Well crap. Now that I'm leaving Finland the fates have decided that I was to finally find my Finnish husband. He doesn't know about our marriage, as we've technically never met, but in my mind we're quite happy and in love. Introducing Paradise Oskar aka Axel Ehnström aka my husband. We're going to make some beautiful blonde babies someday.
In all seriousness though, who knew the Finn's were hiding such precious, musical gems! Paradise Oskar was in some Eurovision contest, though I can't figure out if he won or not. I actually can't even figure out what the concept of this show is. Someone care to explain it to me?
In the meantime, enjoy the blessings of my husband's voice.
By the way, this video was filmed in the Kaisaneimi Botanical Gardens, which happens to be my most favorite place in Helsinki (I'll do a blog post about it soon!). Further proof that we are meant to be. This is what destiny looks like, people.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Monday, December 5, 2011
Pensive Places
So much for a blog reboot, eh? It's been a week now! Would you believe me if I told you I've just been soo busy embracing my remaining time in Finland that I haven't had the time to get on my computer?
Yeah, I wouldn't believe me either. In fact, lately I've spent a ton of time in cafes, just chilling on my laptop, looking all intellectual and such. I like to pretend I'm working on that novel of mine, sipping a cafe au lait, and listening to some singer-songwriter tunes when in all actuality I'm drinking 7 up, listing to country music, and creepin' on facebook. I can only be so chic and European okay!
Anyway, while I may not totally grasp the whole "cool concept" of cafes, I have become quite educated on the best ones in Helsinki. Here are my choices:
1) Fazer Cafe
Fazer is definitely the best I've come by. The inside is not only huge, but absolutely beautiful with it's mirrored walls, domed ceiling, and vases full of chocolates- some of which are free! Although I must warn you, don't take too many handfuls of the "free" chocolates otherwise the employees might feel inclined to move them behind the counter and out of reach. Damn them.
2) Ravintola Kappeli
Part restaurant, bar, and cafe, Ravintola Kappeli is perfect for whatever mood you might be in. For me it's the perfect place to curl up in one of the many cushioned nooks and take a Skype call. Though I find it a bit too tourist-y, I'd absolutely recommend having a glass of wine or hot chocolate (the best I've ever had!) and enjoying the views of the harbor and Esplandi.
3) Picnic Cafe
Any Picnic Cafe will do! Here I am on the second floor of Kamppi- one of my favorites. I had to look all pensive and ridiculous so no one would know I was taking pictures of myself. Don't judge me. Anyway, I also like the Picnic on the roof of Forum and the one on Yliopistonkatu.
These cafes are definitely something I will miss about Helsinki. I'm absolutely dreading having to find new ones when I move to Paris. I've only just discovered these cafes! And yes, I am moving to another foreign country and this is one of my main concerns. Don't even worry about it.
Fazer is definitely the best I've come by. The inside is not only huge, but absolutely beautiful with it's mirrored walls, domed ceiling, and vases full of chocolates- some of which are free! Although I must warn you, don't take too many handfuls of the "free" chocolates otherwise the employees might feel inclined to move them behind the counter and out of reach. Damn them.
2) Ravintola Kappeli
Part restaurant, bar, and cafe, Ravintola Kappeli is perfect for whatever mood you might be in. For me it's the perfect place to curl up in one of the many cushioned nooks and take a Skype call. Though I find it a bit too tourist-y, I'd absolutely recommend having a glass of wine or hot chocolate (the best I've ever had!) and enjoying the views of the harbor and Esplandi.
3) Picnic Cafe
Any Picnic Cafe will do! Here I am on the second floor of Kamppi- one of my favorites. I had to look all pensive and ridiculous so no one would know I was taking pictures of myself. Don't judge me. Anyway, I also like the Picnic on the roof of Forum and the one on Yliopistonkatu.
These cafes are definitely something I will miss about Helsinki. I'm absolutely dreading having to find new ones when I move to Paris. I've only just discovered these cafes! And yes, I am moving to another foreign country and this is one of my main concerns. Don't even worry about it.
Monday, November 28, 2011
Time For Change
Okay, so I'm not going to reintroduce myself again as you already know who I am despite my long absence. To be honest, I have no excuse for allowing this blog to fall to the wayside. Part laziness, part lack of motivation, and part melancholy are the contributing factors, I suppose.
