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…

NYE in the Village

The village hits different when you come for a visit, and when it’s on your own terms. Or when you jump at the suggestion to just step away and take some quiet time in a village so remote even local Poles tend to mispronounce it. Normally villages aren’t my thing, especially not on big days,…

Three Positive Things About the Place You Live

Right now, and this may or may not change, Finland is not my favorite place to be. I’ve tried to achieve something (many somethings) that generated very positive responses in other countries but never here, and between that and the beyond abysmal healthcare – henceforth known as Burana Care thanks to the inimitable and super…

A Few Thoughts On Regular Hangouts

The thing with bars, pubs and cafes that become regular places is that they can provide that home away from home where nothing ever changes, or only changes slowly, and where – as an additional bonus – you can always put your hat while not having to worry about much of anything else. Unless you…