UMK 2023 Song Review - Benjamin

Home sweet home.. when it was still summer :) 

Finland's mesmerising landscape revealed

Finish photographer Mikko Lagerstedt's enchanting photo series highlights some of Finland's most extraordinary landscapes, by concentrating on the horizon and what comes above and below it.

The colours of the fall.. Last October at the light festival of the local amusement park. 

The perspective that wasn't mine yesterday

Somewhat continues from the post below..

But anyways news for those who haven't heard that I changed a job. Still in a video game industry but found  a better deal in a different company where I started  as a Linguistic tester a month ago. As much as I loved working at Babel, they couldn’t offer me anything else but functionality testing on call contract with evening shifts. Now with Enzyme Testing Labs I’ll actually get to do the linguistic stuff and have better pay, better working hours (no more evening shifts!) and the location is slightly closer to home too. 

This is actually the first time when my employer is making a contract of any fixed hours with me. I’ve always been on call and luckily the shifts, often more than I could actually do, have always come in. So I do feel like I’m being tied down a bit. Can’t do any big or (at least long term) travelling plans or anything cause the summer is high season for video game industry and naturally employees aren’t encouraged to take much time off then. And not that I would have money for travels anyway...But so far I’ve been more than happy to explore and discover the city of Mtl and that’s why haven’t traveled much in Québec/Canada so if this is the furthest I can go I’ll be fine with it. 

However, I did some travelling in April. 

Made a Easter voyage to the Québec’s capital, also named Québec which is over 200km from Montréal to north. It’s been one of my “must go” destinations for years and it was truly a fascinating and charming journey to see all those places where the history of not only Québec’s but also of Canada and North America took place. This is where it all began. The place where they established hospitals, schools, newspapers, museums and churches among others earlier than anywhere else in North America. The city was a battle ground for wars and battles that later came to define Canada and Québec.

Moi, en Québec finalement!

Today the city is known mostly for the most photographed hotel in the world Château Frontenac and for Vieux Québec, the old part of the city which is partly 400 years old and obviously a Unesco World Heritage Site. If my trip to Ottawa last fall was an eye opening experience in Canadian culture and history, this trip was exactly the same in la culture et l’histoire québécoise. I could seriously go on forever about history of this city... #historyfreak #quebecoise

I ain't wearing my winterboots in April anymore damnit!

But what we actually did in Québec: stroll around in the still empty streets of vieux Québec (no masses of tourists yet), did some shopping, ate well and visited the musée de la civilisation where the First Nations were represented respectively too. The more northern location was easily noticed in the chilly weather and the amounts of snow they had in the parks and the streets. The three days were seriously a good exercise too cause the city’s been built on hills and it seemed like there was nothing else but a staircase after another. Oh boy did my feet hurt on Monday after the trip! But it was vraiment québecois and there is no place where you could feel the political atmosphere (anglos against the francos) clearer than in Québec in my opinion. This is not a criticism just an observation. 

Moi sur les Plaines d'Abraham.

Weatherlike...Summer has finally kicked in! Had a few days of tropical +30 temperatures but otherwise it's been comfortably warm even thou spring was clearly late. In the beginning of May it was still quite grey and bald in naturelike but now everything has catched up. J'aime ça!

However, there is a one big down side in my life and year in Mtl. Room mates.. who I've had 15 in total by now and this doesn't include the new changes coming up at the flat within a few weeks. As much I love this appartment, the room and the location, it truly sucks that we don't have any saying about who's gonna move in. My landlord is great but he doesn't really care how we get along with each other as long as everybody pays their rents and don't seriously destroy anything...

Nothing major issues I guess but just stuff that truly bugs me. Having soirées late in the night during the week and not participating of the expences that we share together. Nobody cleans. It's also hard to have any kind of system with room mates that keep on changing this frequently. But oh well.. less than two months and these problems will be far away cause I'll be living with my mom again! And how much fun is that gonna be - NOT! 

Allrighty then, I think that was it for now.. thanks again for reading! :)

Welcome is a cry and a comfort

So finally in CANADA!!

Toronto was huge and confusing with all of its different cultures.  Didn’t see much of it though.. gotta go back someday and figure out what’s that city is all about.

Because of the flight stuff I also missed the orientation at the local SWAP office which was the reason why I decided in first place to stay for the couple of days in the city and not continue straight to Montréal. But the staff was really helpful and they gave me all the information afterwards. I stayed in a hostel called Backpackers Inn and it was comfortable just for the one night but I was glad to go to Montréal and have a proper home there.