Now, don't get me wrong, while I mention melancholy, I by no means want to imply that my time here in Finland has been glum. To the contrary! The last few months have been truly exciting and fun-filled. But (and this pains me to admit) I have been stuck in a rut since late September. I'm not sure how it happened exactly, but all I know is it did and once I came to that realization I knew something had to change.
I've decided to leave Finland prematurely. It was a tough decision to come to, but after much evaluation and consideration it seemed to be the right choice. A great deal of crying was done, and the guilt and feelings of failure have not altogether subsided. But, as a firm believer in the notion that life is too short, it was the only decision that sat right with me. I have always approached life with an attitude of "if you're not happy, change it." And though I have laughed, smiled, and enjoyed myself in Finland, I have not been truly happy. I did not have happiness that warranted a blog called Efflorescence.
Coming to Finland I hoped to experience (as it says right there in the corner) a state or time of flowering. Unfortunately, that has not been the case. Again, I want to stress that I have had amazing experiences while living here and will look back on this time fondly, but in the last few months I've found that my character, body, and aspirations have taken a backseat. Certainly no one's fault but my own I tried to take credit and convince myself that change was possible here. I contemplated getting a gym membership, spending more time writing, working less, doing this more, doing this less, not doing this at all, ect, ect. But in the end, I realized that in my heart, I knew it was time to move on.
Some may call me a quitter (and at times I would agree), but this is my life, and if I were to die tomorrow, I would regret not taking certain actions. So that's settled.
Alright, enough with the dramatics! It's time to announce the exciting things! Though I contemplated returning to The States (as homesick as I was sometimes it seemed like the best option) I ultimately decided to do something a bit crazy. A little apprehensive as first, I then realized that the moment I began toying with this alternative option I was already much, much happier. Taking extra care in assuring it was the right setting for me, I now feel quite comfortable with this idea. So yes, here it is, I'M MOVING TO PARIS! Assuming all goes well with my visa I will be moving this Christmas- eek! Now, I don't want to delve into the details, but I assure you they will reveal themselves in time.
In the meantime, I will be devoting myself to my last weeks in Finland and chronicling them here (I promise I will not leave you hanging again!). I would also like to share some past experiences and stories that have not yet had their time to shine.
So yes, that's all for now. Write soon. H
Now, don't get me wrong, while I mention melancholy, I by no means want to imply that my time here in Finland has been glum. To the contrary! The last few months have been truly exciting and fun-filled. But (and this pains me to admit) I have been stuck in a rut since late September. I'm not sure how it happened exactly, but all I know is it did and once I came to that realization I knew something had to change.
I've decided to leave Finland prematurely. It was a tough decision to come to, but after much evaluation and consideration it seemed to be the right choice. A great deal of crying was done, and the guilt and feelings of failure have not altogether subsided. But, as a firm believer in the notion that life is too short, it was the only decision that sat right with me. I have always approached life with an attitude of "if you're not happy, change it." And though I have laughed, smiled, and enjoyed myself in Finland, I have not been truly happy. I did not have happiness that warranted a blog called Efflorescence.
Coming to Finland I hoped to experience (as it says right there in the corner) a state or time of flowering. Unfortunately, that has not been the case. Again, I want to stress that I have had amazing experiences while living here and will look back on this time fondly, but in the last few months I've found that my character, body, and aspirations have taken a backseat. Certainly no one's fault but my own I tried to take credit and convince myself that change was possible here. I contemplated getting a gym membership, spending more time writing, working less, doing this more, doing this less, not doing this at all, ect, ect. But in the end, I realized that in my heart, I knew it was time to move on.
Some may call me a quitter (and at times I would agree), but this is my life, and if I were to die tomorrow, I would regret not taking certain actions. So that's settled.
Alright, enough with the dramatics! It's time to announce the exciting things! Though I contemplated returning to The States (as homesick as I was sometimes it seemed like the best option) I ultimately decided to do something a bit crazy. A little apprehensive as first, I then realized that the moment I began toying with this alternative option I was already much, much happier. Taking extra care in assuring it was the right setting for me, I now feel quite comfortable with this idea. So yes, here it is, I'M MOVING TO PARIS! Assuming all goes well with my visa I will be moving this Christmas- eek! Now, I don't want to delve into the details, but I assure you they will reveal themselves in time.
