Lintje's LiveJournal

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Wed, 11 Oct 2006 21:39:18 GMT

Finland review!

Fri, 07 Jul 2006 12:24:33 GMT

I had actually planned to write this entry exactly one month after I'd got back from Finland, but I forgot. Blame the weather...
Anyway, 3 days late, but here it is!

See, you come back and well yeah, I was rather disappointed in some people I considered friends (past tense...) Out of sight, out of heart it seemed to be. "You have to keep us updated!!" "Okay I will." So I did. I send an email with info before I left, updated my LJ from time to time and well the people that aren't on my friendlist, but who I know have been following my LJ can be counted on 4 fingers. Mom, dad, grandma and Jojanneke. Those were the only ones letting me know they've been following my LJ (Sorry if I've forgotten about you, it's the heat ;)). The others couldn't be arsed to write me a message and therefore I couldn't really be arsed to contact them. Does everything has to come from my side? Or am I just to blind and weren't we even friends? Well anyway, we aren't now anymore, I am too tired of it! And there's plenty of other, friendly fish in the sea!

In general Finland has been great. It's been a wicked experience. A little tough from time to time, but mainly it was just fun and very interesting as well.
As I'd already had predicted I have easily passed this semester, but according to previous students it wasn't too hard and indeed it wasn't. Whatever you did, they thought it was very good anyway...
It was a tad disappointing that it took so long until spring. In the beginning of april I was fed up with the snow and actually halfway may the trees were getting green. Rather have a 1 month winter and flowers and green trees for the other 3 months. Oh, btw, in the snowy period it was pretty slippary outside, but I did not fall. How cool is that? :D
Helsinki was simply great to live in. It's the capital, but it doesn't feel like it at all! I wans't too pleased with the flat when I got to hear where it was, but it turned out to be the ideal location: 5 mins from the city centre, 7 mins from school, 4 mins walking from the trainstation, 4 supermarkets in the near area, swimming pool in 10 mins walking distance. Couldn't have asked for much more! The room was quite small, but certainly big enough for 4 monts. Even managed to sleep there with mom and dad, their lugagge and everything else that was in my room, so yeah, a lot does fit on 10m2!
And of course the public transport has been brilliant. So easy to travel without paying for your ticket. Shame we can't do that in NL :(
The trips we've made were all great! I've seen so many new places, I've taken soooo many pics (no less than 2388 *shock*) and they will always remind me of the wicked times. Russia still was sort of the uncivilised world, Tallinn was very pretty, though I woul have loved to have been there in summer, even prettier. Stockholm was beautiful and Lapland was fun.
I've met a whole lot of new people, though with most the contact was rather superficial. 'we stay in touch!' yet I've not recieved any email. Ah well, it's not the end of the world as I didn't even know those people very well. There's 2 girls I will try to stay in touch with as we were rather good friends. Would love to visit them in their home countries, but not this year *cough* money...

Tried to keep it short as I doubt you'll be interested in anything too long. So I guess this is it. The whole exchange period in Finland is over. I've got my list with grades, it's said we will still recieve an X-amount of euros from the Erasmus scholarshop (SOON please) and with that on my bankaccount it's officially over.
I still have the pics and the remembrances and I will cherish them as much as I cherish my other pics and remembrances :)

Now all I've got to do is find a job for the summer, but that's easier said than done *sigh* I am just too bored now...

Hope you've enjoyed reading about my Finland experience. I've certainly enjoyed keeping the few that were following my adventures updated from time to time.
Thanks to those of you who have been there for me when it was a little tough. Thanks mom and dad for coming to visit me. That's been one of the highlights. Was great to have you come over. Thanks to those for all of your support!

Kiitos paljon!

What a welcoming committee!!!

