They’re Just Clouds
They’re just clouds
Can I jump into that part when I’ll have it all it figured out?
Month has passed by in Lisbon for me and I feel like I’ve done nothing! #Patience
I cannot help but to compare these first weeks to my last adventure in French speaking Canada. Shouldn’t do it cause the situation I’m in now is very different than what I lived back in 2013. In Mtl in the beginning I had 1,5 month time to look for a trainee job, make friends, get the official stuff sorted out and to know my new environment - pretty much against my own wish cause original plan was way more efficient and didn’t include that much “wasted time”. It wasn’t untill now that I realized how important that time off was in that moment.
But this time around, I started to work only after three days after my arrival here and even though there has been some extenuating facts like that I had an actual job waiting here for me, my employer did almost all the official paper (tax, bank account etc) work for me and that I’m working in an EU country now without visas and even in my own language. Still these days and weeks have felt pretty tiring and I miss the times like the first weeks in MTL without schedules and doing things in my own pace.
But things are good. I still haven’t been robbed, raped or attacked in any other way. Safety first, right?. Even though to be honest living in Portugal feels weird. Sometimes I’m caught up with this thought that how did I end up here (more like a confused kind of way than in a negative one) until I remember all of this is a result of my own terminated work and planning. I haven’t quite been caught up by the local life rhythm yet. I still don’t have a phone number, ACTIVE bank account, washing machine has been broken on and off at the flat, things work still in an incredible slow motion for me (especially the official ones) nor do I speak the language. Luckily these things are temporary and fixable in time especially that I have a NIF (local tax number now which is the key to everything here). #Patience
But inspiring factors do come in my way every day. Small things whether it’s the beautiful morning scenery over the river, a brand new day rising on my way to work OR the lively street with its coffee and ice cream shops I found around the corner from home, meeting new people, even just for a once and being exposed to the new life stories that are educating and different from my own.
The city is cool though! It has a spirit and I’m liking it! I’ve been through most of the main areas of it and I do have a thought in which part you do this or that. The same areas may offer you a totally different things during the day and night. Been walking a lot... and how do I love that everything is pretty much in a walking distance here! And for every day there’s a new door or a window, balcony filled with interesting details. How can anyone get tired of these streets!? Been to a beach couple of times also (where you do have to go by train though). It was alright, you know very... sandy. Discovered some cool areas beyond the beach also.
Portuguese learning is kind of slow. Surprisingly. The waiting list for the free (offered by my employer) language courses is over six months long so in the meantime I have to figure something else out. I try to watch youtube videos, listen the language being spoken around me, read the news in portuguese and do some serious studies by myself with the book I bought. #Patience.
I have new room mate. The french girl moved out leaving a disaster behind her… HUUUGE mess in her room, kitchen and elsewhere in the flat. She even threw a party which the neighbours called the police for. Clearly the best thing is that she is gone. I try not to be judgemental but in my experience the french GIRLS make the worst roommates (and trust me I’ve had some back in Mtl). I’m sure there must be better ones but I just seem to have an incredibly bad luck of always bumping into the messiest, noisiest and the most selfish ones. Feel free to proof me wrong in here anytime! Now me and the austrian girls are living with this hungarian guy which we’re not sure either but I guess it’s better. #Patience.
Work is a bubble where you spend most of your day, your week and forget that you ever left home because all I do is to speak Finnish/English and have quite little touch with the Portuguese way of life. My choice though. It has its ups and downs. For a week we did take some actual calls and tried to help the customers in the best way that we could and hopefully without screwing things up too much. Despite of huge amount of information we’ve already been exposed and that we’re still not aware of, I still think this is the coolest job I’ve ever had! But it is hard to try to learn so much in such a short period of time. #patience
We’re back at the class room for another week or so before we can call ourselves actual travel advisors. I know there will be frustration and bunch of other negative emotions caused by endless list of reasons I can already think of. I have a feeling the road is gonna be long. But through it all, at the end of the day I know I’ll be enjoying this once I get the hang of things! It’s not one of those many jobs you do just to survive, to get by through another day while you’re keeping your eyes open for something else. More right, more suitable, more you.
This is right. This fits. This is me.