In the meantime, I will be devoting myself to my last weeks in Finland and chronicling them here (I promise I will not leave you hanging again!). I would also like to share some past experiences and stories that have not yet had their time to shine.
So yes, that's all for now. Write soon. H
Sunday, September 11, 2011
A Stolen Hobby
Hello. Allow me to introduce myself- I'm Heather, the writer and moderator of this oh-so-neglected blog. Long story short, even though my life has been filled with blog-worthy moments and my head with interesting thoughts and observations, I have been far too lazy to write them. It's a shame really, as the past couple of weeks have been the strangest since my time in Finland. I was sick, I was homesick, I was happy, I was sad, I was relaxed, I was overwhelmed, I was robbed... True story.
In my blogging absence, many notable things have happened, the craziest and most recent of which was my purse being stolen. It happened Thursday night. After watching the Finnish National Championship in fireworks, Claire and I hung around in the city for a while, ending the night with a trip to McDonald's- always a favorite past-time of mine (I am American, after all). But unfortunately, the meal was not a happy one. After finishing my Big Mac and fries, I go to grab my purse (which was sitting on the seat right next to me, at the same table and everything) only to find that it is no longer there. Panic ensues.
For the next several hours, I'm running around Helsinki like a mad woman, wailing, crying, and acting totally and completely insane. But how could I not? In my purse was my passport, my wallet, my bank cards, my driver's license, my social security card, my $500 PROFESSIONAL SLR DIGITAL CAMERA, my book, my transport card, my umbrella, and other precious items. To put it simply, my life was in that bag. So through the entire night I had multiple people check the security cameras, had the security guard scour the place and search people's backpacks, and even took it upon myself to look through surrounding trash cans searching for any clue of my belonging's whereabouts. I found nothing.
What we did find though was a detailed account of what had happened via the security camera. Although I didn't see it for myself, I was told that after watching us for 20 minutes, the man sitting next to us preceded to take off his jacket and use it as a cover as he slid by me, picking up my purse as he went. The most infuriating part of which being that I was sitting RIGHT THERE. I will never forgive myself for being so ignorant of my surroundings. Sadly, it has never been a problem before now.
Helsinki is a very safe city. Crime is not a common occurrence here. After recounting my stolen purse story to people I often got the reply, "but that never happens here!" And it doesn't. Unless you're me, apparently. But seriously, things like this very rarely occur. Even the police I spoke with that night we're surprised it had happened. Unfortunately, they weren't very helpful or professional. While putting dip in his mouth one asked me, "What did the man look like? Was he Finnish?" I replied, "He didn't look Finnish.." "Oh," the cop said, "was he gypsy?" Ugh.
Anyway, while my purse was recovered the following day with my passport, wallet, bank cards, and all other belongings in it, my camera was missing, which brought the biggest blow. That camera was something I had worked so hard for, something I had earned. Though $500 isn't a ton of a money in the big scheme of things, the camera was by far the most expensive thing I have ever bought. But it's not just that fact that it was expensive, it's the sentimental value more than anything
I bought my camera only days before I moved to Finland. In the past few months it became an extension of myself. Not only a means of expressing myself, but of occupying myself and allowing me to explore a foreign country through the observant lens of a camera. It also became a way for me to share my life in a beautiful way with friends and family all over the world. In short, it became a hobby. Perhaps the only one I've ever had with the exception of sleeping and reading. Basically, my camera meant a lot to me and it hurts my heart so much to know that its now in the hands of someone who doesn't deserve it. Someone who didn't earn it like I did. Uuughhh.
So in conclusion, I'd like to dedicate this post to my camera which I shared so many great memories with. I will miss you little guy.
In my blogging absence, many notable things have happened, the craziest and most recent of which was my purse being stolen. It happened Thursday night. After watching the Finnish National Championship in fireworks, Claire and I hung around in the city for a while, ending the night with a trip to McDonald's- always a favorite past-time of mine (I am American, after all). But unfortunately, the meal was not a happy one. After finishing my Big Mac and fries, I go to grab my purse (which was sitting on the seat right next to me, at the same table and everything) only to find that it is no longer there. Panic ensues.
