Outlandish

Parliamentary elections are approaching in Finland and living in Slovakia has made me look at our right for a vote from a new perspective. There is no such thing as democracy. There are good attempts at it, but true democracy is nonexistent on this planet. Still, what we in Finland call democracy is a lifeline that we wouldn't exist without. I live in a country that has the lowest voting percentage in Europe. People in Slovakia simply don't vote. One reason is probably that being able to influence stately matters is still a very new thing. There are still a lot of people (mainly elderly) who think that communism was the best thing that ever happened. Another reason is that in such a corrupt country people have completely lost faith. They don't think that their vote counts at all because it's just that, only one vote. And here's a perfect example for all those Finns back at home who think along the same lines: when there are enough of yous the country ...

We have enjoyed amazingly sunny weathers here in Turku since I came home. It being only March the huge light bulb up there somewhere is a rare phenomenon in these latitudes! It's amazing what effect the first Spring Sun has on Finns: for a little while, they are all sooo full of joy! I love it. And honestly, how could you not be when you're in such a beautiful place as Turku bathing in the light and warmth.   There are so many new cafés scattered all around the city centre and the first one I wanted to check out is Tiirikkala. It's in a gorgeous old house with two floors and a roof terrace, live band playing most days. I've read some reviews already and everybody's saying nothing but good things about the place. So, Mum had a Monday off because she turned 50 so we decided to go for lunch in the most beautiful part of Turku: Vähätori. Right next to the Aura river and the Cathedral. But instead of going to Tiirikkala there, we went to a place next to i...

Christmas came and went and as I always do, I became ill just before. Thankfully I got a bit better by Christmas Eve so was able to enjoy the food, company and presents wholeheartedly. The best present has to be the bag with the ultimate truth written on it: Varför Paris när vi har ju Åbo! (Why Paris when we have Turku) Amen to that. Few days before Christmas it snowed here, to my mum's delight. And even though I hate coldness, snow does make the world look extremely beautiful: