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Friday, October 31, 2014

The Story of Vanha Kauppahalli

With the rennovated Vanha Kauppahalli a new gem came to Helsinki. Ravintola Story is located right in the middle of the old market hall and is a wonderful place for a break on your grocery shopping tour.

Ravintola Story at Vanha Kauppahalli

Story offers delicious smaller and bigger treats. You can have a filling handmade burger or some cocos curry clams accompanied by a glass of wine of their wide selection from small wineries from around the world. Or just go for some sweet or salty freshly baked pastry together with a cup of coffee.

Bar at Ravintola Story

All the food is for take away as well as to have there. But take the time and suck in the athmosphere of the beautiful old market hall while enjoying your food. Watch the people pass by or look out onto the harbor through the big windows.

Wine! Because no good story started with a glass of water

Check it out and enjoy!

Thursday, October 30, 2014

Fingerpori also in English

Fingerpori is one of the most popular comics in Finland. It is published in several Finnish newspapers around the country. Unfortunately for expats and tourists the jokes of the comic strips stay hidden if your Finnish skills aren't excellent.

Fingerpori in English

But the good news is that now also non-Finnish speakers can read Fingerpori. An English version of selected Fingerpori comics has been published in the book "Fingerpori from Finland". You can get it from book shops everywhere around the country or online. The price ranges from 15 to 20 €.

Have fun with Fingerpori!

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Car drivers be prepared

No, the weather is not that bad yet. Actually this is one of the warmest Octobers in a long time. But anyway if you are a car driver you should prepare for winter.

snow covered parking lot

Have you already changed to winter tires? If not it's about time. You can do that yourself or let a garage take care of it (for around 30 €).

Also be aware that the speed limits have been changed on the highways. During the winter the fastest you can go in Finland is 100 km/h.

Drive safely!

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Music from out of nowhere

If you walk through the Sanomatalo you might get a bit confused. Wasn't there just some music coming from somewhere?

radio from above at Sanomatalo

The Sanoma Group, one of the biggest media groups in Finland and resident of the building has put up quite a cool sound installation here. In different parts of the main aisle you can hear there different radio programs.

Give it a try and walk through it yourself. Sanomatalo actually also has quite a nice café with a good view towards Musiikkitalo and Kansalaispuisto.

Monday, October 27, 2014

Morning light

Thanks to the end of the daylight saving time we can all get up one hour later. This also makes the mornings a bit brighter again.

Sunrise over Helsinki

Have a good start into the week!

Sunday, October 26, 2014

Hello Wintertime!

Did you wake up to the right time this morning? For those of you who missed it, the time was changed back to winter time. Last night one hour was added again.

the winter time is back

If you still happen to confuse the time at an appointment, don't worry. You will only arrive one hour early, not late.

Have a nice Sunday!

Saturday, October 25, 2014

Bookfair weekend

Books, books, books. This year's Helsinki Bookfair takes place this weekend. Find out about the lastest trends and best sellers, talk to publishers and authors and find a few new additions to your book selection at home. 

http://www.messukeskus.com/Sites3/Kirjamessut/en/Pages/default.aspx

This year's guest of honor is Italy. To see the whole program of today and tomorrow check out the program online.

And it's not just all about books. With the same ticket (16 €) you also have access to the Music Fair as well as the Wine, Food and Good Living Fair that are held at Messukeskus at the same time.

Friday, October 24, 2014

Late Oktoberfest

You haven't been to the Oktoberfest in Munich? Well, luckily it is not too late to get the Oktoberfest experience even now. And even without traveling. During the weekend the Beerfest is in Helsinki.

Beerfest Finland in Helsinki

On Rautatientori right in the city center the big Beerfest tent invites you to come and join the party. The entrance fee is 17.50 €. Inside an entertainment program with music and show is awaiting. And of course you can get some snacks and food and of course beer.

For more information check their website and buy your ticket right away online. The tent opens on Friday and Saturday at 16.00 and stays open till midnight.