(God, I really hope I can still stand behind these lines after months from here. Nor get fired :D)
More Posts from Lageografiademicamino and Others
Tampere part 2.
These are the hoods where I work every day! Parques das Nacoes in Oriente.
Wonderful as it is...
Happy One-month-in-Canada- Anniversary to me! Holiday is officially over and I'm back to everyday duties. Sorry guys, pics could be better but haven't taken any "cool" ones lately :)
Job hunting has started quite nicely. I was super-afraid of the language barrier in my French skills cause I knew that if there’s a quebécois speaker I’m screwed! But so far things have gone well and I’ve got some positive vibes from the places I’ve stopped by. I’m waiting news during this week but I’m still gonna keep looking just in case the “positive vibe” wasn’t as mutual as I thought. Coming from Europe where jobs are dying out as we speak I find it positively refreshing to see “hiring” signs. In general there are a lot to choose from if you’re not too picky.
Otherwise the language situation is going allright. I find myself knowing more French than what I give mysef credit for. Writing and reading I can manage and depending on the accent I even understand what people are saying to me. But still gotta admit that québecois accent is a tricky one! I’m counting on that future job of mine to improve my comprehension orale. I won’t take any classes though cause I feel that all I need is just practical training.
(Palais du Congrès, MTL)
Building my social circle has been a more complicated process than what I originally planned.. not that I’ve been lonely but breaking through the friendship zone has proven to be more difficult than what I expected. During these weeks I’ve met lots of people, every time different ones, mainly through Couchsurfers, Facebook and Meetup-groups. Every time it’s been definitely interesting, sometimes even fun and more importantly rewarding especially when you happen to meet someone you’re on a same level mentally. Though it is getting exhausting to tell your story and explains the same things over and over again.
I tend to end up with “outsiders” (tourists, people outside of Québec and Canada) like myself mainly because is natural to meet people who are or have gone through somewhat same things as I am now. Even the locals I’ve met have been originally from somewhere else. Slowly but surely I guess. :)
I’ve also started going to the gym again. The one I go to, is a bit far, 40min by metro but it’s really cheap 140$ for a year incl. most of the group classes they offer as well. And the best thing is that there’s a separate sections for men and women. Lots of different equipments, not the newest ones I gotta admit but I’ll definitely get my work out done there. Here’s the website if anyone’s interested http://www.aerobieplus.ca/fr/
Not that I’m exactly suffering from a homesickness but while paying the rent a few days ago I started suddenly appreciate the online banking system we have in Finland. It might have been also me but online paying didn’t exactly work out so I had to write a cheque – the very first in my life! And I had to google it how to write one cause I’ve never even hold a such piece of paper in my hand before. The things you learn while living abroad! :)
Within a week I’ll be moving to my new room! Finally. It’s a bit bigger and there’s a proper window. My current room is okay, but it’s too small and especially now when it’s been so hot, the skylight window isn’t exactly my thing. Besides when it rains, the sound is is super loud and it could wake even the dead up from their graves. I have to change the building as well but it’s just at next door so I won’t mind. I still consider finding this place as an incredible stroke of luck. The location, price, interior and everything has been perfect so far.
I’m so looking forward to the fall which I think is finally coming :)
Tomorrow Lisboa!
Praça do Comércio
by: fbosch
Saviez-vous que.. /Did you know that.. ?
Canada is a federal parliamentary democracy and a constitutional monarchy, with Queen Elizabeth II as its head of state.
Canada is the coldest country in the world.
The USA has invaded Canada twice, failing both times.
There are 53 aboriginal languages spoken by 612 bands in Canada.
Ottawa was chosen to be the capital of Canada by Queen Victoria in 1857 as a compromise between the anglophones and francophones. Previous capitals were Kingston, Montréal and Toronto.
Ottawa is the third cleanest city in the world.
In province of Ontario there are several namesakes for English towns like London, Whitby and Scarborough.
Toronto was known as the city of York untill 1834.
Younge street in Toronto being 1,896 km long is the longest street in the world.
Ottawa
The name Québec comes from the Alconquin (native Canadian inhabitants) word “Kébec” - where the river narrows. Today Québec is also known as the “Belle Province” – The beautiful province.