For the next several hours, I'm running around Helsinki like a mad woman, wailing, crying, and acting totally and completely insane. But how could I not? In my purse was my passport, my wallet, my bank cards, my driver's license, my social security card, my $500 PROFESSIONAL SLR DIGITAL CAMERA, my book, my transport card, my umbrella, and other precious items. To put it simply, my life was in that bag. So through the entire night I had multiple people check the security cameras, had the security guard scour the place and search people's backpacks, and even took it upon myself to look through surrounding trash cans searching for any clue of my belonging's whereabouts. I found nothing.
What we did find though was a detailed account of what had happened via the security camera. Although I didn't see it for myself, I was told that after watching us for 20 minutes, the man sitting next to us preceded to take off his jacket and use it as a cover as he slid by me, picking up my purse as he went. The most infuriating part of which being that I was sitting RIGHT THERE. I will never forgive myself for being so ignorant of my surroundings. Sadly, it has never been a problem before now.
Helsinki is a very safe city. Crime is not a common occurrence here. After recounting my stolen purse story to people I often got the reply, "but that never happens here!" And it doesn't. Unless you're me, apparently. But seriously, things like this very rarely occur. Even the police I spoke with that night we're surprised it had happened. Unfortunately, they weren't very helpful or professional. While putting dip in his mouth one asked me, "What did the man look like? Was he Finnish?" I replied, "He didn't look Finnish.." "Oh," the cop said, "was he gypsy?" Ugh.
Anyway, while my purse was recovered the following day with my passport, wallet, bank cards, and all other belongings in it, my camera was missing, which brought the biggest blow. That camera was something I had worked so hard for, something I had earned. Though $500 isn't a ton of a money in the big scheme of things, the camera was by far the most expensive thing I have ever bought. But it's not just that fact that it was expensive, it's the sentimental value more than anything
I bought my camera only days before I moved to Finland. In the past few months it became an extension of myself. Not only a means of expressing myself, but of occupying myself and allowing me to explore a foreign country through the observant lens of a camera. It also became a way for me to share my life in a beautiful way with friends and family all over the world. In short, it became a hobby. Perhaps the only one I've ever had with the exception of sleeping and reading. Basically, my camera meant a lot to me and it hurts my heart so much to know that its now in the hands of someone who doesn't deserve it. Someone who didn't earn it like I did. Uuughhh.
So in conclusion, I'd like to dedicate this post to my camera which I shared so many great memories with. I will miss you little guy.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Suomenlinna Sea Fortress... Sort Of
So I've lived here for nearly two months and as of yesterday had yet to visit Suomenlinna, the sea fortress off the coast of Helsinki. The fortress, built by the Swedes in 1748, is quite historic and serves as one of the biggest tourist attractions is Southern Finland. Hence, why its ridiculous that I had not visited it my entire summer here. Yesterday I remedied that problem and took a ferry to the island with Aino, my long lost friend whose been inter-railing for what has felt like forever.
While on the ferry it was raining, but on the island the weather was perfect for jaunting about. Our jaunt turned into a strenuous hike and left us exhausted at the end of the day. Alright, so it really wasn't much of a hike, but Aino was still exhausted from her trip and I'm just always lazy when it comes to walking, so we became quite tired early on. We didn't explore as much as we should have, but I'm planning on going back quite soon! Mostly because I really enjoyed the island and would love to have a picnic there and also because my camera died halfway through the trip, leaving me with no pictures of the actual fortress.
You might be wondering what the heck did I take pictures of then.. Well, mostly Aino and I just took pictures of one another. Oh, and she took several of me trying to catch some field mouse-gerbil-thing. It's funny, you'd think I'd be acting pretty mature and adult-like these days, but I still can't help myself when it comes to trying to catch animals. Ever since I was a kid I've been obsessed with capturing animals, naming them, and then setting them free, whether it be mice, lizards, snakes, or snails. Why, just the other day I saw a massive hare while I was walking home from the train. I desperately wanted to catch it and followed it for quite sometime, but eventually it got away.. Damn.
