Been Taking This Small Tours Every Weekend Around Lisbon. This Was The First At Azenhas Do Mar, Super

No judgement but my dreams might be just a bit different from yours.  

The colours of the fall.. Last October at the light festival of the local amusement park. 

Canadian Photographer Captures Wanderlust In Magnificent Landscapes

Elizabeth Gadd is a self-taught 21-year-old photographer from Vancouver, Canada. Her signature style is to photograph wanderers and adventurers in magnificent landscapes. Having been raised in scenic surroundings with mountains, forests and fields, she loves to wander and explore.

Jeronimós Monastery, an UNESCO heritage site and not for vain! Truly worth paying the entrance fee for! 

5 habits I've picked up during my Lisbon years

These are the biggest life changing habits I've picked up during my seven Lisbon years.

They come in no specific order.

Vegetarian diet

Not my pic.

Not that Portuguese cuisine is known for its vegetarian dishes (because it has none!) but my view on food and cooking have changed while spending my 30's in Lisbon (or it's the old age hehe). Good flavors are rather a simple thing and a lot can be done with fresh and good ingredients without complex procedures.

When still living in Finland I didn't enjoy cooking that much or know exactly how to use the best out of the ingredients I had in my reach. Finnish grocery stores are filled with overproduced and ready-to-go meal options which I also indulged greatly. Finnish cuisine is also rather meat focused which I have stepped away from a bit during my years abroad even though I still enjoy a good steak every now and then.

Portuguese supermercardos on the other hand differ quite a lot - many things can be found fresh and locally produced (except cod because that they actually get from Norway). Instead of e-code filled spice mixes you don't need much else to highlight the natural flavors except salt, pepper, lemon and olive oil. This has changed my way of seeing and consume food tremendously.

Nowadays my social media feed is filled with Mediterranean style vegetarian recipes and I've taken on such things as herbs, onions, garlic, olive oil, arugula and fresh vegetables to my daily diet. I take advantage of seasonal products such as pomegranate, watermelon, mint to bring variety to my plate.

Fun fact is that I've also learned to eat oats, berries + cottage cheese in here which all have been part of Finnish classical diet forever but which I used to hate when living back home.

I'm more human

Not my pic.

Things don't always work and not especially here in Portugal. Systems crash, procedures fail and so do people. You cannot be in a hurry while living in this city or schedule no more than one bureaucrat procedure on your weekly agenda. And that one thing takes the entire day often! Portuguese people and culture still embrace old fashion lifestyle in many ways. Many things still run with pen and paper here and developments come in practice slowly. It's human that mistakes take place and that things might not be easy on the first try.

On a different side of the coin however, elderly, pregnant women or people with small kids or injuries often get priority in groceries and other places. Or you might be passed by the queue because you only have one item in your shopping basket when the person in front of you is buying for a family of six. There's humanity in everyday counters. I'm not saying that not being able to trust the process is entirely stress free but I do enjoy the more human side of things. Life is more merciful, my flaws don't make me and I demand less from myself and those around me.

Traditional = more simple life?

Not my pic.

I'm not saying that everything is about money or that you wouldn't need it but when you don't have much of it you tend to prioritize the real things in life.

The essential part of Portuguese everyday life routine is the meals, family and relationships in general. Yes, we all have to go to work but it doesn't become us. During free time people read books, exercise, go to the beach or play football - some of these being perhaps the essential parts of a Portuguese (or even of South European) lifestyle. These off-screen activities embrace social relationships, healthy and in my opinion more equal lifestyle where one's background with money or success doesn't matter.

This a far cry how I remember the years lived in Finland. The society is very performance and success focused - whether it's from the financial wealth to meeting the social standards - life is measured with achievements, success. The standards are the same for everyone, every child, woman and man and pressures start to grow from a very young age on. Individuality feels criminal. It's about reaching the finish line with great scores instead of enjoying the journey and its benefits to you.

Portuguese salary is is still lower than an average EU-citizen's elsewhere in Europe. As mentioned this country is slow to develop, therefore people and the lifestyle have remained traditional in many ways. Despite of the recent years' tourism boom that has brought along more pressure to provide things in a more modern manner. However it's not super uncommon to step into a store that only accepts cash, or to a Portuguese kitchen that has changed only a little during the last century. Life can be so simple.

Outdoor sports

Not my pic.

Funnily enough coming from the country of four seasons, thousands of lakes and forests that offer almost the same amount of possibilities to exercise all year round, I didn't learn to embrace outdoor sports before January 2020 - in Lisbon. I started running just before the covid shit storm, just in time when gyms and everything else shut down. There was nothing else than the empty streets and parks to conquer.

Funnily enough this new found lifestyle would suffer significantly if I ever moved to Finland (or any other Northern country with proper winters) because indoor, treadmill running doesn't do it for me. I'm in eternal love with the Portuguese weather because I can get around the rains or heat waves - the weather is not an obstacle for me!