Québec, three times of a size of Spain, is the largest province of the country.
There are 37 National Parks in Canada which 24 are in Québec.
Québec is the biggest producer of Mapel Syrup in the world.
Québec’s “fleurdelise” was the first provincial flag officially adopted in Canada in 1948. The white cross comes from the ancient royal flags of France when the fleur-de-ils stands for a symbol of purity.
Tourism is the 5th largest industry in Québec and the province welcomes over 3 million tourists annually. Most of them from the US and France.
The capital of the province is Québec City, 230km from Mtl.
Québec City holds the biggest Winter Carnival annually.
Québecois motto: “Je me souviens” – I remember.
Québec City, founded in 1608, is not only the oldest city in Canada but one of the oldest European settlements in North America.
The city of MTL is an island.
MTL is the 2nd biggest French city in the western world after Paris.
Montréal is told to have more festivals/events than any other North American city.
MTL was originally called Ville-Marie but was renamed after the “mountain” Mount Royal.
The Mount Royal Parc was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted who also designed New York’s Central Park. Don’t still be mistaken to imagine that Montréal’s parc is a copy of New York’s one.
Bixie (bicycle sharing system) which can now be found in several metropolitan cities of the world, was developed in Montréal.
The oldest brewery of Canada, Molson was founded in Montréal in 1786
Château Frontenac in Québec City is said to be the world’s photographed hotel.
(Château Frontenac, Québec City)
Olympic Stadium, also known as “The Big Owe” is one of the costliest one in the world with 1,61 billion dollar expenses.
Mtl is a popular location, especially the old town, to shoot movies. For example movies like X-Men: Days of Future Past, Catch me if you can and many others have been filmed partly in the city.
Cursing in québecois includes several religious expressions such as tabarnac (tabernacle), criss (Christ), sacrament etc.
With 6 universities and 12 junior colleges Mtl has the highest number of post-secondary students in North America.
Mtl is one of the gay friendliest cities in the world.
Sources: LonelyPlanet, Wikipedia
Any canadian/québecois readers correct me, if I'm wrong in anything :)
The geography of my way
It has come a time for me to change scenery and this time permanently. Having lived abroad now twice (short term) and somewhat knowing what this process and making the decision takes I felt inspired to write about MOVING ABROAD. Even though after last days’ tragic events in UK... in front of these kinds of headlines - you always wonder your safety and choices affecting on it but there’s no stopping now. Or ever.
“Be not afraid of growing slowly, be afraid only of standing still.” - Chinese proverb
Basically the rule of being prepared for everything or expect the unexpected would go here perfectly but never mind how many months or years you’ve been gathering information and prepared yourself for one of the biggest changes of your life, however YOU WILL NEVER BE READY.
There are million things which you cannot be prepared for.. like that the cheese is way more expensive here than what it was back home or that the ice cream section at your new local store only has magnum! Not to mention that the settling in the culture and society takes effort and huge amount of time and patience or way more of everything than what you ever expected. Moving abroad ain’t one of those romantized movies you’ve seen on tv.
“Travelling is a brutality. It forces you to trust strangers and to lose sight of all that familiar comfort of home and friends. You are constantly off balance.” - Cesare Pavese
Travelling is hard work. Goes for a full day at the office. Who knew that just moving your ass from one place to another and your brain having to deal with ALL that information fed by your eyes, ears and body can be so exhausting! But it is the adrenaline, the feeling of experiencing something new and unique that makes us learn, grow, change and so, to go back for more. Not necessarily to the same destination but just to hit the road again. During my travels the part I’ve ALWAYS hated is the part of coming back. So this time I’ll skip that one.
Before making the actual BIG decision of moving abroad you should understand that being on a vacation ain’t the same thing as living and working there. Life will have its routines, dull moments and troubles even across the borders which I imagine are similar to the ones you’ve already had in someplace else. There’s no running from it. It’s just the other side of the coin that makes you wanna stand the negative parts better. Whether it’s the sunnier culture or a better job or whatever that gives you the energy and desire to make it to another day but living without these positive things, life can be pretty heavy to bear.
