Monday, December 31, 2007

happy new year

Last night I finally finished all my school stuff for HSE. Now I'm done with Helsinki and can finally have some vacation and rest. Now I'm heading out to meet L in Eskilstuna.

I wish you all a Happy New Year.

Sunday, December 30, 2007

back in sweden, again

Back in cold Sweden.
Again.
Lot of traveling around.
Coming home from Finland.
Going to Alicante for Christmas.
Going away for New Years.

Just came home two hours ago. And now I need to sit down with my damn term paper that I haven't finished yet. So stupid.
Write, write, write.
Hurry, hurry, hurry.

Saturday, December 22, 2007

two flights in two days

In six hours I'm leaving for the airport again.
I need to take a shower.
I haven't packed yet.
Have emails to write.
And the most important: I need to sleep.
Problematic though since I need to do everything else on my list as well. But I really need some sleep tonight since I only slept sex hours today.

Spain, here I come!

until next time

See you soon my friends. I'll miss you.

MiB - I'm gonna miss our great times and your sarcastic humor.
MC - You were always there. You were one of the few that made me cry.
AB - You're a really nice guy, and I enjoyed teasing you.
MB - Even though you're French I really gonna miss you. You are so sages.
CC - You were the first one I met and one of the last I said goodbye to.
KM - We're different in so many ways, maybe that's why I like you.
ES - You were there when I needed to practice my Swedish.
TL - I hope I'll see you again. We didn't spend enough time together.

end of an era

Yesterday was the last party in Helsinki. It's always strange to say goodbye to people you meet at exchange. Because you know that the most of them you won't meet again. Still it wasn't as hard as in Singapore. Those goodbyes are among the worst I've had to say. But of course I'm gonna miss my Helsinki friends. I for sure want to travel around Europe and visit them all. It would be a lot of fun, maybe next summer.

I felt sad sitting in the cab, looking at our place at Ida got further and further away. And seeing Helsinki go by outside the car window. Knowing that in a few days we'll all be spread around the world again, in our homes. Going back to our old lives that are exactly as we left them. However, we realize that we have changed. We have experiences that no one at home has taken a part of. In the beginning they are interested in hearing all about it, but after a while the interest fades. We wanna talk about our memories, but the ones we shared them with are not at the same place as we are. And we realize that we are all never again going to be at the same place at the same time. Of course we have internet but it's not the same thing.

One short period in our lives that we spent together. And we will never share it again. To me, realizing that is worse than having to say goodbye. Because you will meet in the future, but we have all gone on with our lives. We will never be as big parts of each others life again. It's the end of an era that we can never repeat. We can visit and remember, but never live it again.

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

still writing

I've gotten a little bit further.
Now I've got more than six pages.
Still some more to go.
And of course the article summary that I keep forgetting.
I just had a kiwi, it might help.
C vitamin is always good.
I'm trying everything.

everything at once

Sitting here again. In front of the computer trying to get something done. Stressed. Cause I've realized how much I need to do before leaving. Many small things to take care of in the school, errands to do downtown, people to see, goodbye's to say. Then of course the cleaning and packing. Everything now in just a couple of days when I also need to finish all the school work.

What a mess.

Monday, December 17, 2007

It seems like I am doing everything but writing.

Focus woman.
Trying to work on that &%!£$ paper now.
Finally I've started writing.
Got nine lines so far.
Impressive, don't you think?
Two days of reading all kinds of things and not really getting anywhere. Hopefully now I will have a better flow when I get going.
I also went to the grocery store to buy some things to keep me alive and awake. Don't even want to think about how many thousands of calories I actually bought. And I don't want to think about that it's all going to be gone in a couple of days.
I just have to reaffirm myself that it's allowed to eat crappy stuff during exam periods. And I did buy some fruits too.

Sunday, December 16, 2007

school and sports

The exam in Negotiation Processes went ok I think, I should definitely pass. After that we celebrated the exam being over in the last Kuntis at KY Klubi. It was nice but unfortunately not that many people since so many students had exams the next day.

This weekend has been really slow, been doing some touch up work on my bachelor thesis that is in it's final stage. Finally. Also have another paper to think about, the term paper for my master course in economics. So much fun. Been trying to figure out today what I will write, it's been really difficult. Especially with all the winter sports showing on TV from the World Cup... Annoying when it's all commented in Finnish though.

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

disappointed

These peoples.
Supposed to be my peoples.
Don't know if they are since it keeps happening.
Not angry or anything. Just disappointed.
Miss my friends who actually do care about me.

busy, busy

Been going quite well with the studying this week. Waking up early and staying late in school. I have some more hours tomorrow to go through the last things, but I feel pretty prepared for the exam. That feels good. After that there will be a Christmas party at the KY Klubi. If I need to stay late at the exam I need to rush home and get ready, eat, and then leave again.

However, on Friday I need to start writing on a summary of a paper and my term paper. Then of course the on going (still...) bachelor thesis. Yeay. Always something to look forward to.

Sunday, December 9, 2007

realizing

Today someone lit a fire under my ass. Maybe it was my conscience that finally got to me. I have so much to do now, got an exam on Thursday, have to figure out the topic for my term paper, do research for the paper, write an article for the student magazine at JIBS and on and on it goes. Many small things to clear up and emails to write, things that takes time. Time that I need for studying for the exam. But I still feel confident.

At least we got the cleaning an the inspection of the flat done today and now I've been writing on that article so it is ready to send in. It is an article about my two exchange semester, from Singapore to Finland. Now when I had to think about it I realized how much more fun I had in Singapore. But on the other hand it feels bad to say that one was better than the other since they were so different. Although there is one thing that tells me that one was better than the other. I cried my eyes out when one of my good friends left Singapore. When I was leaving and had to say goodbye at the airport to my newly found best friend I cried too. It was awful. The thing is that I don't think I will cry time. My exchange here in Finland hasn't affected me as much as the one in Singapore.

Saturday, December 8, 2007

negotiation

I'm tired.
My eyes are sleepy.
But today I really need to read.
It's boring, my book about negotiation analysis.
Negotiation theory isn't that fun to read about.
Practicing it is much more interesting.

500 pages to read until Thursday.
I'm on page 49.

Tuesday, December 4, 2007

christmas feeling

The previous Saturday we decided to get some Christmas into our lives. We decided to have a Christmas baking day and drink 'glögg'. We had a lot of fun, I was baking 'lussebullar' and some others baked Christmas specialties from their countries. So in the end we had buns and cookies from Sweden, Germany, Denmkar, and Canada. And then everybody came to taste it all when it was done. Those lazy French and Mexicans.

Sunday, December 2, 2007

things can turn around

I ended up having a good time after the last message. Who could have thought, haha. About 20 minutes later the French came by, always late and everything. Went to M's flat were we found three wasted exchange students, two Lithuanians and one Mexican. This was at 10.30pm. We sat around chatting, drinking some wine. It became late and we decided to stay in Ida instead of going to town. We went to the local, crappy bar to have some beer and got to see two fights within half an hour. This is Finland.

When it closed we headed back to the apartment, played some games and just sat around chatting. To our surprise, the police came by. Apparently there were some complaints. The interesting thing that the apartment is in a separate building, so it came from the next building. We were seven people at our 'party'. There have been bigger parties. Well, we decided to end the party and go home. To my surprise when I got home, it was 5am. But we had fun. A great party with a great end.

Friday, November 30, 2007

All these exchange students. (Ok, I know I'm one of them but still...) Never can there be any decisions taken. Frustrating sometimes. I think we were supposed to go out tonight or something. Then everybody was just gone and I have no clue what's going on or what the plan is. So now I'm back and watching Sixteen Candles and waiting for further notice. But honestly, I lost my mood for going out.

