A Month Ago Did A Day Trip To Berlengas Islands, 10-15km Off Portuguese Coast And The City Of Peniche

Welcome

Even though it’s still early days of my life in Portugal - here’s a ”quick” update about my first 9 days in Lisbon! Tons of things I’m still missing, practical things like having a local bank account or a phone number and obviously the city, the country within its culture and language haven’t still quite opened for me yet.

Back in Finland I did manage to squeeze the last 30 years of my life into two luggage (apart from a few bags of clothes and dvd’s and cd’s which my mom took in) and get rid of everything else that didn’t fit in. People wondering how do you do that, but it is literally like peeling an onion. Prioritizing. One layer at the time. And yes it can make you even cry – or at least sad. Not everything you want or even need does fit in. Farewells  were as expected but it was comforted by the thought in my head that leaving Finland felt still very natural and necessary thing to do. I was on the right track. 

(Not all in that pile ended up coming with me)

My first down side came along already back at home when I was trying to get a travel insurance (or any insurance) which no finnish insurance company will provide me cause I don’t have a permanent address there anymore and I’m moving permanently out of the country. So I went on as insuranceless and hoped that all my stuff, all 56 kg of it would arrive safely in Lisbon with me. Luckily no problems there. I’m covered in health issues by my employer but not sure if I can get some insurance for my stuff from a portuguese insurance companies. Still working on that one. 

In my new employer’s support package for foreign employees included a pick up from the airport which was super handy since I didn’t know where I was gonna live (the flat was also provided by Teleperformance). And the guy picking me up wasn’t part of any international human trafficking as mom was so afraid. Positive things, you know. No, he was very friendly and professional.

But to be honest - I was super relieved that the company I applied EXISTS and everything was what they said it would be. Because when you agree online to something - you never know. But everything went fine and I didn’t become one of those horror stories you hear out there. 

(My new home - My room, the two pics, the messy ones above in the left)

The neighborhood gave me first a chill and not in positive sense of the word. It didn’t exactly wow me even though I wasn’t expecting any Ritz – I do pay only a few hundreds of euros monthly. The flat was nice though. A lot of light. There are 3 other people, at the moment all girls (2 from Austria, 1 French). Not super close with them but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. However they’re friendly and helpful. 

In a nutshell there are washing machines (dishes, laundry + tumble dryer), one broken coffee maker (working on that), freezer (ice cream), two bathrooms, no balcony. And basically I have the other bathroom for my use only – a bit confused about why that is but apparently it has something to do with the locations of the rooms I guess (not complaining). Down sides.. we could have more kitchen wear, I CANNOT ACCOMMODATE ANYONE and it could be tidier here... but oh well it’s a start. I can look for something else if I get super irritated. Oh and we have a cleaning lady coming in once a week but she doesn’t touch the rooms naturally. And yes still people can’t mind their own messes! Apart from once locking myself outside of the flat even with a key (don’t ask me) there haven’t been any difficulties.

(Not my photo - I live 10min to the left from this traffic circle) 

But the location is really good. I guess I live somewhat in the Areeiro neighborhood. Feels safe. Lots of people with children, old couples.. Not a party district clearly. 10min away from the metro, train stations. Bus stops, pharmacy, groceries are right in front of my house. In the next block there are cafes, gym, more grocery stores, banks, hotels, restaurants… Airport is super close also. Not prettiest neighborhood in the city but living here – it works!

About the work. Well haven’t started that one yet properly. I’m having four weeks of training with 4 other Finns. It’s been confusing, interesting, cool, difficult, horrifying, fun and the list goes on… Tons of things to learn! But overall so far so good! I do feel like I’m at the right place and this is what I wanna do!

