like flowers to be cut and put into the vase. Bouquets and such things are not for me. Well, in a way it is nice to get a flower from a guy, like the intention and all, yet a ticket for a gig, in example, could impress me much more than roses.

Cut flowers look nice - for a short while, until then they die. I have not searched for any info how exactly this flower industry functions and how it affects the environment; just the fact of cutting a flower off, kind of killing a living thing for decoration purposes only, hurts me. Same goes for picking up flowers in the nature; I prefer to observe them where they grow.

Now I have replaced that withered tulip with some fake ones. But I have also started to wonder how and where these white tulips were made, by some kid somewhere in Third world countries, for instance - and how the production affected the environment. I still hope the situation is not that bad and fake flowers, if done properly, can be more ecological; still it all feels as an enchanted circle. Nevertheless, I can also perceive this fake flowers in my room as a constant remnant/warning there is a fake and plastic world of highly developed Consumer Society within a first-class European country lurking behind my window...

ON FORGETTING

2008-03-12T22:04:00.005+02:00

''The present is an ungraspable advance of the past devouring the future.
In truth, all sensation is already memory.''

From Kafka on The Shore by Haruki Murakami

The past has always interested me. Memories; even my two latest plays have been dealing with memories and the past. I know well sometimes it is useless to long for the things that are gone. I know well things change, and sometimes they change in a way that hurts. So it is. Yet there are still issues in this life I cannot understand. Perhaps I am too naive, perhaps I just cannot accept this world as it is.

What has partly brought me to Finnish language and culture was this communication I have had; well, the tag friendship can sometimes feel as a good, nice and polite mask for all the emotions floating beneath. For sure I was thinking a lot about meanings, values, purposes of friendship at that time. Friendship became a theme I have been exploring and rethinking over and over again. However, in my opinion, if the friendship is real, without that fake cover of the word only, without serving just one Ego, one does not have to think about friendship that much. Real friendship just exists. Both Egos equal.

It has never happened to me that I would finish a friendship. At least not in such a way. Overall, it felt cruel. There was one person, the Other in my life for some time - and the relationship was important for me. Finally, I have kind of realised the relationship seemed more important to me than for the Other, but still. So far, this has not been my way. Being in an active contact with somebody, and then just cutting it off. Theoretically, the Other is now gone from my life, as this person has never even existed. Regardless the traces left behind.

No, this has never been my way. And I still cannot get it. Why such things happen? All that time, the energy exchanged, was it all for nothing? Words meaningless and empty. Is a human relationship just something one can cast away so lightly? One day, the Other is in your life, this Other kind of cares about you, and you care about the Other. There is a contact, two lives are connected. Then, things change, the Other is gone. Silence. You do not exist for the Other no longer. And vice versa? Well, it depends, I guess.

Sometimes, words are said in affect. Pain, anger, disappointment, and all that. The friendship that finished died within a couple of sharp letters. But still. After some time, the Other is still in mind. After some time, one perhaps feels slightly sorry for what has happened. Then, there is this battle. You somehow do not wish to meet the Other; it still hurts if you see the person. However, you would like the Other to recall you. You still hope the Other did not perceive you just as some kind of a chatbot, robot, or something. A paradox of emotions. Perhaps, somewhere deep inside yourself, you still wish to see the Other again. To talk. To tell over some coffee how life goes now, after all this time, and so on.

Yet you do not know what the Other is thinking. You perceive the Other as a closed fortress with high walls, guarded with Other's personal Gods and Goddesses that are impossible to overcome. Cold and distant Other, forever lost from your world. And you so wonder if the Other ever thinks about you. Nevertheless you have existed once for the Other much more than you exist now. Finally, as nothing moves and silence just grows bigger, you end up with the thought the Other has probably forgotten about you. Is it really so easy to forget?

Writing this from my particular experience, I think I am not among those that can just cut off people as they would never exist. New people bring new energies and new interactions; still the ones from the past would keep their places in my mind. It depends, but still. I cannot replace people like things can be replaced. For me, it is hard to forget people with ease. It all feels cruel; or it just reaches beyond my naive mind.

LEAP DAY

2008-02-29T23:09:00.005+02:00

Just because it occurs only every four years. Just because it feels strange. Just because the past days, today including, were not that very cheerful...

Uuno Kailas: Contemplation

Ei seesty pääni päällä,
tuo vanhat pilvet päivä uus.
Ja joka päivä täällä
on pieni ikuisuus.