Though you can't tell as much from the pictures, Suomenlinna is a very cool and beautiful place. I loved how the fortress occupied the entire island, yet was blended with cafes, museums, beaches, and people's homes. Yeah, people actually live there! And now, I wish I did too. Really only because all the little buildings covered in grassy hills reminded me of Middle Earth, but thats neither here nor there. I loved it and I'm going back.
While on the ferry it was raining, but on the island the weather was perfect for jaunting about. Our jaunt turned into a strenuous hike and left us exhausted at the end of the day. Alright, so it really wasn't much of a hike, but Aino was still exhausted from her trip and I'm just always lazy when it comes to walking, so we became quite tired early on. We didn't explore as much as we should have, but I'm planning on going back quite soon! Mostly because I really enjoyed the island and would love to have a picnic there and also because my camera died halfway through the trip, leaving me with no pictures of the actual fortress.
You might be wondering what the heck did I take pictures of then.. Well, mostly Aino and I just took pictures of one another. Oh, and she took several of me trying to catch some field mouse-gerbil-thing. It's funny, you'd think I'd be acting pretty mature and adult-like these days, but I still can't help myself when it comes to trying to catch animals. Ever since I was a kid I've been obsessed with capturing animals, naming them, and then setting them free, whether it be mice, lizards, snakes, or snails. Why, just the other day I saw a massive hare while I was walking home from the train. I desperately wanted to catch it and followed it for quite sometime, but eventually it got away.. Damn.
Though you can't tell as much from the pictures, Suomenlinna is a very cool and beautiful place. I loved how the fortress occupied the entire island, yet was blended with cafes, museums, beaches, and people's homes. Yeah, people actually live there! And now, I wish I did too. Really only because all the little buildings covered in grassy hills reminded me of Middle Earth, but thats neither here nor there. I loved it and I'm going back.
Monday, August 22, 2011
Linnanmäki: I Was Amused!
Yet again, my Sunday was the perfect end to the week. I went to Linnanmäki, the main amusement park here in Helsinki, with a few friends and had an unexpected (yet welcomed) blast.
Originally, I was hesitant to go. I thought it was way too much money for so few thrills. I mean, I'm a girl who had the opportunity to hop on over to Six Flags whenever her heart desired. I considered myself well-experienced in the area of roller-coasters and thrill rides.
Well, it turns out that I'm a regular ol' scared-y cat and an easily nauseated person to boot. I prayed for my life before getting on any of the roller coasters (no matter how small they were) and skipped the rides I knew would send me to the bathroom with my head in the toilet. I suppose I had forgotten about those unpleasant times on The Zipper at the fair back home... Which, speaking of, I believe I'm missing this week or the next. I had a little hole in my heart about it, but going to Linnanmäki definitely filled it.
So yes, I had a great time. I even took part in my usual Sunday activities including eating ice cream and taking pictures. A total success in my book. We then had a great, big dinner and I saw my first Finnish Film. It was about some guy living in Lapland on a quest to buy a digibox (like a DVR, I suppose) and I actually found it funny, so yet another success!
Anyway, it was a good day with good company, completed with good food. Goooood.
Originally, I was hesitant to go. I thought it was way too much money for so few thrills. I mean, I'm a girl who had the opportunity to hop on over to Six Flags whenever her heart desired. I considered myself well-experienced in the area of roller-coasters and thrill rides.
Well, it turns out that I'm a regular ol' scared-y cat and an easily nauseated person to boot. I prayed for my life before getting on any of the roller coasters (no matter how small they were) and skipped the rides I knew would send me to the bathroom with my head in the toilet. I suppose I had forgotten about those unpleasant times on The Zipper at the fair back home... Which, speaking of, I believe I'm missing this week or the next. I had a little hole in my heart about it, but going to Linnanmäki definitely filled it.
So yes, I had a great time. I even took part in my usual Sunday activities including eating ice cream and taking pictures. A total success in my book. We then had a great, big dinner and I saw my first Finnish Film. It was about some guy living in Lapland on a quest to buy a digibox (like a DVR, I suppose) and I actually found it funny, so yet another success!
Anyway, it was a good day with good company, completed with good food. Goooood.
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Porvoo and Potholes
Yesterday I made a quick trip over to Porvoo, the second oldest town in Finland and a pretty big tourist attraction. Unfortunately, I arrived pretty late in the day so I wasn't able to play tourist as much as I would have liked. I did see all the key points though and I liked what I saw so I'm sure I'll be back to go in the shops and eat in a restaurant-boat on the river.