Less productive

Not my pic.

I said these five things come in no particular order but it feels natural though to put this last. This is the result of all these four.

I don't feel pressured to do anything that I don't want to do. Whether it's to change jobs, to have a relationship, to travel, to exercise or eat healthy. I do all these things because I want to and if not, it's because I'm not feeling like it. I may be less productive and not where "I supposed to be at my age" - I can feel the judgement every time going home.. but the choices I've made during these seven years have felt truly mine and only mine.

Sometimes I do wonder if these changes and steps would have occurred if I had lived in Finland or somewhere else. Some maybe, others not.

I find her amazing... #giannamood 

Who will qualify from ESC SF1 in 2023?

Eurovision is on! Rehearsals are on! We’ve seen most of them performing at the multiple preparties and the first clips (even super shots ones) are in! 

It’s time to predict who will qualify on May 9th from Semifinal 1! These are my predictions based on the reactions, comments, listens and clicks in social media, Youtube and Spotify.

Some I will get right, others I may not - that’s the risk you will take by continuing reading this. 

1. Norway - Alessandra - Queen of Kings

She’s IN. No question. HUUUUUUGE viral hit by now. There was some concern about Alessandra’s vocals (MGP used autotune) when performing live but she’s on point based on the first rehearsal clip. Visually they’re loyal to National Final one but her outfit is a bit different, she’s wearing a crown look a like hair band and there’s more light now on the stage. 

2. Malta - The Busker - Dance (our own party)

This is worst spot in semifinals to perform as second in Eurovision. Lots of good entries have failed because 15 other amazing songs will follow and people tend to forget. However, Malta’s lively and colourful performance does stand a chance. The song stands out with its saxophone sound. If this did go through would I be sad, definitely not but being where it is, second and between two dark songs (Norway, Serbia) I say this is OUT.

3. Serbia - Luke Black -  Samo mi se spava (Само ми се спава)

One of my faves this year but I know a lot of people who’re not warming up to this Hatari II. However, their staging looks improved and Luke’s performing very confident. This kind of dark pop is exciting for many! In Eurovision it doesn’t matter how many haters you have but how many lovers, based on the interest in Spotify / Youtube I’d say this might appeal enough voters to be IN.

4. Latvia - Sudden lights -  Aijā

Indieband with a strong chorus. In the national selection the staging didn’t impress me but this is one of my faves again. Lamps are there though but there’s a good energy in here which I hope will come across to the audience.  This is still boarderline, this can go to either direction. But I have faith so IN. 

5. Portugal - Mimicat -  Ai coração

Portugal has been topping their game in preparties and even though you wouldn’t like this kind cabaree music - this is very authentic, catchy, memorable. And she can sing and perform - true pro! The stage looks a bit empty without the couch but I do have faith in Portuguese staging skills because they have nailed it during the few previous years. I still say IN.

6. Ireland - Wild Youth - We are one

Why the producers put this at 6th? If this had been an opener for this semi Wild Youth could have had a chance. However, they’re going all the way with the staging, using every inch of that stage: we have golden body, pyros, stairs - we know the guy can sing but the song is a bit generetic and forgettable. This breaks my heart but OUT. 

7. Croatia - Let 3 -  Mama ŠČ!

A big fan favourite. Huge interest before going in to Eurovision, they also did well in the preparties. We saw some aspects from the pics and Tik Tok clip that we saw before (same LED screen, cannons). Not my personal favourite but a lot of people love this kind of quirky performance so IN.

8. Switzerland - Remo Forrer - Watergun

One of my personal faves this year but again - a lot of people don’t agree with me though. The anti-war song was actually written two years ago which I kind of hope would push some buttons among the voters. However, Switzerland was one of those unfortunate countries last year who went to Final with Jury votes only and received 0 points from audience. This time around Semifinals have only audience voting so I’m afraid there might be payback and especially since it’s another Swiss ballad. 

Staging like this can be strong but the clip didn’t convince me yet. Pretty dark and they have similar strings attached to the dancers as Finland had in UMK (why are you coping??). I love this but I say OUT. 

9. Israel - Noa Kirel - Unicorn

She’s IN. This is not my favourites to be honest, just because it’s so messy genre like. Israel was a bit of mystery to everyone because they didn’t participate to any preparties and they kept all their plans as a secret. But she sounds amazing and the Tik Tok clip and the photos promise us a spectacle. The seem to have a running unicorn in the LED screen, she’s in this bright box, upside down and in the end she’s making Chanel style break dance. This will please many for sure and high chances of becoming a top5 in the final. 

