Back in Finland.

Our rugby tournament in Manchester was a success although we failed to capture a win in the final championship match. Our boys bruised and hungover departed Manchester Monday June 4. Some were going home, many are still in Europe enjoying the time overseas. My teammate Latte (names protected for the not so innocent) and I departed for Helsinki. He is part Finnish and was curious about his home land. For me it's a return to a country that I had the pleasure living for the month of July 2005.

Studying abroad is an experience anyone should do if you can afford to do so, and there are lots of ways to accomplish this. I for one was able to spend a mo th here, with two professors well tuned to its culture and design history, it was a time I really cherished. Landing in Finland everything was strange yet familiar. It has been seven years since I last laid eyes on this city of a million people and not much has changed. Some projects were finished, some new ones have begun, but it's all familiar and wonderful to me.

We have spent our time walking and eating a bit, then walking some more. Sleeping in. A late morning sauna. Drinks with locals till 3AM, and the sun hasn't really set. This has to be the laziest and yet most relaxing vacation to europe I have ever taken. My soul feels recharged here in Finland and often I look at a clock and am shocked at the time, but never feel the need to worry about it. Summer in Finland it seems time just stops, and you need to enjoy every minute of it however you can before winter sinks in once again.

Compared to the rush of London, Helsinki is a welcomed change. The city center feels at once contemporary and old world. Boulevards are packed with shoppers and cafes. Stately buildings from the Russian and Swedish occupations stand guard over the public spaces, a grand reminder of the former guardians of this country. Modern buildings flex Finnish design muscles with sleek crisp lines of steel and glass, providing welcomed juxtaposition to the old Helsinki. This place to me just feels right. Simple and yet complex in layers of texture, form and use.

Tomorrow is my day to photograph this city I look forward to broadening my portfolio of Pictures once again. The last time I was here for example I took over 1500 photos all with a point and shoot camera. Times have changed, my DSLR will add greater depth and color to scenes i could not quite capture before.

Stay tuned for new photos!




Commercial street Helsinki




Delicious stew at the harbor market




3:30 am sky - Helsinki

London!

I have been to London only once in my life. A 72 hour bender with a good buddy of mine causing trouble and drinking our way through the pubs of London. I really didn't see much tourism wise that time. This time around I am in London for more time. My first stint is only a two day trek on my way to Manchester, I return in 10 days for a long weekend here.

London is well London. It's everything the books, stories, lore, movies, tv make it out to be. The history. The royal family. Crooked streets that lead to either something wonderful or mysterious. It's all here. We began our journey jet lagged and at the British Museum. The building itself is amazing. Every bit of grand Victorian era design was thrown into this building. The interior court blends 21st London with its historic past in a way that feels like its been there forever.



This is London in a nutshell. Space is a premium, so modern buildings are wedged between 16th century churches and prewar art deco flats. Styles clash but work together at the same time. The Shard, europe's newest and largest mixed use building, rises 70 stories over the city, constantly reminding everyone that the new London is here to stay. The spectacle of new construction around this city is everywhere. Cranes dot the skyline, more I tank than the modern skyscrapers that exist currently.



And so to see the city the best way I could, I headed to the London Eye my first day. Most Londoners will push it off as a tourist attraction, and I'm sure I would equate it to the Hancock or sears tower in Chicago - if you live in the city you just don't go to those things. I must say however, the Eye is definitely a must experience. Rather than be placed into a swinging open air gondola of traditional ferris wheels, you are placed into a 25 person air conditioned capsule that gently moves with the rotation of the wheel. The views are amazing and is sort of a got to do it activity in London. Me being the nerd I am I was just as enthralled over the Eye structure as I was the views. It's to me a thing of amazing beauty.






Lastly I decided to try to go see Olympic park, home to the 2012 summer Olympics. Sadly I have to report that was a disappointment. 12' high fences with 3' of electrified fencing greeted me as I approached the park from Stratford station. With less than 60 days the park is nearly built but there is a lot of finish work left to do. The flurry of construction was rather interesting to see, albeit from afar.




All in all London's a great city to visit. So cultural, diverse and dense I could spend years discovering every nook and cranny here. To be honest I avoided London for a long time because I felt that it's where all Americans go, but I can see why. This place is amazing!

Off to Manchester today to play in the sixth Bingham Cup.

Dusting off the luggage - Europe Bound Again!

Well it's been ages since I have written here.  Life has been moving at breakneck speed and at last I have a chance to take 15 days and do what I love to do - TRAVEL!

I am off to Europe beginning Sunday May 28 - where I return Monday June 11.  This trip will include two stops in London, a trip to Manchester England to participate in a rugby tournament and a then a four day tour of Helsinki Finland - where I return seven years from the last visit.  Stay tuned for updates on my adventures!