The city itself! Haven’t had much chance to discover it yet. Just the weekends basically. And there are so much to see here! I wonder what kept me away before. The city doesn’t exactly have that one, clear, symbolic sight which the people recognize the destination for but to be honest Lisbon doesn’t need one cause the entire city with its warm atmosphere and relaxed spirit is a landmark itself. It does remind me of Rome (old), Barcelona (green areas, palm trees, mediterranean atmosphere) or Québec City (stairs, hills). This is a perfect city just to get lost. Narrow old streets with tons of colours and details. Hundreds of hills and stairs make sure that wondering around here will go for a work out. People are friendly. They might not always speak English but they understand it pretty well. Super handy when you don’t speak a word of Portuguese! But I have managed with the help of my knowledge in Spanish, French, Italian and English – which ever language you manage to find the word the other person understands. I have a feeling I’m gonna be here for a while. 

The weather hasn’t been that bad as I expected. And yes by bad I mean HOT. I’m afraid of melting, you see. There were some +30 degree days but the there’s always such a strong wind in Lisboa that makes it feel cooler and then when it’s actually +20 it has a tendency to feel actually cold. 

When moving abroad what helps and has helped me tremendously in the past is to have someone at the destination. In Spain I had my future room mate getting me started with things. In Montréal and here in Lisbon I had a friend (THANK YOU!!) – and they were huge help when you just don’t have a clue about anything and for a brief moment you can just trust someone else to take the lead or you’ll always have someone to turn to. 

In general during this week  there have been ups and downs. I have LOVED and then I have just HATED living in Lisbon and Portugal. Strong emotions indeed. And so damn small things but very every day like! If I’ve learnt anything at all during these 9 days is patience! Not the thing itself but basically just that you should have it. I clearly don’t. I knew this and I was reminded of it but still somehow I was surprised. 

Always prepare yourself to have time and effort to have a second or third round of doing things before successfully finishing them. Especially if they are official ones. Forget customer service. Forget doing things online. And like I said in the beginning I haven’t even got myself a phone number or bank account yet. But like they say, no country was made to feel foreigners comfortable. I have definitely been feeling uncomfortable. But so did I in Québec and Spain. This is all part of the fun, the things you’ll be laughing about in a year. In the end things have a way of working out. You’ll find your way. You’ll learn how things work. You’ll adapt. You’ll have a different attitude. And that’s what I’ll be doing. 

They say that Olaias is the most beautiful metro station in Lisbon and even one of the most outstanding ones in the world!

Tomorrow Lisboa! 

Praça do Comércio

by:  fbosch

I don't take anything for granted what I have

So Halloween came and went. Even though the celebrations somewhat exist in Europe too but obviously everything was bigger here. Didn’t have any trick or treat-kids at my door though. I didin’t spend much time, effort or money on my costume either..I just bought these cat ears which looked more like devil ears because of their red colour. But I had a good  time. We carved some pumpkins with my roomies and on an actual Halloween evening I headed to a couchsurfing event. So now we can all focus on the waiting process of Christmas. The stores are packed with Christmas stuff already.

My roomies have been changing quite a bit. Still very French but now I’m like one of the longest living residents here with this other French girl. But things are okay with them. Well, cleaning is a bit of a problem or that there isn’t any happening at the moment. But surprisingly the guys have been more active with the household stuff than the girls. They take the garbage out, buy toilet paper and switch the dishwasher program on when it’s full. With the girls it doesn’t seem to be that simple. Apart from me of course :)

Also I went to this Québec Firemen Calendar launching event-thingie with a lovely group of ladies from meetup.com. Somewhat a week ago. It was a good show. Obviously. It’s one the rare occasions where the hot men take (some of) their clothing off voluntarily and we ladies and a few gay guys get to do the drooling this time. And all for charity of course! Pics which aren't mine probably speak better for themselves.

(Photos by Helen)

But it is the thing what happened after that! Didn’t go home with one of the firemen. Unfortunately. But on my way home, on my way to the subway, this hockey fan jumped or fell at me in the escalator. Don't know cause I didn’t see or hear him before he hit me and we were rolling down the escalator. And he came really hard!  I was really lucky, physically I just hurt my knee but mentally I’ll be watching my back in the future everytime I’m walking down the stairs.

