"A Friend Is Like That". Happy Valentine's Day Everybody! :)

TIPS for Lisbon

After living in Lisbon, Portugal for 8 months now - people refer to me as local. Which is cool and it’s nice that people see me as this way though I don’t feel local just yet. Mostly probably due to my problems while speaking in Portuguese. Here are some things I think are useful to consider before entering the country for an holiday or for a more permanent stay. The list could be continued on and on but managed to narrow it down to these facts. 

HIGH HEELS

Have probably heard of it but the city is covered with cobblestones and not very well if I may say so. They’re also slippery especially when it rains. If you’re all about the heels I’d recommend wedge shoes or heel that is thick and gives support. Wearing flats is still the best option though.

PORTUGUESE AREN’T SPANISH

Portuguese are introverts. So they won’t come and chat up with you like their social neighbours across the boarder. They will help, they are interested but usually it demans reaching out - from you. Especially in Lisbon people are more reserved than elsewhere in the country I hear. Folks are also very good English speakers here so don’t worry about not knowing enough of Portuguese. Even though making an effort in people’s native is always recommendable.

The difference between Spanish and Portuguese goes also for the language and culture in general. Don’t expect things to be identical despite of the large number of things being quite similar.

PORTUGAL ISN’T JUST SUNSHINE

Lisbon and Portugal does stand on the edge of Europe, next to the Atlantic that brings winds, cold ones and rains. Winter days may be +10 degrees but the nights get low as +2 or even lower. And the houses aren’t heated. So trust me it’s chilly. Also spring time March-April is supposed to be rainy though temperatures are up.

Not my pic! (Moomin)

DON’T PAY TO SEE THE CITY VIEW

The city has great miradouras, lookouts where you can admire the city view towards the river, see the famous churches, castle and landmarks. Enjoy the sunset and have a drink without paying the entry fees. The elevator of Santa Justa, the arch of Rua Augusta and the castle are nice to visit once or perhaps even twice but I prefer the the miradouras which are also the locals favorite.

EMBRACE THE HISTORY

Since Lisbon is the second oldest capital in Europe after Athens make an effort to know the main events in time that made Lisbon the city as we see today. Portugal as a country has a long, proud but not easy history for anyone who’s more interested.

GET LOST

There’s no better city to get lost in but Lisbon. Especially Alfama, the old part and Bairro Alto – the party district which opens up totally different way during day light. Take the most narrow street, celebrate the richness of details and colours around you. Go slowly and pay attention as many cool bars and cafes have no signs outside so these are the spots that only locals know about!

PASTEL DE NATA

The original pastry being almost 200 years old from the district of Bélem where the monks at the Jéronimos Monastery started the whole thing just to get their leftover eggyolks for use. In 1834 the recipe was sold to a local bakery which still exists today in the same spot. Only five men know the secret recipe and they never travel together in case of accidents etc so that there will always be someone to carry on the legacy and tradition.

Traditionally served hot from the oven and with sugar and cinnamon - you can buy them from almost every grocery store and bakery but the number one spot is still and will always be at Bélem. And trust me, they have earned their reputation. Make a stop while sightseeing and don’t be scared of the lines outside since they do have a quick service! If the trip to Bélem is too difficult to squeeze in, Manteigaria at Bairro Alto is the next best thing!

USE THE TRAMS

The old ones which you cannot find anymore in every city. They don’t go as far hop-and-off busses or tuk-tuks but within a normal ticket price you cover the classic Lisbon streets, plenty of sights and save your legs from walking. It’s not completely touristic because the locals still use them as normal transportation to get to work and about!

DON’T STAY IN THE CENTRE

In my opinion Lisbon does not have city center. The biggest shopping mall, sights and services exist different parts of the town. Touristic center can be narrowed down to Alfama, Baixa and Bairro Alto districts. But there are plenty of hotels, restaurants, museums and sights outside of these areas so no need to get stuck in downtown! Lisbon is totally walkable also and has tram, metro, local train and bus systems to make moving around easy.