Mon, 05 Jun 2006 19:06:34 GMT

So yeah, left the apartment at 11.30AM and walked to the busstop. (btw, my keyboard at home sucks, so don't blame the messenger for the spelling errors... :S) Bus was on time and brought me to the airport. Checked in, only had 23 kgs of luggage to check in, how cool is that?! So yeah, obviously I did not have to pay and then went through the passport control.
Had to take my laptop out of my suitcase and out of the laptop bag, so all in all, after the passport control I had my hands full with an open suitcase, laptop + bag and 2 coats, wonderful...Packed again and sat down at the gate to listen to some music, read a book and take pics of planes. All at the same time, but I am a chick, I can do that ;)
Plane was there well on time and we could get in. Found myself a nice window seat and then heard the estimated flight time was 2h and 5 min. That's pretty quick. In the end we landed 15 mins ahead of schedule and then I had to wait for my suitcase. Already saw my dad standing and without having my mom in sight, I'd figured she'd be armed with a camera :S Heard my dad shout and so my expectations were confirmed :S
Sat down to have a drink and then drove back home.
At home the whole garde was full with stuff and a welcome home sign bla bla bla. Just glad I didn't get the whole entourage at the airport. I'd be deadly humiliated :S
And then my cat, he was scared of me! He ran away faster than light :'( But now he likes me again :D And he's biiiig! He's like a proper cat now :D

So yeah, well today my 'welcoming committee' arrived. You should know that I live in a pretty quiet street, only cars passing are form visitors and such, but all of a sudden there were a lot of cars and then more and more and more. We've had more in 15 mins than normally in 1 year! Dad went to have a look and then it struck me that an accident must have happend. So went out as well and indeed, quite a big accident had happend. A car and a motorbike were involved. The female driver of the car was in shock, but okay. The female passenger of the bike was brought to a nearby hospital but the ambulance crew was still working on the guy. You heard him moan in pain and well, I am not going to stand there all up close as a noisy person, but I couldn't see any blood, so from that point of view, his suit had protected him extremely good. Then the police asked us if a helicopter could land somewhere here and we told him that was possible. So waited for the helicopter to arrive and well, the guys were actually taking their time. The pilot stood next to us, talking about all sorts of stuff. He also wanted to know who the 'welcome home' sign was for and such, while the others in the chopper went to the street where the accident had happend. Walked back there again after some time and the guy was quiet now, guess they gave him something for the pain or so. He was brought to the helicopter and then it left to the hospital as well.
As it was said, at first his condition was critical, but they had managed to stabilize him before he'd went to the helicopter.
So yeah, that was my 'welcoming committee'. Normally small accidents happen on that street, that's ever so often, but I've never seen anything as big as this. I have never in my life seen a helicopter from that close, let alone a traumaheli (sp?). It was quite windy though when it arrived and left ;)
So went back and the investigation had started as of how it happend and then I heard the bike was not insured. Marvellous, you are nearly dead and your bike is not insured. How wonderful...

A few pics, nothing shocking as I didn't want to do that, we had a paparazzi already nearby :S are underneath the cut.

But well yeah, I am home again ;)

Not so long after the accident had happend. Apparantly the car wanted to turn, or go to the store on the right and she had not seen (or didn't pay attention) to other traffic

Helicopter arriving

Ambulance crew with guy coming into the street. Of course the street was closed by then for any other traffic

Guy into helicopter

leaving

Looking at how it happend

D-day

Sun, 04 Jun 2006 07:09:52 GMT

in other words: Departure day.

1.5 more hours and I will be on my way to the airport.
Feels a bit strange to say goodbye to the place I've called home for the last few months. It's also strange to go home. Dunno really what I want at the mo. I'd like to go home, but I wouldn't really mind to stay here as well... But yeah well, can't stay here anyway as there's a new tenant moving into my room today. And the weather sucks, but I don't think the weather in NL will be better.

Nah, guess I go home and if all goes well I'll be in Cologne at about 4PM and then there's the looooooooong journey home. So yeah, I'll be home some time in the evening...

Oh yeah I told you I'd bug you with suitcase shit right? Well there isn't any really because it all fits! *shock* except for this one blanket, but I am leaving that one here. So no ranting about that.

Next message will be from HOME, NL
Not HOME, Pasila...no HOME NL!

Cheers!

Last...

Fri, 02 Jun 2006 17:49:22 GMT

Last bunch of Finland pics online (from today)
Last time at school
Last time in the train without a valid ticket
Last time in the Spar
Last time in Helsinki
Last time at the white church
Last time in the shopping centers
Last time enjoying the mint/chocolate ice cream
Last time car spotting (Limo, Hummer H2 and Ferrari 360 Modena today)
Last time in the Lidl

*sigh* Last times ain't cool...

Goodbye...

