SAINT PETERSBURG

A mixture of excitement and emotion passed through our bodies as we crossed for the first time the borderline and get into the great Russia. One of the most powerful countries in the world and still a country full of poverty and a hopeless future. The corrupt and dictatorial government is more interested in killing political opponents and subversive groups from Chechnya than feeding homeless people. The last centuries of Russia's history: the Tsars, Lenin, Socialism, Stalin, Second World War, Cold War, KGB, Gorbachev and Perestroika, Yeltsin and Putin and "democracy"...by entering this country you feel as if you could even take part of its thrilling and agitated history. Still the face, attitude and uniforms of Russian policemen (and women) in the border reflects that it is not a European country and remind you of stories of secret spy networks and high treason...you feel as you were in a James Bond movie! It is just a fancy disguise because Saint Petersburg is a western and modern city, full of non-stop 'day and night' activities to do. Nothing to say about the streets, the channels and the monuments: please take a look to the photos. Highly recommendable to visit.

SUOMENLINNA AND SEURASAARI

Two examples of the strength and magnificent of nature in Helsinki.

WE'RE HAVING A PARTY

Sampling Sam Cooke's song...we've had several social meetings in our apartment. Here you have some photos to see...

CENSORSHIP IN SPAIN

The picture represents the Prince and Princess of Spain "making love" and he says: "Do you realise? If you get pregnant...This will be the most similar thing to work that I have done in my whole life!" . The socialist Spanish government have recently released a new law by which brand new parents will be granted with 2500 euros for each new born or adopted children. The same government is behind the censorship of the magazine with this cover. Are we in the 2007? How is this possible in one of the most modern and progressive countries in Europe? The legacy of 40 years dictatorship is something difficult to get rid of... I am looking forward for the third Spanish Republic. Definitely, I agree with that position...the position chosen by the Prince, I mean.

THE FUTURE IS IN OUR CHILDREN'S HANDS

Now that I have cut my hand with a blooding knife and I cannot go to the GYM with my girlfriend, I have been wandering internet and found a terrific video. A young boy (a child, I would say) giving some kind of catholic sermon to a lot of fanatic people following the typical pattern of the Evagelic sect from the USA. He speaks about "the modern scientists who invent lies like the Species Evolution Theory which are in direct confrontation with God's Providence". Needless to say that his brains are seriosly damaged and, despite of that, he remains to have a very good memory... Nevertheless, his speech is not as pathetic as the attitude of audience.




After that, I reminded that song from the movie "Coming to America" ("El principe de Zamunda"). Would I be the only person in the world who laugh watching this sketch???

SPANISH



ENGLISH

ERASMUS

What a funny group of people! How would it be for the Foreigners in Finland without exchange students?I have met different groups of Erasmus students in Finland and there's always something in common: intelligence, tolerance and bravery. And they are brave...sure. Brave anough to leave their parents' house with barely 18 and (not only live but...) enjoy a unique experience abroad. The terrible feeling of loneliness from the beginnig sharply becomes an incredible pleasure of enjoying every single second. Strange people becomes the only support you have thousand of kms around and adopt you as your equal, your friend, mother, father and brother. They enjoy their youth as it should be enjoyed: without hesitation, prejudices or embarrassment. Drinking, eating, laughing, going out, having fun, fall in love and fuck (not necessarily in that order) and that´s it. And I bet they will be traveling around the world for the rest of their lives. No nation, no roots, no hurry, no feeling of anxiety, just freedom. I will always have in mind the large variety of people I´ve known and the things I´ve learnt from them. Thank you, Grazie, Kiitos, Danke schön, Gracias to all of you.

SUMMER COTTAGE

It was three years ago (during my first stay in Finland) when I understood the relevant role that summer cottages and sauna play in Finn's lives. It is not one of these odd and useless traditional customs that can be found in almost every single culture: you realise quite fast that staying in a Finnish cottage is a privilege that everybody should experience at least once in lifetime. Eero warned us from the very beginning: "it is a nice place but nothing special to do: just stay there". It was partly true. The sensation of seating in the terrace, overlooking the lake and feel the gentle smell of the pine-trees is actually worth. However, there was something more behind Eero's words: enjoy hot-smoked fresh salmon, have a pleasant walk through the forest, row the boat along the lake, get into the sauna and swim naked in the lake are unique experiences. You learn to enjoy from nature in its purest essence and get to feel that yourself and the surrounding nature harmoniously fit.

Helsinki

First Days. Sonja and I in the main city of Finland

Tervetuloa

I officially welcome all foreigners of the world to my blog

TERVETULOA!

WELCOME!

BIENVENUE!

WILLKOMMEN!

BIENVENIDOS TODOS!