I know, I know, I haven't even been here a week. But too often in the past five days I've found myself wandering in circles (literally wandering in circles around the city) with no clue how to spend my free time.. Today was no exception.
Throwing myself once again into the madness that is downtown Helsinki, I hoped for some great adventure. But sadly, it did not come. Instead, it was just a girl and her camera buying ice cream and riding trams. While that certainly doesn't sound like a bad day, it's all the time spent in between ice cream and trams that is a bit depressing. Like the time spent walking miles just to find a place that looks comfortable enough to eat alone in. And having to take pictures of yourself, hoping you get the landmark in behind you. And working up the courage to go into a bar by yourself, only to learn that although the drinking age is 18, a certain bar in particular (Aussie Bar, I'm looking at you) requires that you be 20 to enter.
Yeah, I've lived here five days and I'm already complaining. It's not that I don't love living in a foreign country and experiencing all these things, it's just that being a "solo traveler" isn't as fun as sharing such a beautiful city and country with someone else. So here I am. The girl doomed to forever take pictures of herself in public.
I promise though, I'm not too pessimistic. I look forward to when I'll start meeting people and getting out there. I'm just not completely sure how to go about it so any tips would be great!
In the meantime, I'm enjoying exploring the city piece by piece. Today I took more pictures of buildings, landmarks, people, and the awesome statues.
I'm seriously obsessed with them. I think I might spend a whole day next week devoted to photographing all the ones in the city. Oh, and I'll try to make some friends too. :)
Oh Heather! I'm sorry it feels so lonely. Maybe you could somehow get connected with other foreigners in Helsinki. There's gotta be some sort of group/club/thing where these people get together. What about language classes?
ReplyDeleteThe best way to meet people is through joining in on groups of some kind. When Natalie moved to Long Beach, she didn't know anyone, but once she started going to church, she met so many fun people.
So there's my advice. In the mean time, try to feel like a strong, independent, and bold woman, conquering the world one tram/bar/statue/ice cream at a time!
Hannah's right. I was going to suggest taking a class at the local college or community center or something like that. And it's true, most of my closest friends I might when I started going to church down here. So I concur, join a club or group of some sort (American Girls Who Love Finnish Men Annonymous? ;) ) P.S. I'm loving your blog!
ReplyDeleteI have an idea :D I can come and play tourist with you!!! It would be fun 'coz i've never been sight-seeing in Helsinki not even when I moved here. All thought i'm lived in Helsinki for 10 years so that defenitely teaches you something :D What do you say?
ReplyDeleteAnd I love your blog! I'm going to be your biggest follower :D