Fri, 02 Jun 2006 10:18:58 GMT

The time has come for the goodbyes. Many people leave today and a few have already left, so yeah, that means it is really coming to an end.
Yesterday we went to Sara's party as she's leaving today and already said goodbye to quite a few people there as I doubt I will see them again before Sunday. But it was so strange, I am fully aware of the fact that I am going home in 2 days, but yet it was so strange to say goodbye to everyone. Made me realise it's really over...
Just half an hour ago, Lyssa and Marielle left and they had sooo much stuff with them. Sander and I walked them to the trainstation where they'd take a cap, while carrying part of their luggage as well. So that's the first 2 of my flatmates going back to NL. But this weekend 2 new peops will be moving in already, yup it is going fast here.

And then me on Sunday. Done with the school, will go to Helsinki in a bit to walk around, perhaps do some shopping and then head back home, to start with packing.

Oh and before I forget: Hyvää syntimapäivää Mia!!!

House clean and then this...

Wed, 31 May 2006 18:04:36 GMT

So yeah we cleaned the house on Tuesday as the final inspection would come on Wednesday. Well, everything went fine, we were busy and all that. Everyone did a good job, the house has never been that clean, not even when we got it (it does smell a bit like bleach, but hey, it's clean...) and then the final cleaning did not show up today!
So all in all, we cleaned for nothing. No clue when they will be here, but probably when it is a mess. Mari came by and she said something that the final cleaning wouldn't be there as we aren't leaving yet. Made me wonder when they will show up as we all live on different dates. Starting from the 2nd of June, till the 9th. And on the fourth, there will be 3 new tentants in the house, in the rooms of those that have left already. How will they do the final inspection then? :S

Anyway, went out for dinner that night as it was Marielle's birthday. We went to Collorado, a mexican restaurant and the food was pretty good :D

After that we went to the Bar Fly for the last time (well, me anyway...) and there was a massive queue waiting outside. Fortunately we spotted some other Dutchies in the queue and we joined them. The Finns do that all the time as well, so now we can too. It's all part of the integration process :D Anyway, got in, went to the toilet first and left after about 30 mins again as it was SO crowded. I didn't really like it, too crowded for me and well, you just stood there, doing nothing, so yeah, we Lyssa and I left and headed back home.

I've added 2 new pics. One of my view at the moment, that's a little different compared to a few months ago, innit? And one of yesterday's dinner.

Oh and before I forget, don't fcuk with some people on ebay, or you might see this about you as well!
http://www.amirtofangsazan.blogspot.com/

there, this'll probably be one of my last entries from Finland. It's only 4 more days now, of which I've got to spend 2 at school. After that the main concern will be about packing. Think I'll bug you with an entry about all my stuff and that incredibly small suitcase during the weekend ;)

Fireworks

Sat, 27 May 2006 17:58:55 GMT

Dunno why, but there's fireworks here. Can see some of it from my window. Bit of white and red lighty stuff, quite some noise, but there's actually a tree and a building in the way.

It could have been great, but I think they've forgotten about the fact that it takes at least 1.5 more hours before it's getting dark here. So there's no effect whatsoever...Clever...

Veni Vidi Vici LORDI!!

Fri, 26 May 2006 19:57:39 GMT

So yeah, I am back from Lordi. As mentioned in a previous post, they would perform in Helsinki, at the Market Square, for free, so we figured we should go as it could be fun.

A whole group of us, about 15 people went to the trainstation in Pasila and waited for the train to arrive. That drove pretty fast so we were like "stop!! stop!!!" and well, at the end of the trainstation it stopped, a few people got out and then it was shouted that the train was too full, no one could go in. Marvellous.
So we got back up and then the next train came at a different platform so we ran down there. Bloody full, but we managed to squeeze us all in.
5 mins later we arrived in Helsinki and the city was pretty full. Not as crowded as on Vappu, but we figured most of the people would be at the market square. Well indeed. CROWDED! Lyssa and I were shoven up front, really, we didn't even have to try to walk, we were just pushed forwards. In the end we stood about half way and decided to stay there, as there was a road next to us, meaning a quite easy way out. So, first there were a couple of bands (we arrived at about 8.30, left actually too late as the whole program started at 6, but Lordi was on at 9) and then Lordi came. The sound was baaaad, it was so hard to hear anything, in fact you could have a proper conversation with eachother...
So we decided to leave, they hadn't played Hardrock Hallelujah anyway and we didn't know how long it would take for them to do so.
And now we're back home. It was nice not to see them. Really, I couldn't see a thing! The screens were extremely small and I had either people or traffic signs in my way. So, tried to take some pics. They are crappy, but I've tried to make them a little more clear and made a cut-out out of the large pic. If I wouldn't have done that, you wouldn't have seen a thing :S

So, underneath the cut, without a copyright :D

Shortly after our arrival, the crowd

Pushed up front, more crowd

Some people have all the luck in the world *mutter*

Arrows to make it a little easier for you ;)

Yes, Finland's President, Mrs Tarja Halonen also showed up!