Like I said I definetely didn’t see that much of Toronto, only bit of the downtown area. The only sight/attraction I saw was the city hall or halls since there are two of them. The most recent one built in 1960’s and it was actually designed by Finnish architect Viljo Revell – never heard of him before though but all the publicity is for good right? Oh and I did see the CN Tower of course but you can see it from pretty much everywhere.  

I came to Montréal by train on Friday and I was super glad that I had the flat all worked out. I’m not a big fan of staying in temporary accommodations. The flat was as good as it sounded and most importantly not a false one! I like my room even though it’s small..but the size has obviously been taken account when decorating it.

Small things matter, I have a big mirror, trash can and a bedside table. I’ve never had those things in my room while living Spain. My roomies seem nice. All French! Don’t know anything about the rest of the people living the same building or in the flat downstairs where I’ll be moving in September.

I absolutely love the area of Mile End where I’m living. My home street is so pretty. There are lots of restaurants, cafés, grocery stores in the neighbourhood. The subway is at 15min walking distance and there are a lot of bus connections as well. I’ve got a bank around the corner and also Starbucks(!).  It’s a small town of its own. The landmark of city, “the mountain” of Mount Royal is also close.

I’ve given myself these couple of weeks just to adapt the change, the city and the language around me. I won’t even try to look for the job yet. I’ve just been shopping (because all my clothes were in the lost luggage), getting canadian phone number, bank account and sightseeing. This goes for a full-time day job, you know :D No problems getting a sleep in the nights.

The challenging part with the French quebécois is that the language is very old. They have an accent of their own, some expressions which don’t go together with the European French. Québecois won’t have a problem understanding Europeans francophones but it doesn’t work the other way. So I’ll have a bit of work to do there.  

Though they aren’t as unflexible as I had imagined. Lots of people seem to be quite comfortable in English and there are of course some English speaking natives as well in the city. I do try always to start at least in French even though I’d have to change the language along the way. There are lots of tourists as well whom they “have” to speak English naturally. But otherwise it’s very French here. The emergency exits, stop signs etc everything is just in French.

Things are different here than what I imagined but definitely not disappointing. 

Visited my hometown with a friend and a camera. This is what I got in black and white.

Early Spring

Oh boy do I have news!

Thou not sure how “new” they are actually since it’s all been out in FB and Twitter for a week already.

But anyway I’m now officially Linguistic video game tester, working for http://www.babelmedia.com/. It doesn’t make video games but provides testing and translating services for those who do. I’m sure everyone’s seen a videogame once in their lives. All the text in it, the menu and directions etc – I’ll be translating it from English to Finnish. This job was so not on my list of “possible jobs in mtl”! But so far so good, based on the three hours that I’ve already been doing it. Very technical with all the computer programs which was expected but once I get the hang of it, I think I’ll enjoy working there . The atmosphere is very relaxed and warm. People seem nice and helpful. The pay is pretty good too. I should live.

The only down side is that I’m on call employee and the shifts which can vary between 7am and midnight come to my knowledge only 12-24h earlier according to my availability information I’ve given them. And even thou weekends are off it makes it kind of hard to plan the rest of your life when you don’t know IF you’ll be working this week and WHEN exactly you’ll be working. And once you’ve told them you’re available at certain time you cannot refuse to work.

(In a ferris wheel at the Fête du Neiges winter event)

At this point when I want to work as much as possible and I want to be available as much as possible for them, it leads to the fact that I’ll be kind of waiting by the phone for the shift to come in and if it ever does. Which totally sucks. But since there’s nothing better available I’m gonna give it a go. I’ve been told by the them, press, employees that the industry is doing well in Montréal however the changes in the industry can be very sudden and unexpected. And apparently being a native Finnish speaker is kind of an asset which just hasn’t kicked in yet. Who knew! #mtlmoments

Sadly with all this job hunting not going as I planned I’ve kind of decided (I keep changing my mind every minute thou) not to go to Laura Pausini’s concert in Toronto on March 9th. Or actually it’s not exactly in Toronto since Casino Rama, the venue is a couple of hours outside of the city. That was kind of the problem for me. Where in Toronto I could have slept in cheap hostels, in the Casino Rama area doesn’t have the same options or low rates. It’s literally in the middle of nowhere. So for financial reasons not going which feels ridiculous cause I had the money to come here all the way from Finland but I cannot afford to see my favourite artist to perform in six hours away from me!?

