So, I dreamt about my cat last night. She's a mature cat, and maybe I'm worried she's going to pass away while I'm kicking up my heels in the City of Lights. In my dream, she was wearing a cat shaped hat. It covered her face and ears. It was all white so that it covered her black and white coloring. Her eyes were milky and didn't see much. She was super cuddly, but it was difficult to pet her through the knitted covering. That's all I remember.
so weird.
I also had a dream that I was trying to find my passport. I was about to leave for a trip, and I was running late. But, no matter how hard I searched, I couldn't find my passport. I'm sure this dream has something to do with the fact that I haven't received my permanent Visa yet. My temporary one expires on the 25th of November.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Friday, September 18, 2009
Photographic Evidence
Here is some proof that I'm actually in Paris: 
Ha! No, this is me in Finland. Of course. But, I did get the directions to Paris while I was there:
Here is my apartment:
This is the overall view of the place
This is the living room
And here are the essentials of Parisian life: wine, coffee, and bread! I just bought that silver espresso maker, and I love it. I have cheese and chocolate too, but I left them in the fridge. :D
Now, that I finally bought batteries for my camera, I hope to post more photos. Tomorrow, I am taking a brief tour of Paris. So, stay tuned...
Ha! No, this is me in Finland. Of course. But, I did get the directions to Paris while I was there:
Here is my apartment:
This is the overall view of the place
This is the living room
And here are the essentials of Parisian life: wine, coffee, and bread! I just bought that silver espresso maker, and I love it. I have cheese and chocolate too, but I left them in the fridge. :D
Now, that I finally bought batteries for my camera, I hope to post more photos. Tomorrow, I am taking a brief tour of Paris. So, stay tuned...
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Television
I decided to watch a little French TV so that I could hear everyday French being spoken. Tonight I found "La Roue de la Fortune"...you guessed it, it's the French version of the Wheel of Fortune. The French Vanna (I will call her LaVanna) is a little slutty (as seen in the photo) with big boobs and lips. She bounced around the stage giggling and dancing. She had to lug some board out to the middle of the stage and set it up. It was weird. I was thinking "why don't they do that during a commercial and make a stage hand do it?" But no, they wanted this lady to do it. They had a dog come out on stage. He was cute (see photo), but it seemed kind of random. He didn't do anything but sit on the desk and look cute. Oh, except when LaVanna dropped some candy, they let the dog go and clean it up. The host was mild mannered and seemed really bored. He leaned on the desk looking like he couldn't give a crap about anything. It was his body language and tone of voice that seemed...soooooo bored. He raised his voice only slightly to say "push, push, push" because those contestants had the weakest spins I have ever seen. I think their arms are made out of jello. I'm pretty sure they would've been booed in the US. The contestants were okay, except for their puny spins, but they would groan and throw their hands in the air and say "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!" when they got bankrupt. I think they discourage contestants from showing how pissed they are in the US version. It was fascinating to watch. Then during a break, I saw the cutest commercial ever!
who me? have baby fever? noooooooo.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Grasping and clinging to the past
I had a strange and very vivid dream about my childhood home. In the dream, I was visiting it with Patrick. The people who owned it tilled the land and made it into farm land. The backyard had become knee deep in swampy water. They did this on purpose b/c the land sloped so that the water would drain into a large ditch at the back of the yard. I walked around with Patrick and reminisced. I told him how my big brother would come up with all sorts of fun games to entertain us. My brother has an amazing and creative mind. We would rake the leaves into a trail and play tag. I pointed out a tree to Patrick that we tied a rope to a low branch. I explained to him that there would be a gap in the trail so that you would use the rope to jump across. Patrick was very impressed. This dream was so vivid and full of sadness. I cried a lot. I walked around mourned the fact that I'm no longer a kid. We all have to grow up and move on. But in my dream I was desperately sad about losing all of this. In the dream, the house was for sale, and Patrick was willing to buy it for us. I immediately felt better. I began playing with the idea of draining the backyard and recreating the lawn of my childhood.