Have to give credit though, to the few people that were there when it happened. They took action really quickly. By the time I had rolled down someone had already pushed the emergency stop-button of the escalator. People helped me up and were genuinly concerned if I was okay or if I had hit my head or anything. I got pretty scared. It happened so quickly and sudden..that guy just came out of nowhere! I just wanted to get out of there and home. I didn’t even think of getting that guy’s name in case I had a serious injury or something which I luckily didn’t but anyway. All I remember from that guy was that he seemed like he was drunk and that he was wearing a Montreal Canadiens shirt. He was just sitting there on the stair. No apology, no “are you allright”, no nothing. He didn’t even look at me.  

Me knee and leg is still a bit black but otherwise it healed on its own.  In the beginning I was quite concerned cause I couldn’t walk properly. I did find out about the health services near by if it had needed real medical attention which my travel insurance would have covered. Like I said, I was REALLY lucky.

And if any of my family members happen read this, please DO NOT MENTION ABOUT THIS TO MY MOM cause I haven’t told her and not going to. (Good thing she doesn't speak English.) I’m saving the energy of both of us cause she’s just gonna freak out and think Canada is like the States, as dangerous or something which is so not the case. This is really rare. Even I can say that. I’ve been taking the subway almost every day in all hours of the day, ever since I arrived here (which is already three months ago) And NOTHING has ever happened to me before. It’s not like that guy tried to kill me or anything.. I’m just gonna avoid the hockey fans from now on. Especially in that particular subway station. No worries.

(Old port)

With all of this excitement, haven’t found anything replacing for the hostel job yet. I have a few ideas though where to look for. It’s a big city so it’s not like I’m running out of options or anything. New things come up all the time. 

Otherwise not much new. I’m still loving MTL and can’t wait to see it being decorated for the Christmas season. It’s getting quite cold. We’re now around 0°C at the moment. I’m looking forward having snow already! 

I'll let the time tell me..

Hey all..

Still unemployed, I’m afraid. Never been this eager (read: desperate) to find a job. Totally new experience, this one.  For me having a job is so much more than just a source of income. Going to work has always been a very social thing as well. It gives some sort of meaning and structure in your life.

I guess it’s hard for the local employers to understand that I can really work for free during my practical training thanks to the Finnish social insurance and despite the fact that I study management at the university level, the ordinary customer service work is really what I wanna do at the moment. If it’s -my far from perfect- French – no one has said it out loud yet. Not sure if I’ve been looking for the right places though. Have widened my search and looked for jobs outside of MTL as well though leaving this city is the last thing I wanna do. Though in a way it’s interesting and exciting to see where I’ll end up.

(from this exhibition: http://www.mosaiculturesinternationales.ca/en/ )

Summer has ended and besides the weather you can see the season’s change in the streets of Montreal. Don’t mind really. Fall has always been one of my favourite times of the year. In here it’s especially beautiful with all the maple trees.. I do love to live in this city and even though it didn't work out in the end and I’d have to leave I try to celebrate every moment I get to spend here. I’m so lucky.

Also I’ve lived in my new room for a week now. I’m so loving it! I mean how happy can you be for having one simple window! The window itself looks quite dirty and the scenery ain’t impressive but having that fresh breeze.. :D

(my new room, messy I know but otherwise it wouldn't be mine)

Otherwise not much new with me. My days are filled with the job hunt, going to the gym, some school stuff and new friends. Met my first Finnish person here btw! Worth mentioning for! Though I’m perfectly comfortable speaking in English and it’s not like I miss home or anything but I gotta admit that speaking in your own language is quite a luxury when you’re being this far away from home. 

(my new room - look at all that space!)

UMK 2023 song review - Keira

The hype is very real around Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu (UMK), the Finnish national selection for Eurovision and the race to Liverpool kicked off with a banger! 

