Week 2: Warm Welcomes & Visitors

Before I dive into this post, I wanted to take a minute to thank those of you who have either reached out to me wishing me well on my move here or taken a minute to open my blog and read it. It has meant a lot to me to feel supported 4,000 miles away. When I started this blog, I started it with the intention of keeping family and friends in the loop with regular updates and include some nice pictures. What I've come to find, is a world of interconnectedness, of people interested in travel, of genuine people who want the best for me and have lended me a helping hand. It has given me so much reassurance that I have made a great decision coming to Finland, and I'm truly so grateful.

This week I spent time with my mom who visited a country other than Greece, in Europe, for the first time! We explored Helsinki, Tampere, and Valkeakoski together and I was able to navigate surprisingly well. We walked the piers, caught a boat ride, and enjoyed fresh seafood. Helsinki is by far one of my favorite cities. It has a certain quaintness, though it has around 600,000 people, plenty of shopping and restaurants. We probably visited around 5 different Marimekko stores. And if you haven't heard of Marimekko I suggest you explore their website. It's a Finnish brand that I think I could live in, and they threw me a follow on Instagram which was an amazing highlight of my life so far. 
South Harbor, Helsinki
As much as she says this trip was for her, to see where I'd be and make sure I was okay, she did so much more than that. I've truly felt at ease here, being familiar with the places and spaces - not needing to take out my Google Maps nearly as much as I thought I would. Finding comfort in the most foreign of places is thrilling, especially when it feels like you wear a giant neon sign that says, "I'm not from here!" all the time. But that's all part of the experience right?! 
Helsinki Design District
I think one of the coolest parts of the trip was getting to see David play in a game this past Saturday. He doesn't know this, but going to his games makes me feel really at home here. I don't know why, but it's just something that feels familiar and I've learned so much about him and this sport these last two years. My mom was happy to see him in action, and it definitely helped that he scored in the first 10 minutes! So shout out to Dave for bringing us here, and letting us explore a new place for a little while.
Näsinneula Observation Tower, Tampere

FC Haka Stadium, Valkeakoski




Until next time... xo
Welcome to my blog! I am from Glenview, IL; a northern suburb just outside of Chicago. I attended undergrad at Miami University in Oxford, OH, graduating with a B.S. degree in Early Childhood Education. After teaching for two years in the city of Chicago, I've decided to take next steps in my life and move to abroad. I will post periodical updates here on my day to day life, travels, and experiences - so be sure to check back!

Comments

  1. UnknownJuly 31, 2018 at 10:51 PM

    So fun & Go David!! Love these blog post. Till the next one xo

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Helsinki: Amos Rex

Image
I've had a lot of questions about this museum and our experience, so I decided to write a blog to share! Recently, David and I visited a new museum in Helsinki,  Amos Rex . Their instagram and website was enticing enough, that David made me wait until he could come with too. Built underground, this museum has four large exhibit spaces. While outside, the general public may peek through the windows to see the museum-goers below. Above the museum, the public can watch through the windows at the museum underneath. While inside, I caught a kid peeking through the window over head Currently, they are home to Japanese-base digital collection by teamLab - you can read more about it here . Additionally, a collection of post-impressionist paintings by Sigurd Frosterus are housed and enjoyed in a more traditional art museum setting. Sigurd Frosterus drawing at the entrance of the exhibit The digital aspect of the exhibits was one of the most exciting parts of the experie
Read more

Israel: What You Need to Know

Image
Before coming to Israel, many people told me to “be careful”. “Take care” and “be safe” were the phrases that finished the conversation I’d have about traveling here. Everyone  who said this, and I mean every single one of those people have NEVER been to Israel. And if they had, they wouldn’t have said it. In fact, all of my friends and David’s parents who have been, have only ever said that I would love it. And they were right. Now, that’s not to say that my kind hearted family members weren’t saying this out of  anything but love for me. But truly, we are ignorant to the safety and security of this beautiful country. If anyone is prepared for danger, it is the Israelis. And while of course there is crime, and places that should be avoided, I never once felt the need to be any more cautious and aware than I am when I’m in  New York City or Chicago. You have every reason to feel safe in this country, because you are. Especially if you are using your common sense. Keep your no
Read more

Top Five Favorites in Helsinki

Image
Helsinki Top Five After living in Finland for three months, Helsinki has truly has become one of my favorite places in the world. It’s quaintness, for a big city, was  here are the top five things I recommend you do/eat/see while there. #1: Things to See/Do Marimekko The Design District was one of my favorites to explore due to the great variety of boutiques, coffee shops, and museums. I would recommend you check out Marimekko, one of Finland’s uniquely beautiful clothing lines. Their patterns are one of a kind and make unique souvenirs for both yourself and your loved ones. Museums It’s a great area to take some pictures and visit the Helsinki City Museum which is free and open to the public, daily. I also personally enjoyed a latte and overnight oats at El Fant cafe, which is connected to the Helsinki City Museum. If you really love design and fashion, check out the Design Museum in the Design District. Most recently in Kamppi, Amos Rex opened. I wrot
Read more