Well, not entirely, but the branding – quite literally – is on point. I’m not even sure how to begin this. When I first moved to Helsinki there was a particular place I really liked and would go to a lot. I became a fixture there. It was a great place to hang out with…
Category: On Countries
Trying to understand the little intricacies that make a country what it is, purports to be and what it really, truly wants deep, deep, deep, deep down inside when it’s convinced itself that no one else is looking.
The People Watcher Observes Another Couple
Poczatek means beginning, and we ended up there because our original choice of cafe was so full, we backed out quicker than we came in. Definitely noted for another day and time, because it looks like a bomb place in a bomb location. For those who don’t know, when I say that I love the…
10 Things No One Tells You About Poland
Poland can be many things to many people, depending on whom you ask. To the person seeking (more) info on their ancestors, it’s a treasure trove of information, facts and discoveries that lead to new explorations and also clarifications. To the Erasmus student it is a funfair that lasts as long as the exchange, with…
Finland’s Incessant Need for the Volunteer (always of foreign origin, never a Finn)
“We don’t really do volunteer work in Finland as such, because we get paid for charity work,” is what I heard many times when I inquired about volunteer work in Finland. And yet I really did keep hearing of people volunteering their time and expertise to a variety of causes. There were the retired folks…
The Cynical Non-Pole-With-Polish-Roots Observes Preparations for the Next Polish Event and Provides Her Opinion
It’s that time of the year again, where spring cleaning coincides with First Communion prep, embedded into attendance at church, last minute shopping and that final, mad desperate rush for presents. It’s not just about the family being together, it’s also about being seen – at church, in the neighborhood and perhaps most importantly at…
The People Challenge
For no reason at all this last week was one big perma-rush. Comedy night on Saturday, last night at home before shifting places again on Sunday (love that expression as it embodies a full mindset), night at the airport on Monday, then playing catch up over the next few days, with church services I agreed…
I Made a Salesman Cry Today at the Cattle Market ahem Job Fair – for real this time
cntd from previous post But the best part was the Robotics Club Extra as I’ll call it. Think of your own religion or one adjacent to you. Now think of the holy centers where they study that scripture that defines their religion. Think of the men (it’s always the men) who study there, their smooth…
I Made a Salesman Cry Today at the Cattle Market ahem Job Fair
Disclaimer. I had to split this into two parts, so this part has no crying. Just so you know, because this is not a ploy to get you to read more or click to read more so I can rake in the big bucks 😀 Finns are usually a traditional bunch, who (would) much prefer…
A City in Pictures – Helsinki
When I retired my previous blog just before the pandemic, I did it because I needed a break. From the subject matter as much as myself. It became very political and that wasn’t what I wanted for it. Because it had been intended as a personal account of my life in the places I was…