Thursday, November 29, 2007

christmas vacation

It will be a warm Christmas this year too. Last year I was in Singapore celebrating it with A and my two newly found friends. This year it will be celebrated with my family in Alicante, Spain, for a whole week. Nice to get away to warmer weather.

Looking forward to it!

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

another thesis

Not much going on here.
Have been trying to figure out what to do with my 'master' thesis next semester (not really master, the Swedish 'magister', but that's what you would translate it to). Trying to figure out whether I should write the thesis for a company/organization or just do it on my own, so been sending out some emails. It would be interesting to write a thesis for the Swedish Trade Council, but then I first have to figure out the topic. Have no clue yet. Should do some research.

Saturday, November 24, 2007

eastern promises

Was tired of sitting at home tonight. So I met up with E&A to go to the movies. We watched 'Eastern Promises', a really great movie about the Russian mafia in London. It was realistic and you cannot believe that the mafia is actually working like this today. I can take a lot of violence, but in this movie it made my stomach churn. It's brutal and it's a movie you'll think about when you walk out of the theater.

international dinner

Been a busy week. And I guess I've been too lazy to update. Now I'm back in the game. Unfortunately still busy. Got my tough presentation done on Thursday, where I had to talk about 'Institutional Foundations of Impersonal Exchange' for 30 minutes. Sounds interesting huh? Well, kind of is, and it went quite well since I didn't have to reed too much from my notes. It felt good to have that big presentation done, but now I've got to start on a term paper of 7 pages due in one week. The plan was to start yesterday, Friday, with the research. Problematic though when the internet stops working, just terrific. So instead I watched Scrubs the whole day and then in the evening I went over to A&W's place and they were cooking with the Indian guys. Perfect timing for some food and talking. It was great to have some Indian food again, I've been missing that. Also some Chinese dessert, similar to what I tried in Singapore, and some Danish potatoes au gratin (we have that in Sweden to though).

st petersburg

St Petersburg, called the Venice of the North. Also an amazing city, with amazing architecture and history. Many beautiful cathedrals and churches, where we could see the tombs of many powerful, historical people. For example Tsar Nicholas II and his family who got executed after the revolution in Russia, and Peter the Great.

Then of course we got to see the Winter Palace, which must be most impressive building I've seen so far. The palace was wonderful with all it's decorated rooms with high ceilings. Some of the ballrooms was just taken right out of a Disney movie. You could imagine the woman walking around in the hallways and rooms with their beautiful dresses, or dancing during a ball. It also consists the Hermitage Museum, which has one of the biggest art collections in the world with 3 millions works of art. The Hermitage Museum is comparable with the Louvre in Paris. Many impressing pieces of art by famous artists.

We also got to see the Catherine Palace, also called the Summer Palace. Another beautiful palace but not as impressive as the Winter Palace. Although, Catherine Palace is not fully restored after the second world war so we could only visit some parts of it. There is a recreation of the famous Amber Room in Catherine Palace. A room completely covered with amber, sometimes referred to as the "Eight Wonder of the World".

Annabelle and I at a bar.

The Winter Palace on the right.

One of the many 'rooms' in the Winter Palace.

A hallway in the Winter Palace.

The Catherine Palace.

The impressive Amber Room in Catherine Palace.

More pictures from Moscow and St Petersburg can be seen here and here.

moscow

Maybe it's time for the update about Russia I promised.
It was a really great trip. I always wanted to go to Moscow and now I finally got the chance, unfortunately we were only there for one day. We took the train from Helsinki Tuesday night and then also left Moscow by train at midnight the next day. The trains looked typical Russian, well, at least like I would imagine them. It felt like being in an Agatha Christie novel, Murder on the Orient Express. I was just waiting for the police to come and say that somebody was found dead in their compartment and someone on the train is the killer. Fortunately it didn't happen, I wouldn't really want to be in an encounter with the Russian police.

It was a busy day in Moscow, since we only had one day in town. But we were a little bit unlucky because it was the 7th of November, a former public holiday, the date of the Russian revolution. That's why the streets to the Red Square were blocked by police men in green clothes. Luckily they opened up some of the streets for a while later on so we could actually walk on the Red Square. Wouldn't have been fun going to Moscow and not been able to walk on the Red Square. We didn't get to see the Lenin Mausoleum because that was also closed, that is where Lenin's embalmed body is. Then we got to see Kremlin, where president Putin works. There is also a couple of beautiful cathedrals in there.

The subway in Moscow was incredible. Instead of building a palace for the people to come to and enjoy, they literally took the palace to the people instead. With chandeliers, decorations, paintings, and statues it is the most beautiful subway I have ever seen.

Moscow was a great city, the architecture is amazing. It was a quite cold day though, so I was freezing a lot. But of course it was worth it since I got to see Moscow, the capital of Russia.

The Red Square. With Kremlin to the right and St Basil's Cathedral in the back.

Here I am in front of St Basil's Cathedral.

The police guarding the Red Square.

The amazing Moscow subway. They wanted to take the palace to the people, so they did.

The great train from Moscow to St Petersburg. Really comfortable.

More pictures from Moscow and St Petersburg can be seen here and here.

Sunday, November 18, 2007

i'm not the one to surrender

I just watched a disturbing British documentary on TV, called 'Obedient wives'. Basically the point was to teach a couple of women how they should become more like a housewife and surrender to their men. The point was to become more feminine to help the marriage. This woman was saying that you should let the men take care of the finances since men are usually better at this(!). (A bit disturbing thought for me since I study economics and I'm economical...) The woman said that if you let your husband pay for you, you would feel like you're always on a date. That's a startling opinion, and then seeing another woman cutting her credit cards. In the final minutes you hear all these women saying how good their marriage have become since they surrendered. It gives me the creeps.

Saturday, November 17, 2007

i'm alive

Still here. Just haven't really been alive this week. I've been lying in my bed recovering. I managed to get one presentation done, although with a little bit of coughing and a hoarse voice.

People haven't seen me around for some days so they have started wondering where I've been. Been here in my bed watching a lot of tv-series and movies. I've been catching up with two of my favorite shows, Scrubs and Grey's Anatomy. The other day I watched the complete season three of Laguna Beach. I know it's lame, but it's fun to watch stupid rich girls. I don't really need much entertainment when I'm sick.

But tomorrow I need to be done feeling sick and sorry for myself. I realized a couple of minutes ago that I've got a term paper deadline in two weeks and I haven't even started. Good thing that I'm not going to the Lapland trip next week.

Monday, November 12, 2007

back from russia

There has been a week off from the blog. This since I was traveling in Russia. We visited Moscow and St Petersburg, truly amazing cities. Although I usually travel without prejudice, you usually have some thoughts in the back of your head, I must say that I'm pleasantly surprised.

Unfortunately my hotel roommate gave me her cold so the last two days were not the best. Still I managed to discover the city, but the nights I spent at the hotel resting. So the first day back in Helsinki I've just spent in my bed, reading random blogs and watching tv. More info about the trip will show up soon.

Sunday, November 4, 2007

nonproductivity and chocolate cake

The day started with nonproductivity. It continued with some kind of productivity in the afternoon. Between the partly productive hours I managed to bake my famous chocolate cake. At the end of the day I had been able to produce something for school. And a chocolate cake. The friends were invited and the cake was gone in seconds. At least it gave us a few minutes of pleasure. As an end to the night I finally watched Blood diamond, truly great movie. And now I'm saying good night.

