Finland – Blue Moment

Day 230: Colour Me Cold

October 9, 2026Posted in 365 Project, Fall, Finland, Nature, OutdoorsTagged 365 Project, Fall, Finland, Nature, OutdoorsLeave a comment

It’s here. All the prettiness.

Day 227: ‘Shrooming

October 6, 2026October 6, 2026Posted in 365 Project, Activities, Fall, Finland, Nature, Outdoors, WildlifeTagged 365 Project, Activities, Fall, Finland, Food, Learning, Nature, OutdoorsLeave a comment

Everyman’s rights are a fantastic concept, recognised throughout the Nordics. They allow anyone to walk, camp or gather berries and mushrooms in forests – no matter who owns the land.

Picking mushrooms is therefore all the rage among us middle-aged Finns.

In all seriosness, I have been interested in mushrooming for a long time. But it is not something you should attempt if you are totally clueless.

Out of the approx 400 species of mushrooms in Finland, only 5-6 can kill you. Another 50 or so just make you sick. However, those are not odds I am willing to gamble on. Especially as only about 30 actually taste good.

So, I took a course. Six hours with a very competent teacher in a sunny forest.

Now I believe I can confidently recognize five edible ones.

Day 226: Then The Heavens Opened

October 6, 2026October 6, 2026Posted in 365 Project, Fall, Finland, nightTagged 365 Project, Fall, FinlandLeave a comment

Autumn rain feels very different from summer rain. And there is nothing more autumn-ish than a day-long cold drizzle.

Today was not it.

From an almost clear sky, the heavens opened for 10 minutes. The temperature dropped by 10 degrees. And so autumn arrived in full.

Day 221: Change of Season

October 1, 2026October 1, 2026Posted in 365 Project, Fall, Finland, NatureTagged 365 Project, Fall, Finland, NatureLeave a comment

It’s that time if the year when the autumn just crashes in. Right now, the majority of leaves are still green. The trees are yellow only in spots, reeds are turning brown and streets are painted with fallen leaves.

In a week, the world will be all yellow and brown. With a dash of red.

Day 214: Pocketful of Sunshine

September 24, 2026September 24, 2026Posted in 365 Project, Flowers, Makro, NatureTagged 365 Project, Finland, Flowers, Makro, NatureLeave a comment

With the possible exception of ecstatic puppies, nothing in the world conveys happiness like a sunflower. Sunflowers are not elegant, exquisite, cute or even particularly beautiful.

But they are happy.

Day 207: Work Week

September 18, 2026Posted in 365 Project, Finland, People, WorkTagged 365 Project, FinlandLeave a comment

Since its founding, our company has been pretty diverse, even for a startup. I remember when we hit 45 employees, we had people of 19 nationalities living in 14 countries (and 49% women).

I love it, but it comes with its challenges. And, to be fair, any company culture benefits when colleagues occassionally meet face-to-face.

So once a year, we bring managers and a few experts together. We still keep it casual.

Good for business, tough on photography projects!

Day 204: The Snake, The Death and Naked Boys

September 15, 2026September 15, 2026Posted in 365 Project, Architecture, FinlandTagged 365 Project, Architecture, Finland, HistoryLeave a comment

I have seen many world-famous churches with breathtaking decor on my travels – and yet there is none I like more than Tampere Catethdral.

When painting the church in 1904-07, Hugo Simberg (who just happens to be my favourite artist) broke all the norms. He painted a snake (the most evil of creatures) eating an apple in a prime spot on the ceiling, roses to symbolize earthly love, and – shock horror- 12 naked small boys (the apostles?) carrying the “Garland of Life”.

None of which you would call typical for its time.

My favourites, though, are the two more famous works on the walls: The Wounded Angel, lovingly carried by two peasant boys (note the factories in the background, placing the scene firmly in the industrial Tampere), and the Garden of Death. In the latter, the creatures of Death tenderly care for the delicate flowers, the souls of the departed.

This is so much more approachable and warm than the massive cathedrals in Europe built to inspire awe. Fits my small-scale view of life much better.

Day 203: The Observation Tower of Pyynikki

September 13, 2026September 14, 2026Posted in 365 Project, Finland, TravellingTagged 365 Project, Architecture, Finland, Scenery, TravelLeave a comment

I grew up in Tampere, and any excuse to visit is a good excuse. I rarely do any sightseeing, but made an effort this trip… mostly for the photos.

Pyynikki observation tower gives you the iconic views over Tampere. Just as importantly, though, it has the best sugar-coated doughnuts (munkkis) in Finland.