SKYWALKING TO SPRING

2008-02-17T23:32:00.009+02:00

Past days were glittering with sun, it felt so magical after those dark winter days. Life is coming back. Happiness is awaking. It was well under zero last week, but regardless crispy cold air I have spotted some distant traces of forthcoming spring. Hope. The smell of spring, floating above deeply frozen grounds and waters.

Partly sunny Sunday offered milder weather today. As I went for a walk, I have noticed some Skywalker has forgotten her/his additional pare of trainers on an electric wire high up in the air. Perhaps she/he just dropped those, as they seemed so warn out, not considering all recycling possibilities Finland offers to inhabitants. What's more, that Skywalker might just wanted to feel the air filled with frost and blasting sunlight under bare feet… feel, enjoy and follow those distant traces of spring.

Finally, I think such things occur on electric wires high above the ground if one lives in a neighborhood full of students and constant student parties.

MAGYAR POSSE, AGAIN

2008-02-10T23:00:00.000+02:00

Magyar Posse

Time for some post-rock sounds. Last Friday in Lutakko, Magyar Posse from Pori, Finland. With them, surprise and so impressive discovery, similar post-rock group Cold Fairyland from Sanghai, China. Atmospherical, epical, magic. Both bands highly recommended!

Cold Fairyland

It was summer in Helsinki two years ago when I saw Magyar Posse live for the first time. Next day after the gig, I went to see someone. After all the troubles/shit between us. Before all the troubles/shit between us that had yet to come.

I don't miss that troubles, but I would surely miss this music. Great gig again.

Magyar Posse

I AM RIVER, I AM FLAME

2008-02-02T22:46:00.001+02:00

Olen joki, joka padotaan
olen metsä joka poltetaan
peto joka vangitaan rautahäkkiin suljetaan
olen tila joka aidataan
liekki joka sammutetaan
tahdon sisimpäni vapauttaa
ihmisyyteni nujertaa

Mokoma - Nujerra ihminen

After some weeks of constant dealing with studies, thus meaning writing essays, the time for some live music has come again. Finally! Going to a good gig was something I have really been missing for the past month.

On the first day of February, there was Mokoma playing in Lutakko. It seems Mokoma is among the most favorized Finnish metal bands at the moment. Their lyrics is intirely in Finnish, their music feels diverse, all the way from thrash and death to black metal, even some softer pieces included. Since the start of my studies in Jyväskylä, Mokoma has already visited the city once; the gig was sold out completely. So it was now, too; well, metal is a part of mainstream culture here afterall.

No matter atmospheres band features are melancholic, far from some kind of romantic stories, their rythms produce enough energy and power I sometimes really need to hear and feel. A bit masculine music, yet the band seems to have enough even sligthly hysterical female fans; at least so sounded those screams from the audience. However, frontman Marko Annala is supposed to be among the best lyric writers. Lyrics do not seem bad and Annala also seems skillful vocalist, featuring nice clear vocals as well as for my opinion proper growls. Overall, Mokoma made good performance, with lots of stage presence and flaming energy. In this case, I don't care if the band is becoming too mainstream - I will listen to them whenever I will feel like it.

Apart from the gig, some socializing happened as well. One thing was that I spoke in Finnish, and I was told I had not appear as a foreigner; my Fake Finn story kind of repeated. Whenever I get such compliments for my language skills, I am of course proud, and I try not to be too proud as I still do not master the language well enough, in my opinion. Yet it is true that I have started to learn Finnish only two years ago; I have noticed this fact sometimes seems surprising to native speakers.

I know where the power for liking and learning Finnish has come from. I know why I grasped the language so quickly that I had been able to chat, somehow, even after less than one year of learning. Some small events in life can redirect the way one walks, and all of a sudden one speak a new language. That time is over now, new things are going on, and I meet new people on my way. But whenever I see a good gig here in Finland, thus meaning Finnish music I have got to know in that particular period of my life, I am sort of happy. I guess one of the best outcomes of that particular time has been some amount of good music.

BLUE MONDAY, WHITE DAYS

2008-01-23T23:32:00.000+02:00

Monday 21st of January that has just passed has been tagged for Blue Monday; the most depressing day of the year. Well, whatever. I just know it is the last full week of January. Two years ago, it was also the last full week of January when I traveled to Finland for the first time. Did I expect me to live here one day when I arrived to that snowy Finnish night two years ago? Perhaps I did not. Perhaps I did.