10. Moldova - Pasha Parfeni -  Soarele și luna

This is one of the most ethnic entries this year and Pasha Parfeni is no stranger to Eurovision as he represented Moldova also back in 2012. The song is memorable, it does stand out and the live performance even just from the pictures doesn’t disappoint. Moldova is a master of creating memorable performances even with a smaller budget and there’s no way that this didn’t go through. So IN.

11. Sweden - Loreen - Tattoo

Do I need to say this? IN. The LED sandwich so called what they used in Sweden was a lot bigger(16 m² ) but I don’t think the current size (6,25 m² ) will cause actual problems because the camera work will make it look larger. This is copy paste from Melodiefestivalen so pretty epic. A lot of people do complain however that Loreen is not bringing anything new to ESC as this does remind her victorious song Euphoria from decade ago. However, potential winning song for sure! 

12. Azerbaijan -  TuralTuranX -  Tell Me More

One of the indie entries we have this year. I quite like it but... this is not a crowd pleaser unfortunately and in Eurovision you kind of have to be. This is such a good feel song but no. Stating isn’t doing much either, they’re standing on the platform of spaped by the heart playing their quitars. Unless there is something major happening what wasn’t revealed in the Tik Tok clips. I’m sorry, OUT. 

13.  Czechia -  Vesna -  My Sister's Crown

There’s so much love for this entry but at the same time there’s talk that this might be the shock non-qualifier. They didn’t perform as well and confidently as people were expecting them to during the preparties. However, in their live rehearsals we see them wearing rose coloured outfits, they have long braids - there’s a message of we’re not your dolls combined with some doll movements so very strong female empowerment thing going on. This can get too messy but hard to say from the Tik Tok clip itself. I still belive this would be IN. 

14.  Netherlands -  Mia Nicolai & Dion Cooper -  Burning Daylight

Another sleepy ballad. I don’t hate it. And to be honest this has the strongest ballad staging I’ve seen so far. Mia and Dion are standing on this moving platform and walking towards, around, from each other. This can be a moment, beautiful one. Their voices go nicely together. BUT this comes after a strong Czechia and before Finland. I don’t see this year being very kind to the ballads, people are clearly having more reactions (clicks, listens etc) towards the quirky songs of ESC 2023. I say OUT. 

15. Finland - Käärijä - Cha Cha Cha 

A big fan favourite when going in for the rehearsals. Many didn’t expect Käärijä’s team to change the stating at all actually because it was pretty damn good already at the UMK. However, they have upgraded it. They have this big wooden box on the stage, according to photos and the Tik Tok clip he’s in it at some point and also the dancers where they emerge at one point. The silhouette is awesome! Great add and super powerful! There’s pyro at the end also, colours of the rainbow - the human snake has movement. This is so good! If Finland doesn’t win the ESC alltogether I do belive this will make the televotes to explode at the semi for sure! IN! 

What do you think of the songs in Semifinal 1 and who do you think will qualify? Talk to me in the comments below! 

Sintra - first impressions

A small town at the edge of Lisbon metropolitan area that has a story to tell. The royals’ favorite the Portuguese and foreign ones, inspiration for artists and number one destination today’s travelers in Portugal. Sintra holds the country’s most iconic castles that will stand out from the rest of the world’s royal palaces.

Castelo dos Mouros and Sintra 

It was thanks to the royal family of Portugal who’d been chanted by Sintra mountains, fountains and the ocean around them for thousands of years. Many of the palaces served as ”holiday cottages” for several royal families during centuries. The most recognizable ones stand on top of the mountains,” of the moons” they used to call them in the ancient times and worth of every step you take uphill. The Palació de Pena used to be a monastery dating from Middle Ages and is today one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal and UNESCO World Heritage Site. The transformation from a monastery into this colorful candy palace took place in 19th century by Prince Ferdinand. The castle has been forgotten and abandoned in between the centuries as impossible as it sounds. How can someone forget something so colorful, stands on top of the mountain and can be seen as far from Lisbon in a clear weather! The last Queen of Portugal spent her last night in the country in this very palace. Since Portugal turned into a republic the castle has been serving the public as a museum. Architecturally the palace has wide range of styles in it and can be divided into four sections which all enlighten its historical past.

Palació de Pena

Castle of Moors which no one quite knows where it started. Dating somewhat from the 8th and 9th centuries from the Muslim era, it is part of Sintra national landscape and UNESCO World Heritage Site. The original idea of it was to protect the capital as the country. It holds the best views I’ve seen in Portugal so far. Some people don’t appreciate it cause it’s just ”the walls” but it’s great to take steps somewhere as this historical and pass all the flags of Portugal that have represented the nation during 900 years.

There are bus connections up there you know. Or you can take a taxi or tuktuk of course. Or do it like I do walk all the way up and down and die pretty much after the 5 hour adventure. Or I might have been just out of shape since we’re not exactly talking about Mont Blanc or Everest here just a few hundreds of meters going uphill. If you happen to be in Lisbon in the summer don’t miss the chance to visit Sintra. But if you can, wait since you’ll be making the experience so much more pleasant with less tourists during the winter season.

