Local

Last summer I was enjoying my ice-cream in a hot summer day in Punavuori district. I sat on my longboard in the corner of two big streets and just let people pass me by. Suddenly someone came to me and asked if I was a local in Helsinki. He was from London and had started this art project about locals and tourists in various cities around the world. Maybe I'd be interested to take part? Hell yes!

Pics by me in Local vs Tourist

I was handed a disposable camera, an envelope with an address and enough stamps to London. The assignment was to take pictures of "my Helsinki". Streets, people, what ever I wanted. And once the camera was full, just return it to him via post.

Today I got an email from Pedro, the guy who gave me the camera. The site was up and running! This far they have pictures from Helsinki and Mexico City from both locals and tourist. It's kind of an interesting detail, that most cameras sent back are from tourists. I wonder where all the locals have forgotten their cameras...?

Check the Local vs Tourist -site

Watching those pictures make me miss summer. It's hot days and nights and the endless feeling of peace and happiness. Have a lovely weekend everybody!

Holiday

I've been on a summer holiday for the last two weeks. Did nothing and everything, stayed in Helsinki for the whole time except for the one day long leap to the west coast to Turku. I think I've never had this relaxed and energizing holiday in my life.
I've cleaned my home from floor to ceiling (well not quite, but at least I cleaned), bought new bookshelf, sold a lot of crap in Kallio park fleamarket and bought my very first outdoor plants.

Attended to girls only houswarmingparty and had amazingly delicious home made cupcakes, macarons and sushi.

 

Saw friends at a brunch in Siltanen.

 

Had a lunch with my hairdresser and a very good friend, who also gave me a new, British football hooligan haircut, which I adore.

Took a pic of myself in Café Bossalina's toilet in Turku and had delicious Russian blinis with honey at the Restaurant Day's pop-up restaurant in Helsinki.

There, that's what I've been up to lately in case you were wondering. And besides all things mentioned above, I also learned to skate with a longboard. Coolest thing ever and so far I have managed to stay in one piece and broke nothing.
Monday, back to work.

Where to go

It's that time of the summer again, time of the Flow Festival. But why Flow is the festival to be (in my point of view)?

- 10min walk from my door to the festival area
- instead of collapsing tent, I get to sleep in my own bed
- festival foods that vary from sushi to vegetarian hot dogs and vegan burritos
- even the sold out festival is never too crowded
- great line-up
- peaceful, beautiful and friendly people

See you there!

Block Party

Finally, Kallio's very first Block Party was held today, thanks to so many volunteers, artist and what ever that worked hard for free, to give us this uniting day in my neighbourhood. I'm bit bummed that the weather wasn't as perfect as it's been for the whole week, but rain or not, lots of people took part in the fun.

No = no

No means no.
Yes means yes.
Maybe means maybe.

SlutWalk arrived to Helsinki today. Almost 4000 people marched with banderolls, shouts and drums. I was there too of course. Rallying together with my friends and Gekko. I'm quite impressed how many people took part despite the rain. I saw many provocative and creative dresses and banderolls and the media seemed to be very interested too. I have only these few crappy pics, I had my hands full with the dog and protecting the camera from the pouring rain.

Sunday chilling

This is what summer is about. Sun, food and friends. Brunch at Pacifico never fails, the lovely company of Annik never fails. A boat trip to Suomenlinna was an ideal way to spend the rest of the day doing absolutely nothing but laying on the ground and watching the seagulls and passing boats. Now out with Gekko boy to see another friend and listen to the sounds of summer.

PS. Don't you just love my new second hand boots I found from fleamarket? Priced only 2 euros, these worn out leather boots couldn't make me anymore happier.

PPS. I'm heading to Berlin for few days soon! Yihoooo!

May Day in Hell

This year I had something different planned for May Day. Me and Annik headed to Pasila to see the May Day in Hell International Doubleheadder Roller Derby Bout hosted by Helsinki Roller Derby. This time it was hard to pick a team to cheer for 'cause the teams were formed from players from different teams and countries. And in my case, I had favourites in all teams so I just had to cheer for all of them. What a good sport I am, don't you think?

Single day 5.

I can not describe my feelings now. It's impossible. I saw Kiddo today and that's the first time after our break up. For me, it seems it's been ages when actually it's hardly been 5 days as the topic already states.
It was good to see her and just not say anything. I feel better or at least different now - just can't describe it.
We talked, but most of the time we just layed on the bed without saying anything and just were there together, mourning our story that's now ended.

With this bit lightened mood now, I'm heading out tonight with friends. I wish it goes well without any setbacks.

Single day 3.

Trying hard to look forward and not sparing too many thoughts to the present (self protection?). Good for me, the summer is coming fast and as if that alone wouldn't be just way too cool, the first line up for the Flow Festival was just announced.
This is just the first line up and I'm ready to buy the 3 day ticket already. Not bad.
Just check yourselves and click the picture below.

Pic

Many names I like, but I was especially pleased to see Warpaint in that list. I've been listening to them a lot lately.
I'm also trusting to find some new (for me) music this year and perfect way to start exploring the various bands and artists is to listen the Flow Festival 2011 playlist from Spotify. Find the playlist here. It will be updated frequently by the Flow crew.

Pic

Summer & Flow Festival come fast. Pain and sorrow piss off fast.

Where to go

Pic

It's that time again. Time for all the tattoo enthusiasts, tattoo artists and other magical freaks to gather together in Helsinki to get inked, get inspired and enjoy the colourful tattoo scene. Great Finnish and international artists are there to tattoo, talk and take appointments. Sidekick shows all from burlesque to short art fusions and tattoo competitions make sure everyone has something to enjoy.
I was there last year to get inked, this year I'm just taking parts as a tourist. In case you don't have any plans yet for the weekend and you are in the area I highly recommend you to come to Helsinki Ink international tattoo convention to Kaapelitehdas.

More sneakers!

Just one pair though. Nike Classic Cortez Nylon 09 in bright peachy pink (I quess it's officially red, but believe me it's nothing close to classic red). A pair I found from bElles - Baskets for Elles sneakers store's pop up store at Lasipalatsi Helsinki. They were on sale so I couldn't resist.