Nowadays, I am quite piled up with essays. Constantly writing for over a month; or at least thinking what should I write. For sure I should be reading something at this moment, too. I am continuing my Aikido practice as well - and there I try to find additional energy for studies. My perception of Japanese term mae-geri, meaning front kick in Nanbudo (and Karate) has transformed into a strike with bokken, woden sword. Learning all the time. Nevertheless I have found out which moments can make my busy days. One of them is hot sauna after Aikido practice...

If the Monday was blue, now the other days are white. We have some snow! The landscape has turned into winter's tale; no matter the temperatures that are getting somehow lower. Today, the day was so clear and sunny. Yes, despite winter is still here, now even in all it's proper glory, the sun seems to be getting back its strength. It feels brighter than a couple of months ago. There is still some hope left. However, enjoy your days - and I will try to enjoy mine, desperately trying to complete the work.

KAAMOKSEN KETTU

2008-01-16T23:02:00.000+02:00

This is my fox. It comes from Rovaniemi, but since October 2007 it has been living in my room here in Jyväskylä, among the books; I guess it likes the place a lot. As I do not know this fox for too long, it did not acquire a name yet; so far, it has just been known as Fox, Lisica or Kettu.

The main reason why I am introducing my fox to the world is actually the period of winter darkness, kaamos. Last year within this time, the newspaper Helsingin Sanomat featured online short animated stories. The series was called Kaamosajan kalanteri, The Calendar of Kaamos; now it does not exist online no more, too bad. But there was this main character: very interesting Finnish fox, living in its house, desperately trying to waste time during the period of winter darkness. The fox of the kaamos, kaamoksen kettu.

We do not have that real polar night in this part of Finland, but, believe me, there is lots of darkness anyway. I was well aware where am I going when deciding for Finland, Nordic countries have for sure good reputation of dark and depressive winters... but still.

Every now and then, I feel like the fox of kaamos. The sun rises around half past nine, but even after that the morning can be dark. Dark morning, dark day, and then the night. As today, when it was raining. For the weather can add so much to the light; it is totally different story if there appears some sun from behind the clouds. It starts getting really dark around three in the afternoon; it was even earlier in December. This darkness makes me kind of drowsy. So, I would rather sleep through the whole day, doing nothing but sleep, sleep and sleep. However, if not sleeping the whole day, I would perhaps do just some easy reading and some nice calm Aikido practice. Then, back to sleep again...

I wonder how it would feel living in a waste, lonesome snowy land. Somewhere in Lapland, for instance. Nothing but snow and kaamos. I can imagine silent glittering of the snow in the moonlight, the blasts of northern lights and all other romantic thingies; however, this is only what I imagine. I guess, in reality, life in these frozen lands is not that lovely at all; even if there is no biting frost, there is still the great darkness.

However, every winter also brings the hope of spring, warmth and endless sunlight... and then, kaamoksen kettu will feel all awake again.

BACK TO FINLAND

2008-01-12T19:40:00.000+02:00

Tervehdys Suomesta! So, I am back to Finland. Slovenian holidays were fine, I was happy to meet all the people and all the places. I have visited my Nanbudo dojo again and I have got a nice welcome greeting. Then, a couple of metal evenings and a gig. There was also this traditional Saturday metal evening when my dear friends made a surprise and gave me an unexpected birthday present. All in all, it was lovely.

During our New Year's Eve celebration at my Slovenian place, Salmiakki Koskenkorva vodka was poured into Finnish design Iittala glasses. Now, I sit here at my Finnish place in Jyväskylä and I drink herbal tea I have brought from Slovenia. Back home I would miss some things we have in Finland, here I would miss some things we have in Slovenia. But still, for some reasons during my Slovenian holidays, I have felt kind of connected with Finland. It feels like being between two countries and two cultures. It is perhaps even hard to describe with words. I can only try.

Why would one like to be a Finn? And on the other hand, why would one like to be a Slovenian? Answers to these questions can easily reach the realms of political; I am more in the mood for intimate discourse now. First of all, one is born into one culture and language. These roots stay with the one, wherever the one goes. Second, one can be forced to adopt new cultural identity; yet this I will skip. Also, there is this globalization going on, national cultures are melting and pouring into each other, loosing their individual features and becoming more and more similar to eachother; at least so it seems to me here in Europe. Same kind of fashion, same kind of music, same kind of yogurt, and so on.

I guess one can also feel either Finn or Slovenian without any proper document. No political discourse included. Now, why would I want to be a Finn? And on the other hand, why do I want to be a Slovenian? I am happy when I can chat in Finnish and I am still happy when I am mistaken for a Finn. But I am not denying my basic cultural identity. It will always be a part of me and I will always feel connected with potica, too. Also, changing cultural identity, trying to assimilate, cannot solve everything. My character, all of my good and bad sides, would also travel with me. One cannot escape some shadows, no matter where the one goes.

I like new things and I like to experience new cultures. I also like languages. However, I am just fascinated with the fact how close Finnish culture seems to me; this has just happened, slowly within a couple of years. And well, as I cannot provide any deeper thoughts now, I guess I should return to my studies which desperately demand some serious work.

LOVELY 2008

2007-12-31T11:30:00.000+02:00

Dear friends and fellow bloggers!

I wish you lots of love, joy and beautiful moments!

THE BEST OF 2007

2007-12-30T17:23:00.001+02:00

My Slovenian holidays go well and now the New Year's Eve is approaching. May this be the point of nostalgic reminiscence. So, how was my 2007? Let's see some highlights!

CHANGES 2007
Getting scholarship for MA studies in Digital Culture, moving to Finland, enjoying the beauty of Finnish nature, meeting interesting people from all over the world.

SUMMER 2007
Metalcamp metal festival for the first time.

FUNNY READINGS 2007
Harry Potter marathon within one month.

UNEXPECTED INTEREST 2007
Attending Programming 1 course. Now I know a very little something about programming in Java.

MARTIAL ARTS 2007
I had to quit regular Nanbudo trainings and that was bitter. However, I have started to practice Aikido in Finland.

TRIP 2007
Rovaniemi.

ART 2007
Seeing good movies, exhibitions of visual arts, performances and developing my interest in photography.

BARS 2007
Slovenian bars Fabrka and Orto with their regular metal evenings, later on Katse, Inferno and especially Bar 68 in Jyväskylä.

GIGS AND BANDS 2007
There was many good gigs and bands I have seen. 2007 was full of good music. Significant for me has become the appreciation of Viikate; I have become their devoted fan. Thus, among the best gigs I would point out Viikate in Lutakko.

FACES 2007
My dear friends as well as new people that have come into my life. <3

IS RUDOLPH DEAD?

2007-12-18T17:50:00.000+02:00

Heipa, ihmiset! I will not keep it secret that I am visiting Slovenia. However, I have come here with one particular airline. The flight confronted me with cruel reality. Now, I might kill your dreams, but I feel it is honest to tell the truth.

Have you ever been wondering how Santa happens to move around the world so quickly? The answer is very simple. And no, the answer is not Santa has Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer. SANTA CLAUSE USES HIS OFFICIAL AIRLINE!

I just hope Rudolph is still well and has not finished as somebody's delicious Christmas dinner...

STUDENT'S CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS

2007-12-15T12:50:00.000+02:00

As I walked down the road, I have noticed the twilight sky above Jyväskylä.

There was not much time to write within the past days. The first turn at the university has finished, thus bringing a pile of work. First of all, I am happy as I passed the exam in Finnish very well. The feeling that I am kind of studying Finnish within the university feels nice. I took three courses foreign students can take when dealing with Finnish. I also passed the first exam in Aikido; I am happy to continue martial art practices more seriously. I like Aikido, but I still miss Nanbudo.

However, our Digital Culture programme requires lots of essays. As I am interested in the themes, I feel quite motivated; I am just very tired at the moment, physically and even more mentally, and that prevents me from active work. I should be reading, I should be be writing; I will be reading and writing.

I am kind of filled with slight melancholy; so it happens every now and then. Some new things are going on in my life, I have to find my way in this unknown situation. Now, the Christmas brake has started. Today, I am packing. Tomorrow, I am traveling to a short holidays and I am returning back to Finland soon in January. But still I guess I will miss my dear. Until we meet again in our beloved blogosphere, my friends and fellow bloggers, I wish you all the best!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SUOMI!

2007-12-06T15:24:00.000+02:00

Today, Suomi is celebrating the birthday; the country is 90 years old. The day is called Itsenäisyyspäivä; Independence Day.

