Joulupukki on tällä

Yes, Santa Claus arrived to Helsinki and a very strange procession came along with the chubby and cheerful old guy.

Helsinki's Forecast

This was the situation at the beginning of this week. A snow storm during Sunday night left a thick layer of snow covering everything in Helsinki. In those pics you can see the chairs and tables we used to employ for summer breakfast in our garden. The first pic correspond to the first night and I thought that they wouldn´t stand more snow and that I would never see more snow on those chairs and tables. Big mistake, only 24 hours late the situation was even worse: they were not even seen below the white and cold snow (no proof pic, sorry). The snow was accumulating against the wall of the house and we were even worried that all water coming from subsequent melting would lead to a flood at home. The first great snow fall is usually welcome and we also enjoy the watching the snowflakes falling gently on the land. This time it was different. Whereas in Finland people usually pay for having the snow removed from the shared parking areas and from the main doors of each house, in our neighbourhood we do it ourselves. Yes, I know what you are thinking, we are lucky. Actually, we should play the lottery because...do you know who was in charge of the cleaning this week, when the great snowfall arrived to Helsinki???? Yes, we were...and that meant that we had to wake up at 6:30 in the morning and make a considerably hard work during 1 hour and a half. After that, get dressed and go to work as any other day...I never thought that snow could mean something different to have fun and enjoy the view. Needless to say that I would pay to get it done by somebody else but it seems that most of my neighbours do not agree with my opinion. Will we have to remove more snow in the future? We'll keep on informing...

We are so many people

Since we arrived to Helsinki in May 2008, we have met so many people, we have invited at home to so many people, we have visited so many houses, parties, birthdays, with students, erasmus, colleages, Spanish, Finnish, Cuban, Italian, Argentinian, Irish, American and from everywhere. I think we are not totally aware of the amount of experiences we have been collecting here. I guess we need time in Spain, back to our former life, to assimilate all this. Also about my work here. I also need to take a look back to what I´ve done here to be aware of the great progress I´ve made to make a good researcher out of myself. But I would defitively choose the people and the experiences as the main goal of this stay. Finnish people have also greatly collaborated to enrich my personal life. With their silences and their funny language. With their habits and their weird point of view about life: be calm always, no problems, no hurry, no stress, everything's gonna be alright. Cottage cheese on top of a slice of rye bread, milk, and the sound the wind caressing the leaves from the birtches while watching the birds fishing in the lakes. Simple life, simple food and simple habits mean happiness. A bunch of friends go every wenedsday to play floorball to the same gym I usually go. I have seen them several times now. I don´t like gossip but I sometimes like spying Finn's life, analyse their behaviour and try to learn something from their particular way of understanding life and human relationships. Actually I learned long time ago that all Finns were not angry with me, neither scared of talking. They don´t say anything unless that something is relevant. In fact, too much talking amongst Finns involves empty conversations, or alcohol or both. In that bunch of friends, all are above 40 y.o. and they probably have known each other for ages. But they hardly ever talk to each other, before, during or after the game. They seem to be ignoring each others all the time, as if the others, their partners, were not there. Only when one of them, for some reason, say something, the others cheer up and decide, why not? Let's chat for a while. But even in those moments, their faces turn red and their eyes reflect a deep shyness, unexpected for people who have met dozens of times. I believe that some days, they don´t even see each other's faces. But they enjoy the game, they are sharing that experience. After the game, they never, ever say: "it was a good game" or "will you come next week?" and of course, they never, never, say "good bye". There's no need to say that, the game is over and it is obvious that now, everybody will leave alone. Ain´t that crazy. This is just Finland.

These pictures belong to the last meetings we've had with our friends.