Planning is always THE FIRST STEP, at least for me. Some do it without but it does smooth the way. Destination, practical things like working and living, then comes the paying taxes, having health and banking services. What about the currency? Do you speak the language? If you need to change/learn the last two things double the amount of work and time you will have to put in to survive! The beginning of the road is rarely easy and the unexpected part will come across more than once.
UNDERSTAND that you’ll be actually living away, you decide how far, from your family and friends. Your favourite things, tv shows and ice creams, everything you’ve called yourself a home and all that comfort will soon be gone. Then we’ll hit to the another painful thing. YOUR STUFF. You’re gonna have to give it all up. Everything apart from one or two suitcases and that my friend ain’t much. Unless you’ll have a storage (quite pricey in a long run) or another place (parents’ most often) where you can stuff them into. And to be honest, when I was in Canada for a year there wasn’t much I actually missed from my things in Finland. Unless you’re moving to the South Pole there will be stores and trust me you will be doing some serious shopping and buying new things that will replace the old ones.
I still don’t know what is it that makes me happier living abroad than home or what makes me go back to it. Especially coming and going, packing and unpacking, moving in and out which is so NOT my favourite thing to do. Wanderlust is is remarkable thing. There’s something very charming about starting over in a new place. There are no mistakes to be sorry for or things to regret. There’s the adrenaline whether you’ll make it and freshness of not having been embarrassed in front of anyone yet. And the feeling of uniqueness in each moment when you live something, meet someone, feel something. And having the power of your life in your hands knowing that any of this wouldn’t be happening without your leap of faith.
“Always do what you’re afraid to do.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson
Taking action is unique because we’re living in a world where people are talking mostly shit to be honestly. A lot of if’s, but’s, maybe’s and someday’s. I find this incredibly annoying. I wanna believe that I do have a control over my life and I can have an effect how and when things happen to me. You’re the only one that can make things like this happen to you and the only one stopping them happening.
It’s also kind of cool thing to do. People will come to you to hear your stories but also give their respect for the big transformation you’ve been able to do in your life. It’s also equally rewarding to share these stories I OWN. Indeed my travels, experiences, memories and friends made are the most valuable things I’ll ever have. And if people don’t see the beauty and wisdom of it, then you’ll know they might not be your kind of people… or people who’d do the same as you. And that’s okay.
When on the road it does make you question yourself, who you are and where you come from and what is that you hope to become. You’ll learn new things, languages, habits, friends and still keeping the old ones, the best part of the past with you. Living abroad gives you perspective, contrast which is hard to predict in advance but afterwards you can’t remember a life without it.
Eurovision 2017 favourites part I
42 countries take part this year’s competition which is held in Ukraine in less than 2 weeks. Feeling super excited but also sorry for the politics involved into whether Russia’s participation because I’d still prefer Eurovision to be poltics-free and let the world be about music and a good song for a few nights once a year.
Finland is participating with Blackbird by Norma John. This year I’ve found a lot of ballads, big, dramatic, emotional and intense ones but also up-beat tracks that some have 70’s-80’s kind of sound. Also 90’s disco tunes are present as mid-tempo, radio friendly tracks. Not many rock songs, apart from the host country Ukraine but some very dark, deep, even depressing songs which have interesting sounds.
About 20 some countries will qualify to the final which will take place in May 13th and these are the countries I’d hope to see in there! They’re not in preference order.
I’m also aware that how these opinions aren’t my final ones cause anything can happen in the actual competition. And I’m changing my mind all the time. Some do better than others nevermind who’s your favourite.
1. HUNGARY
One of the rare countries that doesn’t sing in English and folklore songs in the competition this year! I love the rhythm and even the rap part blends well which I don’t usually like. Also I find the song and its sound organic and kind of eastern, traditional but unique. Credits for that! Stands out from the rest of the crowd.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2stjsoO0NfM&list=PLsTa5HSM8gbFNBl2v0F2t0DmeCCdObZJt&index=1
2. MONTENEGRO
Best party/dance tracks in the competition this year! Catchy! Disco! I love the energy in this one. The sound reminds me of the 90’s. For a change the men are half naked instead of the women.