Hope you've enjoyed the few pics ;)

Lordi

Thu, 25 May 2006 14:00:58 GMT

hehe, If the weather will stay okay, I will go to see Lordi tomorrow.
They give a free concert in the Helsinki Harbour, so we have planned to go there and see what they are really like ;)

Eurovision

Sat, 20 May 2006 22:11:56 GMT

*snort* Finland won. Already speculated about their win with my 2 other flatmates. And we figured they'd have a pretty good chance to win. At least better than NL. They are already out before they are even in actually...nothing new there...

Finland has been away for years and now they win the Eurovision *snigger*

Haven't seen it btw, but there's a group of Finns in the neighbourhood watching. Their shouting got louder and louder and 10 mins ago I figured I should have a look if they were shouting so incredibly loud because they had won.

They had.

Hilarious!

Now don't make too much noise happy Finns. Drink another Vodka and then be too drunk to shout. I want to sleep now :D

Ehm...can anyone tell me who got 2nd and 3rd or do I have to check it myself tomorrow? ;)

Wow...great trip

Tue, 16 May 2006 09:06:30 GMT

EDIT: Pics online as well. Usual stuff: http://www.rp-originals.cjb.net

At first I wasn't really looking forward to spend 2x 17 hours on a boat, but it was pretty good.
Anyway, left the house at 2.30PM to go to the Sportsacademy to watch the start of the F1. Seen the first couple of laps and then rushed to the boat. We had to wait 9 mins for the tram to arrive, so we decided to walk and ended up to be at the terminal before the tram (wise choice). Recieved our ticket and walked onto the boat. We were on deck 5, right above the cardeck. Only shame was that we were somewhere in the middle, so we didn't have a window Left our stuff there to look for a TV. *yay* found one in the far end of the boat and watched the last 26 laps. Quite boring, stupid winner, so I am pretty glad I missed half of it as it wasn't too interesting I think. Just dunno what happend with Ralf and Juan :S
At 5 the boat left Helsinki and we stood outside to have a look at the town and whatever was coming on our way. We passed Suomenlinna as well and it was magnificent to see it from this angle, as it's so beautiful from the boat. We had to go to a very narrow waterway, the boat just fitted through it. During the time we spend outside it rained pretty much all the time, but from the 3 of us, I was the only one with an umbrella, so Rodrigue, Orsy and me hid underneath a VERY pink umbrella :D But in general the view was great. As it was also getting quite windy and me + umbrella were nearly blown of the deck, we went inside and sat down at a cosy place at the window to chat and laugh. We saw the sunset. And unlike when we got back from Tallinn the pics are a little better now. God...wonder why ;)
In the evening we went to a bar where it was nice. There were people dancing and there was a band playing. Music was not too loud and the music they played was pretty good. So yeah, I did amuse myself there :)
Went to bed at about 1, after passing totally wasted people. Yes, wherever you go by boat, the people drink like the earth will explode tomorrow...
Slept pretty well. Woke up a couple of times. First at 4.15 as it was pretty noisy in the boat. According to Mirka (or whatever her name is) it was storming outside. Well I was pretty sleepy, but a) we were in the middle of the ship b) the ship wasn't moving at all, like it would do in a storm and c) I couldn't really be arsed to tell her, as you expected that kind of stuff from a blonde, not a brunette! Went back to sleep and then woke up again because Mirka's phone went. Great...turn the bloody thing off when you go to bed!
Stood up sometime after and when to deck 12 again, to see if there was something to see. Oh hell yeah! We were sailing on sea, with land on both sides. It was truly magnificent. All green and biiiiiig houses there!
At the terminal there was no passportcontrol at all. Kinda strange, as there were also many russians on board. But perhaps they've have been checked in Russia and such. Dunno but anyway, we had to walk about 500m to go to the metro, which would bring us tot the citycentre. We first went to Slussen (or so) and then took the lift up to watch a few churches and enjoy the view on Stockholm. After that we went to Gamla Stan (Old town) and wandered around there for a bit. We were looking for the place where the change of guards would be and we couldn't find it, so I ended up asking a guard who told me it was about 50m away from where we were *sigh* Managed to stand on some kind of whatever so I stood above the people. Was pretty uncomfy, but a good spot for pics. It was just that the change lasted for over 40 mins and we got bored, so we left and I didn't feel my right knee anymore, because of sort of standing on there... Then did some souvenirshopping. Still needed a new tea mug as my dad broke my lovely Jos Verstappen tea mug. But now I've found a brilliant one! Just hope I'll get it back home in one piece... :S
We walked through the shopping street and ended up for a quick lunch at the Mac. We were in the street where the Subway was supposed to be, but that one was nowhere to be found... Then went to another church and then back to gamla stan. Went to another island to take a few pics of the view and then we had to rush back to the boat, as that one would leave at 5.
Back on the boat we first sat outside for a while, but as it was getting cold, we went inside and most of the others were asleep, but I couldn't be arsed to so I just read in the cabin and at about 8 we went to one of the window seats to watch the islands go by and the sun setting in the sea. Later that evening we again went to the dancebar and there was an absolutely wasted woman in there. She spend more time lying on the floor or falling of the stairs than dancing...And the saddest part was that her kids had to babysit her. Bad bad bad mother! But yeah, music wasn't very different as yesterday. To be precise, it was exactly the same, though the midnight show was different. The group performing was ehm...well...a little over the top from time to time and not that good, but it was nice amusement...After that we went to sleep.
Once again Mirka's phone went off *sigh*. Woke up the next morning and after I was finished packing I went again to deck 12 to notice we were already in Helsinki! The boat was coming closer to suomenlinna and I stood in the front of the boat, to see the buildings getting bigger and such. Went back in to get my stuff and to wait until we could go off the boat.