Reception for International Scholars, Students and Stuff from HU

Last week we were invited to participate in a reception for international members of the University of Helsinki. Considering the few "free" events arranged by Finns for foreigners, or even for themselves, we had to go and see. Actually it is a very nice reception because besides the well known complimentary party, the event includes a live performance and this year a Finnish virtuous guitarrist amused us all. The food was also a great surprise: lihapullat (Finnish/swedish meatballs/albódigas-de-toda-la-vida-de-dios), salaatti (salad with thick sauce/ensalada-con-salsa-espesa-que-sabe-a-putos-rayos-pero-que-se-hace-indispensable-para-poder-asimilar-la-mezcla-imposible-de-ingredientes) ja (and/y) musta leipä (rye bread/pan-negro-de-centeno-que-sabe-tan-mal-pero-que-viene-tan-bien-para-lo-que-viene-siendo-el-jiñar). Yes, I was trying to be ironic. But the truth is that it tastes so good to eat and drink for free in a party arranged by Finns. You won´t have many opportunities ;-) so when you have that pleasure: take advantage and make the most of it!

Now, talking seriously, I am not being fair: we have met very good hosts and generous Finns in Helsinki. My supervisors are, as an example, inspiring colleages and kind hosts with exquisite manners. We are making good friendships with Finns that will last long for sure. It is just that lately we have been involved in some surrealistic experiences...maybe other day, I am not brave anough to tell the story today.

MY CANDIDATE

I said Obama was not my candidate and I´ve been looking for a good one, somebody I think would be a great candidate to be President of USA, somebody to whom I would entrust my destiny as a world citizen. I found her making one of those things I enjoy more in life: listening to music. Tracy Chapman is my candidate. Do not laugh. If you have few minutes please do listen to these songs and pay a special attention to the words. I know all her songs by heart as I have heard those so many times...These 3 are just three examples. They are as simple as beautiful and they clearly show what I would expect from somebody with such a responsability. I love her rebelliousness. Her sensibility makes me shiver. As she said in other song, "heaven is here on earth" and she's an true angel in this heaven, the only one that really exists, or that could exist.

Once, a Spanish actor said that all politicians are rubbish cause you cannot trust someone who is willing to have political power. As all real good candidates, this lady would never accept such a responsability even if she were properly trained to act as President of USA.

TALKIN' ABOUT REVOLUTION

Don’t you know They’re talkin’ bout a revolution It sounds like a whisper
Don’t you know They’re talkin’ about a revolution It sounds like a whisper
While they’re standing in the welfare lines
Crying at the doorsteps of those armies of salvation
Wasting time in the unemployment lines
Sitting around waiting for a promotion
Don’t you know They’re talkin’ bout a revolution It sounds like a whisper
Poor people gonna rise up And get their share Poor people gonna rise up
And take what’s theirs
Don’t you know You better run, run, run, run, run,run, run, run, run, run, run, run
Oh I said you better Run, run, run, run, run, run, run, run, run, run, run, run
Finally the tables are starting to turn
Talkin’ bout a revolution Finally the tables are starting to turn Talkin’ bout a revolution
Talkin’ bout a revolution While they`re standing in the welfare lines
Crying at the doorsteps of those armies of salvation
Wasting time in the unemployment lines
Sitting around waiting for a promotion
Don’t you know
They’re talkin’ bout a revolution
It sounds like a whisper
Finally the tables are starting to turn
Talkin’ bout a revolution Finally the tables are starting to turn
Talkin’ bout a revolution Talkin’ bout a revolution Talkin’ bout a revolution

BEHIND THE WALL

Last night I heard the screaming Loud voices behind the wall
Another sleepless night for me It won't do no good to call The police
Always come late If they come at all Last night I heard the screaming
Loud voices behind the wall Another sleepless night for me It won't do no good to call
The police Always come late If they come at all
And when they arrive They say they can't interfear With domestic affairs Between a man and his wife And as they walk out the door The tears well up in her eyes
Last night I heard the screaming Then a silence that chilled my soul Prayed that I was dreaming When I saw the ambulance in the road
And the policeman said "I'm here to keep the peace. When the crowd disperse I think we all could use some sleep."
Last night I heard the screaming Loud voices behind the wall
Another sleepless night for me It won't do no good to call The police Always come late If they come at all

WHY?