But, no matter how strongly we wish it, we can't recreate the past. Nor should we strive to do so. The memories I have of my childhood are both good and bad, as is anyone's. I just wonder why that house is weighing so heavily on my mind right now. Perhaps it is because I am currently moving through the city of my ancestor's. Just last night I passed by a church in which an ancestor was baptized. I have thought of these ancestors quite a bit and wonder if we are sharing any views of the city. Perhaps they too stood on a Quai and admired Notre Dame. Or maybe they were busy living life and making ends meet to notice the city around them. Maybe being on my own is bringing my family closer to my heart. I'm not sure. But, that was a really vivid dream.
But, no matter how strongly we wish it, we can't recreate the past. Nor should we strive to do so. The memories I have of my childhood are both good and bad, as is anyone's. I just wonder why that house is weighing so heavily on my mind right now. Perhaps it is because I am currently moving through the city of my ancestor's. Just last night I passed by a church in which an ancestor was baptized. I have thought of these ancestors quite a bit and wonder if we are sharing any views of the city. Perhaps they too stood on a Quai and admired Notre Dame. Or maybe they were busy living life and making ends meet to notice the city around them. Maybe being on my own is bringing my family closer to my heart. I'm not sure. But, that was a really vivid dream.
Our Lady of Paris
Last night after dinner, I decided to go for a walk. My friend, Paola, suggested visiting the courtyard of the Louvre after hours, so that was my goal. I set out along the Seine and immediately paused to admire the beauty of Notre Dame at night. What a wonderful sight. I ended up inside Notre Dame, and they were playing a documentary about the building..inside the building. My favorite part was when they played the sounds of the ancient bell called Emmanuel, which rings in F-sharp. The sound recording reverberated throughout the building, and it was beautiful.
After the film, I walked to the Louvre and watched tourists take pictures in various poses and watch the Eiffel Tower sparkle on the hour. Arriving at the Louvre, I passed a man playing a saxophone in a corridor. The sound was magnificent in the space. I found a spot to lie down, and I spent some time listening to the moving water of the fountains and staring at the pyramids projected onto the night sky. It was very relaxing.
After the Louvre, I walked along the Seine back to my apartment. At one point, I saw 5 or 6 people looking over the ledge to see the lower walkway by the Seine. As I approached, I could hear a band down there. I peeked over too. There were about 10 or 12 young adults playing various instruments in a circle: 4 trombones, a drummer, a tuba, a couple of french horn, a few of trumpets. They played fun, fast music and even sang a bit. They ignored us watching them from of above, but we couldn't resist clapping to show our appreciation.
I then walked along a pedestrian bridge that was packed with groups of young people drinking wine/beer, smoking cigarettes, laughing, and having a general good time. I crossed the Seine and continued back toward my apartment. I took a small detour down a narrow, very bright street which was packed with restaurants and tourists. It was fun to see the bright lights and the various foods being offered.
Finally, 2.5 hours after leaving my apartment, I made it back for a deep sleep.
Today, Paola and I have plans to go to the cinema or watch movies at home. Should be fun. Right now, I'm watching Melrose Place dubbed in French, which is something I think every American should experience.
After the film, I walked to the Louvre and watched tourists take pictures in various poses and watch the Eiffel Tower sparkle on the hour. Arriving at the Louvre, I passed a man playing a saxophone in a corridor. The sound was magnificent in the space. I found a spot to lie down, and I spent some time listening to the moving water of the fountains and staring at the pyramids projected onto the night sky. It was very relaxing.
After the Louvre, I walked along the Seine back to my apartment. At one point, I saw 5 or 6 people looking over the ledge to see the lower walkway by the Seine. As I approached, I could hear a band down there. I peeked over too. There were about 10 or 12 young adults playing various instruments in a circle: 4 trombones, a drummer, a tuba, a couple of french horn, a few of trumpets. They played fun, fast music and even sang a bit. They ignored us watching them from of above, but we couldn't resist clapping to show our appreciation.
