Summer adventures vol.4: Foo Fighters in Helsinki

Ah the memories, the memories!
This summer went by fast, so it's nice to remind oneself of what fun things I had the opportunity to experience. One of the fun things was taking a road trip to Helsinki with Päivi, my best friend. We went to the Foo Fighters concert.

I don't know why I wanted to go see the Foo Fighters but maybe it was because I thought there'd be great music (no, I'm not a huuuuge fan, just a regular radio listening fan) and as a bonus - some good-looking rocker guys!;)

System cameras were not allowed, so I brought my old digital camera. And, as usual, I tend to do stuff too late, so I forgot to charge the energy consuming batteries and so they ran out before (yes, two sets of batteries!) I could even take one picture of the band!

But for your consolation, here are two rockin' chicks!;)

Rock rock.

"Why am I not a rock star? I've got the looks!"

Summer adventures vol.1: Rakvere (Estonia)

It was quite scary to be alone in Tallinn. I don't know about you, but I'm pretty careful when I travel, and I'd prefer to have some company, especially since I don't know the Baltic countries that well. But again, I was very proud of managing everything by myself!

Well, photo friends left back to Finland. Luckily new company was awaiting, but the company (my friends Geda and her family) were in Rakvere. So in Tallinn I took the tram to the bus station and the bus to Rakvere.

In Rakvere there is a great old fort(ress)/castle and in the castle moats (with perfect natural acoustics!) they had put together an Estonian Punk Music Festival, but it wasn't a normal concert: it was a Sing-along-Festival called Punk laulupidu!

I didn't know that punk music was so important to the Estonians, but apparently it is! It has to do with the history with Russia and the country's late independence. It was also interesting to see, sing and hear Finnish, German and Russian punk songs:) After the sing-along they had a concert by a Finnish punk star, Pelle Miljoona! But it was already getting late so unfortunately we couldn't stay and listen to Pelle...

After the festival in Rakvere we drove to my friend's home town, Tartu.  I stayed there for a couple of days. I'll put the description of Tartu in a separate post. So, here are some photos from Rakvere, please leave a comment!:)

I don't know what I was expecting, but the nature in the countryside Estonia (northern parts) are very much like nature in Finland! Bus window photo:)

The castle of Rakvere.

The castle moats filling up with people.

Cool girl with the proper attire for a punk fest!  \m/ *rock*

Helga having a snack.

Lots n' lots of people! In the front of the stage Estonian choirs were providing backup for the singing audience, with the help of lead singers and conductors.

Product placement:)

Geda and Helga reading the lyrics in the punk paper.

A few Finnish songs were also sung.

Product placement, red wine bottle (not ours:)

Finnish lyrics that speak to me. Talking about leaving..
Last line: I won't believe anything until I see it with my own eyes.

People and then some more people!

The castle site at sunset, around 23.00.

Rakvere church 'round midnight.

Day 23 (Tue): Last day in Tórshavn!

Weather: sunny and warm, a bit windy
Walked: 9 km

This day was a sad day. I could not get past the feeling that it was all over!:( The summer, the language course, the people, soon having to say goodbye to my dear Mrs. Fanny, my new friends.. So sad but I tried to make the best of my last day in Tórshavn.

So I went for a walk and walked to the Tórshavn Outdoor Museum (in Hoyvík). It was a nice hike and I had good weather. The interesting thing about the Faroe Islands is that you should never presume anything about the weather: it might be good today and stay that way for a while, but it most probably won't be the same the next day! So, I was lucky to have spent the previous rainy day shopping and having this beautiful, sunny day for some outdoorsy hiking.

The Outdoor Museum had preserved several old buildings and the setting was nice. It was inexpensive as well. There were sheep, hens and ducks running around. It felt very authentic.

After the visit to the outdoor museum you get free entrance to the Faroese Historical Museum (Føroya Forminssavn, check link!)

I spent several hours looking around and learning new things. I also watched some of the videos playing in the video room: old footage from the old days, people celebrating Olavssøka and whale hunting/whaling.

I was amazed in many ways: I know that whales are BIG animals, but I had never thought of how the whale is transported in to the harbor. Once captured the whale is tied up on the outside the ship! And then the small ship slowly makes it way through the bumpy sea and upon arrival in the harbor, there is one big mess when they cut the "big fish" into smaller pieces... It was kind of yucky and very fascinating at the same time!

The museum had rune stones, sacral artefacts, fishing equipment, boats and some examples of Faroese national dresses. I especially enjoyed Eivør Paulsdottir's awesome red dress! All very interesting stuff.

After the hike back I had to force myself to do some packing. It was awful! I knew I'd get in trouble because of the books, the papers and of course my new (second hand) boots! In between the packing I had to get out for a while, so I went for another walk and during my evening walk I could hear Elton John's concert.

Sir Elton John's arrival had stirred up some serious debate because of the fact that he is very openly gay. There had been numerous articles in the papers and people being upset that he was coming to the Faroe Islands: some pleaded to the public to stay home and not attend the concert. I've forgotten to check what the press wrote about it afterwards, it would be interesting to know how it went for Elton John.

After the walk I had to pack the rest of my stuff and get some sleep...