LISBON HAS A BOHEMIAN SOUL

If you bother to get to know Lisbon culture and history at all you’ll probably notice that every street, square and statue are not named after politicians but famous artists who made an impact. Some kings and famous historical figures might make an exception here though. This fact is highlighted by the street art, the status of fado music and music in general in here, the diversity of the buildings and local enterprises. Clearly there’s so much space to creativity here! Not everything works as it should and if they do it’s usually with the slow motion I’ve been talking about but there’s an irresistible charm in the local lifestyle.

3 X

While living in Lisboa I’ve been reading this blog called ”Visual Diary” written by Finnish woman living in Lisboa. She writes about design, finnish and international but most of all life in Lisboa. She has nice pics and good point of views, tips about the city. And since I’m lacking inspiration and activity here copied this 3 x idea from one of her posts.

3x HAPPINESS

1.       My job.

2.       New WORKING bank account

3.       New friend(s)

I’ve been rolling in this cicle of negativity lately so here come the positive topics! Nevermind how depressive and hit down I get at the end of the day I’m always happy that I do what I do. It ain’t perfect and it has its down sides but I like the things that I work with and people I work with. Besides I have a new bank account, it’s portuguese and it works! No more need to transfer my money to my finnish account to have access to my funds. I’m also slowly starting to feel like having friends here. People who know this takes time. Good friends. Nice friends.

3x FEARS

1.       My parents dying

2.       Failure

3.       Addiction

And we move on straight to the other end. These are top 3 fears. The number one is obviously inevitable and realistic one. They are my only family and reason why I’d even go home in these days. And they have been good for me, been there for me when I’ve needed. Number two has clearly happened multiple times but still it’s one of the things I keep avoiding and fearing the most. Awful every time. Aaaaand I’ve had my share of alcohol and nicotine used by other people in my life so I hope never to be in a situation controlled by substances.

3X ARTISTS

1.       Laura Pausini

2.       Melanie C

3.       Gianna Nannini / Céline Dion

Gianna Nannini - Fenomenale 2017. 

I love music! I don’t know how to play it or sing it or anything else but boy do I love to listen. These are my favourites, some I’ve mentioned before here in my blog. Discover them if you already haven’t and don’t let prejudices control your mind too much.

3X LISBOA LOVES

1.       Colours/details

2.       Coffee shops everywhere

3.       Glasses and fanny bags

It would take a lifetime to discover all the details that are all over in this city… in the walls of the buildings inside and out. The windows, door and balconies. Equally interesting are the people who live here. Everything is rich in colours and shapes. Never have I ever seen a city filled with so many coffee shops. Besides of actual cafeterias – almost every book store and even car repair shop have a coffee maker and table for you to enjoy your afternoon espresso!

3X EXPERIENCES

1.       Montréal

2.       Meeting LP

3.       Spain

When I was kid I used to go through the geography books at the local library and read every sentence they said about the French speaking Canada. Château Frontenac was a sanctuary and I was a pilgrim making my way to Québec. Even after three years after my MTL experience I think of it as my proudest moment, biggest achievement and happiest time of my life to have been living there. Meeting Laura Pausini, was not part of the plan. I used to listen to her songs, over and over again. But she was distant, it took me years to have courage enough join her official Fan Club and even longer to attend her concert. Now after 23 years of being a fan I’ve met three times, who knew! Spain was unexpected factor also where I ended by a sudden, impulsive, random chain of events. Twice. In the most distinctive areas of the country that gave me life long friends and experiences.

Montréal, the best place on earth. 

3X FINLAND LOVES

1.       Ice cream

2.       Lakes

3.       Sauna

Here are the things that I adore in my country and that I always miss when I’m abroad. The most important obviosly there at number one. Finland is so under estimated as an ice cream destination. We do consume it almost the most in the world, you know! And coffee! Finland is obviously a summer destination with lakes and sauna on the list even though they’re great in the winter time also. But nothing is better than swimming in a finnish lake. The best sauna is at my god parents summer place.

Lahti, my hometown and lake Vesijärvi. 

3X HOBBIES

1.       Music

2.       Photography

3.       Gym

Music subject has been covered up there so let’s move to the photography. I’m not an arty person but I’m fascinated by the world through the lense. You can capture the big scene or focus on the small part of it. Afterwards change colours or bring out the shades to process what I’ve seen and maybe help people to see the beauty in ordinary things around us. Physical exercise is often seen quite shallow thing to do but for me it’s almost the same thing as sitting at a therapist couch. You go through things. You challenge yourself. And most of the times you return lighter home. Emotionally lighter for sure. 

