We Travel Not To Escape Life, But For Life Not To Escape From Us.

15 years ago since one of the biggest success story of Finnish music was released :) #nostalgia #helsinki

🌿✨ Finnish Midsummer Juhannus spells ✨🌿

Juhannus was originally a celebration for Ukko the supreme god of weather and harvest. It was also a time for making magic since the spirit world was more active at the time of the white nights. A loud feasting and drinking brought luck in love as well as a good harvest and kept the evil spirits at bay.

1. Roll in dew

If you roll around naked in a field, your future spouse will appear in your life within a year. Dew was believed to have a healing effect and rolling in it was supposed to make you beautiful and healthy. Earlier, dew was even collected in cloths and pressed into bottles for the year to come.

2. Put a spell on a field

Find a four-leafed clover from the yard in the evening. Hide the clover under your shirt, next to your bosom. When the clock strikes midnight, let your hair loose and run to the field. Go around the field three times. When the person of your fancy will eat bread made out of the wheat from that specific field, they will fall in love with you.

3. Collect seven flowers

Collect seven different types of flowers from as many meadows. When going to bed, put the bouquet underneath your pillow. You will see “the one” in your dream. Flowers and plants have an important role in Midsummer celebrations. Previously, it was common to scatter tree leaves on the floors and build tree houses in the yards. Even cows were decorated with garlands, so as to secure a good year for the cattle and milk production.

4. Sweep naked

Sweep your bedroom floor naked, just a red thread tied around your waist, and the ghost of your love will greet you.

5. Tie a sauna whisk, vihta

Vihtas are always made for the Midsummer sauna. They are usually made out of birch as its fresh leaves are soft and have a lovely fragrance. For your magic spell, the Midsummer bath whisk should be made out of eight different tree and flower types. After the sauna, throw the whisk on the roof of the sauna. Climb up after it and see whereto the stem of the whisk points. That is the direction from which your future spouse will come.

6. Make a bonfire

The smoke of the bonfire will turn to the person who will find their spouse next. When the flames start to go out, jump over the bonfire to bring luck in love.

7. Look into a mirror

When you put two mirrors opposite each other on a midsummer night, you can see your future spouse in the reflection of the other.

8. Listen to the first sound

In the wee hours of the night, climb up somewhere high – on a hill, on top of a fell or a big rock. To a place where it is easy to hear surrounding sounds. Your future spouse will come from the same direction as the first sound of the morning. If you hear music, it means an approaching wedding. If you hear a child crying, it is a sign of birth. The number of cuckoo sounds tells how many years you have to wait until you find love.

ESC19 songs that I don’t love but which will probably do great

AUSTRALIA / Kate Miller-Heidke / Zero

The song has improved along the with the staging and even I have to admit that this is pretty cool. I'm pretty sure this goes to the final. 

CYPRUS / Tamta / Replay

As there was much hype around Cyprus last year Tamta's entry was highly appreciated. However I was disappointed with the song because I find it a bit overproduced and lacking personality. But I don't hate it and I have an open mind what comes to the live performance. 

PORTUGAL Conan Osiris / Telemóveis

I wasn't a fan. And still isn't but I give credit for uniqueness and individuality. These kinds of performances bring diversity and develop the contest which is why I hope Portugal will be in the final.  

CZECH REPUBLIC / Lake Malawi / Friend of a friend

I seem to have a problem with Czech entries since I didn't like last year's entry but everyoneo else did. However I see why people do love this. It's a perky, modern, colourful performance which is why this probably will go to the final. 

BELGIUM / Eliot / Wake up

This is such a great song but with a weak chorus. I'm not the only who thinks so however this entry also gets a lot of love. 

RUSSIA / Sergey Lazarev / Scream

Russia. Do I have to say anything else? Russian entries usually enjoy great popularity year after year and they do have massive production. There's nothing wrong with this song but for me something is lacking. VERY IMPRESSIVE staging! This will go far - no doubt. 

North Macedonia / Tamara Todevska / Proud

The song has grown for me but still this isn't the top 10 track for me. I'm interested to see this live though cause the staging looks cool! 

Spain / Miki / La venda

Everybody loves this. However I don't. It's too cheerful for my finnish taste. Fun track though. 

Slovenia / Zala Kralj & Gašper Šantl / Sebi 

Another one everybody loves except me. I get it why. The atmosphere, the stars, the couple. However it's too repetitive and too bland what comes to the singing and her facial expressions (there's none). I'm not into the staring each other's face thing either. I'd like to see them interact with the audience but this can still happen.

Lahti sunsets from last May :) 

This is what I love the most about Helsinki, the sea. 