Nevertheless, it was a good, quick trip and I had a lovely "tour guide". I saw not only quaint Porvoo, but also the Potholes, major craters created by glaciers in the granite hills. Pretty cool I suppose. For the most part I just enjoyed being out of the city and having the opportunity to clear my head a bit. I loved the bus ride through the countryside and taking a walk through a meadow by the river. Sometimes it's the simple things that do us the most good. Finland, I think we're back on track with one another.
Nevertheless, it was a good, quick trip and I had a lovely "tour guide". I saw not only quaint Porvoo, but also the Potholes, major craters created by glaciers in the granite hills. Pretty cool I suppose. For the most part I just enjoyed being out of the city and having the opportunity to clear my head a bit. I loved the bus ride through the countryside and taking a walk through a meadow by the river. Sometimes it's the simple things that do us the most good. Finland, I think we're back on track with one another.
Friday, August 19, 2011
In a Finnish Funk
To be honest, I'm a bit annoyed with Finland at the moment. It's better than it was earlier this week, but when I first got home from my weekend trip I was thoroughly aggravated with this country. The moment I stepped off the ferry in Helsinki I just wanted to get right back on. Maybe its because Estonia was so cool and in comparison Finland is just no longer doing it for me. Here are a couple reasons that might be contributing to my annoyance:
1) Everything is cheap in Estonia and Finland is so unnecessarily expensive. For example, a beer at a bar in Helsinki will cost you around 6 whopping euros, whereas the same beer will cost you 2-3 euros in Estonia. It's easy to see why the Finns love their booze in Tallinn so much- it's basically free! Seriously though, alcohol is the number one reason Finnish people visit Tallinn. Everyone knows it. You step off the ferry and theres a sign that says "you are fifty steps away from the first bar." When you're leaving and return to the ferry there is a bar in the terminal called "The Last Bar." A bit ridiculous, no? Oh, and if you buy enough booze in Estonia you get a free trolley to take strap all your boxes of Karhu and Long Drinks on to take home. Brilliant.
Now, I don't necessarily care about the cheap alcohol. What's important to me is the food. In Tallinn we went to the infamous "pancake place" where I received a giant, authentic Estonian pancake for a mere 3.5 euros. I think the only thing I've bought for 3.5 euros in Finland is a parking stub.
And finally, I also noticed an extreme difference in the cost of transportation. When we took our morning train back from the countryside to Tallinn it was 1 euro. Yup. Count em'- one. If I want to go from Espoo to Helsinki here in Finland it costs me 4 euros each way... And it's a ten minute train ride. Seriously?
2) It's a strange phenomena, but I was more more efficient in Tallinn than I ever have been in Helsinki. Though I was there for only a weekend, I always managed to get everywhere I needed to be without much trouble. For example, I needed to find a Stockmanns. So I went to the city center (where naturally it would be) and asked someone if they could point me in the right direction. The reply I got- "Umm yeah it's about 300 meters away. You go left and then right." First of all, I have no concept of the metric system. Secondly, thats not super vague or anything. But using my finely-tuned instincts, I managed to find the Stockmanns and all was well. I also was able to roam the city for hours on end and always found my way back to Virge's apartment. Unfortunately, all sense of sufficiency was stripped from me the moment I arrived back in Helsinki and couldn't manage to get on the correct bus home. Needless to say, I wasn't happy with Finland and am still bitter about the ordeal.
Those are just a couple things that annoy me, but I could certainly think of more. Although I think this is just home-sickness talking and I'd rather not risk offending any of my Finnish friends in the process. Finland I love you! Sometimes it's just a bit of a strained relationship.
1) Everything is cheap in Estonia and Finland is so unnecessarily expensive. For example, a beer at a bar in Helsinki will cost you around 6 whopping euros, whereas the same beer will cost you 2-3 euros in Estonia. It's easy to see why the Finns love their booze in Tallinn so much- it's basically free! Seriously though, alcohol is the number one reason Finnish people visit Tallinn. Everyone knows it. You step off the ferry and theres a sign that says "you are fifty steps away from the first bar." When you're leaving and return to the ferry there is a bar in the terminal called "The Last Bar." A bit ridiculous, no? Oh, and if you buy enough booze in Estonia you get a free trolley to take strap all your boxes of Karhu and Long Drinks on to take home. Brilliant.
