No Judgement But My Dreams Might Be Just A Bit Different From Yours.  

It's not good-bye..

So I left Finland a week ago. (sorry about the delay btw.) And to be honest I thought that the leaving part would all be a routine thing by now since this is my third time I’m leaving for abroad to do more than just a holiday trip. I thought wrong. Yeah everybody cried and I cried – mainly because you lot did! But not for a moment I did regret of going.

I’ve never seen my parents so sad and worried though. And I did feel especially sad about leaving them behind.

In the middle of all the packing and leaving I was extremely grateful for the friends and family I have, who support me with this emotionally and financially.. after all. They may not understand why but they’re still standing by my side when I decide to do these grazy things of mine.

(Iceland)

About the trip itself. I guess everyone’s heard a bit of a bump on the road I had in Boston.

First of all I missed my connection flight to Toronto cause it took me forever to get through the customs (not with the actual authority thing but the standing in the lines thing) and I had only two hours for changing the terminal and the flight. And then I lost my other suitcase which I’m really sad about cause it had all my normal, everyday clothes. You cannot believe how difficult it is to force yourself to shopping!

And my Finnish flag was there! My Laura Pausini t-shirts were there! So much stuff I would have needed now. And also the bag itself! It was so good, ”Eastpak” it was and it was so practical, lighter and everything. And besides the the wheels in my pink luggage stopped working and…I do have to admit that at one point, I did think that I must be a madwoman for doing this Canada project of mine. But oh well, shit happens.. next time I definetely know better!!  This is all part of the fun eh?

(My grey and lost luggage and with that also my carrot body cream, my canadian guides and my last supper at work - french fries and goat cheese with devil's jam) 

Everything else went just fine no problems whatsoever, all the security thingies, dealing with the immigration office in Canada. And financially I didn’t loose a penny with all of this mess, the airline(s) paid the accommodation at the Hilton Hotel in Boston (I only slept there three hours but gotta brag right) and the new flight to Toronto. And everybody in Boston and in Toronto were really helpful and friendly all the time so can’t complain about that.  At least I’m safe and sound in Canada :) 

(The first time I saw Canada!) 

Sétubal colours! I kind of miss the summer, not the hot temperatures but the rainless days...

I don't ask for anything more than what I already have

Great news!! I've nailed a trainee job! Two actually!

The first is Gallery Gora, an art gallery in downtown of Mtl which does all kind of event planning from wedding to corporative events. http://www.gallerygora.com/

Already done a couple of shifts there and I’m really loving it! It’s just what I’ve always wanted and been studing for all these years. Reminded me of the work I used to do at Sibeliushall, the local congress center of my hometown, a few years ago when I was an intern there. Preparing the spaces, detailing and customer service and that sort of thing. Unfortunately they cannot offer me full time position.

(Gallery Gora)

But luckily I found a hostel in Plateau, which is this super-cool French area nearby, where I’ll be starting on Sunday. My main working area will be at the reception but the manager was willing to show me some management stuff as well. I’m super-excited about that too!

http://www.hostelmontreal.com/plateau/index.php/en/

In both places I'll be working for free but I don't really mind. In my experience you can get better job opportunities when you're flexible with the salary. And I do get a free meal in both places which is cool. And thanks to my savings and Finnish Social Insurance institution I'll be financially fine. 

So far my future here in Montreal is safe until Christmas and after that I have to get a real job in which I’d get actually paid for.. but with this networking I’m not worried about finding a job in January.

(Gallery Gora, office)

I'm so happy and relieved after all the weeks of looking for a suitable trainee job and the fear of not finding it here. Also I didn’t expect to find an event related job. How lucky am I! I’m gaining so much many-sided working experience with these next few months! And it’s not like I’ll be working like crazy. It’s only like 30h/week or so. Having two jobs needs just a bit of organization with the shifts, that’s all.

I know that millions of things can still go wrong but at this very moment I don’t ask for anything more than what I have cause all of this, living up here and these professional opportunities are everything that I've always dreamed of. 

Vasco de Gama bridge, the longest one in Europe this morning!

UMK25 Song Review: Hitaammin Hautaan

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 second song won't leave anyone cold!

Nelli Matula - Hitaammin Hautaan

Nelli Matula has been a recording artist since 2016 and since then released two albums, achieved Emma (Finnish Grammy) nominations and wide popularity in Finland with her gold-and platinium streaming singles. She's a name you should know!

The singer takes part in UMK25 with her deeply personal song Hitaammin Hautaan which is inspired by the health issues she suffered a few years back. The song fits her musical style and what people have grown to expect from her so for her most loyal fans the song is already a hit!

Hitaammin Hautaan is a pure pop track that doesn't play too many games with different genres. Again sounding in the beginning like a ballad it picks up a beat that is very difficult to resist. Chorus is strong and memorable and I do believe we have the next Ylivoimainen (UMK, 23) or Ram Pam Pam (UMK, 22) making here.

Her voice is very clear and fine and goes well with the melody. There's a beautiful harmony here with the visuals, the pink and grey color scene isn't too over the top but still princess enough like and she fits the role like a glove. This is probably the best UMK25 videoclip btw!

Structure like this is pretty close to perfection: builds up is just right and keeps the viewer / listener hooked. There's nothing life changing here but still enough that pleases you until the very end.

These types of songs are very popular in the national selections because now days many shows offer fame and opportunities for tracks to become big hits even without the trophy. However, that's where they'll stay as viewers rarely give their votes to these big radio hits.

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

Took some shots of winter scenery when in home for Xmas. Finally I can appreciate the peace and quiet 

Part trois and also the last one!: Another round of shots taken by me all over Helsinki. Obsessed with the waterfront, blackandwhite (they always look better, don’t they?) and flowers or any kind of hay. Got caught up by the storm, sunshine, following the duck and the lovely colours of autumn. And yes, filters used. One of these days I’ll get better at this and have courage to post my pics without them.

The last of Tallin. I promise. For a while anyhow. 

Costa da Caparica, at the western coast of Setúbal and a somewhat an hour drive from Lisbon is a super popular beach destination among normal beach-goers but especially surfers. The beach line 30 km long making it the longest contiguous one in Portugal. Not the summer weather yet when I visited there for the first time in May but will be back now that the summer has arrived in Portugal!  

Found these random shots on my laptop... When it was still summer but cloudy.