Stockholm is a very very pretty town. But just 6.5 hours there was too short, you need at least a full day. We've also been very fortunate with the weather as it was very sunny, with clouds appearing late in the afternoon. People always told me Stockholm was the nicer town than Helsinki, which I never really understood. I do understand now ;)

I took 285 pics (shock) of which a selection will be online...some day... :S

Disappointed

Sun, 14 May 2006 10:27:03 GMT

Well, it's been 2 weeks since by birthday and I am pretty disappointed in some people. Won't mention any names, as the people who were involved know who I mean...

No card, no sms, no call, no email, no nothing!

Friends, but even family. Out of sight, out of heart?
Have I been naive that I figured I'd recieve some kind message from those people, people I call friends?
People that perhaps weren't the friends I thought they were?

Same story, same old shit.

And with that I will leave you for a couple of days as I am off to stockholm. Or so to say Tukholma!

Rant 2

Wed, 10 May 2006 19:54:42 GMT

This time on Sander.
His friends are here.
I doubt I'll get some sleep tonight. Got to be up at 7.15, but at the mo the music is so loud and they are screaming even harder that it's no use for me to listen to my own music...

Will go to bed in a bit, ask them to be quiet as they aren't the only souls in the house and if they don't, well I might call the police as I want to sleep!

PS my earplugs won't help now...

*sigh*
Can't wait for the day they bugger off...

Better late than never

Mon, 08 May 2006 10:10:29 GMT

I've finally uploaded the pics of t he week my parents were here.

http://www.rp-originals.cjb.net

Hope you'll like them ;)

Reporter reporting for duty!

Sat, 06 May 2006 11:17:29 GMT

As said, I've been to Helsinki today.
First I want to draw your attention to the following:

Feb 4th

May 6th

Quite a difference eh?

Also, I've been to the place where the fire was last night and well, it was right next to the trainstation, so I could have gone there yesterday. Apparantly people started to have a party while watching the fire, as there was soooo many junk in the area around the building...

Anyway, 2 piccies:

With the amusementpark in the background

With the ehm...huge building in the background ;)

Helsinki on fire!!!