Why do the babies starve When there's enough food to feed the world
Why when there're so many of us Are there people still alone
Why are the missiles called peace keepers When they're aimed to kill
Why is a woman still not safe When she's in her home
Love is hate War is peace No is yes And we're all free
But somebody's gonna have to answer The time is coming soon
Admidst all these questions and contradictions There're some who seek the truth
Why do the babies starve When there's enough food to feed the world
Why when there're so many of us Are there people still alone
Why are the missiles called peace keepers When they're aimed to kill
Why is a woman still not safe When she's in her home
Love is hate War is peace No is yes And we're all free
But somebody's gonna have to answer The time is coming soon
When the blind remove their blindness And the speechless speak the truth
Tell me Why do the babies starve When there's enough food to feed the world
Why when there're so many of us Are there people still alone
Why are the missiles called peace keepers When they're aimed to kill
Why is a woman still not safe When she's in her home
Love is hate War is peace No is yes And we're all free

And finally, I am not the only fan of her...

Days of Food, Family and Friends in Spain (and Work as well...)

Obama to White House (and Bush to Jail)

Yes, he could! And I am very happy. Obama, however, was not my candidate as I did not have a candidate in these elections. There are no left parties in USA but if it comes to choose between something bad (democrats) and something significantly worse (republicans) I prefer the first option. But in this occasion, there was something special. Obama's color counts and it should count. Less than 100 years ago, blacks were treated as slaves in USA and now one black guy is the President of of that country. Obama has made history and who knows, maybe, somebody like W. Bush was necessary so that the citizens of that country realised that a big change was necessary. I said that Obama was not my candidate and he's not but you never know what will happen in the future cause he's really BLACK. Let me explain my point. USA might have had a coloured president with Bush's ideas and personality: an insane alcoholic guy with strongly conservative ideas and sold out to war business and religious extremists. Not all woman (see Thatcher in UK) and blacks (see Condolezza Rice in USA) are aware of discrimination and willing to fight for social justice. But I believe Obama' different. Not only because of the color of his skin, he has seen segregation, discrimination, poverty and desperation in Chicago's streets and I really think he comprehends black's, woman's and poor's concerns and needs. Conservatives were concerned about his colour but they might be more concerned about his ideas and that's what I like the most from him. Let's see if he's brave anough to carry out all promises (close Guantanamo, finish with the shame in Irak, improve social security system in his country and promote respect and understanding between nations and cultures).

The blacks' fight for their rights is a very long way that probably has not finished yet. A number of names made this possible through the years. Let me remember one black lady who was sick of being despised by the white society and one day decided to sit freely in a bus where blacks were banned. Her name was Rosa Parks (last picture). She was fined to pay 10 dollars but her attitude and outburst of rebelliousness lead to the end of discrimination of coloured people in public transportation. She should be happy now to see that she has contributed to make a better world. Obama should be grateful to people like this lady. I still believe that big changes can happen. Brave people like Rosa Parks and electors willing to change insane polititians are needed for this purpose. After the second election of W. Bush, spanish people were wondering what was wrong in american's minds. Now I see that most americans, like in Europe have brains instead of shit in their heads. This year most of them made something they did not do four years ago: registrate and vote to the right candidate. Like in Europe, american conservatives always vote, there are no exceptions. Lefties are usually more lazy or dissatisfied with polititians. Big participation rates are a clear sign of victory for progressive ideas and polititians what proves that most world citizens are open-minded. Amongst young people, blacks, woman and illustrated or learned people, the situation is even clearer. Bush was basically supported by stupid white cowboys from mid- and south-states. Those who stayed at home and did not vote four years ago are even more responsible for what Bush did to the world that the stupid cowboys. It is not utopic: the world could be whatever we wanted it to be. We only have to stand up and choose the right way.