Now, I don't necessarily care about the cheap alcohol. What's important to me is the food. In Tallinn we went to the infamous "pancake place" where I received a giant, authentic Estonian pancake for a mere 3.5 euros. I think the only thing I've bought for 3.5 euros in Finland is a parking stub.
And finally, I also noticed an extreme difference in the cost of transportation. When we took our morning train back from the countryside to Tallinn it was 1 euro. Yup. Count em'- one. If I want to go from Espoo to Helsinki here in Finland it costs me 4 euros each way... And it's a ten minute train ride. Seriously?
2) It's a strange phenomena, but I was more more efficient in Tallinn than I ever have been in Helsinki. Though I was there for only a weekend, I always managed to get everywhere I needed to be without much trouble. For example, I needed to find a Stockmanns. So I went to the city center (where naturally it would be) and asked someone if they could point me in the right direction. The reply I got- "Umm yeah it's about 300 meters away. You go left and then right." First of all, I have no concept of the metric system. Secondly, thats not super vague or anything. But using my finely-tuned instincts, I managed to find the Stockmanns and all was well. I also was able to roam the city for hours on end and always found my way back to Virge's apartment. Unfortunately, all sense of sufficiency was stripped from me the moment I arrived back in Helsinki and couldn't manage to get on the correct bus home. Needless to say, I wasn't happy with Finland and am still bitter about the ordeal.
Those are just a couple things that annoy me, but I could certainly think of more. Although I think this is just home-sickness talking and I'd rather not risk offending any of my Finnish friends in the process. Finland I love you! Sometimes it's just a bit of a strained relationship.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Estonian Style
So basically, my trip to Estonia was just about the coolest thing ever. What began as a weekend stint to the capital Tallinn, became a spontaneous hitchhike into the Estonian countryside.
I left on Friday morning, and took a ferry across the Gulf of Finland from Helsinki to Tallinn. Infamously dubbed the "Booze Cruise" it was jam-packed with Finns already getting their drink on. Mind you, this is 10am. Anyway, two hours later and I was in Estonia!
Though I've been a member for while, I finally decided to couch surf through this awesome website. Virge, who lives in the center of Tallinn, was my first host! We met up on Friday afternoon and she showed me some cool places in the Old Town and then I explored a bit on my own, meeting some interesting people along the way. I was particularly excited about a group of British guys I met, all in matching shirts and ties. We talked, they bought me drinks, they sang songs, and thinking it was all such a novelty, I was pretty thrilled... Until later that night when Virge and I went out and there were far too many talkative British guys and their singing got kind of annoying.
Nonetheless, it was a fun night. We went to the popular bars, A Pub Without A Name and Shooters, the latter being my favorite of the two. (Nine euros for five shots of Tequila, say what!?) And there I met Greg, the Scottish Bradley Cooper look-a-like. Sadly, I lost track of him at some point in the night. Definitely the biggest regret of the trip.
The next day I explored a bit more, then accepted Virge's invite to the countryside where her family lives. I almost declined, considering going back to Helsinki on Saturday night, but am so so glad I decided not to. It was a fantastic experience! Apparently the train is a slow method of getting there, so we opted to hitch-hike, which I found to be the most hilarious thing in the world. I kept thinking to myself, "what would my mother say?!" But apparently its no-big-deal kind of thing in Estonia. Virge had done it countless times herself and there were several other people on the same road as us trying to catch rides a well. Naturally, we were picked up first.
In the "countryside" (as I insist on calling it), we went to a wood festival- a festival, literally celebrating wood. There were wood carvings, wood goods, and even wood burning. It was all quite authentic and one of Estonia's most popular singers performed. I wasn't fully informed, but as I understood it the festival had something to do with Estonia's pre-religion times and was even held in a historical venue. I think it was some sort of fortress, but again, I'm not sure. I don't seem very educated on things, do I? I suppose I was too busy enjoying the food and good company.