Friday, November 2, 2007

they do have quinoa in helsinki

This week I finally found quinoa in a supermarket here, I've been looking in a couple of food stores already. So I made myself a quinoa salad for dinner. Really good.

Quinoa, with tomato, red onion, fresh basil, olive oil and some spices.

200th

This is post #200.

Should I write something wise and profound?

No.

This will do.

Thursday, November 1, 2007

no party, just sleep

Into the last minute today I was still indecisive of whether I should go out or not. My head said no, but my heart wanted to. But in the end i decided to stay at home. Since I was really tired I doubt that I would have enjoyed it.

And it's crazy busy now the last days before I go to Russia on Tuesday. (Woohoo! I'm going to Russia!) Have one paper to write, one case, and two presentations to prepare. And I've got almost five days.

Can I make it? Well I have to. At least I've got Russia to look forward to.

study!

I need to make myself study!

Study!
Study!
Study!

It's not working...

Wednesday, October 31, 2007

mouse trap

Okay, I can't go to sleep before i show you this at Konsumbloggen.com. Check out the picture. I couldn't stop laughing. The staff at the grocery store really do have humor.

broccoli

It was a very good broccoli and cheese pie today. A & W thought so too. Now I'm waiting for an invitation from A to a dinner. Not that I expect it since this was a 'thank you' dinner, he said he would invite me.

Now I'm going to bed. I was tired already at 10.15pm tonight and thought it was nearly midnight.

Tuesday, October 30, 2007

another party

But this time it was a crêpe party that the French held. Which was nice, always pleasant when people cook for you. And tomorrow I'm gonna cook for A, since he saved my computer last week. Gonna make my delicious broccoli cheese pie. Mmm...

Monday, October 29, 2007

getting things done

Today was a good day. You know those small things you really need to take care of, they don't need much effort or time. But somehow they just keep piling up and then you see this list and keep pushing it for the next day. Today I actually got through the list and did most of the things. It felt good. And finally I managed to call home and talk to mom. Has been more than a month I think since last time.

Tomorrow it's time for school again, no classes on Mondays from now on. But Tuesdays instead. I've got a new class that's called Negotiation Processes. Sounds okay, and found out yesterday that at least two friends are taking it.

Tonight I'm actually the only one staying at home I think. The people are at Barfly tonight, but I'm taking it easy this week since I've got a lot to do. And there will definitely be a party later on so I'm saving it for then.

Sunday, October 28, 2007

dancing queen

Yesterday I was fit for partying. My friends had a pre-party that we went to which was a lot of fun. After that I really wanted to go dancing. But there were not enough people that were of the same opinion. We ended up at this bar place called Helmi, which is pretty nice. I was just not in the mood.

Missed my friends yesterday. Not often I have time to think about it, but yesterday I really missed my peoples in Jkpg. I missed my Lois, my dancing queen. If she would have been there, she would have cheered me up.

Miss you, my darlings at home.

Saturday, October 27, 2007

kaj & börje

I guess the good night sleep won't happen since I'm still awake.
But here's an old favorite:

interesting or just weird?

So tonight there was an exam party.
Probably a really nice party.
That I didn't go to because, basically, I didn't feel like it.
When have that ever happened?
Instead I stayed at home.
Ate popcorn.
Watched almost the whole fourth season of Scrubs.
(which is hilarious by the way)
What an interesting evening.

Friday, October 26, 2007

exams are done

Finally done with the last one. I managed to write four pages. And I've got 2 ½ hours to spare. Well, it's not that impressive since I got the exam at 9am. But in my defense I didn't start until 1.30pm. So that made it nine hours. Maybe not the impressive but who cares. I'm done.

Now I'm gonna enjoy a movie and some popcorn. And be annoyed at the people playing loud music. Or, can't really be annoyed since I would probably have been there myself if I was feeling better.

overheard in new york

Just forget that I'm supposed to study for a moment and read this :)

Nobody in New York Knows the Difference between At-Home and Outside Conversations

Yuppie kid: Mommy shaves her hoo-hoo!
Yuppie dad: Okay, honey. Look, do you want your book?
Yuppie kid: I came in the bathroom this morning and asked Mommy what she was doing and she said shaving her hoo-hoo. Mommy shaves her hoo-hoo!
Yuppie dad: Dylan, remember when we discussed at-home conversations and outside conversations?
Yuppie kid: Yes.
Yuppie dad: Well, this is an at-home conversation.
Yuppie kid: Okay, daddy. [Sings to herself quietly] Mommmyyy shaves her hoo-hooo...
Black lady: See, home conversating, outside conversating -- that's bullshit. My kid says shit like that, I smack him. He won't say shit like that again.
Yuppie dad: Okay, thank you, but I think our method works just fine.
Yuppie kid: Lady, do you shave your hoo-hoo?
Black lady: Oh, yeah, that shit is workin' just fine. She's all kinds of polite.
Yuppie dad: Okay, Dylan, this is our stop.


--R train

Overheard by: SandmanEsq

party or not to party?

That is the question today. I'm working on my home exam, almost got two pages now and I need four. I'm afraid I'll need to cut down the text later. Have too much I want to write about.

But the thing is that I'll need some more hours to write. And I'm not really in a party mood today even though it will be the exam party tonight. Partly because I'm not feeling well. In fact I wouldn't mind staying at home, just watch a movie and try to go to sleep early and get a good night sleep (please, for once...), cause haven't been spoiled with those lately.

There will probably be some persuasions. Usually I'm quite easy to persuade, but I don't know if it will work today.

typical

Haven't started with the writing yet. And it's past 1pm. But I've done some research and found some good articles. I just had a nap, cause I'm not in top shape today. Of course today, it's time for the monthly pain and on top of that I've got headache. Taken a painkiller already but it doesn't seem to help. So now I just have to deal with it and start writing. Gonna get some food first.

not a good start

I've been reading trying to find good information for the home exam questions. But can't seem to find anything good. Been scanning through the reading material but nothing seems to fit perfectly to the exam question. It makes it much more difficult. This week I found out that a friend is also doing the exam so hopefully we can help each other. I hope that I can find some good information and start writing soon. At least I've got an incentive, the after-exam-party tonight at 8.30pm. Just need to keep the motivation, but if I don't make any progress soon I might loose it.

Thursday, October 25, 2007

early night?

Today it was time to catch up with the online lectures for my 'Business in Asia course'. The course that I've got a home exam in tomorrow. I have this thing about doing everything in the last minute. At least I've got everything fresh in my memory now. Haven't read the book and the articles though. But that's how we do it normally. When you received the questions, you read the parts you need for the exam. Why do unnecessary readings?

And tonight I'm trying something new. To go to bed early. Since the questions will be published at 9am I want to be ready to start then. Now it's a couple of minutes after midnight. I should go to sleep. But I'm afraid I will watch another episode of Scrubs. Well, it's only 25 minutes...

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

anders is my hero

Today when I got home my computer was rather slow since I hadn't turned it off. So I restarted it and then we had a problem. I couldn't start my computer! This page keep coming up, that a file was damaged and I've got to put in the installation cd for Windows. A problem since I haven't got it here. I called people trying to find it, eventually I found some people that had it. And Anders, the computer geek he is, was set to the task to fix my computer. After two hours it was fixed and I could see my desktop on the computer again! How lovely it was to hear the startup sound.

one is over

I had my management exam. Finally it's over. I studied hard yesterday, was up until 3am and then I gave up 'cause I was so tired. But for some reason I couldn't fall asleep, maybe my brain was all worked up. My eyes were really tired and the thoughts was circling in my head. I didn't sleep well but I was still relatively fit for the exam. The exam itself was pretty okay. It's not the best exam I ever done, but not the worst either. I should definitely pass.

Tomorrow I have to start studying for the next exam. Not really worried about that one, it's a home exam which is my favorite. I wanna be a little bit prepared, but I can also read at the last minute when I know what questions are asked.

One done. One to go.

Sunday, October 21, 2007

long night

Oh my. I've been studying hard this weekend. Now I've answered the 60 practice exam questions we got and trying to learn them by heart. If I manage to do that, I must pass the exam. But I'm nowhere close to know them by heart yet. This will be a long night. The problem is that I'm getting tired. Maybe I should drink some more coke and eat another mandarin.

Saturday, October 20, 2007

management is boring

I'm studying today. Well, trying. It's a boring subject, management. But there is still a lot left. I does not feel good. I've got 2 ½ left to go through, but then I need to start over. Since I can't remember the chapter I've gone through in the beginning. I've got some exam questions I can practice on as well, I'll do that after.

Unfortunately I woke up late. But I had some trouble sleeping, I'll blame that on my dear friends. There was a afterparty going on a few stories up. The damn Lithuanians and their loud music. I put in my earplugs and then I could sleep again.

Friday, October 19, 2007

miss my darlings

Today I'm missing my friends from Singapore. My flatmates that I became such good friends with. There were always someone there for you, whatever you needed. Or just for a chat if you were bored. When coming home at night we all just talked about our day. Just like a family. My family abroad.

And A. My roommate. I miss you. No one to talk to when I wake up in the morning or when I go to sleep at night. No one to take care of me and keeping the room neat. (My room is a mess right now.) There's no one like you here.

My lovely flatmates!

no party

I'm being good today. Well, I haven't been studying as much as I would have liked to. I fell asleep... But I am staying at home tonight. When everybody is going to a party. What a change huh? :) With the exam on Monday I just wanna stay at home and have a calm weekend. Maybe just put on a movie, have some popcorn. And try to read some notes too.

heartache

Ok, I am supposed to be studying but then I noticed that Oprah was on so I had to watch it. They were doing makeovers in two apartments in New York City. Then I got this feeling, heartache. Showing a scene of the guy walking down the street in West Village. I so wanna be there too.

NYC is truly a city for me. When I was in US and had the chance to go in to NYC every second weekend I really felt like a true New Yorker. I hope that someday I will get a chance to live in the city and have that feeling again walking down some avenue or street.

But I do get the same feeling when I'm in my hometown. Stockholm. Every time I take the train and I'm getting closer and getting a view of the city I feel at home. It was the same thing a couple of weeks ago when I did the trip to Sthlm with the other exchange students. I realized how much I love the city and miss it. Two cities I would feel like home in.

overheard in new york

Sometimes people are just too stupid...

Also His Answer to "What Is the Meaning of Life?"

Tourist: Excuse me, can I ask you a question? Where's the apple?
Cop: What?
Tourist: You know, the big one? [Cop stares at her, then shrugs and points arbitrarily down Broadway.] Thanks!

--Times Square

Overheard by: I Just Work Here


please sleep

I hope I'm gonna be able to sleep tonight. Last night I didn't sleep well at all. I don't really know what is wrong. It's not about school, cause I never get stressed about that. I never allow myself that. It's warm in my room even though the radiator is turned off, but I like it when it's warm. It's really quiet her as well, I wouldn't mind if it were more noisy sometimes. Never had a problem sleeping in noisy surroundings. So the last thing would be my bed. It's really soft. But I've never had problems with beds before.

I just wanna wake up and feel that 'this was really a good night sleep'. Don't know if I felt that here yet. I miss my big, wide bed in my apartment.

one thing finished

Oh, no.
Still awake. But at least I'm heading to bed. I was at the other flat, went there at 6pm to work on our assignment. Then I finished and got stuck there talking to M and then the others.
And now I'm really tired. But at least I'm done with my part of the assignment. So now I can concentrate the last three days on only studying for the exam. That feels good. I've got to put on my 'effective study mode'. I hope I'll manage.

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

actually studying

Been all busy studying. Can you believe it? :)
I'm really focused now, which is good since it's only five days left until my exam and hand in of assignment. I think I'll be okay. I just have to make sure that I make it. I've been reading these days to the exam in Introduction to Management. Also for the assignment in the same course that I started writing on now tonight. Feel good to have started, tomorrow I hope I will have a productive day. Unfortunately I've got a class that I think I might need to go to. But that doesn't feel good, cause I usually want to have a day with no break and just write all day. I might loose my mojo if I go to school. On the other hand I think I've missed the last two classes...

sillis

Never told you about Sillis. Which was truly great. Probably one of the best parties. I'm happy that we went, and it was worth getting up that early that day to get the tickets. We had to be in town at noon, which was a little bit difficult since we only got 5h of sleep because of the birthday party the night before. But we got there on time all dressed in our overalls and a funny hat. We were driven by buses to place X and there inside they had rows of tables and music playing with the lights off. Even though the entertainment was in Finnish we had a good time, we didn't really care.

It felt strange though to start drinking at noon already. It felt like we were dancing the night away, at 2pm. It ended already at 5.30pm and it felt strange coming out in day light when we been inside dancing in the dark all day. Then we headed on to a karaoke bar, I did sign up but never got so sign. Well, I left after about two hours since I was really tired. Definitely a new experience to be heading home, drunk, at 9pm. But it was a good idea to go home and I was in bed sleeping at 11pm. Still I was tired the next morning after sleeping more than 12h. I did manage to start studying though.

Sunday, October 14, 2007

early in bed

Freakin tired after Sillis. I'm about to fall asleep right now. And it's only 11pm. A record here I think, I don't think I've been in bed this early. But starting the party at noon and then keep going make you tired. Or exhausted might be a better word. It was a great time. So much fun.

After this I'll fall asleep. It's good, then I might be able to get up quite early to start with my studying...

Saturday, October 13, 2007

bored

I actually had a nice calm Friday evening yesterday. I just stayed at home, sewing some patches on my overall, studied, watched a movie. For once I felt it was time to just have some time alone.

Right now I'm actually trying to study. But not doing as well as I was hoping. Reading is so boring, especially for this course, Introduction to Management. Have to get it done though, cause tonight there's a birthday party we're going to. And for once we might actually meet some Finnish people.

Friday, October 12, 2007

Facebook is evil.
I've got nothing more to say.

hangover pizza

Today I finally managed to get some people with me to eat a hangover pizza. Well, not really a hangover for me since I had a calm night, but it was for the other two. A hangover pizza is one of the best parts with having a hangover. :)

I managed to make Andi guilty since I said I missed my friends at home that I always had a hangover pizza with. And of course they thought it was a great idea when we were there. That it should be so hard to convince people to join me for a pizza.

actually reading

Yesterday I had the opportunity to wear my green overall again. Long time ago since last time. I went to Onnela just for a couple of hours, to meet everybody else. Always funny to see everybody so drunk. Everybody had a lot of fun yesterday.

I didn't have much energy at the end, so I was only waiting to get home to my bed. I went to bed at a decent hour and got up today, had a pizza, and then started reading. Feels good. Well, not entirely since I've so much to do and so little time.

The assignment is the most important thing right now, and the exam will probably suffer from it. But at least it's the same subject so I will learn something for the exam at the same time. On the other hand I'm always the most efficient when I've got pressure on me.

Thursday, October 11, 2007

skipping the rally

In the past I've gotten sick at the worst moments. I've been sick on a number of important occasions and three times(!) before an exam period. Now I'm fearing that this will become the fourth time. (Knock on wood!) Well, I did start studying in the beginning of the week but still I need all the time I can get before the exam. I really don't need this right now.