Have fun and a great weekend!


Thursday, October 23, 2014

First signs of winter

This morning Helsinki woke up with a slight white cover. The first light snow fell last night. 
 
First white morning in Helsinki

But this most likely doesn't mark the beginning of winter. Temperatures are forecasted to rise again towards the weekend. But it shows that the cold time of the year is close.


Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Library on wheels

The library system HelMet in the capital area works flawlessly and is just really good both in terms of service and selection. But there is even more to it than just the normal libraries. Helsinki, Espoo and Vantaa also have their own mobile libraries.

One of the capital area's library busses

Big busses filled with books drive through the cities and stop at several destinations every day to make the library service even more accessable. You can just come here and browse through the books or even reserve your book to be brought to your neighborhood by bus.

For the schedule and all stops check out the timetable of the library busses in Helsinki, Espoo and Vantaa.

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

An Alko with flair

In Finland you unfortunately won't find those nice small wine shops you might know from other countries since wine always has to be sold in the state owned Alkos.

Alko at Vanha Kauppahalli

But the closest you can get to one of those beautiful intimate shops would probably be the small Alko at Vanha Kauppahalli at the harbour. The wooden shops inside the market hall has some of the athmosphere of what you might be looking for. Obviously due to the size the selection here is also quite limited. It is anyway worth a visit. 

Check it out!

Monday, October 20, 2014

Seurasaarenselkä in October

The days get shorter and the sun comes out later every day. Temperatures are falling and the nights bring the first frost.

Seurasaarenselkä in October

To see how the view from Seurasaarenselkä changed during one year you can see the pictures of the previous months here.

Sunday, October 19, 2014

Raw pleasures at Café Kokko

Raw food is a huge trend around the world. And also in Helsinki you can find places that offer the healthy alternatives to cooked and processed food. One of them is Café Kokko.

coffee break at Café Kokko

The cozy two stroage cafe in one of the beautiful old brick buildings in Katajanokka was opened this summer. Here you find a wide selection of raw cakes and pastries. 

pastry selection at Café Kokko

They might not be everyone's thing and are way less sweet than other pastry but you should definitely give them a try. You can also have one of their delicious smoothies and of course good coffee.

view down from the upper level at Café Kokko

Sit at one of the comfy sofas and feel just like being invited to a friend's place. Check it out!

Saturday, October 18, 2014

Sunny and cold

After the first minus temeratures during the last nights the sun is out today and it is perfect weather to enjoy the Saturday.

Fall morning in Hanasaari

Have a nice weekend!

Friday, October 17, 2014

End of season at Lintsi

The time for outdoor amusement park visits is coming to an end. And this weekend Linnanmäki celebrates the end of the season with the traditional Carinival of Light (Valokarnevaali). 

Carnival of Light 2013

From today till Sunday you can still use all the rides at Linnanmäki. During the evening the whole park is illuminated with all kinds of different colors. And even if you are not into rides at all it is worth to just wander around in the park.

Linnanmäki rides during the night

Also during the Carnival of Light Linnanmäki has a full program and lots of great live music shows on stage. As always the entrance as well as the admission to the gigs is for free.

Check it out and don't miss the big end of season fireworks on Sunday evening! Today they open at 17.00. On Saturday and Sunday the park is open from 13.00-22.00.

Thursday, October 16, 2014

Run, Lasse, run!

Paavo Nurmi was not the only famous Finnish runner. In the 70s a new talent revived the legend of the Flying Finns: Lasse Virén

Lasse Virén statue

The long-distance runner from Myrskylä won four times Olympic Gold for Finland in 1972 and 1976. Today you can find a statue of him right around the corner from Paavo Nurmi at the Olympic Stadium in Helsinki. But apart from that also an annual 20 kilometer run in the Sycamore Canyon in California is named after him.

Lasse Virén still a very well well-known figure in Finland and even held a seat in the Finnish Parliament twice in recent years for the Kokoomus.