Keira - No Business on the Dancefloor 

The 18-year-old Keira became known to Finnish audience in Voice of Finland where she did fairly well becoming third on the final last year. Since then while waiting and searching for her momentum UMK came up in the discussions quite early on but finding “her hit song” took its time. 

This is her first single and what a hit indeed it has become! Currently it’s in top 10 most listened tracks in Finland on Spotify and on Youtube it’s the second most watched UMK23 clip with over 440 000 views! But as we saw last year becoming a hit song is not enough to win the ticket to ESC! 

No Business on the Dancefloor was written actually by Finnish ESC representative from 2011 Axel “Oskar Paradise” Ehnström  (can you believe it?). The Finns will probably also recognize the other songwriter Teemu Brunila (Jenni Vartiainen, Anna Abreu) and how the song definitely has some familiar Brunila vibes. 

Keira herself tells her song that she wants people to liberate their “inner party animals”. I’m not quite sure if it manages to do that but this still ticks all the right boxes for a catchy dance entry and it’s completely stage and Eurovision ready. Well done UMK and Finland! 

Some compare her to Rihanna - I can recognize some resemblence there also. Vocally this is a safe effort, they could have gone further with her vocal range but maybe she will surprise us in the live show of UMK on February 25th? 

Track like, this is strong. The beat is memorable, the flute gives an ethnic vibe to it and sets the song apart from other dance tracks of UMK. Lyrics are cheeky and full of pop references which some find them corny but for me they add personality instead. However, would I have added some volume, some power to this - yes I would and I’m really hoping the live performance gives to it its much needed extra spice! 

What do you think of the first UMK23 track and would you vote this to go all the way to Liverpool? UMK final takes place on February 25th! 

Tallinn in black and white..

It's not good-bye..

So I left Finland a week ago. (sorry about the delay btw.) And to be honest I thought that the leaving part would all be a routine thing by now since this is my third time I’m leaving for abroad to do more than just a holiday trip. I thought wrong. Yeah everybody cried and I cried – mainly because you lot did! But not for a moment I did regret of going.

I’ve never seen my parents so sad and worried though. And I did feel especially sad about leaving them behind.

In the middle of all the packing and leaving I was extremely grateful for the friends and family I have, who support me with this emotionally and financially.. after all. They may not understand why but they’re still standing by my side when I decide to do these grazy things of mine.

(Iceland)

About the trip itself. I guess everyone’s heard a bit of a bump on the road I had in Boston.

First of all I missed my connection flight to Toronto cause it took me forever to get through the customs (not with the actual authority thing but the standing in the lines thing) and I had only two hours for changing the terminal and the flight. And then I lost my other suitcase which I’m really sad about cause it had all my normal, everyday clothes. You cannot believe how difficult it is to force yourself to shopping!

And my Finnish flag was there! My Laura Pausini t-shirts were there! So much stuff I would have needed now. And also the bag itself! It was so good, ”Eastpak” it was and it was so practical, lighter and everything. And besides the the wheels in my pink luggage stopped working and…I do have to admit that at one point, I did think that I must be a madwoman for doing this Canada project of mine. But oh well, shit happens.. next time I definetely know better!!  This is all part of the fun eh?

(My grey and lost luggage and with that also my carrot body cream, my canadian guides and my last supper at work - french fries and goat cheese with devil's jam) 

Everything else went just fine no problems whatsoever, all the security thingies, dealing with the immigration office in Canada. And financially I didn’t loose a penny with all of this mess, the airline(s) paid the accommodation at the Hilton Hotel in Boston (I only slept there three hours but gotta brag right) and the new flight to Toronto. And everybody in Boston and in Toronto were really helpful and friendly all the time so can’t complain about that.  At least I’m safe and sound in Canada :) 

(The first time I saw Canada!) 

More! 

Last weekend Lux, the light festival in Helsinki