And tonight it's the Beer Rally that I've been looking forward too. But I think I won't be able to go, I might go to Onnela for a while tonight. So I'll be missing on of the major things during this semester. Honestly it's not a big deal, I prefer to be well and to be able to study next week. Of course I hope I'll feel good enough for Sunday when it's the Sillis. Which is supposed to be the greatest party. And that I do not want to miss.

Even though I just feel like resting and watching a movie, I need to read some stuff for my assignment. I'll read some and maybe watch a movie later as a reward if I do what I'm supposed to.

Sunday, October 7, 2007

home sweet home

Been away for a couple of days now. Was in Stockholm for the weekend and had a great time. Great to be back in the city I love. And people I have become to love. So funny to see everybody so exited about the Silja boat. A boat and the trip I've done so many times, probably around 40 trips(!), and it's nothing special anymore. But of course I had a different kind of company this time, I had my friends with me and usually I've been with my family.

On Friday I met up with my sister and it was great to see her, it's been a while and unfortunately it will probably not be until Christmas the next time. Then some shopping, another pair of Cheap Monday jeans they are great. Much better shopping in Stockholm than in Helsinki. I did do some tourist things since I didn't really wanted to be alone, walked around in the city but that is always nice since I love the city. My classmate from Jönköping was in town so we met up with him and his friend F and went to a club. Well, we ended up going to three clubs. First Debaser, but there was not that much people there so we went on to Götakällare which was good. But then it closed and only a couple of us went on to The Lab. Expensive with cover charge for all three places, but it was a lot of fun. So it was worth it.

A calm Saturday just walking around but trying to sit down at coffee shops as much as possible. I wasn't really fit for doing anything else. Then time to head to the boat again. Another night, starting off with some karaoke and some laughs.

Most definitely a different cruise compared with the one I do with my family every summer. Nice to experience it with my friends, to do the party cruise. Now when that is done is time for some serious studying. Have two exams and deadline for two assignments coming up in two weeks. Time for some hard work! (I promise mom!)

Wednesday, October 3, 2007

knocked up

It's a funny movie. Many laughs. The others are out partying but M, C and me decided to have a girls night in instead. Now I really need to get some sleep. Gonna be a busy weekend.

So tomorrow we're heading to Stockholm. My lovely city. And my lovely sister that I'm meeting for lunch. Will be a nice weekend. Of course, we're gonna be in Stockholm. I guess I'll do some sightseeing with the others, but also some shopping.

And I think I for sure have to go to Sandy's and eat a curry chicken sandwich.
two favorites right now

the crash - lauren caught my eye
calvin harris - merrymaking at my place

Tuesday, October 2, 2007

laundry

Just did my laundry.
In the middle of the night.
All time slots were taken for tomorrow.
I was in need of some clean underwear.
And I need some for the Stockholm trip this weekend.
Now I am tired.
Have to get up in six and a half hour.
Great.
Don't you just love school.
Well, at least I have our 'after studies' to look forward to.
Wine for two euro.
I love being a student.
I just don't like school.

national museum

Yesterday it was time for another round at 'Barfly', the bar with student prices. Always great with one euro beer/cider/shot. I thought I deserved it since I managed to do this assignment I did during the day.

Today we were actually a bit cultural. We went to the National Museum, a museum about the Finnish history. It was pretty okay, but the history of Finland is pretty similar to the one of Sweden so nothing surprising really. But it was worth the money since we didn't pay any entrance.

Sunday, September 30, 2007

cottage weekend

I'm back.
This weekend was the 'Cottage Weekend' for all exchange students. We were put in two buses and went to a house in the middle of nowhere. During the day on Saturday we had Finnish Olympics and tried on for example wife carrying (I got carried...) and throwing Nokia rubber boots.

For dinner there was an international theme, we all had to cook something from your own country. T and I did some potato salad and herring to that. Believe it or not but I've actually started to like herring! Tried it on Friday when I was at T's place to prepare the food. I decided to try it since it was a long time since I've tasted it, and I liked it. One more thing of the list of things I don't like. Anyway, there was a lot of good food and it was fun to try on all the different things.

Later in the evening it was time for the sauna. Of course there has to be a sauna involved and the jumping into the cold water in between. It was fun that so many tried on the sauna and actually got into the cold water. I think we were about 30 people in the sauna!

The party continued until 6am for me and I went to bed. But had such a trouble falling asleep since it was so hot in our room! We were 13 people in a small room with four bunk beds. In two of the beds we were sleeping two and there were three people sleeping on the floor. I shared the bed with a friend since there was not enough beds for all of us. There were people everywhere! So it was so hot in the room and with no air.

At 10am it was time to get up for breakfast, after four hours of sleep. At this time some people were still drunk since the party continued until 8am. But it was a lot of fun. A memorable weekend to say the least. Everybody slept on the bus ride home.

Wednesday, September 26, 2007

korvapuusti

Today I went with E and S to some second hand shops. I love walking around in shops like that trying to make bargains. I actually bought some LP records. Not for playing though, I have the covers on the wall. I saw some nice cover at Myrorna once in Sweden and got the idea to put some on the wall but never bought any. Since they were only one euro each I decided to buy some and put them on the wall to make my room feel a little bit nicer. Have no idea what the artists/bands are but the covers looks nice.

After that we went to this really cozy café that S had discovered. One of those cafés by the water that is so easy to miss. I had a great, newly baked 'korvapuusti'.

Really cute café by the water.

A typical Finnish swing. Stéphane and Emmi.

Apparently you GET 5 cents for a coffee refill from the Café. Odd.

got it

We got up at 5.30am and went to school to by the tickets for the party called Sillis.. We were all very tired and thought it was stupid to have it that early in the morning. It was all such a hassle. Because the information to us, the exchange students, we got before hand did not explain all things concerning the ticket sales and the events. KY, the student union, has been great at organizing all these fun things. But there is a big problem, they are not god at giving us clear information about everything that is going on. A big disadvantage to us against the Finnish students.

In the end I got a ticket, after a whole lot of waiting. Not everybody was that lucky, the ticket ran out and some of the exchange students didn't get any. But our little Ida gang got them and I'm looking forward to the party. Although there won't be that many exchange students there. Let's try to get contact with the Finnish students for once. If they'll let us.

Tuesday, September 25, 2007

early morning

Today I did not do much. What a big difference from all the other days. But I did go with M to the swimming pool, we actually found our way through the woods. Even though we both have the worst sense of direction. Well, it took us a little bit longer to get there than going home.

Tomorrow is an early morning. Have to take the bus at 6am to queue for some tickets. But it's supposed to be the best party, Sillis. The annoying thing is that they open the doors at 7am and then you write down your name on a list. At 9am they start calling the names and you can by the tickets. And you have to stay there for the two hours. My tutor told me we should even be there at 6.30am to be sure, apparently the tickets were already gone at 7.15 once.

So now we just hope it will be worth it. To get up 5.30 am to buy some tickets for a party.

Monday, September 24, 2007

sleepy

Friday was all about relaxing. Can't do much else after that crazy party night.
Monday and time for school again. Everybody was tired. Went home with the idea to study. Apparently I was tired since I fell asleep. But tomorrow is another day and I've got no classes. Will get up in a reasonable hour to start with my readings. Can you believe it.

like

The party was crazy on Saturday. As always.
A lot of fun. As always.
I like my people.