If you happen to pass by the Olympic Stadium, pay the two Flying Finns Lasse and Paavo a visit.

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Lighten up your day with a piece of cake

Did you know that you can get some of the best cakes in Helsinki at Herkku and the backery at Stockmann? They make and sell some sweet, delicious cakes and pastries.

Delicious Cheesecake and Carrot Cake at Stockmann

Get them for take away or have a slice right there.

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

Art underground

When waiting for your metro at the Kamppi station you always have something to see. And that it due to the changing art exhibition down there.

Dennis Oppenheim's Kissing Rocks at Kamppi Metroasema

The big glass box on the platform already displayed installations from various Finnish and international artist. And there is always something new to discover.

At the moment you can see Dennis Oppenheim's Kissing Rocks on display. You will always also find an explanaition about the artists and their installation in Finnish, Swedish, English and Russian. Take a few minutes for a closer look next time you pass by there.

Monday, October 13, 2014

What's with all the #viski posts?

You most likely saw lots of your Finnish friends posting something about whiskey (or rather viski) on their social media accounts. In case you don't know where the sudden interest in this high precentage drink comes from here a short explanaition.

Whiskey


Later on Sunday the responsible state agency denied ever having forced bloggers to change their content. The whole situation is still very unclear and will surely be under investigation during the upcoming days. For more information on the topic please read the linked articles and stay tuned on YLE News.

Have a nice start into the week!

Sunday, October 12, 2014

Colored leaves

The leaves have changed their color. Now brown, yellow and red dominates the Finnish nature. But the fall beauty won't stay for long. The first leaves already start falling.

colored leaves in Helsinki

So if you want to enjoy the beautiful fall scenery, head out into the woods for a nice Sunday walk today.

Have a great and relaxed Sunday!

Saturday, October 11, 2014

Food Helsinki? HEL YEAH!

Helsinki is probably one of the most exciting food cities in the world. With its wide variety of outstanding restaurants it provides something for every taste and every budget. Helsinki can easily compete even with cities like Paris and New York.

http://www.visithelsinki.fi/sites/visithelsinki.fi/files/files/Liitteet/food_helsinki_hel_yeah_map.pdf

The guys from HEL YEAH! have now made it easier to find all those great restaurants, cafés, bakeries, markets and street food places with their brochure Food Helsinki? HEL YEAH! They have devided the city into five districts, maped all the places you should check out and put them in price cathegories.

Check out this excellent guide and start exploring the amazing food szene of the Finnish capital.

Friday, October 10, 2014

The Christmas chocolate is already here

Yes, it's already time. The supermarkets have put the Christmas chocolates, candies and sweets on the shelves. This will of course annoy some. But if you plan on travelling abroad or are just here as a visitor at the moment you now have the chance to already take some of the good stuff with you. Maybe as a nice souvenir or for your Christmas abroad.

Christmas chocolate at K-Supermarket

Check it our - or ignore it for a few more weeks :)


Thursday, October 9, 2014

Red Espresso

Have you every tried red espresso, cappuccino or latte? No? Well, then it is time. At Fazer Cafés around town you now have the chance to try them.

Red Cappuccino at Fazer

But what is red espresso really? Actually it is rather a tea than a coffee. Rooibos is prepared in the same way as normal espresso. The result is a hot beverage that has a little hint of both tea and coffee. The versions with milk, like cappuccino and latte, which have the same red color as the espresso, remind a bit of Chai Latte.

Give it a try. And if you go for a cappuccino or latte, try it with cinnamon and honey. Enjoy!

Wednesday, October 8, 2014

Herring and more from Åland

The boats from Åland are in Helsinki again. As every October farmers and fishermen from the Archipelago between Finland and Sweden come to Helsinki to sell their fresh products straight from the boat. The so called Silakkamarkkinat (Herring Market) is held already for the 272nd time this year and is the oldest traditional event in Helsinki.