I then walked along a pedestrian bridge that was packed with groups of young people drinking wine/beer, smoking cigarettes, laughing, and having a general good time. I crossed the Seine and continued back toward my apartment. I took a small detour down a narrow, very bright street which was packed with restaurants and tourists. It was fun to see the bright lights and the various foods being offered.
Finally, 2.5 hours after leaving my apartment, I made it back for a deep sleep.
Today, Paola and I have plans to go to the cinema or watch movies at home. Should be fun. Right now, I'm watching Melrose Place dubbed in French, which is something I think every American should experience.
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
Paris update
Two things:
1. I saw a lady today biking with a dog in her basket. I always thought that image was a stereotype, and not a true one. But there they were, both cute as can be. And the dog had a little visor on b/c it can get windy riding up front.
2. I have a new, very awesome apartment. There are so many wonderful things about where I am living. I am in the heart of Paris. I walk along the Seine and pass Notre Dame on my way to work.
...and there is a guy on the 2nd floor across the street playing the violin.
sigh.
So far so relaxing.
1. I saw a lady today biking with a dog in her basket. I always thought that image was a stereotype, and not a true one. But there they were, both cute as can be. And the dog had a little visor on b/c it can get windy riding up front.
2. I have a new, very awesome apartment. There are so many wonderful things about where I am living. I am in the heart of Paris. I walk along the Seine and pass Notre Dame on my way to work.
...and there is a guy on the 2nd floor across the street playing the violin.
sigh.
So far so relaxing.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Team Buffy!
As a fan of both Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Twilight, I love, love, love this video. It makes me laugh. Kudos to the person who put it together.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
French phrases for the financially and physically irresponsible
I've been practicing my French since I basically won the lottery and was granted a 2-year fellowship to work in Paris on galaxy simulations. I got the official notice Monday, and I am stoked! I'm also nervous about all the logistics of a big move, but it will all work out.
Anyhoo, I've been working on my French, particularly focusing on listening comprehension. I'm listening to a few podcasts, one by French Today, which I highly recommend. I'm also reading and listening to French books in order to see and hear the words simultaneously. And, I've been watching the Simpson's in French. I find the Simpson's the most difficult to understand with so much slang being thrown around. I have no idea what they are saying and only catch a word here and there.
I also got a CD from the library, just to check it out. It is a "learn in your car" type CD where they repeat things too quickly and don't give you time to repeat what they are saying. This is such a weird CD. If you are making a 3 disc CD and are limited in space, I would think you would choose some of the most crucial phrases for a foreigner to learn. Here are some of the phrases they have included:
1. I want to keep this.
Possibility of my saying this? Maybe a 3 in 10 chance, if a waiter is trying to take away something I'm still noshing on. But, I'm not going to step into someone's house and need this phrase.
2. You need to pay them back.
hmmm. Perhaps I will make friends with someone who borrows money and refuses to pay it back and asks for my advice, but I doubt it. Possibility of Usage: 2:10
3. They are going to fall.
okay. Maybe I see some kids hanging over a bridge on the Seine, and they look careless. But, really? When am I going to use this? Possibility of Usage: 1:10
3. He is going to die.
my favorite phrase hands down. If I had a nickel for all the times I frantically tried to remember this phrase in French, I'd be a rich woman.
I mean. really. come on.
Possibility of Usage: 0:10 (knock on wood)
I'm actually considering copying these CDs b/c the phrases are so bizarre that I want to keep them for the novelty. It reminds me of our Finnish friend whose favorite phrase in French was along the lines of "gentlemen, prepare your bayonets". lol.
JUST FOR FUN:
What movie are you reminded of when you see these images?
French Toast
French Fries
French Dressing
Anyhoo, I've been working on my French, particularly focusing on listening comprehension. I'm listening to a few podcasts, one by French Today, which I highly recommend. I'm also reading and listening to French books in order to see and hear the words simultaneously. And, I've been watching the Simpson's in French. I find the Simpson's the most difficult to understand with so much slang being thrown around. I have no idea what they are saying and only catch a word here and there.