Saturday, September 22, 2007

party with sofas

Now I need to get ready. We're leaving for a surprise party (once again) in Kamppi. Then we're coming back to Ida for a party here. Not in the laundry room thank god.
It doesn't happen often. But sometimes I do eat pasta. Not with tomato sauce though. Here fresh pasta with salmon and fresh spinach.
Mmm...

stockholm: world's greenest, most livable place

Read about it here.
My city.
Makes me proud.

koofta

Today was a rather calm day. Couldn't sleep good at all and woke up so many times during the night. Or maybe night is the wrong thing to call it since I got home really late, or early depending on how you see it. But I managed to get some sleep and then also do some minor adjustments to the assignment that I sent in today.

In the afternoon I went in to town to meet up with Emmi. We did some shopping and made some bargains since it was sale and then we had some dinner. I had koofta sandwich which was pretty good, but it was noway near the koofta dish we had in Singapore.

There was no party tonight so in the evening we chilled in 1F just talking and watched a movie, Sunshine. A strange movie. It started out pretty good, but in the end it just got really weird. Don't watch it.

afterparty in the laundry room anyone?

Yesterday was the HSE party and it was good, a lot of fun. But we started the evening with a Swedish themed preparty at E & A. Well, we were three Swedes, two Finns and one Dane but we could talk in Swedish. We had a good time listening to some Swedish music.

After that we joined all the other exchange students at the KY Club and it was a nice place. But apparently there planning wasn't the best since they ran out of sparkling wine and pear cider that was supposed to cost only one euro in the beginning of the evening. I guess they didn't count on that many people coming and taking advantage of the cheap booze. Not good.

Then something strange happened. We were many that wanted to go home to Ida, but we ended up in a laundry room in Pasila. After some time we convinced the others to go home and I finally got to go home to my bed.
The preparty

Me and Swedish Timo

Finnish Hanna and Emmi

Danish Stéphane and Swedish Andreas

Thursday, September 20, 2007

kuntis

Yesterday I actually managed to finish my small assignment. Well, a few minor adjustments tomorrow and I'm done. Apart from that I haven't done much for school. Had some classes but that's about it.

Tonight there's a party for student at my school, HSE. I'll probably be a lot of people there and they have good prices for drinks all night. It's the opening of KY's own club with the inventive name KY Club. We'll see if I manage to take the last bus home at 1.35am but I didn't manage yesterday. It depends on everyone else that lives at Ida I guess.

Well, know I'm off to Emmi's place before the party.

Tuesday, September 18, 2007

wine and dine

I actually made it to school at 10am today to work on my assignment. I actually managed to write most of it. Only have a small part left. I actually started to study. I feel proud.

In the evening we didn't go out. But there were still some alcohol involved. We took it easy and cooked together in 1F here in Ida with five friends. Had some food and some wine and just talked through the night. A lot of fun.

Now I just have to go to sleep to be able to wake up for my class at 10am and prepare for a night out.

Monday, September 17, 2007

hard kock kafé

Signs from Asia. Strange.

What kind of smoking corner is this? And look at the eyes.
Who actually came up with this idea?
Club St, Singapore

Anyone wants a beach?
Bantanyan, Philippines

The Dutch send their deceased to Melaka, Malaysia.

Oh no! Because I just love durian.
Ho Chi Minh airport, Vietnam

Don't pee here! Go around the corner!
Little India, Singapore

Be aware!
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

All these big cities. And then Halmstad? What's that about?
Ko Phi Phi, Thailand

It's not the band's bar.
Ko Phi Phi, Thailand

You never know what might hit you in the head.
Bantanyan, Philippines

And the favorite.
Unfortunately they didn't sell any t-shirts or other souvenirs.
Bantanyan, Philippines

weird

It's strange.
My room is very warm.
It's like in the summer.
And I don't even have the radiator on.

late

This day started very well.
I woke up at 9.06 and I needed to catch the bus at 9.26. But I actually made it. Apparently I must have shut the alarm off on my cell phone by mistake. I usually use the snooze function but I guess I pressed the wrong button. At least I woke up. Even though I got to sleep longer I was so tired in school. Unfortunately I fell asleep and woke up at 7pm, but hopefully I'll be tired enough to fall asleep at a descent hour tonight. Tomorrow I'll try to go to school to get some work done. If I stay at home I don't think I'll get anything done.

Sunday, September 16, 2007

law

Alfie is on TV. I have a weakness for Jude Law. He must be the most gorgeous 35 year old guy there is.

wasted

This day has been totally wasted. This weekend has been totally wasted. Wasted on doing absolutely nothing. Well, except of course partying and hanging out with friends. These two weeks has been chaotic. No studying and only fun.

There was another party last night. A friends birthday and then we ended up at the club Onnela. Next week will be a new week. Next week I will start to study. Next week. I promise.

Saturday, September 15, 2007

små grodorna

Yesterday was a lot of fun. The sitsi was basically the same as in Sweden and they even had some Swedish songs. Every country had to stand up and sing a song from their country. So we stood up on the chairs and of course we sang 'Små grodorna' (a song about small frogs). We even did the moves. After that we went to Studio 51 and talked and danced all night long. On our way home we stopped to eat a hamburger and then a cab home.
I was so tired, but nothing strange with that really since I got home after 5am. Now it's just to get ready for another party tonight, it's a girls birthday and there's gonna be a party. We'll see what happens.

Friday, September 14, 2007

sitsi

It's time for the exchange students to experience a true sitsi. I'm used to them since we have the same thing at home and it's a lot of fun. With all the drinking and signing, well there are some eating as well. The Scandinavian culture is focusing a lot on drinking I guess and that's a different experience for many. It's just for them to get used to this culture. Many are putting a lot of effort into it. When in Rome do as the Romans do.
Why study when you can watch Scrubs?

lazy

Been awake for one hour know. I wished I could have slept longer since I'm still tired. It's so annoying to wake up and not be able to fall asleep again even though you are tired.

I'm still in my bed with the tv on and the computer next to me. I need to do research for an assignment that I need to hand in next week. On the other hand I rather just stay in bed and watch Scrubs. Maybe I should get up to get some breakfast. And then come back to the bed to watch at least one episode of Scrubs.

I'm thinking 'yes'.

Thursday, September 13, 2007

overheard in new york

Maybe on You...

Hipster girl #1: I was blowing him and it was taking, like, 20 minutes, so I finally told him to hurry up since my jaw was hurting.
Hipster girl #2: I hate that! How can they take that long to just finish?
Suit nearby: If you would do it right, it would only take two minutes.

--2 train

Overheard by: TP

Don't Try to Understand Hobo Scavenger Hunts

Hobo: Excuse me, is this the Six Train?
Young guy: Yes.
Hobo: Thank you [urinates on rail].

--6 train platform, Astor Pl

made up my mind

So to go or not to go, that was the question.
After thinking about it I decided to follow my heart (that's sounds like a real cliché). I'll worry about money later on, if it will be a problem. Right now I just wanna have fun with my newly found friends. So, now when I've decided I can stop thinking about this and just look forward to the trip. I also talked to my sister so I'll probably meet her when I'm in Stockholm. She'll be working at the radio station then (oh, that's sounds so grown up for my little sister=) ) and I'll meet her for lunch or something.

The plan was to do some studying today. But many minutes was wasted on thinking on whether to go or not. Have some time now before I have to go downtown to buy the ticket for the trip.
I should try to be productive. I doubt it will work.

Wednesday, September 12, 2007

People were heading out tonight again. I decided to stay at home because I need a good night sleep. Even though I'm sitting up late and it's 1.20am. I need to go to bed. Now. I need to gather some energy for tomorrow. And Friday. And Saturday. Lots of parties. And since it will be a busy weekend I guess I should try to get some school stuff done tomorrow. Hopefully.

stockholm?