(Promotion for the Christmas gig in Italy, 2013)

I keep telling myseld that Laura wasn’t really even my priority when I came to Canada.. she just happened to have a concert nearby while I was here. I’ve seen her four times live, met twice, briefly but anyway, got two autographs, even one dedicated to me on my very first LP album. I have great memories of journeys travelled and friends made. I have been so incredibly lucky in the past... I shouldn’t be this sad! And I wasn’t even that excited about this tour. I was excited about the Greatest Hits-album but not about the tour cause I kind of dislike the tracklist, not the songs in it but the order of them which affects greatly to the atmosphere of the concert. But since I’m not going it’s not my problem anymore. Just hoping Laura will release a DVD (with a CD) about the tour for the ones that didn’t get to see her live.

But to more positive things! Otherwise events of this city just keep getting better and better. Igloofest is one of the many winter outdoor events Montréal helds but it just might be the coolest and the craziest one I've ever seen. Tells the great deal about the attitude that the people of this city has towards the weather and winter. It’s an electronic music event organized in the Old Port of Mtl on four weekends Thursday- Saturday nights. It’s the winter version for Picnik Elektronik. People of all ages, from children to older folks come to enjoy the outdoors and great music. We could never have this thing in Finland. Too many laws and regulations preventing it happen. Two stages, several DJ’s during each night, games, food, drinks etc. Awesomeness! Tickets for one night is about $20 so not expensive either! www.igloofest.ca  Definetely #mtlmoments

(Igloofest)

The adventures of my unwanted pets, the mice has ended too. Animal lovers, please don’t read the following. You don’t wanna know, trust me. Had this teeny tiny nightly incident with a rat getting caught in glue trap in my room. Nearly caused me a heart attack. Totally panic I went to search if anyone was still up – it was 1am Monday-Tuesday night. And seriously I’ve never been more grateful for having roomies cause they took the disgusting thing out of my room and seriously tried – and there were two of them, roomates not rats – to get it out of ALIVE AND WELL…with a little glue on its fur but otherwise fine.That was the goal. And according to the package it was supposed be totally possible! But… in this case it wasn’t. Again thanks to my roomies cause I was in so much panic in that point that I couldn’t have gone anyhere near that thing. Yeah the frenchie got a knife and killed it.

The next morning after a badly slept night I went out and got PERPPERMINT OIL which has worked like a miracle! No mouse or rat in sight ever since! And I don’t even have the headaches anymore because of the smell.

And then more deeper stuff...I was asked a while ago if being in Montréal has changed me at all. Didn’t know exactly what to answer in that moment but it got me thinking for sure. The thruth is that I’ve been in Canada now for six months exactly. Another six months away is also my ‘going home’. Yeah… let’s not think about that.

Before I came here I used to describe myself as an open minded person but lately I’ve realized that I really wasn’t. Not that I was a racist or anything but before I never thought I could be friends or have anything in common with people who’re from certain area of the world or are certain kind of people. And I have a feeling that this Babel job is gonna be one eye opening experience more. 

(Canadians truly love their maple syrup! They even make lollipops out of it in the snow! You just roll it up with a stick from there. Never in Finland!) 

I also appreciate more Europe in these days. Lots of canadians complain that all the places that most people can have afford  to go for a holiday are the States and Latin America and even the latter is kind of far. I do see the point even thou for me those contries aren’t exactly dull destinations to travel to. Even Canada is a huge treasurry with its all different provinces and cultures.

But I guess one of the best things in Europe is how small it is. We’ve got all those amazing countries, languages and cultures so close together to each other. Great diversity. So easy to reach and to travel to. Thanks to the European Union we can cross borders without no one asking a thing, where we’re going or why or if we’re ever coming back. No expiration date in your visa. That’s a great benefit. And a great thing to come home to. Someday.

P. S I also seem to have developed a tendency to write less frequently but longer posts when I do actually post something - sorry! Thanks if you made it this far! :)

Quilty

As the year of 2017 was approaching dangerously towards its end and I towards my 6 months living in Lisbon.. which in fact was the biggest change of life during my 2017. I am still in process of learning how to live and be in Portugal but just to gather some of the lessons learnt… if any.

Not a post about Portugal without a local door!  

I cannot show off with the time well spent since it took me 4 months to get myself to Sintra which is the #1 tourist attraction of the country and only 25km from the city and even longer it took to taste the Pasteis de Nata, which is the local and the most famous delicacy of Portugal. My portuguese skills haven’t developed either as fast as I would have hoped and I have hit some obstacles over there too. But at least I’m somewhat getting how to do things in local way...slowly. And speaking of! Here are somewhat the biggest hills of my Lisboa life so far. 

Pastéis de Belém, legend with a secret recipe since 1837.