Laura Pausini.

Here’s the Visual Diary blog for any Finnish speaking people who’re interested: http://www.lily.fi/blogit/visual-diary

Helsinki in December 2015.

Eurovision 2017 favourites part I

42 countries take part this year’s competition which is held in Ukraine in less than 2 weeks. Feeling super excited but also sorry for the politics involved into whether Russia’s participation because I’d still prefer Eurovision to be poltics-free and let the world be about music and a good song for a few nights once a year. 

Finland is participating with Blackbird by Norma John. This year I’ve found a lot of ballads, big, dramatic, emotional and intense ones but also up-beat tracks that some have 70’s-80’s kind of sound.  Also 90’s disco tunes are present as mid-tempo, radio friendly tracks. Not many rock songs, apart from the host country Ukraine but some very dark, deep, even depressing songs which have interesting sounds. 

About 20 some countries will qualify to the final which will take place in May 13th and these are the countries I’d hope to see in there! They’re not in preference order. 

I’m also aware that how these opinions aren’t my final ones cause anything can happen in the actual competition. And I’m changing my mind all the time. Some do better than others nevermind who’s your favourite.

1. HUNGARY

One of the rare countries that doesn’t sing in English and folklore songs in the competition this year! I love the rhythm and even the rap part blends well which I don’t usually like. Also I find the song and its sound organic and kind of eastern, traditional but unique. Credits for that! Stands out from the rest of the crowd.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2stjsoO0NfM&list=PLsTa5HSM8gbFNBl2v0F2t0DmeCCdObZJt&index=1

2. MONTENEGRO

Best party/dance tracks in the competition this year! Catchy! Disco!  I love the energy in this one. The sound reminds me of the 90’s. For a change the men are half naked instead of the women.

3. NORWAY

Nice sound! Electro-pop track with catchy sound which is still danceable. Fun, carefree and optimistic! I like the dj being a major part of the performance also. It’s not as athmospheric and emotional as the passed norwegian entries but I like it anyhow.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPp37uz8vUs&list=PLsTa5HSM8gbFNBl2v0F2t0DmeCCdObZJt&index=3

4. ICELAND

You either like this or then you don’t. It’s a bit weird, even cold but I think that’s part of the charm. Interesting and organic sound. I believe it gets better the more you listen but then in Eurovision it’s a bit risky cause many hear these songs only once or twice. Looking forward to the live performance and staging. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dp3apBsLjvk&list=PLsTa5HSM8gbFNBl2v0F2t0DmeCCdObZJt&index=4

5. IRELAND

One would say that there’s nothing special about this ballad but there’s definitely nothing wrong either. Like a Westlife ballad really. Classic, almost a cliché but to me this represents the perfect ballad. Such a sweet song and a voice. There are many ballads this year but I find this as the best one. I hope he does well in Ukraine. Apparenty this should be amazing live!

6. CZECH REPUBLIC

Fragile jazz tune with appealing message and sound. It’s easy to relax and sink into your thoughts while listening to this. I like the singing not trying to reach the high notes but keeping it simple. And it works just fine as it is. Fresh among all these power ballads. I hope the live performance goes well and makes the song stand out even more.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BoLWemuLP_g&list=PLsTa5HSM8gbFNBl2v0F2t0DmeCCdObZJt&index=5

7. FRANCE

My first Eurovision love this year! So french! So charming! So feminine and light! I prefer the original French version (below) but I understand the reasons why they added the English lyrics. I truly hope she does well and I can imagine following her career what ever happens in Eurovision. Please do well Alma!

7. LATVIA

Nice disco beat. Edgy. I really like vocals and singing in this one. It doesn’t really rise as high as I would have hoped but it does have a nice even exotic sound. I find this kind of dance music popular this year also which is awesome!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFdSKiWyF_k&list=PLsTa5HSM8gbFNBl2v0F2t0DmeCCdObZJt&index=7

8. CROATIA

This song has many sides. It’s operatic, it’s pop, it’s in English, it’s in Italian. Loving the classical singing in this one bringing something different compared to other songs! Risky but it stands out! It’s a bit corny but so positive and uplifting! I hope people will appreciate this! 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dxy1Gy3nuGU&index=8&list=PLsTa5HSM8gbFNBl2v0F2t0DmeCCdObZJt

9. POLAND

Such a dark, strong tune. Even haunting atmosphere. There are quite a few of these in the competition this year. Well produced this one and perhaps the best one of the darker songs this year. 