Sat, 06 May 2006 07:41:48 GMT

As mentioned yesterday, seeing a whole lot of smoke from my window, it was probably this:

http://www.hs.fi/kaupunki/artikkeli/Poliisi+ep%C3%A4ilee+makasiinien+paloa+tuhopoltoksi/1135219777792

So yeah, I go out when there's 4 firefighter trucks infront of my window and I can't find anything. I see a whole lot of smoke (I should have taken a pic of that) and I stay in, because the smoke can come from anywhere in Helsinki.

Well, I saw Helsinki Keskusta (or so) in the article, meaning it's in the city center. I could have found that (all I had to do was follow the curious peops ;))

I'll see what I can do today. Had planned to go to Helsinki anyway and then return to watch quali.

btw, thanks mom for the link ;)
I'll see if I can find something in English

Last couple of days...

Fri, 05 May 2006 17:59:10 GMT

First of all, don't you think my weather girl is wearing a fancy yellow dress? The weather here has been wonderful today! Sun...sun...sun and more sun! And the same goes for tomorrow. Think I'll go into Helsinki and then head back home to watch F1 quali.

Second, I think Helsinki is on fire at the mo as, when I look out of my window I see a whole lot of smoke. Tempted to go out and have a look, but it might well be a fire in the city centre, so I am not going...seems to be getting less, so it must be over soon.

3rd, the last couple of days with the parents.
We had rented a car for Tuesday and Wednesday and we got a fancy blue Ford Fiesta.
On Tueaday we headed to Tampere and had a stop in Hämeenlinna where we went to visit the castle. It had just opened that day and it was really quiet. Was a nice castle, but compared to Suomenlinna I thought this one didn't really look like a castle. More like a huge house.
After that we continued to Tampere where we went to visit the Sarkaniemi amusementpark first. There was a dolphinshow and I wanted to visit that. We got there fashionably late, but we still got to see quite a large part of the show. Strange to see how good those dolphins listen to their teachers. There's parents in the world having more trouble in raising kids ;)
At the end we went to the pool and the dolphins were still swimming in and out and one of the teachers joined us and whistled on her whistle and immediately one of the dolphins came and started to pose for us. He really seemed to enjoy it (and so did we ;))
Because it was still early in May, the attractions were closed, instead we went on to the tower, which is 132m high and from there you were supposed to have a magnificent view over the Tampere area. Well, it was even worse as in summer 2004 when we had baaaaaaaaad weather...still it was nice, because it was so quiet. That also resulted into us practically being able to park the car in front of the entrance, unlike in 2004 when we had to take a bus which brought us to the park.
After that we visited Tampere. We did some shopping there and I got the coolest sweater from my dad. It really rocks :D Also went looking for a bag as mine isn't the best anymore but I can't find a bag I like. Ehm, what did we do else there? The water thingy, dunno what it's called in English and ehm...guess that was it :S Oh, we ate a delicious ice cream! Mint with chocolate, delicious (just like Jens ;))

Oh on one of the mornings there was a squirrel outside and he was so not scared!! We could take pics and film him and he even started to show off. First he looked to my mom's camera and then to my dad's. That was cool :D

Wednesday we went to Porvoo. Last time I had been there it was -25 and snowy, now it was 30 degrees warmer and sunny. Big contrast eh?
Anyway, also here it was very quiet. And with very quiet I meand very quiet. You hardly could hear a soul. Just us and a few other people. Which was good as normally there are many tourists there. That's the advantage of going outside the season. Disavantage is that the town isn't as pretty then, because in summer there's the flowers and the trees, but now there was nothing :S Still it was a nice stay. Aslo bought the coolest top there. Already seen it in Helsinki, but it was 30 euros and I thought that was quite expensive. Tried it on in Porvoo and decided to buy it as it's really cool and I haven't done that much shopping here anyway... ;)
After that I got the brilliant idea of going to the beach. I had read in our book of Finland that there was one nearby. Well, we drove for hours and hours and hours, but never found a beach. There were supposed to be loooong sandy beaches. Well, you tell me where. I checked google for images and such and there were NONE! I think that place doesn't exist or so :S
Had to return the car to the rental company and then headed to Subway to eat a sandwich. Went into the Kamppi shopping centre, but we didn't buy anything there.

Thursday morning was reserved for packing. All of my winter stuff is home now and some other things I don't need anymore. About 8 kilos of stuff I've returned with my parents to NL, so I think I'll be able to fit everything that's still left here into my suitcase and take that home with me.