3. NORWAY
Nice sound! Electro-pop track with catchy sound which is still danceable. Fun, carefree and optimistic! I like the dj being a major part of the performance also. It’s not as athmospheric and emotional as the passed norwegian entries but I like it anyhow.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPp37uz8vUs&list=PLsTa5HSM8gbFNBl2v0F2t0DmeCCdObZJt&index=3
4. ICELAND
You either like this or then you don’t. It’s a bit weird, even cold but I think that’s part of the charm. Interesting and organic sound. I believe it gets better the more you listen but then in Eurovision it’s a bit risky cause many hear these songs only once or twice. Looking forward to the live performance and staging.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dp3apBsLjvk&list=PLsTa5HSM8gbFNBl2v0F2t0DmeCCdObZJt&index=4
5. IRELAND
One would say that there’s nothing special about this ballad but there’s definitely nothing wrong either. Like a Westlife ballad really. Classic, almost a cliché but to me this represents the perfect ballad. Such a sweet song and a voice. There are many ballads this year but I find this as the best one. I hope he does well in Ukraine. Apparenty this should be amazing live!
6. CZECH REPUBLIC
Fragile jazz tune with appealing message and sound. It’s easy to relax and sink into your thoughts while listening to this. I like the singing not trying to reach the high notes but keeping it simple. And it works just fine as it is. Fresh among all these power ballads. I hope the live performance goes well and makes the song stand out even more.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BoLWemuLP_g&list=PLsTa5HSM8gbFNBl2v0F2t0DmeCCdObZJt&index=5
7. FRANCE
My first Eurovision love this year! So french! So charming! So feminine and light! I prefer the original French version (below) but I understand the reasons why they added the English lyrics. I truly hope she does well and I can imagine following her career what ever happens in Eurovision. Please do well Alma!
7. LATVIA
Nice disco beat. Edgy. I really like vocals and singing in this one. It doesn’t really rise as high as I would have hoped but it does have a nice even exotic sound. I find this kind of dance music popular this year also which is awesome!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFdSKiWyF_k&list=PLsTa5HSM8gbFNBl2v0F2t0DmeCCdObZJt&index=7
8. CROATIA
This song has many sides. It’s operatic, it’s pop, it’s in English, it’s in Italian. Loving the classical singing in this one bringing something different compared to other songs! Risky but it stands out! It’s a bit corny but so positive and uplifting! I hope people will appreciate this!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dxy1Gy3nuGU&index=8&list=PLsTa5HSM8gbFNBl2v0F2t0DmeCCdObZJt
9. POLAND
Such a dark, strong tune. Even haunting atmosphere. There are quite a few of these in the competition this year. Well produced this one and perhaps the best one of the darker songs this year.
10. BELGIUM
I don’t quite understand the popularity around this. It’s good and I love the electronic sounds but I guess it could rise a bit higher to the next level. Now it’s a bit laying low. But I liker her sound and I’m looking forward to the live performance!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xbomdE81_mA&index=10&list=PLsTa5HSM8gbFNBl2v0F2t0DmeCCdObZJt
11. SWEDEN
Great live performance! I love the creativity! Even thou it is from Sweden… One of the best dance songs this year. A hit song, no doubt about it. Playful, a bit flirtatious even.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jSrBdN4b5c&list=PLsTa5HSM8gbFNBl2v0F2t0DmeCCdObZJt&index=11
12. MALTA
Beautiful. Very classic power ballad. It could be a part of a movie soundtrack. The singer’s voice reminds me of Faith Hill.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bfoq7udRPwk&list=PLsTa5HSM8gbFNBl2v0F2t0DmeCCdObZJt&index=12
13. SWITZERLAND
Best of the mid-tempo tracks! A soaring pop song with a classic sound and singing. Typical but works really well.
Best non-english tracks of ESC2020
I’m painfully aware that Eurovision 2020 is not happening due to ongoing COVID-19 situation. Getting over this grief will take a long time. But as i’m in love with many songs of this season and which cannot be used for ESC 2021 I intend to give respect to the artists as much as I can. So here are all the NON-ENGLISH tracks from this season. They appear in alphabetical order.