SLOWNESS AND INEFFICIENCY

This has caused me the most stress and really question whether or not I am in the right country. I’ve changed bank and gym, I’ve had 7 different phone numbers from 3 different companies. After all of these efforts I have at least 2 out of 3 figured out. I’m realizing that the portuguese function more efficiently during the rush hour than only one customer standing on the line.This demands motivation and changing my way of thinking. 

MAKING FRIENDS

I guess I am a tricky nature. Uncomfortable with many, including with my own people, making friends carefully and trusting only a few rocks in my life. Life has made me this way and together with the character of Portuguese people (shy introvert) I knew finding my place socially might take some time. I still have not taken roots but I’ve made tons of people through Couchsurfing, Tinder and Facebook, made really good contacts and some potential friends. This has given me energy and motivation the most. The moments of joy and feeling of succeeding.

LANGUAGE LEARNING

I’ve never been to abroad without feeling so little like being abroad. Spending 9h of my day, almost 50 of my week in non-portuguese speaking environment – I could be in Timbuktu as far as I knew.. so you really need to make an effort during your free time to learn the language. Me and the negative mood I’ve been on have been my biggest obstacles I’ve been trying to overcome during these last few months.

I compare myself the ones that say Lisboa is the best place on earth. The ones that enjoy their every day they get to spend here. Because I’m not sharing the feeling. I’m not saying that I would not like to be here but it doesn’t wow me or creat me the feeling like I belong here, at least not yet. Lisboa is easy to fall in love when just visiting and it usually leaves the tourists hungry for more. And like mentioned before understanding this country ain’t always the easiest things to do but there are perks of living here which even I do enjoy..

This city is a caffeine addict’s dream. Besides restaurants and cafeterias, book stores and even garages have corner for people to enjoy their daily dose. I don’t usually like black coffee but gotta admit here – it’s not actually that bad. 

This city is for a museum lovers since Lisboa offers wide range from traditional art and historical museums that open up the character of this country until more special themed museums such as for water, coaches and pharmacy. I’ve read that there over 40 different museums in the city. Been to 1 one of them so far. I’ll get there.

Lisboa is an artwork. Hipsters, bohemians and everybody between will love it here. Each layer should be pealed one by one offering new flavours and tastes. Some say I do it too slowly but there’s magic discovering your surroundings doing it the way I do. There’s the art that’s been created on the streets, new pieces coming up every day but then there are the ones that are born within years even centuries made by its people.

Lisboa holds a majestic aura and its spirit is bold. Existing in the borders as we know it for 900 years the country’s different phases are everywhere. The streets I stepped into last July don’t look the same to me anymore. I understand better what was here before me and what has made the things as they stand in front of me. 

Portugal is known for its sunniest weather and mild temperatures even during the winter months but when we Finns have got used to warmed houses the portuguese are lacking the entire heating up the houses-systems. Rainy days are nice cause the night temperatures keep up around +10 degrees when in the clear nights they go as down as below +5. But then there are days when it’s almost +20 degrees and you can walk home with your coat open without heavy gear to keep you warm.

Looking forward to 2018 since for me the spring has already started. Every day gets lighter (not that it’s even really that dark in here) and warmer towards the summer.  Also I think a full year in a foreign country gives you quite educative image of what it’s like to live there. Spending less will only show you one side of the coin. So not quite done yet with Lisboa. 

Greatest moment: borrowing a book from phone box!

UMK25 Song Review: Sekaisin

Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu (UMK) is back and stronger than ever! We have seven new artists ready to compete for the trophy and the ticket to Basel in May! The third song keeps the quality strike even!

Costee - Sekaisin

Costee is man of 100 million streams and three studio albums under his belt. So a very familiar name in the Finnish music scene!

He started learning music at the age of 8 and he started his career in a band called Sima. His own record deal he signed in 2017 and it's been one hit after another since that. Now days he runs his own record company.

He is known to be an emotional man who is not afraid to be open. He tends to be into darker sounds and vision but lately there has been a more hopeful tune in his music. His UMK entry Sekaisin also fits into this description.

Sekaisin holds a strong contrast to the previous UMK25 entry Nelli's Hitaammin Hautaan. This one is dark with a good elektrobeat. The start is promising, building strongly.

1st chorus works but after that it goes downhill. It doesn't deliver the beginning's promises which is a damn shame.

A lot of people compare this to Benjamin from 2023 with his Hoida Mut but this doesn't reach the same hights and catch you in the same intensity.

Personally I'm not crazy about his voice and I think he pronounces lazily. But there is love for this one as it still holds top20 spot in Spotify Finnish charts so even if he's not winning the trophy he will be fine after UMK.

What do you think of the third UMK25 track and what are the chances of Costee to advance to ESC? Talk to me in the comments below!