I also got a CD from the library, just to check it out. It is a "learn in your car" type CD where they repeat things too quickly and don't give you time to repeat what they are saying. This is such a weird CD. If you are making a 3 disc CD and are limited in space, I would think you would choose some of the most crucial phrases for a foreigner to learn. Here are some of the phrases they have included:
1. I want to keep this.
Possibility of my saying this? Maybe a 3 in 10 chance, if a waiter is trying to take away something I'm still noshing on. But, I'm not going to step into someone's house and need this phrase.
2. You need to pay them back.
hmmm. Perhaps I will make friends with someone who borrows money and refuses to pay it back and asks for my advice, but I doubt it. Possibility of Usage: 2:10
3. They are going to fall.
okay. Maybe I see some kids hanging over a bridge on the Seine, and they look careless. But, really? When am I going to use this? Possibility of Usage: 1:10
3. He is going to die.
my favorite phrase hands down. If I had a nickel for all the times I frantically tried to remember this phrase in French, I'd be a rich woman.
I mean. really. come on.
Possibility of Usage: 0:10 (knock on wood)
I'm actually considering copying these CDs b/c the phrases are so bizarre that I want to keep them for the novelty. It reminds me of our Finnish friend whose favorite phrase in French was along the lines of "gentlemen, prepare your bayonets". lol.
JUST FOR FUN:
What movie are you reminded of when you see these images?
French Toast
French Fries
French Dressing
Monday, December 08, 2008
Dang!
We have seven days left in Finland before returning to the United States. Next Monday (December 15th), we fly away with no immediate plans of returning. I am excited to see my family (and the Sun) again. But, I'm also going to miss Finland. It has been a peaceful and productive visit. The Finnish people have been very generous and welcoming to me, and I will definitely miss living here.
Friday, December 05, 2008
Knitters have amazing powers
Neil Gamon wrote a dark children's story called Coraline about a little girl who discovers an alternate version of her life through a secret passage. The story is being made into a 3D stop animation movie, which I am really looking forward to seeing. Here is a trailer to watch if you are interested:
The group creating this movie at Laika impressively crafted everything by hand. They are also creating a buzz around the movie by sending out mystery boxes to bloggers they admire. I found out about because Amy at knitty.com received a Coraline mystery box (number 8 our of 50 handmade personalized boxes). You can see the contents here.
However, I am writing this blog to point you to a short video about the creation of tiny knitted sweaters used in this movie. Go here and type in the code: sweaterxxs
amazing.
The group creating this movie at Laika impressively crafted everything by hand. They are also creating a buzz around the movie by sending out mystery boxes to bloggers they admire. I found out about because Amy at knitty.com received a Coraline mystery box (number 8 our of 50 handmade personalized boxes). You can see the contents here.
However, I am writing this blog to point you to a short video about the creation of tiny knitted sweaters used in this movie. Go here and type in the code: sweaterxxs
amazing.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Cats have amazing powers
I think these will be all the rage this Christmas! Maybe I should get one for my nieces and nephew.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Arguments
I have to preface this blog with a short note. I am doing an experiment with my friend Mambinki and other bloggers. We are all going to blog on previously chosen subjects as an exercise. You can read about the experiment here. It will be interesting to see how we all interpret the subjects. This week's subject is 'Aruguments'. Well, this immediately brings up a lot of stressful thoughts in me. So, be warned that this is a serious blog. I don't want to bum anyone out, so read only if you wish.