Brief insight of a part of Finnish history

Finnish war 1808 - 1908, independence 6.12.1917, Civil war 1-5/1918, Winter war 11/1939-3/1940, Continuation war 1941 - 1944, Lapland war 9/1944-4/1945, EU 1995

Onneksi olkoon ja eläköön Suomi!

Linna in Helsinki, where today's traditional celebration will take place

SEASONS GREETINGS

2007-12-02T21:09:00.000+02:00

Christmas spirit of Tampere last Saturday. Good last month of the year and especially lots of jolly feasts I wish, my dear friends and fellow bloggers!

MARRASKUUN LOPPU

2007-11-30T22:27:00.000+02:00

Meillä on lunta ja mulla on pimeys sydämessä...

REVONTULET MARRASKUUSSA

2007-11-27T20:05:00.000+02:00

A month before the shortest day of the year, the sun rises above Jvyäskylä at 9:03. It sets at 15:06. If the sky is not covered with something that seems like clouds and one does not even see the sun. No wonder I have started to think about light today.

Here up North one can sense a bit more special attitude towards light. Some time ago I have noticed how good the design of light is usually in Nordic performances; well, even when it comes to Nordic metal gigs. Then, I have been observing the nightscape of Jyväskylä. Whenever I happen to walk from Agora to the centre in the evening, I notice the usage of light on the shores of Jyväsjärvi. The bridge, some buildings. The same in the city centre. I cannot really say; it is just something I kind of feel. Dealing with light seems more sophisticated here.

So I was thinking about the light today - when something happened. In the evening, I was told northern lights had been seen above the city just some minutes ago. I went out, it was cold, there was some fresh snow... and I saw a stripe of glow. In this part of Finland, Aurora Borealis can be seen, yet the light is dim, not that colorful as within the Arctic Circle. But still. The glow was light blue. In a way, it really felt as the sun would rise at the wrong part of the sky with a blue dawn.

In Finnish, northern lights are called revontulet; the word comes from repo, fox, and tuli, fire. Due to the legend, there are fire foxes living in Lapland; these fire foxes send sparkles with their tails up to the sky - that glows. As it glowed today and as it is perhaps still glowing now, brighter far up North.

Not being introduced to all the faces of Finland and northern nature yet, the blue dawn on the sky was quite a fascinating moment. Perhaps too dim and nothing special for the locals, but quite special for me. However, if that were not revontulet what we saw, do not brake our illusions; let us foreigners dream about the beauty and the lights of the North.

P.S.: I went out without my camera. Paljon kiitoksia to my classmate and my classmate's flatmate for the picture of today's revontulet.

KUU, MARRASKUU

2007-11-24T19:26:00.000+02:00

Kuuta vasten voi nähdä suden ulvovan... (Viikate - Pohjoista Viljaa)

The week before the one just passed was very good. There was like some magic in the air; I do not feel like explaining it into details, it is even hard to explain. Just great week it was. However, this week, things have changed. Yesterday it was really a strange day; nothing did not work out as I would like, and I also had some bitter moments of reminiscence. So it happens, every now and then. That tense atmosphere.

Today in the violet colours of the darkening afternoon I looked into the sky. I saw the moon. Full moon. Now I understand yesterday's inner confusion, yesterday's increased sensitivity. And I am howling as a wolf...

FELLING FINNISH IN MARRASKUU

2007-11-20T20:39:00.000+02:00

This week has started with an article about cultural identities and a discussion about it. Today in the Finnish class, I have had my power point presentation. The presentation was in Finnish, I am so proud about it, and I have talked about Finnishness in Finnish metal music. Then, I have found these assumptions. Perhaps you have already heard about them. However, I took the subject very seriously, trying to find out how much Finnish culture has affected my cultural identity so far.

YOU KNOW YOU ARE FROM FINLAND WHEN...

