Goodbye 2012! Welcome 2013!

It’s the last day of the year and you still don’t have a plan for the evening? You are still searching for a place where you can welcome the New Year?

Then go to the Senate Square tonight. Here is the cities official and traditional New Year’s party. Since 1932 the citizens of Helsinki celebrate the beginning of the New Year in front of the Tuomiokirkko.

Today also the Design Capital year in Helsinki ends. And of course this calls for an amazing final. Starting from 22.15 the city invites everyone for a great show with fire tricks, acrobatics and show acts like Michael Monroe and Sami Pitkämö’s orchestra.

And at midnight it’s time for the great fireworks around the square. And for those who can’t make it to the square in time or prefer to stay at home in the warmth of their apartment the show will be broadcasted live on YLE TV1 starting from 22.50.

Have a happy New Year!

Unsettled winter weather

The temperature jumps between plus and minus degrees every day making the snow melt and freezing to ice afterwards. But nonetheless Helsinki’s snowmen stand their ground.

The perfect midnight snack

After a long night in pubs and clubs there is nothing better than a salty and unhealthy snack. Sure a portion of fries or a burger would do. But if you want to keep it Finnish rather order a Lihapiirakka at one of the numerous snack bars in town.

This snack made of doughnut dough and filled with a mixture of minced meat and cooked rice is perfect after a night out. You can have it with some additional sausage and can choose what kind of filling you want to have with it. In case you haven’t had Lihapiirakka (or Lihis, how the locals call it) before just take them all. It might sound a bit strange to have pickles, mustard, onions, garlic and ketchup but you should really give it a try.

Enjoy!

Fire and ice

During those cold winter days candles are what make a home cozy. And isn’t it also nice to have one outside on the porch or the balcony standing in the snow that you can watch from inside and that welcomes guests? And how cool would it be to have it standing in an ice igloo protecting it from the wind? 

Well, there is an easy way to make a so called jäälyhty yourself. You only need a bucket, water and some minus temperatures outside. Fill the bucket with water and leave it outside for around 24 hours. 

Then turn the bucket around. The water seems to be completely frozen but in fact it’s just the outer shell. Make a hole at the side of the ice cylinder to let the remaining water flow out. Then make another hole the size of the fist into the top of it for the fire to get some oxygen. Now just place the burning candle inside your igloo. Ready!

Winter at the harbour

Today the snow started melting. But over the Christmas days we luckily had beautiful winter weather and yesterday even the sun came out for a while.

This is how it looked at Lauttasaari sailing harbor during that time.