===========================================================
Arguments are source of learning and growing for me right now. As a child, I watched my parents fight very actively and loudly. I remember being tense and frightened by it all. This has translated into an adult who avoids confrontation at all costs. I adapt to most situations and people. I don't argue with or confront people. In the rare case I do argue with someone, I usually cry a lot b/c it is just so stressful and it is a big deal for me. But, normally I just keep my mouth shut. I am slowly learning the importance of standing up for myself and for others. One of the most important issues for me is building my sense of self and my self esteem. I adapt so much to others around me in order for them to like me and in order to keep arguing to a minimum. The problem with this tactic is that I have no real sense of my values. I stand upon a shifting foundation. I am easily manipulated and influenced, and I don't value my own opinion. I certainly don't think I need to thicken my ego and start yelling at people. But, I do need to build a solid foundation of values and stand upon it without fear. Fear drives too much of my life, and I hope that will change. Of course, I am trying to sort all of this out through meditation. My first goal is to understand that my perspective is valid and not to be afraid to share it with those who don't agree. Even writing that made me feel tense. Arguments. Fear. These are important tools in my life right now. I am grateful for them as tools for me to develop myself into a wiser person. Ultimately, I hope I would be able to stand up for those who can't stand up for themselves b/c this issue is bigger than just me and my self esteem. I think about what I would have done in the times leading up to WWII. Would I have stood up for anyone? Sadly, I know the honest answer to this, and I am not comfortable living with that reality. And the wonderful thing about this life is our free will. I chose to work on this issue and to change so that my mistakes from the past won't be repeated in the future.
===========================================================
Arguments are source of learning and growing for me right now. As a child, I watched my parents fight very actively and loudly. I remember being tense and frightened by it all. This has translated into an adult who avoids confrontation at all costs. I adapt to most situations and people. I don't argue with or confront people. In the rare case I do argue with someone, I usually cry a lot b/c it is just so stressful and it is a big deal for me. But, normally I just keep my mouth shut. I am slowly learning the importance of standing up for myself and for others. One of the most important issues for me is building my sense of self and my self esteem. I adapt so much to others around me in order for them to like me and in order to keep arguing to a minimum. The problem with this tactic is that I have no real sense of my values. I stand upon a shifting foundation. I am easily manipulated and influenced, and I don't value my own opinion. I certainly don't think I need to thicken my ego and start yelling at people. But, I do need to build a solid foundation of values and stand upon it without fear. Fear drives too much of my life, and I hope that will change. Of course, I am trying to sort all of this out through meditation. My first goal is to understand that my perspective is valid and not to be afraid to share it with those who don't agree. Even writing that made me feel tense. Arguments. Fear. These are important tools in my life right now. I am grateful for them as tools for me to develop myself into a wiser person. Ultimately, I hope I would be able to stand up for those who can't stand up for themselves b/c this issue is bigger than just me and my self esteem. I think about what I would have done in the times leading up to WWII. Would I have stood up for anyone? Sadly, I know the honest answer to this, and I am not comfortable living with that reality. And the wonderful thing about this life is our free will. I chose to work on this issue and to change so that my mistakes from the past won't be repeated in the future.
Sunday, November 09, 2008
Monday, November 03, 2008
Snow Globe
I had a fun weekend. I really enjoyed watching the snow which fell for hours Friday night. It was an adventure biking around in all of that fresh powder. The worst part was getting snow in my eyes while biking. It felt like icicles stabbing me in the eyeballs, and I needed ski goggles.
Anyway, here are some photos of the snow.
With all this beauty around me, can anyone explain while I'm feeling down today? Emotions are funny things. But, like the snow, they can not persist forever. They too will melt into new emotions soon enough.
Anyway, here are some photos of the snow.
With all this beauty around me, can anyone explain while I'm feeling down today? Emotions are funny things. But, like the snow, they can not persist forever. They too will melt into new emotions soon enough.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Breaking News...
It's snowing!!
I only took a couple of photos. It started snowing about 2 hours ago. It is now snowing crazy-like, and I think I will be able to take some pretty nice photos tomorrow. yay! snow! It's a novelty for me, so I love it!
I only took a couple of photos. It started snowing about 2 hours ago. It is now snowing crazy-like, and I think I will be able to take some pretty nice photos tomorrow. yay! snow! It's a novelty for me, so I love it!