Oh, and I'll also be going to Stockholm next weekend. I'll spend more time on the boat than in sweden itself, but as it was only 30 euros I knew I'd regret it if I didn't go.

Vappu

Mon, 01 May 2006 18:15:37 GMT

Yesterday it was pre-vappu-party or something. As we've got Queensday in NL, Finland has Vappu and in general it's a student party where people get completely wasted.

Well anyone, we went to Helsinki with one of the crowded commuter trains and it was sooooo crowded in Helsinki. Sat down at the Esplanadi on a terrace enjoying the sun for a couple of hours (I got sunburned *yay*) Watched the cars go by and I've got to say, I've seen some fine vehicles ;)
Of course also done some people watching and they were dressed up as idiots, but perhaps that's normal. Don't really know the complete details of these 2 days as I wasn't really listening during Finnish class, but it's mainly a student party (and 'students' who've graduated 20 years ago :S) and the aim is to get as wasted as possible. They were also selling balloons and young AND old were walking with a balloon. That's something you don't see in NL at all!! It's for the kids...
After having enjoyed the sun we went down for a walk to the market square and also there it was crowded, then headed to the white church where it was crowded as well. We saw a bus with Japanese tourists and they'd already been taking pics practically before they had left the bus. Then they took some more pics and stood in strange positions to take the pics. Really, those people are quite hilarious :D
Walked to the Russian church and saw the Japanese again. Again all taking pics and such.
After that we went to the market square again as Vappu was officially opened by putting a white graduation hat on the head of the female statue. There were soooooo many people.
Had dinner after that at the Chinese restaurant (quite an Asian day today ;)) and it was pretty good food for an even better price!
After that we went home as it was said that Helsinki doesn't get any better in the evening when the people get totally wasted.
Went to bed and we were woken up in the middle of the night by my flatmates and a few friends who came back home from partying. It was Miriam's birthday so they started to sing happy birthday, which is fine, but after that in 2456 different languages and then the music was turned on (volume: discotheque) and then I told them people were trying to sleep here, so the volume went down, but they were still very very loud. I could understand Miriam wanted to do something with her birthday, which is fine. She wanted to have a dinner on May 1st, which is fine, but she cancelled that as she'd probs be too drunk to cook and so, but I do not appreciate the fact that they march in at 4AM after partying and then continue here. I was not informed about that and I didn't like it at all. I have guests as well, so they could have been a little more considerate (If that was possible in their state). Anyway, in the end Miriam had to go to hospital as she and Roel had a little accident or so and she has 2 stitches (sp?) now. Yup, that happens when you are drunk. For the record, the plates and such are still ok, this time it were people getting hurt ;)
But after that accident the party was over pretty quickly and we could get back to sleep at 5AM earliest...

Today we went to Suomenlinna, a fortress on an island 15 mins away by boat from Helsinki. The weather was nice, but it was very windy and that made it very cold. That wasn't too cool, but it was nice to walk around there and see canons and such. There were also buildings btw that looked like the hobbittown in LOTR. Pretty cool.
Uhm, oh yeah, there was a picknick in the park this morning (Vappu picknick or so) but we didn't go there as we figured it would be crowded.
Hmmz, well yeah, not too much to say about Suomenlinna. It was nice. And everywhere in Helsinki you saw these people with their graduation hats. Young and old were wearing them. Really strange to see that.

Tomorrow we can pick up our rental car, probs a Ford Fiesta and we have planned to go to Tampere and perhaps Hämeenlinna and on Wednesday we have planned to go to Porvoo.

Tallinn with tha parents

Sat, 29 Apr 2006 21:24:10 GMT

So, went with the faster ferry to Tallinn, only 1.5h instead of 3.5, which is much better. Sea was quite rough, was reading a mag and got a little sick. Didn't feel too well, so I figured I'd better stop reading and you stare into nothing.

Moored in a different place this time, but also quite near the city, which was okay. We could go onto a church, but we had to climb a winding stairs. Well, that is something I HATE! I absolutely despise that, as I'm afraid I fall down or something. Climbing up is sort of okay, but down is hell. Especially if the stairs aren't the same and such...brrr, but at the same time I wanted to enjoy the magnificent few, so yeah, had to put my fear aside. Considering the fact I am typing this story means that I have made it back safely ;)
View was indeed brill, we could see so much (pics will follow after Thursday).