There's this weekend trip coming up. To Stockholm. It would be fun to go just because everybody else is going. If I go there will be a lot of fun, and you don't wanna miss 'a lot of fun'. On the other hand I don't know if I wanna spend that much money on going to Stockholm, a city I've already seen a few times. To say the least. Because there will be trips later on I rather go on.

But. There's always that 'but'. And I've got to decide by tomorrow since I need to buy the ticket. I guess I have to sleep on it.

Tuesday, September 11, 2007

parties and no sleep

When will we ever get a good night sleep. Tonight was another 'gathering'. I guess we could use the word 'party' as well. But at least I'm home at 1am so it wasn't that late. Still, I've got to get up early tomorrow since I've got a class at 10am. But we have to have our priorities straight, first comes partying and then sleeping. (Don't know at which number studying comes in...)

I guess early is relative, but for a student a class at 10am is early if you have a party the night before. Now I'm gonna get into my bed and look forward to the interesting lecture tomorrow morning. So interesting that I'll probably sit and paint flowers on my paper like last time.

finnish vs thai

I can't seem to get rid of this food theme that seems to be going on here. There are some food here in Finland that we don't have in Sweden so it's nice to be able to eat it more often now. And even though I don't have my kitchen I still love to cook. Of course, as always, it isn't that much fun to cook only for yourself, but I've got to eat.

To lunch I had some 'karjalanpiiraka'. Love those.

I found this bag of sauce for Phad Thai so I made my version of it.
It was good.

home sweet home?

So here's where I live. My home for the next four months.

Here's where I get my beauty sleep.
And my uncle was nice to bring me a carpet and a lamp.


I also got a TV, aren't uncles great!

Outside of my room is the kitchen.

Here's our kitchen, not the nicest one (I miss my kitchen...) but it works.

Our 'living room' that we barely use.

mmm... mango

Had one of my mangoes yesterday. Just like I had it in Asia. It was really good, but of course not as good as the ones in Philippines. It took four days before it was ripe enough to eat. But it was worth the wait.

Monday, September 10, 2007

baarikärpänen

We're going to that bar tonight, 'Barfly' in English. It's nice since they have beer, cider and shots for one euro. Can it be any better? We're pretending that the weekend isn't over. I think we'll have a seven days weekend here. And there's always something to celebrate. Today I'm celebrating that I survived the class even though the teacher kept repeating the word 'actually'. I think that's worth a cider.

actually

First class in 'Introduction to Management' today. It seems like a pretty okay course. It will probably be rather easy since it's a introduction course. The lecturer was pretty good at English although he had that special Finnish accent. Something really annoying was that he was saying 'actually' almost every minute. When you start noticing something like that it's hard to focus on what he's actually saying. Instead I sat drawing flowers on my slides. Something to keep me awake. I'm thinking I'll have some nice pieces of art at the end of the semester.

Sunday, September 9, 2007

study this time?

Yesterday I had been here for a week. It feels like a month. So much has been going on the whole week, activities and parties almost every day. This exchange semester has started very well and if it will continue in the same way it can't be nothing but great.

But the bad thing is that I really have to study this semester. In Singapore I passed my classes without much effort. I rarely studied and passed my finals with about one day of studying. I would never have passed the courses at home with so little work that I put in to those courses. I'm feeling it won't be that easy here.

Well, I have a plan. The plan that every student have in the beginning of every semester. The plan that 'this time I will start to read and study in the beginning of the semester, not two weeks before the exam'. At the start of every semester I've had this plan. So far I haven't been able to follow it through. What about this time? Well, we'll see. The odds are not that good.

party at ida aalbergin tie

After a whole day of rest on Friday it was time to go out of my apartment again. I went to the city with M to buy some things and we just walked around in the stores.

Then it was time for a night on the town. The guys wanted to see this soccer game between France and Italy so we were heading to a sports bar. What someone hadn't thought about is that Finland was playing as well and what game were they showing? Of course the Finnish game. But then there was actually this bar showing the game so we went to Aussie Bar again. The plan was to go to this club in Kamppi mall, but the line was so long so we decided to take the bus home.

But the party didn't stop there. I took my Jägermeister bottle and M her tequila imported from Mexico and went to the guys living in 1F. We really had a good time with many laughs and shots. We have to do that again soon. It became another late night, was home after 4am. But at least this time I could walk a few meters and then I was at home. So that's why this day has been totally lazy. I know I need to figure out everything about school but that's another day.

Even though I'm not a fan of tequila I of course had to try the real thing.

The gang from the party at Ida. Here we have Marc, Anders, Maxim,
Andreas, Darius, Maria and Ken. Me and Mirelle is missing.

Friday, September 7, 2007

view of helsinki

Here you can see pictures from our first day in Helsinki. We were just waling around town.

Shuyuan, Catherine, Maria, and Denisa at the Esplanade.

A tram in Helsinki.

mursujaiset

A really interesting day yesterday. A looong day.
Well, it didn't start that good since I on the bus remembered that I forgot my wallet at home. Had to turn around and go home to get it. Missing the first part at HSE i rejoined at KY at 8.45 were they had just started with the breakfast (but as a true Swede I was of course prepared and had already eaten breakfast since I didn't know what was gonna happen). Got a warm welcome since they were singing 'Helan går' when I got in, so I had to take a shot to catch up. So that was the breakfast for the day, sandwiches, fruit, tea of coffee and of course shots. Shots of vodka and Salmari, a liquorice shot.

After that we found out why we needed to bring a toothbrush. It was to clean a statue. So we did that. Then we marched through town to the Senate Square with police escort. They had closed the street right through the city center just for us.

Then it was activities through the whole day, collecting points just as I did during my kickoff week in Jönköping. We did good, everybody was really getting into it and making an effort.

Then there was time to party for real. We were at a preparty and then we headed to Royal Onnela an night club where we stayed until closing at 3.30am. We had so much fun. Talking and dancing all night long. The plan was to go to KY's afterparty, so we did, after we had eaten an amazing hamburger from McDonalds. I was hungry after all that dancing. Arriving at the KY I suddenly felt really tired and my bed sounded like the best place in the world at that time. So we didn't stay that long and took a cab home at 4.20am. It wasn't that expensive, only 20 euros and splitting it by four it's okay.

So that was my day in short. 24 hours of fun.
See the pictures here.

Wednesday, September 5, 2007

mursujaiset

Time to go to bed. Have to be an early night since I've got to get up before seven. I'll need a good night sleep for 24 hours of partying tomorrow. Will be interesting to see what the day will bring. With a toothbrush and all. I'll tell you all tomorrow. Well, I guess I'll be home on Friday. Tell you then.

Tuesday, September 4, 2007

the weirdest things make me happy

Today when Maria and I was grocery shopping they had 'tarjous' on all the fruit in the store. Everything cost 1 euro/kg. Like heaven for me. And it wasn't just like apples and bananas. It was really a lot of different fruits.

So I bought one melon, two star fruits, one pack of grapes and three mangoes. Of course the mangoes won't be as good as in Philippines, but hey, you can't have everything.

first day of school

Well, not maybe first day of real school. We had some activities at the beach. Some tug-of-war and sack race. It was fun, although I took it a little bit easy since I'm having a cold. Don't wanna get even more sick, especially not before Thursday which seems to be a very interesting day. Basically it's starts at 8am and ends 6am the next day. If you make it that far. Also I was told to bring a toothbrush. I wonder if I'm actually gonna need it for something.