Southern Finland -- Part II: Helsinki
This is part 2 of our trip to Southern Finland. These photos were all taken in Helsinki. We spent a Sunday afternoon and a Monday morning in Helsinki. It was rainy and cold, unfortunately. We couldn't use our umbrellas b/c the wind was knocking them around too much. It was quite comical, and we had to put the umbrellas away.
We started the visit Sunday by visiting the rock church:
I don't know why it looks like people are running for their lives in this photo. The church was beautiful and very peaceful.
The church view from the balcony:
This was my favorite part, lighting a prayer candle.
Here are some photos of the hotel room:
wait a minute. I thought this guy was the gardener at Turku castle. How'd he get into my room?
We spent most of Sunday inside the National museum, but I only have a couple of photos from that excursion.
A throne:
A brief moment to pause and pitch some tightly clad royal booty.
I don't know why we only have a couple of photos from the national museum. It was packed with fascinating objects. Maybe the lack of photos reflects how exhausted we were from all the sight seeing. That night we ate some very good Nepalese food and went back to the room. I stayed up too late watching French news and bad reality TV. It was fantastic. The only horrible part was watching a french news reporter interview a man from Iowa (or maybe it was Kansas). The farmer called Obama the 'n' word, and I was shocked! shocked! The farmer said he was a life long democrat, but wouldn't vote for Obama b/c he "can't stand n!@@*rs". WTF?!!
Okay, on to the next day....
Monday wasn't as rainy as Sunday, but the day was still very grey. This means the photos look kind of gloomy, but Helsinki was a very beautiful city. Here are some photos as we walked around visiting churches and just generally ogling the city.
The massive Lutheran church.
I like this photo b/c Patrick's noggin is floating around the bottom.
The above photo is theview from the top of the stairs to the Lutheran Church.
Inside the Lutheran Church.
This photo above is the Orthodox Church. We didn't get to go inside, sadly, but it was an impressive building none the less.
This is the view from the Orthodox church. They could flip off the Lutheran's on their way to mass.
We also walked around the market square of Helsinki where they sell handicrafts. It was pretty nice, and I bought a little wooden block puzzle for my nephew.
So, overall, we had a fantastic trip. Helsinki was wonderful. Turku was unbelievable. I loved the trip and wish we could've stayed longer.
We started the visit Sunday by visiting the rock church:
I don't know why it looks like people are running for their lives in this photo. The church was beautiful and very peaceful.
The church view from the balcony:
This was my favorite part, lighting a prayer candle.
Here are some photos of the hotel room:
wait a minute. I thought this guy was the gardener at Turku castle. How'd he get into my room?
We spent most of Sunday inside the National museum, but I only have a couple of photos from that excursion.
A throne:
A brief moment to pause and pitch some tightly clad royal booty.
I don't know why we only have a couple of photos from the national museum. It was packed with fascinating objects. Maybe the lack of photos reflects how exhausted we were from all the sight seeing. That night we ate some very good Nepalese food and went back to the room. I stayed up too late watching French news and bad reality TV. It was fantastic. The only horrible part was watching a french news reporter interview a man from Iowa (or maybe it was Kansas). The farmer called Obama the 'n' word, and I was shocked! shocked! The farmer said he was a life long democrat, but wouldn't vote for Obama b/c he "can't stand n!@@*rs". WTF?!!
Okay, on to the next day....
Monday wasn't as rainy as Sunday, but the day was still very grey. This means the photos look kind of gloomy, but Helsinki was a very beautiful city. Here are some photos as we walked around visiting churches and just generally ogling the city.
The massive Lutheran church.
I like this photo b/c Patrick's noggin is floating around the bottom.
The above photo is theview from the top of the stairs to the Lutheran Church.
Inside the Lutheran Church.
This photo above is the Orthodox Church. We didn't get to go inside, sadly, but it was an impressive building none the less.
This is the view from the Orthodox church. They could flip off the Lutheran's on their way to mass.We also walked around the market square of Helsinki where they sell handicrafts. It was pretty nice, and I bought a little wooden block puzzle for my nephew.