Walked a bit around in Tallinn. Well, seen some of the places twice, as I'd obviously been there before, but I didn't mind, the weather was nice, a little windy, but sunny and not too cold (unless you were stood in the wind...) Wanted to go to the viewing place again and sort of new where to go. We had found 2 other viewing spots, before we found the right one.

This time it was very busy in Tallinn btw, probs because the weather was nice and such, but many, many visitors and guided tours. *follow the leader leader leader...*

We opted to walk around by ourselves, it's not that you'll get lost in Tallinn or so...

Not done so much shopping as we sat down outside a cafe to enjoy the sun and a Malibu Coke. After that we had dinner in some kind of american/mexican restaurant which was okay, but a little quick as we had to get the 8PM boat back.

Finnish people often buy some alcoholic beverages and most often they carry it in suitcases, trolley's and we've also seen people with that kind of suitcase carriage you can find at the airport...Kinda pathetic to bring so much with you.

The woman next to my dad was sick (either too much alc or the rough sea, or a combination) but she had to vomit. Fortunately (I was sitting behind) she did it in a plastic bag, so I didn't have to 'enjoy' the smell...

Ehm...think that was it. It was a nice day, the weather was a little better than last time and NOW IT'S MY BIRTHDAY!!!!

I have turned 22, 23 mins ago. Just so you know ;)

Thanks opa and oma for your birthday card and little gift! Always very welcome ;)

Mom and dad are here!

Fri, 28 Apr 2006 20:41:25 GMT

After having had a 30 min delay :S
Anyway, met Esther again at the airport, very coincidental. She's also from the same school, which we didn't know at first, but she's studying in a different place.

Went to home, did a bit of unpacking and such and then went to the Olympic Tower to visit Helsinki from above. The thing is 72m high, so a pretty clear view, esp when the weather is nice.
After that we went to the Dutch embassy because there was the queensday party. As it's on a sunday, they've decided to do it on a friday and all dutch staying in Finland + other people were invited.
It was a kind of strange party, because there were like students and people dressed up in tuxes and such...bit double. It was crowded btw, but at least they had Heineken there, proper beer, and lots of exclusive stuff and bitterballen!!! I missed those!!!!
Oh and dutch cheese...de-lic-ious

But well yeah, it was nice to be there, but not really my kind of party.

And tomorrow we will go to Tallinn in Estonia.

Oh, btw, not been popular today...not 1 postcard :(

popular...

Thu, 27 Apr 2006 11:42:24 GMT

I was a popular bunny today :D

Thaks Dorien for your card from La Belgique!
Thanks Opa and Oma for your card, now I remember again what Zutphen looks like ;)
Thanks lekke kistenmonnik for your card from Ruotsi!
Thanks Leo and Roy for your card, with a proper crystal, hihi! :D
Thanks Barry, Betty, Fabian and Kaz for yours. Have a great hols in Turkey! And send some more sun to me ;)

Cleaned my room a bit today, as I will have to guests tomorrow *yay*

Wed, 26 Apr 2006 17:48:33 GMT

Thanks Henk & Denise for your card! It's the biggest :D
Thanks missmclaren for your card. It arrived well on time ;)

Tue, 25 Apr 2006 15:06:23 GMT

I've uploaded a couple of new pics on my homepage. Hadn't come round in uploading them until today :D
There's still snow on them, there's no snow anymore now, so it's been quite some time ago :D

Anyway, http://www.rp-originals.cjb.net and then to international semester

Thanks!!

Tue, 25 Apr 2006 08:20:22 GMT

Thanks Grams for your birthday card. It was the first to arrive :)
Thanks uncle Henk and aunt Willy!! Yours was the second :D
Thanks dumbblonde_1 and I have switched the phone on ;)
*phone rings, less than a min later* Me thinking: that's Nicki!! Nope, Gebo, for my traineeship. They had recieved my letter and wanted to know when I got back in NL (that was in the letter) and he then said I had to call after I got back and he also more or less said they'd still have a place for me. Hopefully there's still one in June :D

apart from that, not much happening here. Weather is nice, have only 2 classes this week and on Friday my parents will arrive (and that's exactly the day the weather forecast says: RAIN!!!! :S) :D