Eurovision 2017 favourites vol. 2

14. FINLAND

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

15. ESTONIA

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

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

16. MOLDOVA

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

17. AZERBAIJAN

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

18. UK

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

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

19. ICELAND

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

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

20. CYPRUS

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

21. ITALY

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

Sintra - first impressions

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

Castelo dos Mouros and Sintra 

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

Palació de Pena

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

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

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

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

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

ESC2018: The big 6

Time to talk about some Eurovision! I’m bursting to talk all my favorites! And there are so many since I’m in love with almost all the entries this year! Sayonara to the years when the paying countries sent their crappiest songs ever existing because this year many of the fans favorites come indeed from:

FRANCE

One of the earliest entries this year. Even when I was watching through the national selection Madame & Monsieur stood out for me. Was super happy that the French audience saved them and brought them to victory and Mercy has been non-stop play ever since. Some say it’s too political but for me it’s simply touching…the subject, the words, her singing. Just absolutely adore her voice. There’s so much emotion in this performance. I like their sound. It’s organic. The lightness and softness. It’s French but not too much. If you’re into this take a listen their debut album which came out in 2016. Their live performance though wasn’t as good as I had hoped for which I’m eager to see if they’ll do honour for the studio cut. So here’s the official video untill..

The magnificent Madame Monsieur with “Mercy” from France.

GERMANY

I was so sad last year for Germany. There was a happy girl singing last song of the final. And she sang her heart out. I wanted to like her but the song was just bad. I admired her positivity. This is not the case clearly in Lisbon. This is not the best song of the competition but it’s a big leap from previous German entries. It is definitely speaking to me. Like France it has a touching theme which also makes it to stand out from the rest of the ballads. Some say it’s cheesy, generetic but the emotion is raw, fragile and real. I see so much potential in this!

Michael Schulte with “You won’t let me walk alone” from Germany.

ITALY

For me Italy is a treasure chest what comes to the music. They have so much talent what comes to singing, performing, songwriting… And the world doesn’t know about them cause italian artists are quite happy staying in their own country. I was spectical when I hear their victory and did not like it at first listen. But this song has grown so much. Again a bit political theme, similar to France but I don’t care! It’s amazing! Their singing is brilliant and their voices sound so good together. There’s an organic sound which makes it to stand out from the rest pop songs in the contest. The intensity makes my world stop for 3:30 minutes.

Ermal Meta & Fabrizio Moro with “Non mi avete fatto niente” from Italy.

PORTUGAL

I wasn’t familiar with Portugal’s Festival de Cancao before this year. But since living here what the hell. Also I was interested by the fact that Diogo Picarra was one of the songwriters and performers. He’s the only portuguese artist singing in portuguese I actually like (language learning). His song was not the best of him I think but I was sad to hear the rumors that he had copied his song from something that was released 30 years ago. I do believe in his honesty and was even more saddened to hear him dropping out from the competition. Anyhow the one act that got selected to represent Portugal. I did like her song the best. It’s not the winner song of the competition but I like the mystical sound in it which portuguese language adds to it. Nice beat. Claudia is cute and fragile while Isaura got her back. Looking forward how it’s gonna look like on big stage in Lisbon!

Cláudia Pascoal from Portugal with “O Jardim”.

SPAIN

One of the earliest entries. I loved it from the first time I saw it. The song itself isn’t that special on its own but when you see them performing it together – it’s just magic. It somewhat stands out being one of the rare simple ballads without big arrangements. I’m so happy to be back loving the Spanish entry! 

I guess they’re gonna ditch the pianos but I just prefer this original live version from Spain..

UK

It has all the qualities that a good pop song needs. It has the pretty girl, great voice and charisma. There’s the beat and catchy tune. But no. Still not reaching high enough. I’ve really tried to like this one but no. However very classic pop song, British pop and eurovision pop also. I’m still hoping that this song will do the same as the last year’s UK entry did. They developed the song and the final version Ukraine hit me.

And because there’s a limit of only 5 videos in each post cannot add UK entry here but you can check it out here: 

A smile, in return to a smile

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

My favorites which probably won’t qualify in ESC2018

This is a tough competition especially this year. First semifinal will kill many good performances and the second one the rest. And unfortunately not all will agree with me anyway on the songs I like. So here are some I love and keep loving but which I believe there’s a high risk of them not going through to the Final. 

AZERBAIJAN - AISEL - x my heart (1st semifinal)

DENMARK - RASMUSSEN - Higher ground (2nd semifinal)

F.Y.R. MACEDONIA - EYE CUE - Lost and found (1st semifinal)

IRELAND -RYAN O’SHAUGHNESSY - Together (1st semifinal)

LITHUANIA - IEVA ZASIMAUSKAITÉ - When we’re old (1st semifinal)

POLAND -GROMEE -feat. LUKAS MEIJER - Light me up (2nd semifinal)

ROMANIA - THE HUMANS - Goodbye (2nd semifinal)

SLOVENIA - LEA SIRK - Hvala ne (2nd semifinal)