Snow-removing crews have been busy again these last few weeks. Good thing they do it, though. Less risk of being hit by falling snow and ice if the roofs around here are kept clean of snow, plus it lessens the risk of water damage to the building itself.
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Johan & Nyström
A new(ish) coffee roastery and cafe (or Concept Store, as express it) here in town which I have often passed when it's been closed, but today I managed to catch it open. Had a double espresso (great price of only 2€) of the day's coffee, which was nice and smooth. However, if the coffee's change regularly it's hard to know what you get next time. Place is a bit off the beaten path, so not the best for people watching, but come summer the boats out the window will offer nicer views. Unfortunately the opening hours are a bit short, with the place closing already at 18:00 on weekdays and 16:00 on Saturdays.
Finnish Designer Awards 2012
The annual internal pat-on-the-back event of the Finnish design world had its opening last night. Can't really say much about the winners, except they seem to make nice looking design. Like so many others do in this business. Still haven't figured out the criteria for this kind of competition. I do understand awards for lifelong or otherwise special achievement, though, but other than that it's just a matter of taste. Congratulations to the winners, anyway.
Almond Tofu @Empire Plaza
One of the rare occasions that I've got a nice surprise regarding food display here in Finland. Tasty too. I'd say Empire Plaza is my favourite Chinese restaurant in town.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
From China With Love
From China With Love a video by Rollofunk on Flickr.
Fireworks for Chinese New Year here in Helsinki earlier tonight.
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Presidential Faces
First-round election day tomorrow. Some nice person had cleaned up the posters a bit after the night's snowfall.
Monday, January 09, 2012
Sunday, January 08, 2012
Primus Eta Express in Action
Borrowed Mikko's tiny Eta, better suited for solo trips. I was a bit apprehensive how well the gas would function in this temperature, but water for noodle soup boiled in no time. Solid piece of gear.
Frost
The GF1 performed really well, as usual. Even getting some ample sprinklings of powder snow from the trees didn't do it any harm, and the battery held out very well in the cold. The only downside is that I can't carry all my three lenses on the chest in the Ortlieb Snap anymore. The pattern has become to keep the 20mm and 45mm in there (one of them mounted), and the 14-45mm zoom in the top pocket of the backpack.
Orajärvi, Noon
First day of sun and snow this winter. Glad I had the time to escape to Nuuksio for the day to enjoy it up close.
Friday, December 30, 2011
Helsinki T2 Departures
Waiting for our Euro-tourer Mariko to arrive. Should be on the approach now. The good cafe for planespotting had been closed, so took refuge at the Congress Center balcony overlooking T2 Departures to do peoplespotting instead.
WDC2012 Preparations
The day after tomorrow I'll be a designer living in the World Design Capital for a year. Will it mean a big change in anything? Probably not. Perhaps not even a small one. Invites to some design party which I'll be too busy to attend, or something? Anyway, glad they bring design into focus more and more. We'll try to live up to the expectations.
Friday, December 23, 2011
Seal Line Waterproof Phone Pouch
Yes, there is a Santa Claus, and apparently he's connected to www.hikinginfinland.com in some way.
This nice and sturdy looking Seal Line pouch arrived by mail today, after I won day 4 of the advent calendar over at the previously mentioned site. Good first impressions. Even has a camera window in the back. And this will be needed if our winter will continue to be as wet as it's been up till now.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Ardbeg Tasing @Punavuoren Ahven
A tasting of known suspects tonight. The only new experience was the Airigh Nam Beist, which apart from being a pleasantly smooth, sweet and flavorful version of the known Ardbeg style, had the added extra of already being discontinued. The best of the evening once again turned out to be the classic Uigeadail, however. Really suits me. Alligator worked well too, and the rear was brought up by the regular Ten and Blasda.
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Blacksmith's Audience
The 45mm, equalling a 90mm in film size, is such a nice lens for shooting people, even in poor light.
Almond Stand
Took the Oly 45mm out for a bit of trials in difficult conditions tonight: The annual Chirstmas market here in Helsinki. Varying lights, lot's of stuff in the depth range and moving people pose enough challenges for a long lens as this, but combined with the tiny GF1 body it proved a most capable tool in the busy, cramped spaces. Surprisingly many of the shots were keepers.
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