Some of my favourite houses found on my way up to the mountain

The reputation as a fairytale is highlighted by the forests and gardens around these two castles. Take an hour or two while getting lost in them. They also offer a cool shade during a hot day. Sintra holds more castles also but I haven’t visited them yet so don’t bother to write about something I haven’t experienced myself. Sintra’s small town is also an UNESCO World Heritage Site but didn’t think much of it. Except that it’s super small. Along the streets and in the parks folks sell all sorts local products. Some would say they’re touristic junk but I definitely refer them as worth stopping for!

In case you’re not into the enchanted castles you can always hop on the bus to the most Western point of Europe Capo da Roca. The bus ride for an 1 hour was quite nice driving along the small Portuguese roads through small villages. The actual spot which stands as the westernmost point is quite small but there seems be to a lovely looking natural park surrounding it. Didn’t fancy much of a taking a stroll on a super windy winter day so that’s yet to be discovered. But for someone who comes from a country with lakes and as flat as Finland – the rocks and that gigantic ocean was a powerful view. Knowing that the next spot of dry land is thousands of miles away. It was a place to be experienced with all senses: feel the strong wind coming from the ocean, hear the powerful noise of the waives rushing to hit the rocks and see all of that with your own eyes.

Part Deux: Another round of shots taken by me all over Helsinki. Obsessed with the waterfront, blackandwhite (they always look better, don’t they?) and flowers or any kind of hay. Got caught up by the storm, sunshine, following the duck and the lovely colours of autumn. And yes, filters used. One of these days I’ll get better at this and have courage to post my pics without them.

My positive review of ESC 2018

It’s been two weeks since the Eurovision 2018 Grand Final and I’ve been trying to cope with my PED (Post Eurovision Depression) and not only processing the results but also my very first experience in Eurovision. Here comes the positive part! The negative one will follow later..

First of all it was just amazing to be there in the same space where the actual magic happens, see what goes on at the stage during the postcards etc. The stage was gorgeous! For sure it is one hell of a big thing to cross on my “things to do before I die” check list. 

I also enjoyed tremendously watching every day how the event was built in front of where I work. The hype was all around and I was super glad and proud to be part of that. Loudly as my friends witnessed (sorry!).

Besides of my favorites I always hope for a diversed Final show with different genres, songs and performers. This year we had plenty and was super glad to see Slovenia (rap), Estonia (opera), Hungary (heavy metal) and Netherlands (rock country) going through even though not all of these were my top 10 favorites. 

I was so happy and relieved to see Denmark, Albania, Serbia, Finland and Lithuania qualifying! I was worried for all of them! Especially Albania’s success in the Final also was great thing to watch! Eugent is such an amazing singer and the song was soooo good! 

About Finland. Finnish media has done its traditional dance around Eurovision “coulda-woulda-shoulda” after the event and putting down the artist, the song, the entire process. But there were 43 countries taking part this year which we left quite many behind! Okay fine, the points were lower than what expected but our song and performed was loved by Eurovision community. I felt that love and I’m sure Saara felt it too. Besides we were in the freaking Final which we haven’t been for FOUR YEARS! She did a good job and we had a great song. Unfortunately this year’s competition was full of good songs! Someone has to go down. 

Also Italy was big fan favourite in the Final - the hype around the song wasn’t as strong as with France and Bulgaria for example so I did not expect fans to embrace the song the way they did. Especially after those jury votes...The guys had a good spot though performing last. With Denmark it was also the same thing! Televotes made the day! 

My ultimate favorite from Semifinal II Romania didn’t qualify but it improved a lot during the rehearsals and I saw many people changing their minds about the song! I will be listening to this song for a long time! 

Germany spoke to me this year! The song made me cry. And obviously I wasn’t the only. People reacted and this was the best result for Germany for many years. And totally deserved! 

We Finns often envy Swedes and make fun of them and especially in Eurovision. And I’m so sorry for putting this to my list of positive things in ESC but....Swedish entry wasn’t clearly the best track but it was still well produced and slick Swedish quality which I did expect to please the viewers. Also their performance, lights and visuals were memorable - even though maybe not as memorable as the juries thought across EU. However what a shocker that SWEDEN GOT LESS TELEVOTES THAN FINLAND! This is historical! Audience dropped them hard! 

As Israel kept on climbing towards the top Cyprus was getting its strength. The hype around Fuego was unexpected and sudden. However I was glad to see someone being strong enough to challenge Netta - it was beginning to be to obvious. Eleni did a grand job and her performance was perfect! Toy however did carry an important message and stands out pretty much anything else we’ve ever seen on ESC before. The right one won.