10. BELGIUM

I don’t quite understand the popularity around this. It’s good and I love the electronic sounds but I guess it could rise a bit higher to the next level. Now it’s a bit laying low. But I liker her sound and I’m looking forward to the live performance!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xbomdE81_mA&index=10&list=PLsTa5HSM8gbFNBl2v0F2t0DmeCCdObZJt

11. SWEDEN

Great live performance! I love the creativity! Even thou it is from Sweden… One of the best dance songs this year. A hit song, no doubt about it. Playful, a bit flirtatious even.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jSrBdN4b5c&list=PLsTa5HSM8gbFNBl2v0F2t0DmeCCdObZJt&index=11

12. MALTA

Beautiful. Very classic power ballad. It could be a part of a movie soundtrack. The singer’s voice reminds me of Faith Hill.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bfoq7udRPwk&list=PLsTa5HSM8gbFNBl2v0F2t0DmeCCdObZJt&index=12

13. SWITZERLAND

Best of the mid-tempo tracks! A soaring pop song with a classic sound and singing. Typical but works really well. 

A month ago did a day trip to Berlengas Islands, 10-15km off Portuguese Coast and the city of Peniche (90km from Lisboa). Only one of them big enough to have a harbour is habitable. The paradise for sun bathing, scuba diving, seagulls.. There were tourists but it wasn’t covered with them which was super nice. The island has a hostel in the old fort but not so many proper restaurants. A small boat trip about the caves was super interesting. Such a paradise!  Took like 1000 photos in one day, here comes the first part. 

UMK 2024 Song Review - Jesse Markin

The hype is very real around Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu (UMK), the Finnish national selection for Eurovision and the race to Malmö continues with another entry!

Jesse Markin - Glow

Jesse Markin is one of the most promising upcoming Finnish indie artists who released his debut album Folk in 2019 and was widely awarded for it for example with an Emma (Finnish Grammy) as the best newcomer in 2020. He released his follow-up album Noir in 2021. Musically he would be categorized as a rap artist but his music is greatly influenced by other genres which shows also in his UMK 2024 entry.

He is one of the rare UMK artists taking a stand announcing that in case of winning UMK he would not go to Malmö if Israel participates ESC 2024.

Glow written partly in Finnish toilets but also in the streets of Ghana, is definitely something else. A fresh summer breeze in the middle of cold January - this is a song that no one expected to receive from Finland.

This ain't a simple track, instrumentally rich, would even call it noisy - a lot is going on in here. I hear reggaeton, afro-beats, hip hop / rap, electro / house well, smoothly produced urban sounds - musically this reminds me of Black Eyed Peas a bit. Chorus is memorable and uplifting with "you're gonna make it" where the verses tend to remain a bit flat.

The song doesn't have really a proper bridge and I don't think the rap section in the halfway of the song should be considered as such. And I don't think it's giving the correct energy here but this might be a personal preference. The track seems then a little long and repetitive. Visually this is on of the weakest of UMK video clips this year. Even though the lama is kind of cute!

However, there's a lot of love for this song out there. For those into this kind of genre, the track is an instant earworm but for others it has a risk of disappearing in the background as.. well background music. When speaking about views on YT and streams on Spotify Glow is losing in both lists for its competitors (being 7th and 6th). But Glow does serve a strong feel good vibe and I'm so glad it's here! It does bring light and different perspective to the 2024 UMK line up.

What do you think of the fourth UMK24 track and would you vote for Jesse Markin to go all the way to Malmö? UMK final takes place on February 10th!

Lisboa / Sintra before covid

Still got so much of Bologna memories! 

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!) 

Random moments 1) beach at Cascais 2) Seeing the show of Under the Stars at Carmo convent in Lisbon that goes through all phases founded at the end 14th century damaged badly in 18th century and being a touristic spot of today.