Tampere the return

The return to Tampere saw less sun than the weather we had weeks earlier. As with anywhere you visit there are so many unvisited places you leave behind. Without the hand of Jami and Tuija I doubt we would have visited these following places. PYYNIKIN KESÄTEATTERI is the summer outdoor theatre in Tampere, it is also the first revolving theatre in the world. Making your way here from town you pass through the wealthier area of Tampere with lakeside views from restored timber villas and newer concrete houses. Check for dates as the summer theatre it looks fun.


The roof was only added in the past few years... The 'workers'. This is the outdoor bar area at the entry to theatre...nice modern addition.

Winding your way through the old motorbike GP track you head for the Pyynikki ridge which is the highest point in Tampere. A short climb up the stairs of the Pyynikki tower and small fee of €1 will give you a 360º view of the city and its outer limits…if you are really cheap you could get away with just not paying. Once you have taken in the views or the rain becomes too much head downstairs to the best munkki in Tampere. I would recommend a visit for the doughnuts alone.

The view to the revolving restraunt...I dont know what Tampere has about revolving items.

If you are a rose lover or a lover of a delicate flower then head to the Hatanpäänpuisto Arboretum.
Unfortunately our stay was cut short by a downpour but I would recommend it to any hopeless romantic. A picnic in the gardens in front of the haunted mansion would be a beautiful experience on a sunny day. You may even get some weirdo’s on bikes that look like children’s cars.

Motobecane Mirage Sport

My bike finally arrived on Tuesday August 12 2008. It took me 2 days to find the interest into fixing it up as I had foreseen some expenses I did not really want to spend money on. The tires are shot to pieces and look like they have not been ridden on in years, the guards are slightly bent and rub on the front wheel. On closer inspection these are the only major faults I can pick with the bike. It is surprisingly light for its age which it still unknown, all running gear look original and the handlebars look bling!!! Well they did until I rode the thing I never really checked it for turning before buying it. It makes for amusing riding with a battle for steering control between my arms and my knees. On top of this fun I found loads of single track and rock gardens hidden amongst trees on my first ride… I can officially say the bike can go off road and down dirt single tracks… but on 25mm hard rubber it was sketchy to say the least. But I did give some teenagers on motorbikes a laugh as I belted towards them due to lack of braking ability with wet wheels.

Please take time to appreciate the bike that is: and anyone who can tell me what year it is will get… well something. Old Skool Bikes.

Look at the detail... the break cable passes through frame...French.



It is already up for sale...make an offer... I need a hard tail & any donations or sponsers email me.
Steady fall to rock with 1m drop off... 2min from my house.

The cross roads where two 10yo kids went nuts.

Religious dream

It there has ever been a time in life to become religious entering into Temppeliaukio may be it. I have seen some beautiful churches and cathedrals throughout Europe but never had a feeling of being totally in harmony. My religious views are I do not have any, but I do not think you need to be religious to attend a service at this beautiful wonder. Or maybe I have found God in my time of need!? (edit: witty outburst has been removed due to the public status of blog. An American approach has been taken by not being offensive to anyone) Entering you head towards the light…The cave that you first enter is lost as light fills the space as a mix of bronze, rock, concrete and timber curve around your every step. Sitting on a pew time passes by and bus after bus load of tourist flood through… If you have time the almost empty church feels as cosy as your own couch, highly recommend you wait it out.

Central ceiling is made from brass & in some light appears almost timber. It is a fantastic sight to see as the light filters in fron the sides.

My apologies for the bad images… new ones will follow as I will revisit.

Ankkarock - Duckrock

The rock festival that has been going as longer than any I can think of in Australia. It was a good chance to spend time with Juri, Heidi, Jarkko & Mr Wormhill. I recommend it to any international people who are in Helsinki-Vantaa area at the time of the festival. The people are in good sprits and really friendly no matter how much leather, studs or tattoos they are covered in. We were lucky to make friends with a bloke who had been drinking since 8am and had no real understanding of the English language apart from AC/DC & Angus Young…. “You from Australia? AC/DC” with fist pumping. The highlight was the Hives as they really know how to put on a stage show and interact with the audience. I will admit this was not the favourite act of 80% of the Finn’s as it was a bit more ‘girly’ rock for their liking.

Juri, Heidi, Me, Jarkko & Mr Wormhill

Milja's boyfriends from Savonlinna

*all photos by milja knight 'designer of fashion'

Espoo - The beginning

Arriving in Espoo which will be home for the next 4 months was a good change and a base to off load excess baggage that was brought along. Leppävaara is on the brink of the city limits and surrounded by hilly, rocky pine forests. It is a 30min bus ride into Helsinki or 15min by train… I have estimated a 25min bike ride to the heart. Leppävaara is a buzz with its new shopping complex & soon to be indoor pool, a very suburban feel. You could look at it like it as a bit out of the way from the city life but it is only 15min to uni in Otaniemi & the surrounding forests are a good change from the fast lifestyle of Melbourne.

Milja’s relatives who not only put us up, but also drove us around to buy furniture and donated the rest. One thing that has been a drain on the stay and cash supply has been buying furniture as HOAS (student housing body) do not supply anything but a bare shell. This would be one problem I would advise all future International exchange students to Finland. If you have someone who has a car in Helsinki the costs are manageable, but if you do not the cost will be greatly increased. The second hand stores are usually in out of the way locations, finding a decent bed to match your budget is a challenge.

Porvoo

Porvoo is located about 1 hour from Helsinki, it is a beautiful historic town/village where is would be wonderful to plan a wedding. Porvoo Cathedral - F1 driver Miikka Häkkinen was married here… His wife also told him to give up F1 to start up a family and he did (women control this country). The cathedral was also burnt down 4 years ago by 4 Finnish men in a protest against marriage to support the F1 superstar…. Well that’s what I like to think.

Side entry

Restored roof

Storey may be told they where drunk and did not know what they where doing… still got 4years in prison & damages costs for the rest of their lives…and Miikka Häkkinen never returned to F1

Do you see it? The bricky must have been taking the piss... well...





Milja on bench in font of hobbie museum

Tampere

Tampere is one of the next biggest cities behind Helsinki and Espoo in Finland. Boasting a whopping population of about 210,000 people it is no wonder they are home to the black sausage. We are not talking about the Immigrant male population but a sausage that can only be described as not visually appetising. Put aside your fears and bite into one before washing it down with some milk as the locals do… You will find all your fears are gone once the taste hits you mouth in an experience that could only be met by haggis or black pudding.

Must see in Tampere is the industrial part of the city central the old Finlayson works which has beautiful grassed areas to sit, relax, have a game of Mölkky or in true Finnish style have a beer or three.

You can grab wet pussy in one hand...well so the dude on the bridge says.

Sitting in the main street having a few beers in a seedy pub can open your eye
s to the range of people Finland has to offer… well if your lucky you too will get a good day as there are many festivals during summer, even where people were getting dressed up as their favourite cartoon/ super heroes. If you’re a car nut you may blow a load at the amount of neat classic chevs & fords, you rice boys will also enjoy the sights.

If you are lucky you can even sit in on Christian rock beside the church...I guess its not the Finnish metal the crowd are looking for.

Dress up like this bloke...then charge people one euro to throw things at you.

Which witch?

Nurse...anyone?

Milja drinking...again.

A visit back to Tampere will see some of the more tourist sites like the amusement park & revolving restaurant.