After the beach we had some dinner and then Maria and I decided to go grocery shopping and make it an early night since we both were tired. So we skipped going to the baarikärpänen (barfly) tonight. But we had a great time there yesterday, meeting a lot of new people and great when everything costs one euro. Even the shots. And I talked to another teenager exchange student. They are everywhere, not only in Helsinki.

Sunday, September 2, 2007

possumunkki

Another day with the girls. Just walking around in the city. Apparently everything is closed on Sundays. Not even a mall is open. At least we know for sure know. It's strange, even Stockholm has stores open on Sundays. Instead we just walked around and took photos, I'll show you later. I had the girls try 'possumunkki' and they liked it. It's a kind of donut only found in Finland, haven't seen them in Sweden at all and they are really good.

Tomorrow is the first day of school. Well, no classes but it's a orientation day. So we'll be busy all day. Gonna be fun to meet all the exchange students.

Saturday, September 1, 2007

first day

Home after a day and evening in town.
Walked around.
Met people.
Had dinner.
Met more people.
Went to a bar called Aussie Bar.
Was a nice day.

no jetlag this time

Sitting in my new apartment. Not the best but definitely livable. The flight was okay, it's nice with a 45-minute flight instead of 14h flight that I had to Singapore.

I'm waiting for my uncle to bring my things, the things I left at his house this summer. After that I'm gonna go with some girls to the city. This one girl Cathrine that got picked up at the airport the same time as me and her two roommates. Need to pick up a bus card and get something to eat.

Friday, August 31, 2007

countdown

Eight more hours in Sweden. At seven tomorrow morning I'm lifting off to Helsinki. My home for the coming four months.

I'm feeling okay now. Not nervous or anything. I calmed down when I left Jönköping and got home to Stockholm. Change in environment is always good. It's great to live only ten minutes away from the airport. And I don't have to be early at the airport.

Goodnight. The next post will be from Helsinki.

packing light

I've become pretty good at packing. I learned the hard way when going to US for one year. I packed everything and used the maximum of kilos you are allowed. 64 kilos. I did a good job going to Singapore, still I brought a couple of things I never used. And traveling in Asia you had to pack light. Now I've packed 24 kilos and I think it will be OK even though the limit is 20 kilos. Now I have only packed things I use. I guess it still be problems going home again. Since I'm probably gonna do some shopping. Hopefully I'll have some visitors to help me bring it home. But that's a future problem.

twentythree

So, one year older.
Now I have to remember to say/write 23 when somebody asks for my age. It always takes a while to get used to it. It's the same after New Years, I always forget that it's a new year.
Nowadays I always have to think about how old I am. I think I stopped caring about my birthday after my 19th birthday. That was the year I moved away from home, I think that's one reason. When you are young you always count the days to your birthday and write a long list what presents you would like. Now it's just another day. Since I'm at home in Stockholm and my family I'll get a little bit celebrated, with some food and cheesecake (don't really like the regular cakes, love cheesecake!).
Now I'm gonna continue with my packing.

Thursday, August 30, 2007

goodbye

Goodbye Jönköping.

Goodbye friends.

nervous?

This morning I woke up at 8am. A little hangover but mostly tired. And the first thing on my mind was that I was leaving. I felt so sad. Don't wanna go. It's the worst feeling waking up with all these worries.

I guess I'm getting a little bit nervous. I just wanna stay here in Jönköping where it's safe and the same old. Right now I don't wanna go to a new place and new people. Strange how I feel this time. Didn't feel this when I was leaving for Singapore. Why is this different?

Of course I'll feel better when I'm settled in with all the new in Helsinki. But still, don't feel like leaving.

loosing my memory

So. Just got home.
It was a fun night. My last night.
Kind of sad saying goodbye.
Well, at least the ones I got a chance to say goodbye to.
Some disappeared before I got the chance.
Not naming anyone.

To something totally different.
My memory failed me tonight. I ALWAYS remember faces and names. And I was standing behind two guys in the line to Kåren tonight. I couldn't remember. And the guy just kept on saying that he had seen/met me somewhere (and it wasn't just a cheesy pickup line). Then it just came to me when I was inside and they were already gone. We had met at a preparty.

Can't believe that my memory is already failing me.
A clear sign that I'm getting old.
Is this a reasonable age to start loosing your memory?
MY memory? I always remember everything. And everyone.
I'll be 23 on Friday.

Tuesday, August 28, 2007

emptying my apartment

Today I've just been running errands.
Now I'm cleaning my apartment and packing.
I'm so happy that I've just lived here for some weeks and don't have that much stuff. Now it's not that much things to carry to the attic.

Only two days more in town.
Feels a little bit sad.
I'm leaving my place again.
It always feels so sad to leave.
But I'll be back.
And I'll have fun in Helsinki.

Monday, August 27, 2007

i'm free

I'm done with the thesis.
Well. At least for now.
There's still work to do.
But know I want to have a break from it these last couple of days in Jönköping. Leaving on Thursday to Stockholm and to Helsinki on Saturday.
Now I'm gonna enjoy these last few days.
Just taking it easy.
And look forward to the sexparty on Wednesday.

sushi

I had the best dinner. All kind of rolls. From just around the corner, Asia Garden. Highly recommended.

Vietnamese spring rolls. Although they weren't as good as in Vietnam.

Sushi - California rolls. Of course with soy and wasabi.
Delish!

Sunday, August 26, 2007

playing games

After working on my thesis i decided I was allowed to go out.
I had a nice night with my peoples. We was at A & J's house and sat there talking, laughing and having fun. After that we played a game, the girls against the boys. That's what A wanted and he really wanted to win. Of course the guys didn't win. Of course we did.

my music right now

I have my slave driver sitting on my shoulder. Although he's having a break to go to the bathroom. That's why I've got the time to write this. Part of my playlist that helps me keep up the energy and write.

Mark Ronson ft Lily Allen - Oh my God
Timbaland ft Nelly Furtade & Justin Timberlake - Give it to me
Maroon 5 - Wake up call
John Mayer - Your body is a winterland
Timbaland ft The Hives - Throw it on me
Snook ft Veronica Maggio & Petter - Inga problem
Justice - Dance
Plain White T's - Hey there Delilah
Gym Class Heroes - Cupids chokehold
Mason ft Princess - Perfect
Vincent - Don't hate on me
Michael Bublé - Everything
Justice vs Simian - Never be alone
John Mayer - Waiting on the world to change
Alex Gaudino ft Crystal Waters - Destination Calabria
John Legend - Save room
David Guetta & Chris Willis - Love is gone
The Fray - How to save a life

party pics

Here you can find some more pictures from the last two parties. It's all about Facebook these days. =)

eventful

Last night was a lot of fun. Once again we had a pre-party at M's and more people I haven't seen for so long. We had a fun pre-party and then we went to Twin City and danced all night.
Well, all night I guess is exaggerated since they close at two. We were not tired and ended up at J's just to sit and chat and play cards. And not to forget, some chorizos fried with Passoa and pistachios. It was 5am when we said goodnight and went home. When I cycled across 'Västra torget' people were already there to prepare for the market that day. And I was heading home to get some sleep.

Today was even more eventful. Went up with J and the guys for some food at Max. Then we went to IKEA to buy a bed. Had some 'fika'. The ride home with the bed on top of the car was very memorable. We were sitting with our hands out of the windows holding it since it was so windy. But we were successful and got the bed safely to H's apartment. Then we went for a visit to A and J's house and hanged out there for a while. After that we decided to by some food and make dinner.

We just watched some TV tonight (Shrek 2 =)) and didn't really feel like going out another night. We were all tired and I knew that I needed to do some serious studying the next day. Since I didn't do much writing yesterday or today I really need to get a grip for tomorrow. I'll cross my fingers.