Silakkamarkinat in Helsinki

And despite the name you can get much more than just herring here. Also other delicacies from
Åland like pickled fish, handicraft from the island and of course the traditional archipelago bread can be found here.

The market is still on until Saturday. Don't miss it!

Tuesday, October 7, 2014

Early Crazy Days

Stockmann's Hullut Päivät (Crazy Days) start again. From tomorrow until Sunday there will be lots of great deals again. If you are planning on getting something there, check out their offers beforehand online and arrive early. Some things might be sold out in no time. And keep in mind that this time Stockmann opens its doors at 7:00 already.


If you want to avoid the huge crowds of Stockmann at Aleksanterinkatu in the city center, consider to rather visit some of the smaller Stockmann stores around Helsinki. They have the same offers and are much more quiet. You find a list of them on their website.

Happy Crazy Days!

Monday, October 6, 2014

First real fall days

After a gray weekend there seem to be a few more cloudy days ahead during this week.

misty and cloudy day in Lauttasaari

Don't let that get you down and have a great week!

Sunday, October 5, 2014

Helsinki on Ello

HelsinkiIn can be found on the new add-free social network Ello now under ello.co/helsinkiin. If you also have an account already go ahead and follow.

HelsinkiIn on Ello

Since Ello is an invitation-only service, at least at the moment, you might not have been able to join yet. In that case you are in luck. Comment on this post and win an invite to Ello.

Looking forward to seeing you on Ello!

Saturday, October 4, 2014

Food, food, food for 10 €

Yesterday Syö Helsinki started again. For the next two weeks 35 restaurants around Helsinki and Turku offer selected dishes for just 10 €.

Syö Helsinki website

Among the participating restaurants are the Hard Rock Cafe, Woolshed, Sumo, Mille Mozzarelle, Santa Fe, Basecamp and many many more.

Syö Helsinki continues till October 16. For more information on the offers and all participating restaurants take a look at the City Syö website.

Enjoy!

Friday, October 3, 2014

Helsinki - the beautiful capital of Finland

And here is another great video of this beautiful city made by the guys at VisitFinland.


Enjoy and keep in mind that it's just a few more hours till the weekend starts!

Thursday, October 2, 2014

Finnish style burger bun

Finns love rye bread. It tastes good and it also is much more healthy than white bread. But did you know that in Finland you can even get your burger with rye bread?


And not just at the Finnish Hesburger chain but pretty much all burger places, including McDonalds offer rye bread as an alternative to the usual burger buns. If you want to give it a try, then look out and ask for ruisleipä next time you order a burger.

Enjoy!

Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Tech news from expats for everyone


If you are into technology you've go to check out the new TechXpats Podcast from Helsinki. It's produced by a bunch of tech interested expats from the captial area. Every Wednesday they come together to talk about the lastest stuff happening in the tech szene. But they also talk about expats' life here in Helsinki.

Here are a few words from them directly:
Being expats ourselves, we decided to focus on the latest etch news, but also incorporate advice and information for other expats - as we're all aware of how difficult it can sometimes be when moving to another country and adapting to living in a whole new environment and culture. We regularly recommend apps and sites that can help people in their day-to-day lives, as well as take and answer listener questions on all things tech. In the coming weeks we will also be starting a weekly feature on startups. This will focus on not just local startups, but startups from around the world, from both locals and other expats.

We've got some really great guests and features lined up for future episode. So as we keep recording and producing, our podcast will hopefully become better and better (we're all still quite new at all of this), and we'll be able to help and entertain more and more people out there!
 
This week they indeed already have an exciting guest on the show. Adam Christianson from the MacCast podcast www.maccast.com will be discussing with Stephen, Ken, Guillermo and Anu.

Visit their Facebook, Twitter and Google+ page where you can also get in contact with them directly and ask questions or give feedback. Also check out their first episodes. You can get their podcast through iTunes or Feedburner.