Speaking of good company, Virge's family, who we stayed with that night, was amazing. Her mother was just about the nicest person I've met while living abroad. Though there was a language barrier, we still managed to ask one another questions and she nearly made me cry with all her kindness and hospitality.
That night, we partied in the sauna (sounds strange, I know) and I met a great group of people who made me genuinely very sad to be leaving Estonia. They were so friendly and encouraging as I struggled trying to say the Estonian phrases they taught me (Minu nimi on Heather!) Though I'm basically a pro now and have them to thank for it. But of course, I greatly regretted the late night when we hoped on a train to the city at six in the morning. I tried to sleep on the ride, but was too occupied by the idea of riding a train through the Estonian countryside as the sun came up and painted everything gold. It was such a beautiful moment and I couldn't help but think, I love my new life. Kind of silly and sentimental, but totally what I was thinking. I then hoped back on a ferry and headed home, wishing the weekend wouldn't had gone by so quickly.
Anyway, thats just a rundown of the trip. I loved Estonia and will definitely be giving some more insight soon. In the meantime.. Pictures!
From the city to the country...
I left on Friday morning, and took a ferry across the Gulf of Finland from Helsinki to Tallinn. Infamously dubbed the "Booze Cruise" it was jam-packed with Finns already getting their drink on. Mind you, this is 10am. Anyway, two hours later and I was in Estonia!
Though I've been a member for while, I finally decided to couch surf through this awesome website. Virge, who lives in the center of Tallinn, was my first host! We met up on Friday afternoon and she showed me some cool places in the Old Town and then I explored a bit on my own, meeting some interesting people along the way. I was particularly excited about a group of British guys I met, all in matching shirts and ties. We talked, they bought me drinks, they sang songs, and thinking it was all such a novelty, I was pretty thrilled... Until later that night when Virge and I went out and there were far too many talkative British guys and their singing got kind of annoying.
Nonetheless, it was a fun night. We went to the popular bars, A Pub Without A Name and Shooters, the latter being my favorite of the two. (Nine euros for five shots of Tequila, say what!?) And there I met Greg, the Scottish Bradley Cooper look-a-like. Sadly, I lost track of him at some point in the night. Definitely the biggest regret of the trip.
The next day I explored a bit more, then accepted Virge's invite to the countryside where her family lives. I almost declined, considering going back to Helsinki on Saturday night, but am so so glad I decided not to. It was a fantastic experience! Apparently the train is a slow method of getting there, so we opted to hitch-hike, which I found to be the most hilarious thing in the world. I kept thinking to myself, "what would my mother say?!" But apparently its no-big-deal kind of thing in Estonia. Virge had done it countless times herself and there were several other people on the same road as us trying to catch rides a well. Naturally, we were picked up first.
In the "countryside" (as I insist on calling it), we went to a wood festival- a festival, literally celebrating wood. There were wood carvings, wood goods, and even wood burning. It was all quite authentic and one of Estonia's most popular singers performed. I wasn't fully informed, but as I understood it the festival had something to do with Estonia's pre-religion times and was even held in a historical venue. I think it was some sort of fortress, but again, I'm not sure. I don't seem very educated on things, do I? I suppose I was too busy enjoying the food and good company.
Speaking of good company, Virge's family, who we stayed with that night, was amazing. Her mother was just about the nicest person I've met while living abroad. Though there was a language barrier, we still managed to ask one another questions and she nearly made me cry with all her kindness and hospitality.
That night, we partied in the sauna (sounds strange, I know) and I met a great group of people who made me genuinely very sad to be leaving Estonia. They were so friendly and encouraging as I struggled trying to say the Estonian phrases they taught me (Minu nimi on Heather!) Though I'm basically a pro now and have them to thank for it. But of course, I greatly regretted the late night when we hoped on a train to the city at six in the morning. I tried to sleep on the ride, but was too occupied by the idea of riding a train through the Estonian countryside as the sun came up and painted everything gold. It was such a beautiful moment and I couldn't help but think, I love my new life. Kind of silly and sentimental, but totally what I was thinking. I then hoped back on a ferry and headed home, wishing the weekend wouldn't had gone by so quickly.
Anyway, thats just a rundown of the trip. I loved Estonia and will definitely be giving some more insight soon. In the meantime.. Pictures!
From the city to the country...
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