So, overall, we had a fantastic trip. Helsinki was wonderful. Turku was unbelievable. I loved the trip and wish we could've stayed longer.
Back from Southern Finland -- Part I. Turku!
Hello all. Patrick and I have returned from an ESO meeting of Finnish Astronomers and Scientists in Turku, Finland. The meeting was held at Tuorla Observatory. It was a 10 minute bus ride from the city center to the observatory, and it was lovely out there. I forgot to take photos until we were waiting for the bus to take us away. Unfortunately, the sunlight was directly in front of me, so the photos aren't that great. But, I think you get the idea.
The entrance to Tuorla Hostel
This photo shows the main house at the Hostel/Observatory.
Another building on the property...
across the street from the Hostel
It was very pretty. The meeting was a good one. The group was small, which meant more interaction with individuals. I even made a contact with a scientist in South Africa who published a paper on similar stuff that I'm doing.
After the meeting, we stuck around to do some sightseeing. We spent Saturday in Turku walking around and visiting Turku castle. Now, I'm going to post a bunch of photos of Turku for your viewing pleasure. Click to embiggen them, as you wish.
This is a beautiful church in the middle of Turku. This driveway/courtyard has a nice slope to it. We watched a man chase down a runaway buggy stuffed with two kids on this driveway. It was pretty funny, but don't worry. No children or fathers were harmed in the making of this photo.
A view of the river.
A beautiful park near the handicraft museum. Sadly the museum was closed. So, we strolled through this park into an open air market and onward to Turku castle instead.
It was a cold day, and this bird is nicely expressing how I felt. I too would refuse to get into that freezing water. screw that!
Patrick and his new toy.
A pretty view outside of Turku Castle.
This is Turku castle inside the walls. Look, I think that is one of the staff. I forget his name.
That's me. Can you hear what I am saying?
"Get off my lawn before I call the cops! You peasant!"
St. George defending the maiden and killing the dragon. I like the shadows cast on the wall.
Virgin and Child. There were so many incredible carvings from the 15th century in Turku castle. amazing.
Arched ceilings...It's how I roll.
Patrick looks comfy.
okay. Maybe he's getting a little too comfortable on the king's privy.
That is all I am posting for now. I have to get some work done today! Stay tuned for Part II -- Helsinki.
The entrance to Tuorla Hostel
This photo shows the main house at the Hostel/Observatory.
Another building on the property...
across the street from the Hostel
It was very pretty. The meeting was a good one. The group was small, which meant more interaction with individuals. I even made a contact with a scientist in South Africa who published a paper on similar stuff that I'm doing.
After the meeting, we stuck around to do some sightseeing. We spent Saturday in Turku walking around and visiting Turku castle. Now, I'm going to post a bunch of photos of Turku for your viewing pleasure. Click to embiggen them, as you wish.
This is a beautiful church in the middle of Turku. This driveway/courtyard has a nice slope to it. We watched a man chase down a runaway buggy stuffed with two kids on this driveway. It was pretty funny, but don't worry. No children or fathers were harmed in the making of this photo.
A view of the river.
A beautiful park near the handicraft museum. Sadly the museum was closed. So, we strolled through this park into an open air market and onward to Turku castle instead.
It was a cold day, and this bird is nicely expressing how I felt. I too would refuse to get into that freezing water. screw that!
Patrick and his new toy.
A pretty view outside of Turku Castle.
This is Turku castle inside the walls. Look, I think that is one of the staff. I forget his name.
That's me. Can you hear what I am saying?
"Get off my lawn before I call the cops! You peasant!"St. George defending the maiden and killing the dragon. I like the shadows cast on the wall.
Virgin and Child. There were so many incredible carvings from the 15th century in Turku castle. amazing.
Arched ceilings...It's how I roll.
Patrick looks comfy.
okay. Maybe he's getting a little too comfortable on the king's privy.
That is all I am posting for now. I have to get some work done today! Stay tuned for Part II -- Helsinki.
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