Travel: St. Petersburg

I always think that there is a unique vibe to a city, the aroma that comes from all those people and events of the past that the city has been through and experienced. Walking in St. Petersburg I can almost taste the lingering scent of its soviet past. I am not going to (and unable to) recall the history of this city, but Wikipedia is always by your side. 

Birzhevaya Plaza
The ships symbolize the Swedish navy being defeated

Statue of Peter I in the Peter and Paul Fortress

note that all proportions are to scale.

Church of Resurrection (a.k.a. Church of the Spilled Blood) 

St Isaac's Cathedral and the Bronze statue

The Palace Square

Traveling in Russia proves to be quite difficult as the majority of people there don't speak English, so be prepared to use lots of sign language. (pen and paper might help too.) The sights are located quite close together and hence is quite easy and convenient to tour around. Also, the subway costs 28r no matter how far you go which makes it quite easy to get the tickets.

A point to note: the place is not as safe as other European countries, and police can't really help at all... so girls please don't wander the streets after dark ;)

Birthday special: Cruise

Yayyy* HAPPY BIRTHDAY to me!! This is the first ever birthday I am celebrating in Europe AND on a cruise, so exciting. We joined a student trip with Timetravels for a 3 days trip to St. Petersburg for only 200€, accomodation and traveling expenses included! Such a deal. The boat sets off in Helsinki terminal for an overnight ride and arrives the next morning.

The Princess Maria

Floating ice that forms a path to the pier

sneak peak at our captain ;P

Fabulous sunset seeing us off 

The thing that's good Russia is that their alcohol is so inexpensive, especially in the duty free on the boat. (by inexpensive i mean REALLY affordable, as in CHEAP). I bought a bottle of Gold Edition sparkling wine to share with my friends, literally genuine gold leaves inside. AWESOME!

They caught me by surprised when they presented me with a card unexpectedly, so sweet to read the blessings from my dear friends *big hugs* We went to the deck to howl at the moon, well no, to enjoy the moonlight. It was so calm, peaceful and romantic in the middle of the ocean, everybody was mesmerized by the beauty. We look at the horizon there the reflection of the moon disappeared and it seriously felt like it's the edge of the world and everything would fall down over it, fascinating. This is seriously what I love most about over-night cruses!

The party on the cruise is also great, with hot music (and Finnish guys lol) had so much fun, best birthday ever!! :D
XOXO

Explore: Lappeenranta

Of course, being in Lappeenranta means some exploring.

About 30 mins walk from the bus and train station, there is a large outlet selling everything and anything, from the basic groceries to the gnome to put in your garden, and even Angry birds cosmetics (Did I mention the Finnish is absolutely CRAZY about their bird-lliant game?)

Meeting up with best friends :D

The colour of candy cane is everywhere!

"ANGRY" cosmetics 

Bottle of light

Huge supermarket

My friend thinks that Finland is like the land of empty space with no people, Lappeenranta is the best place to illustrate her view. Here is so different from the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong I felt so relieved getting away from the 9am / 7pm crowd in the MTR. Although I have no problem of this relaxed, carefree atmosphere, I have to say that sometimes a little bit of noise and crowd won't hurt would it?

Work Hard, Play Hard

Here are some 'other' highlights of the conference. I have to say, the OCs really did a great job, the sessions ran smoothly, there were constant refreshments,  Knowing that organizing a conference is really difficult, so a pat on the back OC Mafia!! :D

An interesting poster in the school

The gossip wall in the female washroom :P

Snack bar!! Free candies!!

There was actually more to the details to this, but I only took pictures of these stuff. (I always believe to live the moment instead of taking a picture to savor it for later) Anyway, in the parties there was great alcohol, music and dances. The OCs and Facis really did dress up and they look F-A-B-U-L-O-U-S. 

Another thing, they provided tea, coffee, cookies and fruits for the delegates throughout the 3 days of conference which is just PERFECT.  The venue is actually an elementary school in the area, so there is plenty of rooms for sessions and since there is no residents nearby (quite unlike Hong Kong) we can have music and party as loud as we want and nobody would complain :P For the sugar cubes, they had really colourful envelopes and also printed our pictures. This is so handy as I couldn't remember everybody's names. The wall looked beautiful with all the colourful sugar cubes but again, no pictures (Argh! Why didn't I take any?!!) Also, on our delegate name tags there are QR codes which links directly to our facebooks. (Really simple and easy way to be friends with all the fabulous and awesome people!!) GOOD JOB LC SAIMAA!!

For the serious parts of the conference : SUCCESS2013

SUCCESS 2013

Over the weekend, I went to SUCCESS2013, something that is really different from the Hong Kong AIESEC conferences is the atmosphere. The delegates were enthusiastic and participated actively, they were not afraid to speak out their minds and share their thoughts. This is definately something HKers shoul

 

We discussed about the ways to improve the efficiency of the LC, how to sustain growth and also did some sessions about personal discovery. There is great motivation dashing around and  people are just simply inspired to do better.

SUCCESS2013 : 1st conference in Finland, 4th in AIESEC and the only one which the message finally got through and is understood.