BELARUS
VAL - Da Vidna (not confirmed if they will automatically go for ESC 2021)
CROATIA
DAMIR KEDZO - Divlji Vjetre (not confirmed if he will automatically go for ESC 2021)
ISRAEL (parts in English)
EDEN ALENE - Feker Libi (confirmed for ESC 2021)
ITALY
DIODATO - Fai Rumore (not confirmed if he will automatically go for ESC 2021)
FRANCE (parts in English)
TOM LEEB - Mon Alliée / The Best In Me (not confirmed if he will automatically go for ESC 2021)
PORTUGAL
ELISA - Medo De Sentir (confirmed not going for ESC 2021)
SERBIA
HURRICANE - Hasta La Vista (not confirmed if they will automatically go for ESC 2021)
SLOVENIA
ANA SOKLIC - Voda (not confirmed if she will automatically go for ESC 2021)
SPAIN
BLAS CANTÓ - Universo (confirmed for ESC 2021)
SWITZERLAND
GJON’S TEARS - Répondez-Moi (confirmed for ESC 2021)
UKRAINE
GO_A - Solovey (confirmed for ESC 2021)
Took my camera out for a long time and this is what I captured: Helsinki streetview during the May Day’s celebrations.
WHO WILL BE THE FINNISH ENTRY AT EUROVISION 2019?
We do have the date and the location (March 2nd, Espoo Finland) but what we do not have is the actual artist. It has been pain to be waiting for the news and here is what I think of the guesses, speculations of the Finnish ESC entry 2019.
WHO IT WILL NOT BE:
Every year people name these artists who are fabulous and the best what this country could offer musically but give it up. They won’t be doing it!
Alma – she’s already said no. Our brand shining star on an international music scene sees ESC as a competition only and has declined it. Pity.
Jenni Vartiainen – too popular and will not be humiliated by Finnish press
Vesala, Janna, Sanni, Chisu, Mikael Gabriel – just don’t think that they’re that interested
Nightwish – they already tried in 2000 but didn’t get selected (don’t ask me why)
Old school stars such as Jari Sillanpää, Kaija Koo etc – the time has passed them.
INSTEAD I HAVE FAITH IN:
Benjamin - Juon sut pois (2018)
Young talents and artists such as Benjamin, Robin, Evelina, Venior, Vilma Alina, Diandra, Ellinoora who are younger and have not labelled Eurovision as the older generation. They could actually see ESC as an oppurtunity even without winning the whole damn thing.
Venior - Sugar Rush (2015)
UMK competitors from the previous years: Mikael Saari and Emma – they’ve got the passion and the spirit. Even though I wasn’t too impressed by Mikael’s singing or songs when he was in UMK (2013 and 2016) and he has actually said that he wouldn’t do it again as a performing artist. But what if he was invited to be THE artist? Emma was my favourite in 2017 but she failed miserabily in 2017 UMK final (singing and technical issues). Emma also competed to be San Marino’s repesentative this year. Despite of the struggles gotta love her anyhow.
Tarja Turunen, the formed vocalist of Nightwish has been on ESC wishlist for being the Finnish entry for quite some time now! She would be such a professional, well known, interesting entry nevermind the song. And I even believe she might have that ESC spirit somewhere there inside of her if we just dig it out!
Tarja Turunen - Never Enough (2017)
ESC representatives: Krista Siegfrieds (2013) and Softengine (2014). She’s crazy enough and Eurovision fan so no doubt about it that she’d do it again! But she’s hosted UMK so they’d have to find another host….Softengine is our biggest success after Lordi and one of our few success stories in ESC to be honest so why not!
Softengine - Something Better (2014)
Eva & Manu are the hottest rumour out there to be the Finnish entry 2019 and I wouldn’t mind them being so. They could offer some fresh air (from a finnish perspective) and they are not a totally brand new duo since they have released albums. Plus they have an interesting story.
Eva & Manu - Empty (2014)
What do you think?
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bubamaras liked this · 7 years ago -
lageografiademicamino reblogged this · 7 years ago
Finnish traveler. Experienced Montréal and la vie québecoise 2013-2014. Living in Lisbon, Portugal since July 2017. Into photographing, eurovision, pop music, ice cream, coffee and travelling. MASTERLIST
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