1. You see Sininen lenkki sausage as an integral part of being Finnish.
As I am vegetarian, I do not care about this thingie at all.
2. You don´t eat Sininen lenkki sausage while you´re in Finland but when you go abroad, you miss it.
As I am vegetarian, I do not care about this thingie at all.
3. When you go on holiday abroad, you bring rye bread and salmiakki with you.
Well yes, in January last year I had bought some salmiakki supplies in Finland, then I took them to Slovenia and then from Slovenia to Spain in July. Also, I have always had a lot of fun watching my friends spiting these ''candies'' out as soon as possible.
4. If you don´t, you start missing them at some point during the holiday.
Maybe.
5. You know what Marimekko is.
Of course.
6. You have Marimekko at home.
I have a Marimekko bag.
7. You feel proud when you see Marimekko abroad, in a movie, etc..
Yes, I did pay attention to Marimekko in Ljubljana. It just reminded me of Finland.
8. Nokia is better than Ericsson.
For some reasons I have always preferred Nokia.
9. You´re drunk on 30 April (First of May).
Might happen.
10. You have a hangover on 1 May.
No, because I do not drink that much and drink in Finland seems too expensive to get wasted. But one thing about my drinking is true. I have actually started to drink after my first visit to Finland. And the first thing I drank was Salmiakki Koskenkorva, also known as salmari.
11. You´re drunk on Midsummer eve.
Might happen.
12. You have a hangover on Midsummer day.
To Hell with modesty, yes, it might happen.
13. Fazer is the best chocolate in the world.
It is good for sure.
14. You just love jokes about the Swedish.
Perhaps I like more those jokes about the people from Turku.
15. The most important thing is to beat the Swedes, not win the whole competition.
I find this funny, so why not.
16. It's normal to be naked in the sauna
Yes, totally normal. And I like it.
17. You remember that Arvi Lind was once voted the sexiest man in Finland.
No I don't.
18. You don't wear shoes inside your home.
Neither did so back home. Socks just rule.
19. You always avoid sitting next to a stranger on public transport
Yes. Unless he is cute...
20. You're drunk on New Year's Eve.
That has already happened, at least slightly.
21. You have a hangover on New Year's Day.
Might happen. Eh.
22. Watching the ball at the presidential castle on TV is an integral part of celebrating the Independence Day
I guess I will found this out on the 6th of December.
23. Milk is milk only when it is Valio!
I can't say, I buy it because it is there. But I also like Valio's yogurts.
24. Silence is fun.
Yes. I have always been quiet person. And, by the way, Finns are not silent at all. At least those I know or I have used to know are or have been very talkative.
25. You rummage through your plastic bag collection to see which ones you should keep to take to the store and which can be sacrificed to garbage.
I actually do so...
26. Hugging is reserved for sexual foreplay.
Not really. Also the Finns I have met do not seem so cold and distant.
27. When a stranger on the street smiles at you: a. you assume he's drunk
b. he is insane
c. he's an American
I usually do not look at people that much. Unless he is really cute.
28. You associate pea soup with Thursdays
Yes, and with pancake.
29. You know that "religious holiday" means, "let's get pissed."
No. Why?
30. You know that more than three channels means cable
I do not own a telly.
31. You get all Swedish jokes
I might, but I don't care that much.
32. When you're hungry you can peel a boiled potato like lightning
I guess it is possible to get already peeled potato in our Citymarket, so why bother with peeling at all?
33. You accept that 80 degrees C in a sauna is chilly, but 20 degrees C outside is freaking hot. Also, you accept -30 outside as a reasonable temperature, but anything under 22 indoors is unreasonable...
I do not know how many degrees is in our sauna. Usually, it feels hot and I like it. Considering the weather, I have also noticed that it feels quite warm if it is like 2 above zero... just today, for instance.
34. You give the air hostess your undivided attention when she demonstrates how to fasten, tighten and unbuckle your seatbelt. You eye the person sitting next to you suspiciously when they don't do the same.
I do not care about that - but I understand the point well.
35. You don't waste alcohol. When you spill your drink on the desk, you actually contemplate slurping it up anyway.
I might do that with other drink/food. However, if something happens to rot, then it either goes to the bio waste - or local squirrels get their meal.

NOVEMBER PAIN

2007-11-16T01:14:00.000+02:00

Peter Tägtgren Pain

Just got home after the gig. PAIN from Sweden. Tagged as industrial metal, however, Pain is a project of Peter Tägtgren, who is also Hypocrisy frontman. Pain rocks, and they rocked tonight in Lutakko as well. The set list seemed quite different then at our Metalcamp 2007. There was Same Old Song at the beginning, but the rest were, if I quote Pain, some songs they have never played live before. Alright, of course among those were also some songs I have already heard them playing live. And of course they did play the obligatory Shut Your Mouth. Yet there is one song I would like to hear and I did not get it again - Computer God. Nevermind that, I liked the gig. It lasted for an hour and a half, then they had to go because they had to catch the f*****g ferry; at least Peter said so. Hälsning från Jyväskylä!