Now for the informal details: Work Hard, Play Hard.

Going through the door

Exploring the campus happened to be one of my pastimes, today I was just opening random doors on the third floor of building E.

Guess what I found

Door within a door.

Of course I am not stoping at just the first door, I went in further and found this old-fashioned electronic piano

Reminds me of the time i was learning music at Tom Lee at home...

Sunrise and Sunset in Mikkeli

In January, the sun in Mikkeli rises at 8am and sets at 4pm. This gives lazy people like me, who can't wake up at the break of dawn a chance to see the spectacular view of the sunrise (and sunset)!!

Workaholic Girl

Even for the exchange student, I think I have been working overtime. I have just finish a presentation for class and moving on to study for an exam on Monday. Furthermore I have to attend an AIESEC conference in Lappeeranta for the weekend PLUS meetings for the society. On top of that I have decided to run for Vice President which brings me further duties with transition talks with current leaders and members. Guess I can not be more occupied, the only thing that's happening to balance things out is my friend coming to join me for a few days on Friday!! XOXO

Aamurusko

The evening was cold and clear, stars twinkle in the distance and the Big Dipper is clearly visible in the inky black sky. We gathered on the roof top in our jackets and boots. In the distance, a weak aurora stretches across the sky. Its pale green light glows dim and bright in its soft velvet folds. Just as you want to take a closer look, it disappeared without a trace... 

From the treetops came another wave of northern lights, getting brighter and brighter. It came snaking its way through the sky, creating the perfect curtain with a slight tint of purple glow. The lights are like wisps of smoke, licking flames, a mysterious goddess whispering in the sky.

Skating at Lake Saaima

Went to Lake Saaima for skating this afternoon, it's the first time I went to the other side of the train tracks. Guess I should venture further more often, look at these fabulous view!

There is a further stretch of frozen lake on the other side of the bridge maybe next time I'll take some pictures of there. Did a total of 4km around the lake and had a nice work out. I would definitely stay longer if the ice was in a nicer condition. Maybe next time I should go with skis.

Nutcase hand positions for the unaware

To tell you the truth I really hate people worrying about me and telling me off for being an idiot, doing some 'dangerous act' (like touching a hot plate or going out at night alone etc...). Other than the normal door hinges, drawers and window frames we were all educated on when we were 3, here is a little reminder on dangerous places that might look normal and the hand might rest there on impulse.

1. Plates that just came out from the oven. 

Trust me, there are times where the hand might just go without thinking. Generally pots and pans which just came out of the oven do not smoke but they contains all the heat that is used to cook the food, and more. Regardless at home or at the restaurant, NEVER EVER TRY TO SHIFT THE POSITION OF THAT PLATE FROM THE OVEN. Yes, that waitress might have a problem about placing food or my mind just simply wants to get that casserole of mushroom out of the way but NO. no touching the plate.

2. Reach pass that steaming kettle.

Steam can actually be hotter than the source it came from. That lovely twisting swirly stream of steam may look innocent enough, but it's deadly. The top of the kettle where the steam escapes is not the only place you have to look out for, burning water vapor also rushes out from the sprout of the kettle. Also, there is the steamer, the boiling pot of soup... I just got burned by steam the other day, and egg whites actually acts as a protective layer when applied on affected area

3. Preventing the collision of big masses.

Sorry for that technical terms. An example to illustrate that is when I was in a punt enjoying the hilarious scene my friends were making, and suddenly another punt came drifting towards us, going for a head-on collision. Instinct tells me to push the other punt out of the way but in reality a person is never stronger that the boat that carries 4+ people. I should just sit back, relax and enjoy the drama of the collision. The guys would take care of everything. Same goes to collapsing bikes, tables, cutteries... you get what I mean.

Don't ever let people have the chance to tell you off for being an idiot (or let yourself feel that way after some accident). Be that strong girl who can take care of herself.

XOXO

Travel: First night in Stockholm

Setting off on my own!

Enjoying the moment of anticipation while waiting for Norwegian Airline to take me to Stockholm. Took the time to write in the comfortable chilling seats in Helsinki airport near gate 17, where they provided private cubical sofas, table, sockets and most importantly - wifi connection. 

The plane ride was fast, only 45 minutes and Holla! Hello Stockholm!!

I have to say Norwegian Airlines have done their part well by not only providing cheap tickets, but also free Wifi on board AND educate their passengers about famous people from their country. (in the picture: Samuel Eyde (29 October 1866 – 21 June 1940) was a Norwegian engineer and industrialist)

Note: Self check-in at the airport required for NA. Only reference code is needed, no need to print boarding pass.

One thing that is very important when visiting Stockholm is to get the SL card. It comes with availability of 24 hrs, 72 hrs, one week and so on, allowing you to get on any public transport in the city. This system, in my opinion is perfect, no hassle about coins, tickets and stuff.

                              

Traveling to my host's place was a bit troublesome, it consist of taking the bus, train, subway and tram. (can't they just connect everything together into a big subway network?!) I spent my first evening in Stockholm enjoying tea and having an 'intellectual' conversation with my host. (She's having her PhD. in Meterology) Pleasant evening for my first trip!